Myles Away: Browns Struggles Show More Than Just Problems With Deshaun Watson

September 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville) — It would be easier if it were as simple as changing quarterbacks.

The Cleveland Browns had their first game in the post-Myles Garrett era Sunday, and their matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars went about as poorly as you could expect.

The offense got a Deshaun Watson interception on the opening drive, and didn’t cross midfield again until they trailed 24-0. The defense allowed Trevor Lawrence to have his highest passer rating in a game of his NFL career, watching the fourth quarter from the sidelines after four easy touchdown passes.

The final score was 34-10, and that doesn’t do it justice. Cleveland got its only touchdown with two minutes left, and Jacksonville’s offense looked like it was just trying to finish the game without injuries for most of the second half.

The NFL teaches you that Week 1 can tell outright lies, that teams can win big or lose big in that first game, and two months later they look nothing like that first glimpse, for better or worse. The last time a Browns head coach had his first game, first-year coach Kevin Stefanski saw his team lose to the Baltimore Ravens 38-6. But Stefanski quickly turned that group around in 2020, going 11-6 and winning their first playoff game in 26 years.

This didn’t feel like a lie. This felt like the hard truth of a team that entered Sunday’s game as the heaviest underdog in the league this week, and needed a garbage-time score to fall two touchdowns short of those low expectations.

“I’m not down. I’m disappointed,” 60-year-old Todd Monken said after his first game as an NFL head coach. “I mean, you’re not going to get me down. Waited a long time to be a head coach in this league. Kind of freaking awesome. We’re not where we want to be, and. they’d better get us now. Because we’ve got a good young group, and we just didn’t play well today.”

The idea that Watson, playing in his first game since 2024, was their best option — long-term, short-term, anything — is fairly damning in itself, with the threat of second-year pro Shedeur Sanders not exactly looming from the sidelines. Watson is in the final year of a five-year, $230 million contract, his on-field struggles surpassed only by off-field issues that had his own fans booing him in preseason.

The right thing to do would have been to cut him, to sever ties to a terrible decision that will work against the franchise’s chances of success even after he’s gone. Monken was careful to not single out Watson postgame — and there was plenty else that went wrong.

“It’s a ‘we’ thing,” Monken said. “It’s not a me, it’s not a they thing, it’s a we thing. We’re going to fight like hell to get better. That’s what I’ve always done. That’s what we’re going to continue to do.”

The Browns’ locker room wasn’t anything disconsolate, more just aware of little things that need to change for them to have a chance to beat good opponents. They owned the most lopsided loss of the opening weekend, struggling on the same day that the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants — all who picked in the top five of the draft — opened with victories.

Monken was asked if he was definitely sticking with Watson heading into next week’s might-be-even-hotter 1 p.m. game in Tampa against the Bucs, and he didn’t sound like a coach making a change.

“I’d rather just talk about today, because I haven’t had time to even look at the tape,” Monken said. “I mean, I’m sure as hell not firing me. I’m not firing our staff. I’m not giving up on the players. So [Watson] happens to be one of the 53, and however many practice squad guys we’ve got, and our staff, he’s one of them. We’ll evaluate everything. But to just say that emotionally here at the end, when we didn’t play good enough and didn’t coach well enough.”

This was going to be a long year before the Browns traded Garrett to the Rams for a slew of draft picks, sacrificing today for tomorrow in losing the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. They gave up 24 points in the first half Sunday in their first game without him, and it matched the most points they’d allowed in any first half since Sept. 2017, two weeks before Garrett’s debut with the Browns.

“It’s like boxing,” said Jared Verse, acquired from the Rams in the Garrett trade and tasked with replacing him. “They hit you in the face, you get your feet right back up and punch back. We just backed up a little bit, and by the time we got more collected … it was too late. They already had done the damage.”

If you had to encapsulate all that was wrong with Cleveland on Sunday, take a sequence of plays just before halftime, when Watson had completed back-to-back passes for 20 and 11 yards, getting them to the Jaguars’ 39 with 51 seconds before halftime. A touchdown would cut the lead to 17, but instead, they had a holding penalty and a false start and a delay of game, all in a row, to set up first and 30. A short gain, then another holding penalty for second and 34. They did not score.

Deshaun Watson was sacked five times on Sunday as he completed 16 of 22 passes for 205 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the blowout loss. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)

Accountability has never been Watson’s best skill, and Sunday was no different, owning his part but saying things like, “Of course, everyone’s going to look at the quarterback in this situation overall.” Asked how he handles adversity and keeps his confidence, he spoke to the support he says he has from his teammates.

“Just keep moving forward, keep stepping forward, you know, keep smiling, regardless of who’s against me or who’s with me,” Watson said. “I think that’s more beneficial for the team in that locker room. I had a lot of support in that locker room after the game, telling me to keep my head up, keep pushing forward, keep working. They’re behind me, so that’s always positive to see and hear. We’ve just got to keep going. You know, the adversity is going to be there. You know you’ve got to embrace it … keep pushing through until you break that wall.”

There weren’t many hopeful moments Sunday. Rookie receiver Denzel Boston caught a 46-yard touchdown in the final two minutes, but the game was over an hour earlier. Quinshon Judkins, a second-year back with potential, had 12 carries and none of them went for more than five yards. Verse, a potential star, had just one tackle in the first half.

Monken is a patient man (you don’t take the Browns job in 2026 without patience), and his combination of optimism and bluntness will serve him well in surviving what will be a long season. They have other bad teams on the schedule — the Titans in Week 7, the Raiders in Week 12 — but they look to be hard-pressed to match last year’s 5-12 record. Knowing that each loss increases their odds of landing an elite quarterback in next year’s draft, that might not be a bad thing.

“I told the team, ‘There is no testimony without a test,'” Monken said. “It’s just one of them. This is one of 17 games we’ve got, and we certainly didn’t play well enough. We certainly didn’t coach well enough. But I love our guys. I love the way they work, and we’re going to come back tomorrow and fight like hell to fix it.”

US Open: Alexander Zverev sends out warning to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, claiming he is currently the best tennis player in the world | Tennis News

September 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Alexander Zverev sent out firm warning to world No 1 Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, claiming he is currently the best tennis player in the world following his US Open victory.

‌German Zverev beat Ben Shelton in the final on Sunday to the bitter disappointment of the home crowd in ‌New York.

Zverev was playing in his sixth major final and Shelton his first, and it showed in a 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-2 victory extinguished America’s hopes of a first male winner since Andy Roddick in 2003.

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Zverev won the US Open…and he didn’t realise!!!

The 29-year-old has been the dominant player in Grand Slams in a season that has seen Alcaraz, who won this year’s Australian Open, exit the US Open in a quarter-final defeat by Shelton after a long injury lay-off while Sinner pulled out injured before the tournament began after winning Wimbledon.

Zverev finally broke through to win his first major at the French Open, then reach the final at the All England Club, losing to Sinner.

He is 25-2 in Grand Slam matches in 2026 and Zverev believes he is currently the best in the world.

“You have to take everything into consideration,” he said. “With Jannik Sinner being injured and Carlos Alcaraz coming back from injury after four months, right now, probably yes. Both of them healthy and both of them at the top of their game, maybe not.

“But if we say right, right now with Jannik being injured and Carlos coming back from injury, maybe. I mean, four, five months ago when both of them were healthy, I wasn’t. I was losing to Jannik all the time. So if everyone is healthy, I think Jannik is still ahead. It’s as simple as that.”

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Zverev: I forgot about the score and it helped me

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Zverev explained to Sky Sports that he didn’t realise he had won the US open as he thought the score was was 5-1!

Zverev was so focused on the job at hand, he did not even realise he had won the title when Shelton smacked a service return long.

As the umpire announced ‘Game, set and match Zverev’, the German headed back to the baseline, ready to receive Shelton’s serve.

It took him a few seconds to register why the cheering fans were giving him a standing ovation – as he belatedly cracked a smile and ran to the net to embrace Shelton.

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Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, he said: “I thought the score was 5-1! I knew that I had broken him twice, but I thought he only held once.

“I was thinking: ‘Okay, I’m going to have a relaxed service game here and then I’ll get tight on the next one.’ It was lucky for me!

“It’s actually funny, teachers in tennis say play each point and forget about the score. Well I forgot about the score and it helped me!”

Can Zverev become world No 1?

Zverev is now in prime position to make a push to become the 30th world No 1

When the newest edition of the rankings is released, he will have 9,690 points and trail Jannik Sinner by just 1,810 points

Zverev will drop just 1,080 points the rest of the season. Sinner will drop 3,550 points

Shelton wants more of the same

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Ben Shelton ended on the floor as Zverev this stunning passing shot during the final

Shelton said he was ‌eager to get another taste of the spotlight on tennis’ biggest stage.

“It’s such a cool moment. Walking out on that court today, there’s nothing like it. I’ve never felt anything like that ‌before. Yeah, it’s an addicting feeling being in positions like this,” said the 23-year-old.

The USTA previously pointed to Taylor Fritz’s 2024 campaign as a sign of progress, after announcing a massive overhaul to its player development programme in 2008.

The sport’s national governing body has also moved to diversify its talent in a partnership announced last year with American Tennis Association, focusing on building Black representation in an overwhelmingly white sport.

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Shelton made history just by stepping onto the court on ⁠Sunday as the first Black American man to play in the New York final in 54 years – since Arthur Ashe, the man for whom the tournament’s showpiece court was named.

“I don’t think I’m anywhere near ⁠the player that I want to be. I think I’m a great competitor. I think I compete really well out there on the court,” said Shelton.

“I’m able it stay focused and stay there on the court for many, many hours. I think that’s going to help me ‌in the future moving forward.”

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Shelton thought he hit a 158mph serve at the US Open semi-finals, but in fact it was 144mph according to Hawk-Eye

Henman: Zverev has transformed from a player who was going backwards a year ago

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“The perseverance and the way Zverev’s game has improved over the last 12 months,” said the 2004 US Open semi-finalist.

“I was looking back his Grand Slam results, and his game was going backwards.

“But he has transformed himself to be more aggressive, and when you reflect on this matchup, Zverev had beaten Shelton five times in a row.

“Shelton had to change the narrative, but Zverev looked so comfortable.

“Shelton did a great job getting that third set, but losing his serve first game of the fourth settled Zverev down and gave him more energy. He coasted to the line from there.”

Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can also watch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25-27 September live on Sky Sports.

NFL Catchup: Ravens WRs, Kyler Murray Injured; Bills, Jets Epic Postgame Speeches

September 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

It was an exciting Week 1 of the NFL with big wins and breakout performances from new and veteran stars.

The Jaguars pulled out a dominant 34-10 win over the Browns and the Jets started the year in the win column, defeating the Titans 24-10. Additionally, first-year head coaches including Baltimore’s Jesse Minter and Buffalo’s Joe Brady secured their first wins as head coaches.

Whether it was shocking injury news to key starters or electric postgame speeches, Week 1 delivered.

Here’s everything that happened from Week 1 of the NFL season:

Ravens Potentially Down Two Receivers After Win Over Colts

In wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane’s debut in a Ravens jersey and Zay Flowers’ coming off a massive contract extension, both exited Baltimore’s game early with injuries.

Lane was sidelined with a right wrist injury and Flowers’ departed with a hamstring injury that started as questionable to return, which quickly progressed into being ruled out. Flowers’ injury has been ongoing from weeks prior, when he was sidelined for two weeks of practice due to the irritating hamstring injury. After fully suiting for this past Friday’s practice, Flowers’ production translated to five catches for 150 yards and one touchdown.

For Lane – Baltimore’s third-round NFL Draft pick from USC – his first game in the NFL was cut short, finishing the day with one reception on three targets and 11 receiving yards. Lane’s debut also saw a touchdown reception, but was negated by a penalty. Lane left the field early with a wrist injury and was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.

After the Ravens 41-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore will host the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.

In his first start for the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Kyler Murray’s time under center was cut short due to a head injury. When Murray took off in an attempt at a first down, Murray went head first to kill the play, and was hit by a pair of Packer defenders to the head. Murray was quickly attended to and exited the field.

After evaluation, the quarterback was ruled out for the day with a concussion. Murray’s injury now gave way for backup quarterback Carson Wentz to take the field. Wentz started five games last season while quarterback J.J. McCarthy was dealing with an ongoing ankle injury.

Through an ongoing quarterback competition between McCarthy and Murray, Murray ultimately landed the starting job on Aug. 11. Now, the Vikings will turn to Wentz for future competition under center as Murray is sidelined.

Todd Monken Reacts To The Browns’ Blowout Loss

In the Cleveland Browns opener on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Browns took a 34-10 loss, with their first touchdown of the day coming in the final two minutes of the game.

Following the loss, head coach Todd Monken reacted to the performance of quarterback Deshaun Watson, as well as the quality of coaching throughout the game.

“I’m sure as hell not firing me,” Monken said in the Browns’ postgame presser. “I’m not firing our staff. I’m not getting rid of all our players. He happens to be one of 53. So, we’ll evaluate everything. We just didn’t play good enough … didn’t coach well enough.”

Watson finished the day completing 16-of-22 passes, 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Notably, Watson was sacked a total of five times. The Browns now turn to a road matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Joe Brady Delivers Epic Post-Win Speech … Shirtless

The Bills’ thrilling 36-31 win over the Texans marked head coach Joe Brady’s first in the NFL, and he celebrated in memorable style: shirtless.

“You wanna talk about conviction? Everything we believe in man, showed up in that game. We said, ‘Don’t look at the scoreboard, man.’ We just said put the ball down. They moved the ball,” Brady said after the game.

Quarterback Josh Allen completed 20-of-29 passes, 334 yards and a pair of touchdowns. On top of Allen’s numbers, the Bills’ offense had a solid day through the air. Wide receiver DJ Moore closed out his first game for Buffalo with five receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown, while wide receiver Dalton Kincaid recorded five receptions for 130 yards.

Buffalo now hosts the Detroit Lions for Thursday Night Football for their first home game in the newly renovated Highmark Stadium.

Glenn’s Electric Locker Room Speech

The Jets added quarterback Geno Smith through free agency, and drafted edge rusher David Bailey Jr., tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in the first round earlier this year. There was some potential hype that this team could become competitive as head coach Aaron Glenn enters his second season.

The Jets offense delivered, as Smith completed 19-of-24 and 215 yards. Running back Breece Hall recorded 22 carries for 102 yards and one touchdown, and wide receiver Garrett Wilson finished with six receptions for 73 yards. D

efensively, New York recorded three sacks, four tackles-for-loss and held the Titans to just 10 points on the day.

To close out their win, Glenn delivered a thrilling postgame speech:

NFL Related Stories

US Open: Top seed Alexander Zverev ends Ben Shelton’s run and American dreams to claim title in four sets | Tennis News

September 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Top seed Alexander Zverev dashed American dreams on Sunday, overcoming Ben Shelton in a four-set battle to claim his maiden US Open title.

The German proved too strong for the eighth-seeded American prevailing 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-2 in the final at Flushing Meadows.

Zverev added the New York title to his collection after winning the French Open earlier this year. In a bizarre ending, Shelton’s return sailed long on match point, but Zverev, seemingly unaware that he had won, hit the balls back to the other end of the court, ready for another game.

It was only when Zverev glanced up at the big screen that he realised he had actually won.

Alexander Zverev

2 Grand Slam titles

1 Olympic gold medal

2 ATP Finals titles

7 ATP Masters 1000 titles

26 singles titles

World No 1 🔜 ?

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Alexander Zverev won the US Open and didn’t even realise!

“I feel like there was so much suffering for the Zverev family at Grand Slam level, that maybe 2026 is the year we should just enjoy,” Zverev told Sky Sports Tennis. “Everything is going perfectly. I am unbelievably happy.

“Three months ago if I was told you are going to win one Grand Slam in your career and nothing else, I would have signed the paper straight away and never questioned it.

“Now standing here with two Grand Slam trophies in the space of the months is incredible.”

And on not realising he had won it on Championship point, he admitted: “I thought the score was 5-1! I knew that I had broken him twice, but I thought he only held once.

“I was thinking: ‘Okay, I’m going to have a relaxed service game here and then I’ll get tight on the next one.’ “It was lucky for me!

“It’s actually funny, teachers in tennis say play each point and forget about the score. Well I forgot about the score and it helped me!”

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Zverev explained to Sky Sports that he didn’t realise he had won the US open as he thought the score was was 5-1!

How the drama unfolded…

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Shelton was bidding to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick in 2003, while also aiming to become only the second black man to triumph at this level after Arthur Ashe in 1975. He walked onto the court to a rapturous reception from a partisan crowd of 23,000 spectators inside the stadium named in Ashe’s honour.

Among the star-studded crowd were actors Brad Pitt and Rami Malek, as well as James Bond star Pierce Brosnan, who received a mischievous camera shot from the TV director with the match clock showing just 0.07.

Despite spending 19 hours and 38 minutes on court en route to the final – the fourth-longest total recorded by a player reaching a Grand Slam final since 1991 – Zverev made a blistering start. He broke in the opening game and then broke again on set point to seize control.

Shelton could not even earn a break point in the opening two sets, as Zverev, the No 1 seed at a Grand Slam for the first time, relied on his powerful serve to keep the American at bay.

Shelton had lost all five of his previous meetings with Zverev, but he had also arrived in New York having never beaten Stefanos Tsitsipas or, most notably, Carlos Alcaraz – until this tournament. That run gave him plenty of reason for optimism heading into Sunday’s final at Flushing Meadows.

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Ben Shelton ended on the floor as Alexander Zverev hit a brilliant passing shot in the US Open final.

But Zverev, now playing with freedom after shedding the unwanted tag of the ‘best player never to win a major’ with his French Open triumph earlier this year, dominated the second-set tie-break to move within a set of the title.

Shelton dug in, to his credit, and finally brought up three break – and set – points as the Zverev serve suddenly faltered, and the crowd were in full voice again when he converted the second.

But the match was effectively over as a contest when Zverev, who has capitalised on the fitness struggles and absences of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at various points this year, broke early in the fourth set.

His incessant ball-bouncing – statistics showed he spent around three hours of his 23-plus hours on court this fortnight bouncing the ball between serves – finally resulted in a time violation.

But the 29-year-old held his nerve to clinch Grand Slam title No 2, and his first in New York, in three hours and 33 minutes. After a brief pause to take it all in, he finally began to celebrate.

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Brad Pitt approved a brilliant winner hit by Alexander Zverev in the US Open final.

Shortly after his victory, Zverev reserved his most heartfelt thanks for his mother Irina, a former professional tennis player, crediting her with refusing to let type 1 diabetes dictate his future.

“When your four-year-old son is diagnosed ⁠with diabetes and doctors in the office tell you ⁠that life and sports will be very limited for that child, it takes a very strong mother to say ‘my son will be whatever he wants ‌to be’,” Zverev said.

“If he wants to be a tennis player, he’ll be a tennis player. If he wants to do something else, he’ll do something else but this illness will not define us.

“I’m happy ‌that we worked through it and we’re doing things that we’re doing right now. My mother is the most important and strongest person I know because it takes an unbelievably strong woman to do what she did.”

Zverev also paid tribute to Shelton, saying: “Ben, you’re an incredible player and an incredible person.

“This was your first Grand Slam final but I already told you you’re going to be back here many more times and if I would have to bet all my money on it, I would bet that you would lift this ‌trophy one day.”

Zverev wins his first US Open and second Slam of 2026

He’s now 6-0 against Shelton in the head-to-head

✅26th title

✅60th top 10 win

After years of doubt building up on whether he’d ever win a Grand Slam, he ends 2026 with two of them

Shelton: I’m just getting started

Image:
Shelton congratulates Zverev on his win

Shelton, who was not even a year old the last time an American man won a Grand Slam title, said: “Sascha, congrats on these two weeks, your second Grand Slam title and two in one year.

“What you’re doing is incredible, the way you are serving and moving in play. You work harder than anyone I know, and do more hours on court than anyone else.

“You and your team do things the right way and I’m sincerely happy for you guys to hold this title.

“To New York, you guys drove me here today. I’m just getting started and I’ll be back here again.”

Tale of the Tape

Henman: Zverev has transformed from a player who was going backwards a year ago

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Sky Sports Tennis’ Tim Henman:

“The perseverance and the way Zverev’s game has improved over the last 12 months,” said the former British No 1.

“I was looking back at his Grand Slam results, and his game was going backwards.

“But he has transformed himself to be more aggressive, and when you reflect on this matchup, Zverev had beaten Shelton five times in a row.

“Shelton had to change the narrative, but Zverev looked so comfortable.

“Shelton did a great job getting that third set, but losing his serve first game of the fourth settled Zverev down and gave him more energy. He coasted to the line from there.”

Bartoli: Difference in experience was massive factor

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Sky Sports Tennis’ Marion Bartoli:

“The difference in their experience was absolutely massive,” said the former Wimbledon champion.

“When you look at the first game of the final, Ben Shelton won the toss, elected to serve, fell to 30-30, missed an easy shot and then double faulted to give away the first break straight away.

“Look, it’s not easy to come out in front of your home crowd and play your first ever Grand Slam final in those circumstances.

“Of course you have all the crowd for you, but you want to please them at the same time, put on a show and play your best tennis.

“Zverev made only one unforced error in the first set, and it just made Shelton’s life so difficult.

“There’s no shame losing to Zverev when Zverev is playing like this.”

Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can watch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25-27 September live on Sky Sports.

Tom Brady Shows Off Offensive Play Sheet From Super Bowl LI Win Over Falcons

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Tom Brady’s first game back for his third season of calling games on FOX also doubled as a show-and-tell day.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion brought the play-call sheet from the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI victory over the Atlanta Falcons into the broadcast booth for Sunday’s Commanders-Eagles game.

However, Brady didn’t bring the play-call sheet to brag about his 25-point comeback victory over the Falcons. Rather, he brought it in the broadcast booth to teach fans how play-call sheets actually work.

“You can see everything shift together, and I think the viewer at home should really take notice,” Brady said. “These are the runs from two-receiver groupings. That’s runs from one-receiver grouping. That’s three-receiver groupings. Everything’s really segmented. You see third down, you see red area — everything’s really specific to the situation that they’re in.

“They’re not just randomly looking down to 120 calls. They’re actually looking at very segmented plays for each situation that allows them to pick the right one.”

The sheet Brady showed displayed a highlighted heading with several plays for each situation listed below. If you look close enough, you’ll see a play call that reads “G Trips RT 64 Slush Boot (FOOT) (TITANIC)” under the “Quick Dropback Passes — 1st and 2nd Down.” Look even more, and you’ll see another play that reads “Zing Echo LT Boom 79 Z Malone H Look” under “2-Point Plays.”

In terms of how the plays were categorized, some of them included the percentage of play calls the Falcons called defensively in those situations. For the third-and-6-to-9 category, the play sheet noted that the Falcons played man coverage 100% of the time and were in four-down fronts 60% of the time.

Those kinds of details helped Brady throw for 466 yards and two touchdowns in the Patriots’ Super Bowl victory over the Falcons, in which they came back from a 28-3 deficit to win in overtime. And Brady did give himself a moment to brag about the play sheet, too.

“Me and [Patriots offensive coordinator] Josh McDaniels called this a Picasso by the time we got to the end of the game,” Brady said.

Erling Haaland’s Man City goal decision vs Man Utd an ‘error of judgement’, says Pro Ref | Football News

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Refereeing body Pro Ref has admitted an error in awarding Manchester City’s winner at Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.

In a statement released just hours after Man City’s win, Pro Ref revealed it had made contact with Man Utd to acknowledge an “error of judgment” and that the VAR “should have recommended an on-field review” for Erling Haaland’s winner.

The striker’s goal was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision.

The VAR officials deemed that Haaland was played onside by Man Utd defender Patrick Dorgu. However, Man City’s Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before it reached Haaland.

Despite not touching the ball, Fernandez’s movement appeared to impact the defending of Man Utd’s Lisandro Martinez before Haaland’s back-post finish, which by the laws of the game should have led to the goal remaining disallowed.

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Gary Neville slams VAR’s decision to give Erling Haaland’s goal in the Manchester derby

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Gary Neville reacts to Manchester City’s controversial winner against Manchester United

A Pro Ref spokesperson said: “Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal.

“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.

“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.

“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”

What is Pro Ref?

Pro Ref (Professional Game Referees) is English football’s refereeing body, which was formerly known as PGMO (Professional Game Match Officials) after a rebrand in the summer.

Ex-Premier League referee Howard Webb leads the body, which oversees the four men’s top divisions, the National League, the WSL and the U21s Premier League 2.

What did the officials say?

Who were the match officials at Old Trafford?

Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistants: Stuart Burt, Tim Wood
Fourth official: Paul Tierney
VAR: Matt Donohue
Assistant VAR: Blake Antrobus

In their post on X explaining why the goal was awarded, the Premier League Match Centre wrote: ‘VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded. The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball.’

That stress on Fernandez not playing the ball chimed with replays shown during the VAR review, in which the VAR officials apparently sought to detect whether or not the City midfielder played the ball.

However, the offside rule clearly stipulates that a player can be offside despite not playing the ball and can interfere with an opponent by:

preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or
challenging an opponent for the ball or
clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or
making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball

Neville predicted error admission

Speaking at the time of the goal on co-commentary, Sky Sports’ Gary Neville believed the VAR officials were “wrong” to award Haaland’s effort.

Pro Ref’s statement, however, fell short of Neville’s prediction that they would apologise.

The former Man Utd defender told Sky Sports: “We will see an apology from Pro Ref.

“There is no doubt that Enzo is attempting to play the ball and putting Lisandro Martinez off.

“It’s a really strange one. They’ll recognise they got that wrong.”

Speaking on his podcast, Neville continued: “I think they are ignoring the rule.

“They are digging themselves a bigger hole [with the Match Centre statement]. I’m really surprised they put that out.

“They will have to retract that.”

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Meanwhile, Man Utd defender Martinez said in his post-match interview that the goal should not have stood.

He told Sky Sports: “Every season the officials come to our club and spend an hour explaining the rules and they look so confident with that.

“Then after, five or six people [officials] doing this kind of mistake in the Premier League is unacceptable.

“We have to go home with this injustice.”

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Michael Carrick, Lisandro Martinez and Erling Haaland react to Manchester City’s controversial winner against Manchester United

Richards: ‘Goal award was a nonsense’

Former Man City defender Micah Richards dismissed Match Centre’s explanation that the goal was awarded because Fernandez didn’t touch the ball as a “nonsense”.

Asked whether Fernandez was clearly attempting to play the ball, Richards told Sky Sports: “One hundred per cent he is.

“I think it’s been a bad day for referees and VAR.

“They got the Phil Foden decision wrong, and they got this decision wrong.

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Manchester United’s match against Manchester City in the Premier League

“How you can not say Enzo Fernandez is challenging for the ball – of course he is!

“I’ve been in that position as a defender where any slight movement can make the difference for going for the ball or not, so of course it affects him.

“I just think they’ve got it so wrong.”

Roy Keane concluded: “Fernandez is interfering with play. Basically, United have been punished for holding a good line. When you are in that position, you are impacting the game. You’re in the middle of the box, you’re going for the ball.

“Their line is good. Fernandez is offside, and he goes to play the ball, so United are getting punished for good defending.”

BetMGM Bonus Code FOXSPORTS Offers $1500 in Bonuses When Betting on Any NFL Sunday Matchup

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

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More NFL football continues after this slate as Jordan Love and the Packers take on the Kyler Murray-led Vikings, Justin Herbert and the Chargers face the Cardinals, and the Dolphins meet the Raiders.

Then the NFC East takes over the spotlight as Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley lead the Eagles against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders in an NFC East showdown. Sunday night then brings Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb into a rivalry matchup against the Giants.

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PHI Eagles-6 (-108)O 44 (−110)+210WAS Commanders+6 (-112)U 44 (−108)-250

NFL Week 1 Schedule

Sunday, Sept. 13

These games are live.

Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. ET on FOX)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals (1 p.m. ET on FOX)
New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions (1 p.m. ET on FOX)
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans (1 p.m. ET on CBS)
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts (1 p.m. ET on CBS)
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars (1 p.m. ET on CBS)
Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers (1 p.m. ET on FOX)
New York Jets at Tennessee Titans (1 p.m. ET on CBS)

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers (4:25 p.m. ET on CBS)
Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders (4:25 p.m. ET on FOX)
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (4:25 p.m. ET on CBS)
Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles (4:25 p.m. ET on FOX)
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants (8:20 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock)

Monday, Sept. 14

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC)

Solheim Cup 2026: Anna Nordqvist savours Team Europe win and explains ‘no-brainer’ call to put Charley Hull out first | Golf News

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Anna Nordqvist says she was impressed “with every single player” during Team Europe’s Solheim Cup victory and insists it was a ‘no-brainer’ to send Charley Hull out first in the Sunday singles.

Europe regained the trophy after an exciting final day at a rainy Bernardus Golf, where Nordqvist’s side won seven of the 12 points available to claim a 15-13 win over Team USA.

The visitors felt they had ‘turned the tide’ in their favour after a sensational finish the previous evening, where Jennifer Kupcho’s sensational late birdies levelled the biennial contest, but Europe bounced back to earn a first outright win since 2021.

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Jennifer Kupcho nailed two incredible putts on the 17th and 18th hole to steal a win in the Saturday fourballs, pulling Team USA level with Europe

“This [winning] feels so good!” Nordqvist told Sky Sports. “There’s just been so much hard work this week and in the last two years leading up to this from not only me, but all the background team.

“The helpers have been amazing this week, making it easy for the players just to play, and we just had a really good vibe all week. Everyone’s been really good team-mates.

“Leaving the course yesterday, we were really excited for coming here today and, wow, was I impressed with every single player and caddie showing up to that first tee ready to play.

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Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist reacts to winning the Solheim Cup at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands

“It just seemed to be a lot of blue early on the board. We talked a lot about the fast starts this week with the way the golf course was and I’m just really, really proud of the players for starting strong and even finishing strong.”

Hull thrashed Korda 6&4 in the singles two years and was trusted to lead out Europe again, despite registering 0.5 points with Lottie Woad over the first four sessions, with the Englishwoman validating Nordqvist’s decision by claiming a full point.

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Charley Hull and Megan Khang both asked for the Solheim Cup crowd to make some noise as they got the match under way

“This was the no-brainer to put Charley [Hull] first,” Nordqvist added. “We saw the stats yesterday, and Charley and Lottie [Woad] were actually top-four players that made the most birdies for the week.

“Hadn’t scored really many points, but they just played really tough matches. People don’t understand how good all these players are and how good the golf has been all day in the last three days.”

Image:
Anna Nordqvist paid tribute to Charley Hull after Europe’s Solheim Cup win over Team USA

Hull and Woad deliver after ‘frustrating’ week

The English duo were in danger of becoming the first players in Solheim Cup history to participate in five sessions and not have any wins, with their defeats including one by a record-equalling margin of 6&5 in the Saturday foursomes.

Hull never trailed during her 3&2 victory over Megan Khang, her first full point of the week, with Europe winning six out of the first eight singles matches for the first time in their history to close towards victory.

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Charley Hull and Megan Khang both asked for the Solheim Cup crowd to make some noise as they got the match under way

“I’ve been giving myself so many chances, so that’s been quite frustrating,” Hull admitted. “Obviously didn’t hole a lot today, but I was just very steady, hit a lot of greens. The weather was pretty bad, so I just kept in there.

“I spoke to Mel [Reid, vice-captain] and she was like ‘you know that you’re the third player on both teams who have made the most birdies this week. You’ve just come against Yealimi Noh, who literally holed everything the last few days!’

Image:
Anna Nordqvist paid tribute to Charley Hull after Europe’s Solheim Cup win over Team USA

“To be fair, we were playing well, we just weren’t holing enough putts. I think that’s match play for you. I’m happy that I’ve got a point this week, even though it’s only one and a half points that I got, but it’s better than none!”

Woad also claimed her first Solheim victory by beating Auston Kim and moving the hosts to 14 points, sparking wild European celebrations, before Carlota Ciganda defeated Jennifer Kupcho to confirm home victory.

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Lottie Woad moved Team Europe on the brink of Solheim Cup glory with an impressive victory over Auston Kim, sparking wild celebrations on the 17th green

“It [winning] was really important,” Woad said. “I was pretty disappointed. Felt like I was playing good golf and not getting the points and felt like I was kind of letting everyone down.

“Then the captains kind of spoke to me and said the stat that I was third on birdies, so I was playing good golf and just had to trust that. That’s golf sometimes – ends up I got the winning putt.”

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What’s next?

The Ladies European Tour heads to Spain next for La Sella Open, beginning Thursday and held at La Sella Golf Resort, while the LPGA Tour takes a week off before the Walmart N Arkansas Championship from September 25-27.

The next edition of the Solheim Cup will be in 2028 and take place at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky from September 8-10 that year. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

Myles Garrett Goes On IR After Knee Surgery: What Does It Mean For Rams?

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Three days after their season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Los Angeles Rams took another hit on Sunday.

Star edge rusher Myles Garrett underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee and will be placed on injured reserve, ruling him out for at least four games, The Ringer first reported. FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer later confirmed the news.

“Myles Garrett didn’t do a lot of practice in this training camp,” Glazer said on “FOX NFL Kickoff.” “He had a knee injury. You saw him there the other night against [San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle] Trent Williams; he just wasn’t right. So the team decided they’re going to have him undergo arthroscopic knee surgery.”

As a result, Garrett will miss a few matchups against 2025 playoff teams as the Rams will face the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. The Rams host the New York Giants in Week 2.

Garrett dealt with a knee injury for the majority of training camp, keeping him sidelined. Following L.A.’s 27-7 loss to the 49ers on Thursday, he bluntly said that the injury was still bothering him.

“This was the worst version of myself that I’ve put out there,” Garrett told reporters. “And I’ve got to be better. I got to find a way to recover and get back to the player I know I can be and I’ve shown that I’ve been before.

“I wasn’t the player that I wanted to be. I didn’t feel like I was the player I’ve been before when I stepped onto that field. I got to do what I can to get back to that.”

Garrett didn’t log a single tackle, sack or quarterback hit in Thursday’s loss.

The underwhelming performance came as the Rams waited to arrive in Australia for their matchup with the 49ers until the day before the game. FOX Sports NFL analyst Michael Strahan believes that with the injury to Garrett and the tough slate that awaits them, the team made a mistake with their travel plans to Melbourne.

“This team lost by 20 points. This team, last year, lost five games by a combined 17 points. It was hard to get on the plane and fly to the West Coast and play,” Strahan said on “FOX NFL Sunday.” “I think Sean McVay is kicking himself for making the decision to fly at the last minute. Also, in this division, probably the toughest division in football, you put yourself in a quagmire because now you’re behind Seattle already and you just lost to the 49ers. I think it’s a game you’re going to regret down the road.”

Still, Strahan isn’t hitting the panic button for the Rams, with Aaron Donald waiting in the wings to make his return.

“Everyone looked at them as a super team, a super defense — this obviously sets them back. I know Aaron Donald’s thinking, ‘I came back, but this isn’t what I came back for,'” Strahan said. “But, at the same time, he will be back, and I think Aaron Donald will get his feet under him. It takes a while when you’ve been out for that long.”

The Rams landed Garrett in the offseason in a blockbuster trade, giving up a slew of draft picks for the former Cleveland Browns star. Garrett recorded an NFL single-season record of 23 sacks in 2025, earning him his second Defensive Player of the Year award.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Solheim Cup 2026: Team Europe regain trophy from Team USA after Lottie Woad, Carlota Ciganda close out thrilling home win | Golf News

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Team Europe have regained the Solheim Cup after an impressive singles display saw them beat Team USA in the Netherlands.

Europe went into a rainy Sunday at Bernardus Golf tied 8-8 and requiring at least 6.5 points for victory, two years on from losing to Team USA, with Charley Hull leading from the front to beat Megan Khang 3&2 and put early blue on the board.

Anna Nordqvist’s side briefly led in eight of the 12 matches and moved further ahead when Linn Grant beat Angel Yin, completing her perfect week, but Alison Lee gave Team USA hope with a record comeback from four down to beat Esther Henseleit 1up.

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World No 1 Nelly Korda levelled the contest when she saw off rookie Mimi Rhodes 4&3, but wins for Nastasia Nadaud, Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Julia Lopez Ramirez moved Europe closer to victory.

Lottie Woad beat Auston Kim to take the hosts to 14 points and sparked European celebrations, with Ciganda guaranteed at least a half-point, before the veteran – whose singles win 2023 saw them retain in Spain – defeated Jennifer Kupcho to confirm home victory.

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Lottie Woad moved Team Europe on the brink of victory at the Solheim Cup with her 2&1 win over Auston Kim

More to follow…

What’s next?

The next edition of the Solheim Cup will be in 2028 and take place at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky from September 8-10 that year. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland

How to Watch Cowboys vs. Giants: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Dallas Cowboys visit the New York Giants on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 8:20 p.m. ET from MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ.

Dak Prescott brings franchise history into this one. He’s five passing touchdowns away from tying Tony Romo for first on the Cowboys’ all-time list.

New York’s offense has struggled once it gets to the goal line. The Giants posted a 21.7% catch rate in goal-to-go situations in 2025, the lowest in the NFL, a number that raises the stakes for every red-zone snap against Dallas.

The betting market favors Dallas, though bettors see it differently. The Cowboys are 3-point favorites at consensus lines with a 47.5 total, and their moneyline sits at -159 to New York’s +134. The spread has moved from Giants +1.5 at open to Giants +3, and the total has dipped from 48 to 47.5. Despite that shift, 59% of spread bets are on the Giants.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Cowboys vs. Giants

When: Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 8:20 p.m. ET
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock

Players to Watch

Dallas enters this opener with its clearest edge at quarterback, so Prescott sits at the center of the matchup. He is the confirmed starter, and his 2025 production gives this game real shape: he started all 17 games last season, threw for 4,552 yards, and led the league with 404 completions.

That matters here because Dallas also brings continuity in a passing game built around multiple targets and formation flexibility. With Tyler Smith set to miss 4 to 6 weeks after thumb surgery, Prescott’s command before and after the snap becomes even more important. If he handles pressure and keeps Dallas on schedule, the Cowboys can make this game look the way they want.

For New York, the biggest question is how the offense looks with Dart expected to lead it against a division rival right away. He is projected to start, and the attention on this game naturally swings to how quickly he can settle the Giants into their retooled attack.

The matchup is worth watching because there is still a lot of projection around him. He has started only 12 games, and his field management has been a talking point heading into Week 1. New York’s team rankings do show one small early clue about the kind of game it may need: the Giants are tied for 16th in third down percentage entering the season table, while Dallas is 15th. If Dart extends drives and avoids reckless moments, he gives New York a real chance to control the tone.

When Dallas wants to stress the Giants’ coverage rules, Lamb is the player who can force the issue fastest. He remains one of Prescott’s leading targets, and his 2025 season backs up why he belongs in the spotlight: he produced a fifth straight 1,000 yard season despite missing three games.

This game also sets up around how New York handles Dallas’ deeper receiving room. Lamb can win from different alignments, which makes him a difficult answer when a defense has to sort out leverage and help responsibilities. In a matchup where Dallas’ passing game is viewed as the most obvious on paper advantage, Lamb is the receiver who can turn that edge into chunk plays and sustained pressure.

A key New York subplot is who steps up around the top of the receiver room, and Fields has become one of the most interesting names in that conversation. He appears on track to open the season as the Giants’ No. 2 wideout after the team released Darius Slayton, and he often took reps ahead of Darnell Mooney and Odell Beckham while Malik Nabers was sidelined or limited during camp.

Fields is worth tracking because his role could be meaningful immediately. The rookie drew positive buzz for his physicality and downfield playmaking, and his size gives the Giants a different kind of perimeter option. If he turns those projected opportunities into early catches, New York’s passing game gets a needed second threat instead of leaning too heavily on one target.

Cowboys vs. Giants Odds

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2026 Super League Dream Team: Leeds Rhinos lead with six inclusions, with Wigan, Wakefield, Warrington, Leigh, Toulouse represented | Rugby League News

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Super League Dream Team for 2026 has been revealed, with six Leeds Rhinos players included.

The Dream Team was selected through three elements, combining the views of the Man of Steel panel (50% per cent), a selected group of Rugby League journalists (30 per cent), and Super League fans (20%).

The conclusion of the vote saw six Leeds players chosen along with two Wigan Warriors players, two Leigh Leopards players, plus a player each from Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves, and Toulouse Olympique.

Such low representation for the Warriors may come as a surprise given that they have already wrapped up a domestic double and are on the hunt for the treble if they reach the Grand Final.

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Brad Arthur’s Rhinos were flying high throughout the majority of the season until they faltered against Matt Peet’s side and ultimately finished second.

Four players in the team have been included before, with the other nine making their first appearance.

Let’s take a look at who has been chosen as the best of the best across the regular Super League season in 2026…

Fullback: Lachie Miller (Leeds Rhinos)

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Watch this brilliant chip and chase from Lachie Miller

Miller has lit up Super League in 2026, really hitting his stride in the fullback position.

He was top of the Man of Steel standings for the opening nine rounds and was right in the mix for the second third of the season too.

Unfortunately, Miller has suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, which will leave all fans wondering just how much influence he could have had for Leeds in the play-offs.

His link-ups with his half-backs have been electrifying to watch and his pace means he is a mean feat to stop in broken play.

Wigan’s Jai Field has also been strong in the fullback role, but in 2026, Miller has been chosen as the competition’s most consistent.

Wingers: Maika Sivo (Leeds Rhinos) and Zack Eckersley (Wigan Warriors)

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Maika Sivo put in a serious performance against Warrington Wolves as he secured a huge hat-trick

On the wings, we have a try-scoring phenom and a youngster who has had a year to remember in which his career has truly been set alight.

Before suffering his forearm injury at the end of July in round 20, Maika Sivo was scoring at a freakish rate and finishes as Super League’s top try scorer with 29 tries.

It is a symbol in itself that he missed six rounds of action and still finished top.

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Zach Eckersley scores a wonder try for Wigan Warriors against Warrington Wolves

Eckersley, meanwhile, has excelled on the wing for Wigan this year and has been making metres for his team at some rate.

He has 27 tries to his name, just two less than Sivo, but has developed into a winger that Wigan can truly rely on in all facets of their game.

Centres: Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos) and Umyla Hanley (Leigh Leopards)

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Watch as Umyla Hanley makes a try-saving tackle to deny Ryan Hall and the Leeds Rhinos

In the centres, Ash Handley and Umyla Hanley take the spoils.

Hanley has played just 16 games this season, but since coming back from his injury has been in unbelievable form, which has earned him a call-up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup.

Adam Keighran of the Warriors has also been in great form in that same spot but it is the Leigh man who has shone and earned back-to-back inclusions in the Dream Team.

His head coach Adrian Lam described him as the most “fierce” competitor he has met and he has shown that in spades.

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Ash Handley finishes for Leeds Rhinos

Handley has been the dominant force in the centres for the majority of the season.

The captain of the Rhinos, with his sheer dominance and power, coupled with his speed, has been very hard to stop in 2026.

Stand off: Brodie Croft (Leeds Rhinos)

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Highlights from the Betfred Super League clash between Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos

We said that the Leeds spine has been particularly interwoven in 2026 and that sees Brodie Croft included at stand off.

Remarkably, Croft finishes in second place for try scorers with 28, just one behind his winger Sivo.

He has been there, popping up at every opportunity to get points on the board for his side and makes a return to the Dream Team for the first time in four years.

Scrum half: Jake Connor (Leeds Rhinos)

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Maika Sivo went over late for Leeds Rhinos after an outrageous Jake Connor dummy opened up the St Helens defence

And the final piece of that Leeds spine puzzle- reigning Man of Steel Jake Connor. He has been the man with all the assists in 2026 and it is back-to-back inclusions for him too.

Connor provided 43 assists across the season. To put into perspective how remarkable a stat that is, second-placed Jackson Hastings provided 29- 14 less than the leader.

His kicking game has also been pivotal for Leeds across this year and now he will want to turn that consistency into big game action.

It is worth a word here for Harry Smith, who has had a really strong year and was also a notable candidate at scrum half.

Hooker: Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors)

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Brad O’Neill and Jack Welsby were both sent to the sin-bin as tempers flare between Wigan and Saints

A near constant presence for Wigan in 2026, Brad O’Neill has been the main lieutenant in the defensive steel of a Wigan outfit that look primed to win it all.

His defensive efforts are second to none; his aggression has become much more measured, and he has cemented himself as the standout hooker across the year.

Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy has also impressed in the role but O’Neill has been the general in a well-oiled machine and it is the mark of an exceptional player that a team’s performance dips when he is not on the field.

Props: Caleb Hamlin-Uele (Wakefield Trinity) and Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh Leopards)

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Caleb Hamlin-Uele extended Wakefield’s comfortable lead at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after an error-strewn performance from Castleford in the first half

Caleb Hamlin-Uele has been a near-constant member of a Wakefield side that wrapped up their highest Super League finish in their history and his metre-making has been a sight to behold.

Called up to the England squad ahead of the World Cup, Hamlin-Uele has been a stalwart in defence but also given his side go forward when it mattered.

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Joe Ofahengaue recalls the hilarious moment his Dad chased him around with a cricket bat to make sure he didn’t stop running during a training session!

The same can be said of Joe Ofahengaue, who has been arguably Leigh’s best player across the year. His gains for his team are right at the top and not only that, he provides an offload threat that means the attack never feels over when he has the ball in hand.

Back Row: James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos) and Mathieu Jussaume (Toulouse Olympique)

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Highlights of the Super League match between St Helens and Toulouse

There is a bit of history in the back row as Mathieu Jussaume’s inclusion means he is the first-ever Toulouse Olympique player to make the Dream Team.

He has been a solid and key member of the defensive line, especially when it comes to marker tackles, but he also carries incredibly well and makes sure to open up the attack for his side.

James McDonnell, meanwhile, is the fourth repeat inclusion with Connor, Croft, and Hanley. McDonnell was also in the 2025 Dream Team.

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The Leeds man has been the definition of consistent for the Rhinos and does the hard yards incredibly well.

It is noticed when he is not on the field and Leeds always look stronger when he is carrying the ball hard.

There are worthy shout-outs for Junior Nsemba and Isaiah Vagana who have impressed in the same position.

Loose Forward: Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)

Finally, Warrington Wolves’ Ben Currie is in at loose forward after a standout year for the third-place finishers.

Currie is right up there in tackles made this season, marker tackles too, and has been the constant and consistent member of Sam Burgess’ side. A talisman, if you will.

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He has been the epitome of a leader and deservedly makes the Dream Team.

I imagine Oli Partington was right up there in the votes too after a sensational year for Wigan.

Super League play-offs schedule

Eliminators

Friday September 18: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, KO 8pm on Sky Sports

Saturday September 19, Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, KO 5:30pm on Sky Sports

Semi-finals

Semi-Final 1 – Friday September 25, Leeds Rhinos vs TBC, 8pm KO on Sky Sports

Semi-Final 2 – Saturday 26 September, Wigan Warriors v TBC, 5.30pm KO on Sky Sports

The Super League play-offs begin on Friday September 18, live on Sky Sports, and continues all the way through until the Grand Final from Old Trafford on October 3.

How to Watch Jets vs. Titans: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The New York Jets visit the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET from Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN.

The betting market has shifted toward Tennessee. The Titans opened as 2.5-point favorites and have moved down to -1.5, while their moneyline eased from -170 to -124, now priced at -124 to the Jets’ +105. The total opened at 39.5, dipped to 38.5, and has since returned to 39.5. Bettors have piled onto Tennessee regardless: 78% of moneyline bets and 57% of spread bets are on the Titans.

Cam Ward gives the number some backing. The rookie has avoided an interception in eight of his last nine games, averaging just 0.1 per outing. New York counters with a passing game that struggled once the ball was caught: the Jets managed only 1,334 yards after catch in 2025, the fewest in the NFL.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Jets vs. Titans

When: Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET
Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
TV: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+

Players to Watch

The Jets’ backfield matters right away in this matchup because Breece Hall is trending toward playing and is expected to handle a lead role if he keeps progressing through the week. He was back in positional drills on Tuesday after dealing with a minor groin strain, and the latest update from the Jets points to him being on track for the opener.

That makes Hall one of the clearest tone-setters in this game. His value here is tied to volume and versatility. The expectation of a three-down workload gives New York a player who can shape early downs, passing situations, and red zone possessions. If Hall is moving well, the Jets can keep their offense balanced and put steady pressure on Tennessee from the opening series.

For Tennessee, this game turns heavily on how Cam Ward handles the Jets’ defense and whether his second season starts cleaner than his first. Ward opened every game as a rookie in 2025 and finished that season with 323 completions on 540 attempts, 3,169 passing yards, 15 touchdown passes, 7 interceptions, 159 rushing yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns.

The key number around Ward is ball security. Last season, he fumbled 11 times and lost 7 of them, so decision-making is a major part of this Week 1 spotlight. Tennessee has tried to help him by adding Carnell Tate in the draft and signing Wan’Dale Robinson in the offseason, giving him more support around the formation. If Ward protects the ball and takes advantage of that upgraded group, the Titans can control the shape of the game.

Cedric Gray is a name to monitor because his availability carries real weight for Tennessee’s front seven. He entered concussion protocol after a weekend UTV accident, and his status is directly relevant heading into this matchup.

Gray finished fourth in the NFL last season with 164 tackles, including 97 solo, which shows how central he was to the Titans’ defense over that full 2025 campaign. If he is cleared in time, Tennessee gets back a high-volume tackler who can help stabilize the middle of the defense against New York’s run game and underneath work. If he cannot go, that becomes one of the more important personnel questions in this opener.

Jets vs. Titans Odds

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Ryan Garcia targets world championship unification with Teofimo Lopez next | ‘Conor Benn will be back’ | Boxing News

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Ryan Garcia will look to unify world championships with Teofimo Lopez next after his stunning stoppage victory over Conor Benn.

Garcia looked imperious as he dismissed Benn inside two rounds at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

But the American superstar believes Benn can rebuild and recover.

“He just needs to gain a little bit more experience. I don’t think he has enough experience at this point. I don’t think he was as experienced as me but I think he will be back. He went in, tried to fight me,” Garcia said.

“You can’t jump in like that. It’s not the move. I think that he needs to be a little bit more patient.

“He’s an alright dude. I have a new level of respect for him. I hope he can come back and do great things in the sport.”

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Garcia finishes Benn on the ropes.

After defending the WBC welterweight title, Garcia immediately had words for WBA champion Teofimo Lopez, who was in attendance at the arena.

“I want to unify against Teofimo. I think that’s the move,” Garcia said afterwards. “It’s a huge fight and Teo’s an entertaining dude and it’s going to be a hell of a build-up and he’s a good fighter too so let’s run it.”

Lopez, who has past wins over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor on his stellar resume, was soundly beaten by Shakur Stevenson earlier this year. But Lopez bounced back to beat Rolando Romero, who himself beat Garcia last year.

But Garcia warned: “I was just getting started in there [against Benn]. There’s a lot of things that I’ve been working on. But that’s just another opportunity to show that in another fight.

“I have a lot of weapons in my arsenal that I didn’t bring out yet.”

College Football Rankings: New No. 1 And Jumbled Order After Upsets, Close Calls

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

A new No. 1 emerged after Week 2 because the rankings matter, playing games in your respective weight class is important and top-5 matchups in September are hallowed and heralded as holidays. For this, we give thanks and genuflect.

But onto business.

It’s always good to win. But is it better that Ohio State lost to Texas? Is it better to beat Oklahoma or lose to Michigan?

We don’t have to know the answer to that question now, but it’s reasonable to believe we’ll need to know by December. In fact, Oklahoma showed that to be true last season. A loss to Texas was not as bad as Texas’ loss to Florida. The difference? Florida had a terrible 4-8 record. Texas had a 9-3 one.

All things equal — all things being wins — the program with the best loss usually gets the nod. It’s one of the quirks of our sport. Like Michigan, which won a game on the scoreboard but who I dropped to No. 25 and the AP Top 25 Poll dropped entirely because of how it won that game. Style points matter. And your opponents influence your style.

Both Michigan and Oklahoma need each other to be great for the rest of this season if they want to leave no doubt about their worthiness for inclusion into the College Football Playoff. And they’ll get to play Ohio State and Texas, respectively.

But no matter who won Saturday night, a new No. 1 was always going to emerge.

It’s a perk of playing a top-5 matchup when the rest of the sport is too cowardly to schedule such a game on its own. So now, Texas holds the best win in college football and an undefeated record.

That gives it the strongest argument to stand atop the sport after Week 2. That also means Ohio State owns the best loss in the sport, and no self-respecting college football expert or fan is going to hold this loss against the Buckeyes nearly as much as, say, Michigan’s controversial win against Western Michigan. And so it goes for the next 11 weeks.

Before we move onto Week 3 or beyond, here are my top-25 rankings from Week 2.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: NR

Wide receiver Isaiah Robinson runs after a catch against Norfolk State in Virginia’s Week 2 win. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 59-3 win vs. Norfolk State

The Cavaliers performed like we’ve come to expect them to since their breakthrough season last year. Beating up on FCS opponents isn’t a great metric for finding out how good a program is, but more than 230 rushing yards and six yards per carry on average is a healthy stat for Virginia coach Tony Elliott’s team.

Record: 3-0

Previous ranking: 24

North Dakota State head coach Tim Polasek on the Bison sideline. (Photo by Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 38-32 win vs. Air Force

The Bison proved they can be a big-play offense when they need to and against a service academy at that! North Dakota State created eight explosive plays in the definitive win against the Falcons.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 23

Quarterback Faizon Brandon runs against Georgia Tech during Tennessee’s Week 2 win. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 45-24 win vs. Georgia Tech

A workmanlike win for a top-25 team against an unranked opponent on the road? A rarity in this ruckus Week 2. But it’s worth saying: Tennessee did not make this win harder than it needed to be, unlike others in the SEC who did, such as LSU, or just flat-out losing like Oklahoma. Style points from me for simply taking care of business.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 22

Quarterback Devon Dampier runs from Arkansas players during Utah’s Week 2 win. (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 43-10 win vs. Arkansas

Utah continues to look like a team that can not only contend for the Big 12 title but also one that could break into the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history. And all in Utah coach Morgan Scalley’s Year 1.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 21

Quarterback Kevin Jennings celebrates with tight end Theo Melin Ohrstrom and their teammates after a touchdown against UC Davis in SMU’s Week 2 win. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 56-10 win vs. UC Davis

Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings put together a second-straight 300-yard passing performance Saturday against the Aggies and was nearly perfect in the execution: 14-of-16 completions for 337 passing yards with five touchdowns.

I find it more instructive, though, that SMU did not commit a single turnover in this game after posting four in its season-opener against Florida State.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 20

Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. strikes a pose while running out of bounds during Washington’s win against Utah State in Week 2. (Photo by Henry Rodenburg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 16-14 win vs. Utah State

White-knuckling a win against a program FCS Idaho State beat last week is not ideal for a Huskies team that has aspirations of playing for the Big Ten title this season.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 19

Wide receiver Vernell Brown III runs during Florida’s Week 2 game vs. Campbell. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 52-3 win vs. Campbell

Florida not only scored 35 points in the second quarter, but it also got three touchdowns from wide receiver Vernell Brown III, who returned back-to-back punts for touchdowns and caught one to cap an outstanding day against an underwhelming opponent.

I would love to see the Gators play the Wolverines.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 25

Quarterback Bryce Underwood and safety Nico Andrighetto celebrate Michigan’s Week 2 upset win over Oklahoma. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 17-10 win vs. Oklahoma

The Wolverines looked like a Kyle Whittingham team Saturday, and I wrote about it. They weren’t amazing offensively, but they were committed to running the ball. Defensively, they played man coverage and sought one-on-one pass-rushing matchups against a Sooners offense it routinely beat. For some, it was the first win of the season for the Wolverines. For Michigan, it’s undefeated, and that’s everything.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 18

Receiver Koby Young celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Southern U in Week 2. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 77-6 win vs. Southern U

Bruh, the score was 70-6 at the end of the third quarter. I daresay Southern coach Marshall Faulk has never suffered a worse whooping as a football professional. The Cougars ran the ball for 388 yards with six rushing touchdowns. Houston quarterbacks completed 15 passes combined, and five of those were touchdowns.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 16

Tight ends Benjamin Brahmer and Andrew Rappleyea celebrate after a touchdown in Penn State’s Week 2 win vs. Temple. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 27-9 win vs. Temple

The Nittany Lions began shaky, but quarterback Rocco Becht is good. He finished the day with 273 passing yards and three touchdowns in the win. Yes, Penn State started slowly, but this is a good football team with a chance to be a great one this season.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 17

Quarterback Austin Simmons hit the night-night celebration after throwing a touchdown pass late in the Tigers’ Week 2 win vs. Kansas. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 38-21 win vs. Kansas

I’m convinced quarterback Austin Simmons is an elite passer, and he can be the difference-maker for a Mizzou team that played a consecutive week without Ahmad Hardy, the SEC’s best running back in 2025. Simmons completed 19-of-29 passes for 292 yards with three touchdowns, but several of those incompletions were dropped by his receivers.

Record: 1-1

Previous ranking: 4

Quarterback Dante Moore looks to pass in Oregon’s loss to Oklahoma State in Week 2. (Photo by WJ/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 39-31 loss vs. Oklahoma State

Damn, Dan. Look, I wrote about this loss. And without piling on here, suffice it to say, this isn’t the end for the Ducks. But try convincing an Oregon fan of that.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 15

Quarterback Bear Bachmeier breaks a tackle against Arizona on the way to BYU’s Week 2 win. (Photo by Aaron Baker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 28-17 win vs. Arizona

The best part of this win was getting to see quarterback Bear Bachmeier actually uncork a 25-yard touchdown pass to receiver Reggie Frischknecht to seal the victory late for the Cougars. Bachmeier hasn’t received a lot of opportunities to hit defenses over the top because so much of the Cougars’ philosophy revolves around a steady and abundant run game. But now, we know he’s got that throw in his arsenal when BYU needs it.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 14

Running backs Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams celebrate a touchdown against Oregon State in Week 2. (Photo by Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 35-24 win vs. Oregon State

Texas Tech led a middling-to-bad Oregon State, 14-7, at halftime despite not allowing a single first down and just 22 total yards. Did the Red Raiders find a way to pull this game out? Yes. Did they learn their secondary can get roasted by Beavers wide receiver Jesse Legree for 240 receiving yards on eight catches with a pair of touchdowns? Also, yes.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 13

Running back Daniel Hill and receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams after a touchdown against Kentucky in Week 2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 45-17 win vs. Kentucky

Alabama didn’t take a lead in this game until there were three minutes left in the third quarter, and that lead came after the Crimson Tide scored their first offensive touchdown. And then the dam the Wildcats had so carefully built broke loose. The Tide scored 32 in the second half on five straight scoring drives.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 12

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss looks to pass Charlotte in Week 2. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 41-9 win vs. Charlotte

Charlotte is in a tailspin of its own. The Niners haven’t beaten an FBS program since 2024 and haven’t beaten a Power Four one since 2021. Ole Miss beating Charlotte was less a win and more of a formality.

Record: 3-0

Previous ranking: 10

Quarterback Jayden Maiava throws against Louisiana in USC’s Week 2 win. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 49-30 win vs. Louisiana

USC is the Big Ten’s only Week 2 top-10 team that played like one. Neither the offense nor the defense gave an inch to Louisiana, and Riley’s Trojans continue to look formidable.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 9

Quarterback Marcel Reed runs against Arizona State in the Aggies’ Week 2 win against Arizona State. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 48-20 win vs. Arizona State

Unlike some in the top 10, the Aggies hosted a Sun Devils program that could’ve given them a game — and did. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko will take a hard look at his secondary after it allowed Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris to make nine catches for 189 yards with two touchdowns.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 8

Quarterback Sam Leavitt and his LSU teammates celebrate a touchdown against Louisiana Tech in Week 2. (Photo by Derick Hingle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 45-14 win vs. Louisiana Tech

The Tigers committed four turnovers in the first half. Three of those were interceptions thrown by quarterback Sam Leavitt, and the Bulldogs were in a 10-7 rock fight with the Tigers, despite Louisiana Tech accruing zero — yes, zero — total yards in the first half.

Lane Kiffin better fix whatever broke for two quarters against a team that LSU was supposed to annihilate, start to finish.

Record: 1-1

Previous ranking: 2

Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith makes a leaping catch against Texas in the Buckeyes’ Week 2 loss. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 24-23 loss vs. Texas

Before losing to Texas, the Buckeyes had won 115 consecutive games when leading by 20 points or more. Prior to this game, the last team to come back and win against the Buckeyes while down 20 points was 2011 Nebraska. But hey, best loss of anyone so far.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 7

Quarterback Darian Mensah attempts a pass against Florida A&M in Miami’s Week 2 win. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 77-7 win vs. Florida A&M

Pad the stats, Miami. Putting up a school record of 856 offensive yards against an HBCU program you paid $760,000 — including $40,000 to The Marching 100 — to travel eight hours south isn’t as impressive as Canes fans would like to think. But, sure, go off.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 6

Defensive lineman Boubacar Traore picks up a fumble and runs for a touchdown in Notre Dame’s Week 2 shutout against Rice. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 52-0 vs. Rice

The Fighting Irish led their Group of Six opponent, 42-0, at halftime, and quarterback CJ Carr had his way against an Owls team that doesn’t represent the kind of competition we’d expect to test Notre Dame. Carr’s stat line — 16-of-20 completed passes for 253 yards with four touchdowns — is indicative of how easy beating Rice was for him and this team.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 3

Quarterback Gunner Stockton passes against Western in Georgia’s Week 2 win. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 70-20 win vs. Western Kentucky

As is often the case when top-tier teams play Group of Six squads, Georgia made light work of the Hilltoppers in a game that will do wonders for Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton’s Heisman Trophy campaign. And he put up some Tecmo Bowl stats: completed 13-of-16 passes for 234 yards with five passing touchdowns.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 1

Wide receiver Charlie Becker runs into the end zone during Indiana’s Week 2 win against Howard. (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 55-0 win vs. Howard

The Hoosiers performed exactly as they should against a private HBCU to which they guaranteed $525,000 for visiting Bloomington. Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker caught three passes, and all three went for touchdowns. This happened alongside Hoosiers running backs Leo Beebe, Jr. and Turbo Richard each rushing for more than 100 yards.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 5

Quarterback Arch Manning runs against Ohio State in the Longhorns’ Week 2 win. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Week 2 game: 24-23 win vs. Ohio State

The Longhorns became the first team to come back from a 20-point deficit to defeat the AP’s No. 1-ranked team in 30 years. After a good game, a historic comeback and the best win of the season, Texas deserves the top spot.

No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners vs Michigan Wolverines Highlights 🏈 FOX College Football

England player ratings for third Test at Edgbaston: Dan Lawrence, Jordan Cox and Emilio Gay add to selection headache | Cricket News

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

England clinched a first home series whitewash of Pakistan with an eight-wicket win in the third Test at Edgbaston, but who stood out from Joe Root’s side – and who didn’t?

Ben Duckett – 3

Batting: 11 and 0

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England opener Ben Duckett struggled during the series, scoring a combined 44 runs over his five innings

A Test match to forget for Duckett. In fact, it has been a pretty miserable series as a whole, with his first-innings 17 at Lord’s serving as his highest score.

He did, however, notch England’s only Test ton of the summer against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, so his place at the top of the order isn’t under threat – at least for now…

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Ben Duckett hit the only England Test century this summer against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in June

He was also a bit butter-fingered in the slips this week, dropping three chances, albeit his two put down in the first innings didn’t prove too costly as Pakistan were still bundled out for 133 in only 33.5 overs.

Emilio Gay – 6

Batting: 60 and 0

It has been a bit of a back-and-forth affair with regards to Gay’s place in the starting Test side going forward, with the Durham left-hander seemingly locking up his spot with another battling half-century in the first innings – his third such score this summer.

But then his second-innings duck has somewhat opened up the debate again, especially given the performance of others who could end up elbowing him out of the way when the currently injured Jacob Bethell likely returns to the team.

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England’s start to day four could not have gone worse after Mohammad Abbas removed Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay in the first over

It was, admittedly, a terrific delivery from Mohammad Abbas that ensured he wouldn’t trouble the scorers in the second innings, but it’s precisely why he’ll be kicking himself with how he got out first time round – dragging a wide one from Razaullah back onto his stumps – when a first Test hundred was there for the taking.

Jordan Cox – 7

Batting: 4 and 59no

Much like Gay, Cox’s fortunes and future prospects see-sawed a touch over the course of this Test, as he copped a low one in the first innings – also falling foul of Abbas, lbw – but his calm, unbeaten half-century alongside the skipper on the fourth morning saw England to victory from a positon of peril at 2-2.

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Jordan Cox scored 59 hugely valuable runs as part of an unbroken 128-run partnership with Joe Root that took England to victory at Edgbaston

It will have been hard for Joe Root not to have taken note of that, as he looks for the right sort of characters to take this side forward. And Cox seems to have character in spades.

That was also evident with his keeping, when deputising impressively for Jamie Smith, who sat out the second innings with an injured thumb. He claimed four terrific catches and a stumping to finally end Razaullah’s extraordinary knock.

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Jordan Cox took a superb catch to dismiss Babar Azam in the second innings at Edgbaston

Joe Root – 7

Batting: 8 and 62no

Just when England needed a captain’s innings, Root duly obliged, his unbeaten half-century on the fourth morning – just his third of a barren summer by his standards – allaying any fears of a catastrophic late collapse to defeat.

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Highlights from day four of the third Test between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston as Joe Root steered his side to victory

Instead, he celebrates a series sweep – England’s first at home over Pakistan – on his return as permanent Test captain, though his lbw issues persist after Razaullah was the one to pin him in the first innings, in spectacular fashion with only his fourth ball in Test cricket. It takes Root’s tally to eight such dismissals from his 10 Test innings’ this summer.

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21-year-old debutant Razaullah took the wicket of England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer Joe Root with only his fourth ball

Also, he moved one clear of Australia’s Steve Smith and onto 220 in their personal battle to claim the record number of catches by an outfielder in Test cricket.

Harry Brook – 7

Batting: 75

Brook will be another kicking himself for missing out on a hundred in the first innings, with one seemingly at his mercy before he needlessly ran himself out on the second morning.

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Harry Brook spurned his chance of making a century in the first innings as he ran himself out on 75

He’s been England’s most consistent batter in the testing conditions served up this summer, with this his fifth half-century, while he has had starts of at least 20 in all but two of his innings.

It will make him all the more frustrated at the fact that a century has eluded him, but he has shown greater responsibility with the bat – certainly against Pakistan – which is encouraging after fans began growing tired of his, at times, reckless approach in the Bazball era.

Dan Lawrence – 8

Batting: 65
Bowling: 2-17

Player of the match. With Ollie Robinson denied for the first time in a Test he’s played this summer.

Lawrence is another vying for a regular place in this side and he’s certainly done his chances no harm, with bat, ball and in the field.

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Dan Lawrence produced a stunning catch at slip off Gus Atkinson to dismiss Shan Masood for 95, denying the Pakistan batter a century at Edgbaston

His standout contribution was a spectacular catch in the slips – one-handed, diving low to his right – to see off Shan Masood five shy of a century. But he also grabbed two wickets in his 4.4 second-innings overs, including Azan Awais (59) to end his 125-run third-wicket stand with Masood and finally the wicket of Razaullah to end day three.

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Dan Lawrence claimed England’s first wicket of day three as Azan Awais fell for 59 following a successful Joe Root review and sharp catch from Jordan Cox

If anything his off-spin was under-used, with that being a key string to his bow to support England’s preference for a four-pronged pace attack looking ahead to the winter tour of South Africa and next summer’s Ashes.

With the bat, like Gay and Brook before him, he’ll rue missing out on a first-innings ton when dragging a rather innocuous delivery from Mohammad Imran back onto his stumps.

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Dan Lawrence couldn’t hide his fury after chopping one back onto his stumps when eyeing up a maiden Test century

Jamie Smith – 7

Batting: 69

The forgotten man in this Test, with his involvement ended two days in, as a blow to the finger when stood up to the stumps on day one prevented him from donning the gloves in the second innings.

It looks a precautionary measure more than anything, with it not keeping him from batting on day two as he again impressed with a typically brisk 69 before chipping one back to Razaullah off his own bowling.

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A fired-up Razaullah celebrated wildly as caught and bowled Jamie Smith

While Cox impressed in his absence, Smith has also barely put a foot wrong behind the stumps all summer, so he’ll likely still start if fit for South Africa.

Gus Atkinson – 6

Bowling: 0-31 and 3-109
Batting: 19

It’s been tough sledding for Atkinson this series, with only one wicket to show for his efforts prior to the second innings – as the rest of the pace quartet profited.

He has bowled better than his numbers would suggest, often coming on as second change, sidelined as others wreaked havoc with the new ball and when bowling to the tail.

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Gus Atkinson claimed three second-innings wickets after having only taken one through the first two and a half Tests

But Root showed faith in his fast bowler after lunch on day three, with Pakistan 184-3 in their second innings, letting him loose for an eight-over spell that was his best yet and brought with it the wicket of Masood – as much as he owed a debt of gratitude to Lawrence too.

He’d later add Ghazi Ghori and Imran before he too couldn’t escape punishment from the blade of Razaullah.

Ollie Robinson – 8

Bowling: 3-15 and 2-54
Batting: 50

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Ollie Robinson took two wickets for no runs in the opening over of Pakistan’s second innings in the third Test against England

Robinson was at it yet again with the new ball, dismissing Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique in his opening spell in both innings, needing only four deliveries to see the back of them second time round – the former out for a pair upon his sudden, surprise call up to the touring side in between Tests that did him no favours.

Robinson’s wicket of Saim in the first innings was his 100th in Test cricket, while his double strike in the first over of the second took his tally for the series to 21 at an average of 6.66 a pop, which grew to just the 8.76 apiece upon Pakistan’s battling display on day three.

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Ollie Robinson claimed his 100th Test wicket with his first-innings dismissal of Saim Ayub

In all seriousness, his effectiveness does diminish when taken deep into later spells, which could be a concern on flatter decks if that’s what awaits in South Africa or next year’s Ashes, but it’s extremely hard to pick fault given just how impressive his reintroduction to the side has been this summer.

Also pitched in with the bat, scoring his second Test fifty.

Jofra Archer – 6

Bowling: 3-25 and 1-120
Batting: 32no

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Jofra Archer has taken 23 wickets at an average of 24.82 apiece over the five Tests he’s played this summer

Not his best showing, with at least one of his three first-innings wickets a real gift from Masood, spooned straight to midwicket.

His dismissal of Saud Shakeel to a brute of a short ball in the second gave nod to him at his best, but he was one of several England bowlers to lose the plot late on the third evening as Razaullah smacked them to all parts.

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Razaullah smashed NINE sixes to equal Tim Southee’s record for the most by a player on Test debut during a remarkable innings against England at Edgbaston

Still, an encouraging summer on the whole, with five consecutive Tests for the previously injury-plagued pacer a real tick for England.

Josh Tongue – 7

Bowling: 4-42 and 2-106
Batting: 15

Trademark Tongue in the first innings, with three of his four wickets scattering the stumps – the top of Babar’s off peg knocked back with the fast bowler’s dream delivery, Imran undone by a toe-crushing yorker and Shakeel seen off by a devastating nip-backer.

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Josh Tongue led the way with the ball for England in the first innings, with three of his four dismissals clean-bowled!

He was expensive in the second innings, going at more than six an over, until his and Archer’s bouncer theory proved incisive – until Razaullah arrived at the middle, that is – as Tongue got Babar to glove one behind.

England vs Pakistan – Test series results

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4 Takeaways From Texas’ Comeback Win Over Ohio State — With An NFL Draft Twist

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Normally, college football fans have to wait until the first snow flurries of the year for the biggest regular-season games. That wasn’t the case this year, as we were treated to a thrilling early-season showdown between Ohio State and Texas on Saturday night.

Both teams entered the matchup loaded with future NFL Draft picks, but let’s face it: Most of the attention was on quarterbacks Arch Manning and Julian Sayin, along with star pass-catchers Cam Coleman and Jeremiah Smith.

Sayin and Smith were spectacular in the first half, while Manning looked like a future franchise quarterback in the second. The end result? A wild, fun-filled affair that ended with the Longhorns pulling off a 24-23 comeback win.

Here are my takeaways from Texas’ thrilling win over Ohio State, with an NFL Draft twist. These four prospects are ranked in the order in which I would currently select them if I were building an NFL roster.

1. Jeremiah Smith Is The Top NFL Prospect In The Country – And It’s Not Close

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 164 yards and a touchdown in the Buckeyes’ loss to Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith wasn’t just the best player in this game. He’s the top NFL prospect in the country and one of the highest graded prospects I’ve evaluated in nearly 30 years as a professional scout.

I’ve often compared Smith to future Hall of Famer Julio Jones, but in reality, that is short-changing the Buckeyes’ star wideout. Like Jones, Smith offers an exceptional combination of size, strength and speed. He is already a far better route-runner than Jones was at this point in his collegiate career.

Smith has the ability to sink his hips and change direction like you would see from a smaller wide receiver. But at 6-foot-4, 222 pounds, he not only has strong and reliable hands, but he is also savvy at shielding the ball from defenders. He displayed that late in the first half, setting up a Texas defender before contorting his body in the air to make a highlight-reel catch.

Smith easily blazes by the cornerback and is wide open, but he’s forced to turn around and adjust his body midair to make the grab. He uses his strong hands to come down with the football, giving the Buckeyes a first down and putting them in scoring position.

Smith finished with a game-high eight catches for 164 yards and a touchdown. He was undoubtedly the best player on the field, despite the Buckeyes’ loss.

NFL Player Comparison: Julio Jones

NFL Draft Grade: Top-5 selection

2. Arch Manning Possesses The Traits To Be A Franchise QB

Texas QB Arch Manning completed 23 of his 37 pass attempts for 196 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Ohio State. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

While Smith was the top player on the field Saturday night and the best overall prospect in the 2026 draft, the top quarterback will almost surely be the first pick. Quarterbacks make more money because they matter more. Fair or not, that’s just the reality of football.

I’m not ready to pronounce Manning as the best quarterback in college football, but I do believe he can become that, with a few relatively small improvements. He possesses all the physical traits to project as a franchise quarterback and there is plenty of evidence that he also has the requisite mental toughness, given the microscope he’s played under his entire life. That’s just the reality of growing up a Manning.

Throws like this one are just expected.

Manning has endured nearly impossible expectations, with his occasional growing pains frequently cited by critics and his moments of brilliance either ignored or too often credited to his head coach, Steve Sarkisian. Some have even already labeled him as “overrated” or a “bust.”

Given that he now has 40 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions in his college career, including Saturday night’s historic comeback win over the No. 2-ranked Buckeyes, it seems like Manning is being held to a higher standard than any other quarterback.

He’s a quarterback, not Amazon delivery. High-level quarterback play takes time.

There just aren’t many quarterbacks in college — or even the NFL — who can make throws like the one above or lead their team to 21 fourth-quarter points against an Ohio State defense littered with NFL-caliber talent from top to bottom.

That is why Manning is a first-round lock.

NFL Player Comparison: Trevor Lawrence

NFL Draft Grade: Top-5 selection

3. Cam Coleman Is Silky Smooth — But We Didn’t See It

Cam Coleman hauled in three passes for 35 yards in the Longhorns’ win over Ohio State. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

One of the reasons I am so bullish on Manning taking his game to another level this fall is the fact that Texas lured Coleman from Auburn to Austin.

In most other drafts — including last year’s — Coleman would be the top-ranked wide receiver. He’s silky smooth, with excellent agility and acceleration, and possesses the body control to make difficult receptions look easy.

Early in the first quarter, Manning dropped back and threw a deep ball to Coleman, who extended his body and appeared to come down with the ball.

The ball popped out of Coleman’s hands when he hit the ground and into the hands of Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain. The replay appeared to show Coleman dragging his foot while maintaining possession, but the play was ruled a pick.

Now, to be clear, Coleman’s knack for making circus catches does not automatically make him a future No. 1 receiver in the NFL. He needs to show greater nuance as a route-runner and cut down on dropped passes. He finished with only three catches for 35 yards while being targeted five times on Saturday night.

I believe Coleman will improve in each of these areas at Texas. Quarterbacks and receivers typically need time to develop a rapport. And while we didn’t see many highlight-reel moments from Coleman on Saturday, he did haul in two touchdown catches in the Longhorns’ Week 1 win, including a 44-yard bomb down the right sideline.

It isn’t often that a receiver competing against SEC competition has 15 touchdown receptions in just 24 career games and is still only scratching the surface of his potential.

That is the case with Coleman.

NFL Player Comparison: A.J. Green

NFL Draft Grade: Top 10

4. Julian Sayin Has Elite Diagnostic Skills And Touch

Ohio State QB Julian Sayin threw for 278 yards and a touchdown in a 24-23 loss to Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Projecting Sayin to the NFL is a tougher task than projecting Manning for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, he simply isn’t as physically gifted. He isn’t as tall, strong-armed or athletic. Sayin has also been blessed with remarkably talented wide receivers. It is easier to complete passes, of course, when the receivers are seemingly always open and catch everything thrown in their general direction — which we saw in the first half with Smith on Saturday night.

What Sayin lacks in arm strength, however, he makes up for with his processing ability and touch. Last year, as a redshirt freshman, he led the country with a 77% completion rate after throwing 301 passes, the most of any Big Ten quarterback.

Sayin isn’t a checkdown magnet, and he rarely puts the ball in harm’s way. He is very effective on layered throws between the second and third levels of the defense and consistently shows the ability to stand tall in the pocket and deliver a pass where only his receiver can make a play on it, just as he did on this touchdown pass to Smith.

Sayin isn’t the type to wow with his physical attributes, but I am impressed with his steadiness and poise. Those traits can translate even better at the NFL level than a flashy arm or scrambling ability. But he needs to play well in big games to continue to develop that reputation.

After finishing the first half 12-of-16 for 192 yards and a touchdown, Sayin completed just five passes after halftime as the Buckeyes were held to three second-half points.

NFL Comparison: Kirk Cousins

NFL Draft Grade: Third Round

Ryan Day after No. 1 Ohio State’s crushing last-minute loss to Texas

Mikel Arteta rages at Sunderland penalty decision after Arsenal win at Stadium of Light: ‘This cannot happen’ | Football News

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

A furious Mikel Arteta described Sunderland’s penalty in Arsenal’s 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light as “unacceptable”.

The home side were awarded a spot kick in the 54th minute when defender Ezri Konsa was adjudged to have held Sunderland’s Dan Ballard by referee John Brooks.

“The referee’s call of penalty to Sunderland for a holding offence by Konsa on Ballard was checked and confirmed by VAR,” said a statement published by the Premier League Match Centre.

The statement continued by quoting the interaction between on-pitch referee Brooks and the VAR.

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the Premier League clash between Sunderland and Arsenal

“REF: ‘He’s all over him at the near post facing the wrong way.’ VAR: ‘I’m happy that it’s a holding offence. The foul is confirmed. Confirming the on-field decision of penalty.'”

David Raya saved Enzo Le Fee’s spot kick and Bruno Guimaraes scored Arsenal’s opening goal just 121 seconds later but Arteta vented his anger at the decision despite the result.

“The first question we have to discuss is this,” he said at the start of his press conference. “This is not acceptable at this level.

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“It was a beautiful game of football with two teams, with an atmosphere in the stadium that was unbelievable.

“Sunderland are so well organised, they are so good in so many phases, they have great players and they create a lot of issues. We have to cope with all of that in a really difficult week.

“And on top of that, we have to go through what we have done today, that, in my opinion, is not acceptable.

“I watched it 20 times and I cannot find a way to understand how they think to give a penalty in that situation, or the way the VAR has to intervene.

“So I don’t know what to think.

Image:
David Raya superbly saved Enzo Le Fee’s penalty at 0-0

“I’m sad that we have to discuss this after such a beautiful game, that at this level, has the gravity of that. Because that changes the course of the season and it can cost you the championship.

“At this level, with all the work we put in, this cannot happen.”

Arsenal’s victory was wrapped up by a late Bukayo Saka penalty but Arteta, who was booked for going out of his technical area earlier in the game, was similarly angry in his post-match interview with TNT Sports, describing the incident as a “judo roll”.

“It’s not a penalty in any case, in any context, in any league,” he added.

Four And Out: Akron ‘OC For A Day’ Contest Winner Sees Drive End In Heartbreak

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

It started with a viral contest. It ended in heartbreak — and an important lesson: Calling plays in real life isn’t as easy as it appears in video games.

Marty Whims II — a longtime season-ticket holder and Akron graduate — got to experience the joy and frustration of being the offensive coordinator for the Zips on Saturday as part of the program’s “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” contest.

Unfortunately, the dream opportunity only lasted four plays.

Akron was moving the ball on its first possession against Robert Morris when wide receiver Marcel Williams fumbled at the Colonials’ 37-yard line. David Johnson recovered the ball after Tasheen Howard and Jake Lopinto forced the fumble.

“We moved the ball, got some first downs. I thought we were going to get a touchdown if we didn’t fumble,” Whims said shortly after his OC stint ended.

Only season-ticket and suite holders were eligible for the contest. Suites sold out for the first time since InfoCision Stadium opened in 2009.

Akron had more than 23 million social media views and an influx of new season ticket-holders since the contest was announced Aug. 4. Fans from 38 states and as far away as Germany became Zips season-ticket holders, including Jon Gruden, Pat McAfee, and Dan “Big Cat” Katz.

Every season and suite ticket counted as an entry (four tickets, four entries). Season ticket holders also received extra entries for each new buyer they referred.

Whims and Akron head coach Joe Moorhead met Friday to go over strategy and review game film before coming up with a 20-play script.

Nick Saban — no stranger to the Mid-American Conference after graduating from rival Kent State and coaching one year at Toledo — told Whims on Saturday to get the play in quickly and “stay ahead of the sticks and run the ball. All the fans are going to want you to throw it. Run the ball. You won’t get criticized as much.”

Whims was staying ahead of the sticks until a false start penalty on right guard Nate Hampton put the Zips in third-and-6.

Williams had the necessary yards for the first down on his catch, only to turn it over.

Because of the turnover, Whims was unable to try Saban’s third idea: “Don’t get cute, but if you’re gonna get cute, throw the damn flea flicker. The fans will love it.”

Whims stayed on the sideline behind Akron’s bench before going back to the stands to watch the game with his three sons.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

US Open: Elena Rybakina cements her spot as world No 1 by dethroning two-time winner Aryna Sabalenka in New York | Tennis News

September 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Elena Rybakina cemented her position as world No 1 by dethroning two-time US Open winner Aryna Sabalenka to seal her maiden title in New York.

Rybakina won ‌her first US Open, beating top seed ‌and defending champion ⁠Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 ⁠6-2 on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The 27-year-old had already been guaranteed to replace Sabalenka at No 1 in the rankings next week.

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Watch the moment Rybakina won the US Open as Sabalenka lost her cool

Sabalenka was looking to become only the third woman to achieve a New York ‘three-peat’ in the Open era, after Chris Evert and Serena Williams.

Instead she was left sat in her chair, furiously smashing her racket in to smithereens as Rybakina, from Kazakhstan, celebrated a third Grand Slam title.

An ankle injury ‌had threatened to derail Rybakina’s campaign even before the tournament started, but she shrugged off those concerns to add the US Open title to her Australian Open triumph this year and Wimbledon success in 2022.

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Rybakina speak to the Sky Sports Tennis team after winning the US Open

“Some magic is happening,” Rybakina told Sky Sports Tennis. “I was so unlucky with the injury [before the start of the tournament]. I was going day by day and my team were quite positive. Even in the beginning we didn’t know how it was going to be so I’m super happy and very proud. I still can’t believe it.

“I was relieved to get to No 1 but I knew there were two more matches to push and it would be such a milestone winning the tournament here so I was focussed and trying not to see too many messages.

“Everything was working today.”

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All the ingredients of a classic…

Image:
Hollywood A-lister Brad Pitt was on Arthur Ashe to watch the action

The title showdown on a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium had all the ingredients of a classic between the top two in the ⁠rankings.

Dressed in a yellow-and-black outfit that evoked a bee, Rybakina ‌produced some stinging groundstrokes but was unable to make the early pressure count as Sabalenka unleashed big serves to hold firm in the pair’s third Grand Slam final ‌meeting.

The second seed drew first blood to go ahead 3-2 following a Sabalenka double fault, with the frustrated Belarusian earning a code violation immediately afterwards for launching a ball high into the stands.

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Sabalenka produced this stunning drop shot during the final…

Sabalenka’s irritation became increasingly evident with each ⁠missed shot and squandered opportunity, in stark contrast to the trademark calm etched on Rybakina’s face as the Kazakh tightened her grip on the opening set and clinched it with a tight hold.

A sudden drop-off in Rybakina’s level midway through the second set gave the ⁠28-year-old Sabalenka hope, and she produced a stunning drop shot and a stunning backhand crosscourt winner en route to forcing a deciding set.

Sabalenka let out a huge roar after another ⁠backhand winner to hold in a tight opening game of the third set.

However, Rybakina’s quality shone through her red-and-blue-framed racket as she took a commanding 5-2 lead and then closed out a famous triumph to leave her Belarusian rival without any ‌major silverware in 2026.

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Sabalenka said: “The last thing I want to do right now is give a speech, but I’ll try my very best. Thank you everyone. Thank you for all your support.

“I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year, an incredible result. Well deserved. Enjoy it tonight, and have fun. So I can win some titles!

“I wish I could have performed a little bit better, but I guess there’s next year.”

She later spoke about smashing a ball into the crowd and breaking a racket during her press conference, saying: “It’s really tough to control your emotions when you lose in the final of the Grand Slam and when you were trying to go for three-peat.

“I just wanted to let it go, because if I would hold it inside, right now or here or there on the court, I wouldn’t be able to say a word or I would just go not really nice over there. I just wanted to let all of that aggression and disappointment go outside.”

Tale of the Tape

Navratilova: Sabalenka simply did not know what to do – she usually dominates!

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Martina Navratilova said Sabalenka simply did not know what to do against Rybakina

Sky Sports Tennis’ Martina Navratilova:

“We do not see that. Usually it’s Sabalenka doing the bullying.

“I think that’s why Sabalenka didn’t know what to do. She’s used to dictating, to putting people on the defence, on their heels and rushing shots.

“Instead, it was all Rybakina doing that to her. And I did not expect that.

“It’s not that Sabalenka lost the match, Rybakina won it. She earned that win.

“It will be back to the drawing board for Sabalenka. What will she do next time if Rybakina is playing this well?”

Bartoli: Extraordinary Rybakina can do anything on a tennis court

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Sky Sports Tennis Marion Bartoli:

“Can you imagine that her previous best result here was the fourth round?

“That’s extraordinary, to come here with all the pressure of the world, knowing she had the No 1 world ranking on her racket, to actually go on and win the title.

“The way she bounced back at the beginning of the third set tonight for me, was absolutely extraordinary.

“It looked like she completely forgot what happened at the backend of that second set, when she got caught on her own service game.

“She just kept on moving on, and moving forward all the time. The way she attacked Sabalenka’s serve all the time, putting her under so much pressure.

“The ball-striking from that young lady is just something else. She can do anything on the tennis court.

“She’s only missing Roland Garros now from completing a career Grand Slam.”

Rybakina on top of the world

She wins her third Grand Slam title

Her second Grand Slam title of 2026

Rybakina is now won three of the four Grand Slams

The only one she’s missing to complete the career Grand Slam is the French Open

She’s now beaten Sabalenka in two Grand Slam finals this year

✅41st top 10 win

✅10th top 10 win of 2026

✅49th win of 2026

Robson: Key difference was Rybakina’s lights out backhand

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Laura Robson couldn’t contain her excitement ahead of the final

Sky Sports Tennis’ Laura Robson:

“We were excited about this final for good reason. Because of how well we know both of these players perform on big occasions like this.

“For Rybakina, without even crowd support on her side, she just did not flinch.

“Yes, you could maybe point to the double faults at the end, but under so much pressure, and Sabalenka trying everything to make a comeback in that third set, she just kept going for her shots.

“It is just unbelievable how hard both of these players hit the ball. Their timing is phenomenal.

“The difference today was the backhand from Rybakina, which was lights out from start to finish.”

The US Open is live on Sky Sports from August 30. Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can also watch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25-27 September live on Sky Sports.

C.J. Stroud, Texans Reportedly Delaying Contract Extension Talks Until Next Year

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

They say good things come to those who wait.

The Houston Texans and quarterback C.J. Stroud attempted to complete a contract extension prior to the start of the regular season, but both sides have decided to wait until after the 2026 season to negotiate a long-term deal, according to ESPN.

Stroud will play out the 2026 season on the final year of his four-year, $36.28 million rookie contract. Houston has already exercised his $25.9 million fully guaranteed fifth-year option for 2027. Texans general manager Nick Caserio previously established that negotiations would pause once Week 1 kicks off and remain on hold until next year.

While Stroud remains interested in staying in Houston long term, the trajectory of the quarterback market could, along with his level of play this season, have a direct impact on a possible extension.

With a rising salary cap and additional extension-eligible quarterbacks entering the market after this season, including Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels, annual average contracts could reach new highs for quarterbacks next offseason. A potential contract extension for Lamar Jackson in Baltimore is also expected to further elevate the market.

Following a rookie season in 2023 where he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions, Stroud saw his statistical production decrease over the past two years.

In 2025, Stroud finished the regular season with 3,041 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions while missing three games due to a concussion.

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Sunderland 0 – 2 Arsenal

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Bruno Guimaraes scored a stunning goal two minutes after David Raya had saved a penalty as Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 to move above Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

The Black Cats had the chance to go in front when Ezri Konsa was penalised for holding Dan Ballard in the second half but Raya brilliantly tipped Enzo Le Fee’s spot kick onto the post.

Just 121 seconds later, Guimaraes, whose every touch had been booed by the home fans due to his Newcastle connections, crashed a stunning strike in off the underside of the crossbar from outside the box for his first Arsenal goal.

Arsenal had to withstand late pressure from the home side, with Raya saving well from Nordi Mukiele, but they made the result safe when Bukayo Saka scored a stoppage-time penalty after Reinildo Mandava was shown a second yellow card for hauling him down.

The victory, Arsenal’s fourth in a row in the Premier League and sixth in all competitions, maintains their strong start to the campaign and puts the champions three points above Manchester City, who face Manchester United live on Sky Sports on Sunday.

For Sunderland, the pain of the defeat is made more acute by the identity of the scorer of the opener, so soon after it appeared they were about to strike the first blow from the spot. They remain on four points, the latest side dispatched by Mikel Arteta’s side.

The key moments

13: CHANCE! Saka fails to connect properly with Rice’s ball over the top and misses a big chance to open the scoring
16: DANGER! A wicked free-kick delivery from Xhaka is met by Dan Ballard but he can’t quite steer his effort on target
31: OVER! Odegaard cuts the ball back to Havertz after intricate build-up but the Arsenal forward blazes over
33: SAVE! Roefs tips an acrobatic effort from Havertz over the bar as Sunderland continue to hold firm
56: PENALTY SAVED! Raya leaps to his left and brilliantly saves Le Fee’s low penalty
58: GOAL! Guimaraes guides a stunning finish into the top corner to silence the Sunderland fans
85: SAVE! Raya to the rescue again for Arsenal as he saves Mukiele’s close-range effort
90+7: GOAL! Saka’s penalty squirms past Robin Roefs after Reinildo’s red card for hauling him down

What the result means and next fixtures…

The Friendship You Didn’t Know You Needed: John Mateer And Terry Bradshaw

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer may very well be playing on Sundays next year. So, which former NFL quarterback is he modeling his game after and turning to for advice?

How about a longtime FOX NFL studio analyst and Pro Football Hall of Famer?

“I was at a Dallas card show, and I go in and somebody’s like, ‘Do you want to meet Terry Bradshaw?’” Mateer told FOX Sports’ Tom Rinaldi in an interview on “Big Noon Kickoff.” “I’m like, ‘Yeah, duh. Who wouldn’t?’”

The two began talking, and an unexpected friendship soon began to develop.

“I kind of started giving it to him and pushing his buttons a little bit,” Mateer recalled. “He gives it right back, and it’s on.”

What has Mateer learned from Bradshaw?

“Let it ride. You feel it. You throw the ball,” Mateer said. “Who am I to think I’d be able to talk to people like that? And now I text him, and we call, and he calls me.”

After spending the first three years of his collegiate career at Washington State, Mateer transferred to Oklahoma and started 12 games for the Sooners last season. He totaled 2,885 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 129.4 passer rating, while completing 62.2% of his passes. Mateer also rushed for 431 yards and eight touchdowns. His 2025 campaign was stunted after suffering a broken bone in his throwing hand in Week 4, which forced Mateer to miss a start and play through the injury the remainder of the season.

Still, the Sooners put together a 10-2 campaign and hosted Alabama in the first round of the College Football Playoff before ultimately losing to the Crimson Tide.

Mateer doesn’t blame his injury for his play down the stretch.

John Mateer is in his second season at Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

“Leading through whenever you’re not playing at your best is very difficult,” Mateer told Rinaldi. “It sucked. I broke my thumb. It was just a lot going on for me.

“The biggest lesson is that with all that going on, you have to find a way for your mind to be in the right spot. I did not look back and say ‘I played poorly because of my thumb.’ It was because of my mind.”

The Sooners’ standout signal-caller threw for 225 yards and three touchdowns while leading Oklahoma to a dominant 51-0 win over UTEP in Week 1.

As Mateer looks back on the unlikely friendship that started with Bradshaw, he still can’t quite believe it happened.

“What did I do to get this blessing?”

England vs Pakistan: Joe Root’s best side in question ahead of South Africa tour and 2027 Ashes series | Cricket News

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

England’s 3-0 series whitewash of Pakistan brings to an end a tumultuous summer of Test cricket, and in turn begins a 12-month period that includes a daunting tour of South Africa and the 2027 Ashes.

An eventful two months in English cricket has seen a the appointment of a new Test captain and head coach in Joe Root and Stephen Fleming amid a plethora of off-field issues that included multiple incidents involving alcohol and the retirement of previous captain Ben Stokes.

England’s comprehensive series victory may have restored faith in a team who had previously lost seven of their last 10 Tests, but multiple questions relating to team personnel and leadership remain unanswered.

Here, the Sky Sports pundits assess the key dilemmas facing Root and Fleming…

Cox, Lawrence, Gay, Smith – who stays and who goes?

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Mark Butcher is joined by Urooj Mumtaz and Nasser Hussain to reflect on day four at Edgbaston which saw England recover from losing two very early wickets to seal victory in the third Test.

One of the most pressing issues facing England’s selectors is that of the last remaining spot in an otherwise entrenched batting line-up.

Opener Emilio Gay, all-rounder Dan Lawrence, and wicketkeepers Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith have all featured in at least three of the summer’s six Tests, but one of those four will have to drop out to facilitate the return of highly-rated Jacob Bethell, who has primarily featured as a No 3 for England.

Bethell has been tipped to open the batting in place of Gay – who has struggled after notching three half-centuries in six Tests this summer – while Cox has impressed both with the bat and in two days with the gloves after he replaced the injured Smith, notching a half-century in each of the three Tests against Pakistan.

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Jordan Cox takes a superb catch to dismiss Babar Azam in Edgbaston.

“I would probably bring Bethell straight back in at three,” Nasser Hussain said on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast. “You can’t produce that hundred at Sydney the way he did and not have a Test match future.

“It’s then Cox who looks vulnerable, or Gay – but I’m old school and think that opener is a specialist position.

“The two areas of English cricket we’re looking for, a front-line spinner and opener.

“Gay has made a decent start, he looks like he could have a future but we’re not certain. I would stick with him.

“The other option is you give Cox the gloves and axe Jamie Smith, but I also wouldn’t do that. He’s also done well with the gloves and got some runs.”

Broad: Cox deserves place in the team

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Eoin Morgan says Jordan Cox’s long term, not short term mentality will put him in good stead for a long test match future.

England seamer Stuart Broad heaped on the praise for Jordan Cox after his composed 59no led England to victory in the third Test against Pakistan, adding: “I think Cox has done enough in this series to deserve a spot in the team.

“He’s been composed, assured, calm, provided a match-winning innings today in a situation that was very difficult as a No 3 with England losing two wickets in the first over.

“That’s the selector’s biggest question – how do you get Cox in the team when Bethell is back.

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England’s start to day four could not have gone worse after Mohammad Abbas removed Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay in the first over

“Huge credit to Cox for putting the selectors in that position – what I like about him is that he’s got confidence in his own ability.

“One thing about this England team we’ve seen all summer is they lack a bit of leadership out on the field.

“I think Cox adds that. And I think he adds to the group and the leadership out there. I would have him in my XI come Pretoria in December.”

Is England’s bowling attack overrated?

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Jofra Archer dismisses Azan Awais in England’s third test against Pakistan.

The other area in discussion is that of England’s bowling attack.

The four-pronged seam attack of Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue tore Pakistan’s batting line-up to shreds for much of the series, restricting them to a score of under 200 in all of their first five innings and earning comparisons to the storied 2005 Ashes attack that interim head coach Marcus Trescothick called “fair” after the second Test.

Pakistan, though, were able to rebound on a flat Edgbaston pitch in their sixth innings, posting a score of 449 after a toiling day three performance that raised questions over whether England’s bowlers were simply made to look good by favourable conditions.

Robinson in particular – who took a staggering 21 wickets at an average of 8.76 across the series – was questioned by Hussain, who identified his low speeds as a potential issue on more batter-friendly wickets.

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Nasser Hussain and Dinesh Karthik assess England’s series-clinching victory over Pakistan at Lord’s, Ollie Robinson’s superb form and how Joe Root’s bowling attack could fare against tougher opposition.

“As we saw late yesterday – on England’s one bad day – Robinson regressed to the mean, like the rest of the attack. His speeds were down and he was easier to play.

“He is what he is: he’s a highly-skilled bowler, but if you keep him out there long enough, 78 mph becomes 74 mph – and that’s a lot easier to face, even if it is nipping around a lot.

“You cannot argue though with his stats this summer. He’s been absolutely fantastic with new-ball wickets up front. He sets the tone and wobbles it around – he’s very difficult to play.

“Fleming, Root and whoever now just need to keep someone on his shoulder between now and South Africa, to make sure he rocks up fit for that first Test match.”

Broad: We haven’t learned a huge amount about Robinson

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Ollie Robinson took two wickets for no runs in the opening over of Pakistan’s second innings in the third Test against England.

Broad, while complimentary of Robinson’s success, feels the England seamer still has a lot to prove going into series against South Africa and Australia which will undoubtedly provide different challenges.

“Robinson looked relatively ineffective yesterday when it got a bit a bit flatter,” Broad said on Sky Sports.

“Joe Root didn’t trust him with the second new ball for more than two overs. But if he gets conditions where it nips around against this quality of batting unit, he’s going to be highly effective.

“So I don’t think we’ve learned a huge amount about Ollie Robinson. He’s very good when conditions suit, but I expect the pitches to be different next summer.

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Ollie Robinson gets England’s first wicket in their third Test against Pakistan, dismissing Saim Ayub.

“What I don’t want to see is this trend of the keeper standing up to the stumps and the 75mph bowlers lobbing it up on a length continuing.

“At that level, you can have 25, 30 bowlers from county cricket that can do that job. On a normal Test match pitch, only five or six players can do that.

“Robinson has been given the ball in a summer that suited him, but there is no doubt that he delivered in an absolutely top-class way.”

England vs Pakistan – series results

Watch every England match during the international summer live on Sky Sports, including the white-ball series’ against Sri Lanka, starting with the first T20I on Tuesday. Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream contract-free with NOW.

Kalshi Promo Code FOXSPORTS: Get a $25 Bonus for Ohio State vs. Texas and More

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

College football is back, and Kalshi is giving new users another reason to follow one of the biggest games on the Week 2 slate. Use promo code FOXSPORTS to get a $25 bonus and make your trade on the highly anticipated Ohio State vs. Texas showdown.

Ohio State looks to repeat last season’s win over Texas, but this year’s game is in Austin. Steve Sarkisan and quarterback Arch Manning have the weapons to make a deep run this season, and it all starts with this massive game.

With two College Football Playoff contenders going head-to-head, Ohio State-Texas is one of the biggest games college football fans won’t want to miss.

The Week 1 schedule features plenty of other major matchups and top teams, giving college football fans plenty to follow beyond Ohio State and Texas. Use promo code FOXSPORTS on Kalshi to get a $25 bonus and add another way to follow the biggest games throughout the college football season.

For more information and full terms and conditions, visit our Kalshi promo code page.

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Create a new Kalshi account using your email address and basic registration details.
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*Probabilities are subject to change*

No. 4 Texas Longhorns vs. No. 1 Ohio State

TeamsChanceYesNoTexas Longhorns52%53¢48¢Ohio State Buckeyes48%48¢53¢

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How to Watch Ohio State vs. Texas

When: Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
TV: ABC
Streaming: ESPN Unlimited – Watch with the FOX One / ESPN Bundle

Players to Watch

A rematch of last season’s Cotton Bowl semifinal puts extra weight on how Ohio State’s quarterback handles the moment, and Julian Sayin has answered every question so far. He completed 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns, and added a rushing score, in a 56-3 rout of Ball State to open the year. Saturday brings a different level of competition in Arch Manning and a Texas defense that will test his accuracy under duress. If Sayin sustains that efficiency against ranked competition, Ohio State’s national title defense stays on track from the opening weekend.

Texas needed its quarterback to look like a Heisman contender right away, and Arch Manning obliged, throwing for 305 yards and four touchdowns against one interception in a 59-7 win over Texas State. That performance came against overmatched competition; Saturday’s visit from top-ranked Ohio State is the real measuring stick for a Longhorns team that lost to these same Buckeyes in last season’s Cotton Bowl. Manning found three different receivers for scores in the opener, spreading the ball well beyond Cam Coleman. A poised outing against Ohio State’s defense would validate Texas as a genuine playoff contender rather than a team still chasing signature wins.

Coming off a two-touchdown, 151-yard afternoon against Ball State, Jeremiah Smith enters the Texas game as the most proven weapon on either side of the ball. His first score was a contested, one-handed grab in the end zone off play action, the kind of play that turns a clean coverage rep into a disaster for a secondary. Texas showed some vulnerability on the perimeter in its opener, and Smith’s size and ball skills make him a matchup problem regardless of who lines up across from him. If he draws similar attention Saturday, it should open room underneath for Ohio State’s running game against a Longhorns’ defense that has to respect him on every snap.

Cam Coleman needed only three catches to make his Texas debut memorable, turning them into 70 yards and two touchdowns, including a 44 yard connection with Arch Manning, in the win over Texas State. The Auburn transfer arrived in Austin as the consensus top non-quarterback name in the transfer portal, and the early chemistry with Manning already looks ahead of schedule. Ohio State’s secondary returns plenty of experience but will see a different blend of speed and catch radius in Coleman than it faced in the opener. A big play from him against a ranked opponent would confirm Texas found its most explosive answer to replacing last year’s receiving corps.

Bolton 1 – 0 Cardiff

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Substitute Thierry Gale headed a 90th-minute winner as Bolton ended a run of four successive Championship defeats with a 1-0 victory over last season’s League One rivals Cardiff.

The Barbadian international stole in at the far post to convert a left-wing centre from fellow substitute Theo Bair to give Steven Schumacher’s side their first three points since the opening game of the campaign.

Cardiff, along with Burnley the only Championship side without a win, will wonder how their failed to collect at least a point.

And but for Bolton keeper Gazin Bazunu the Bluebirds would certainly have shared the spoils.

Signed from Southampton last month, he made a staggering 10 saves as Wanderers climbed out of the relegation zone.

Bazunu twice denied Bluebirds’ striker Yousef Salech; tipping over a first-half header and then denying the big target man another header.

And with Brian Barry-Murphy’s side pouring forward in stoppage time, the one-time Manchester City prospect took his save tally into double figures by foiling Callum Robinson.

In contrast, opposite number Nathan Trott was rarely troubled as the Welsh visitors suffered a third defeat since promotion.

Salech tested Bazunu after only six minutes before the Irish international saved Chris Willock’s deflected effort.

Bazunu’s next highlight came after nine minutes as Ollie Tanner headed into Salech’s path and the subsequent header was tipped over the bar.

It took Bolton 28 minutes to fashion a first chance with Trott less than comfortable dealing with Ruben Rodrigues’ 20-yard effort.

Four minutes later, Wanderers claimed a penalty when Kyliane Dong latched onto Rodrigues’ pass and went down under challenge from Trott. Referee Tom Parsons booked the winger for simulation, a decision confirmed by subsequent replays.

Team mates Ben Davies and Samuel Iling-Junior were also cautioned in a disjointed first half along with Cardiff’s Joel Colwill.

Iling-Junior and Sam Dalby were replaced at half-time by match winners Gale and Bair – the latter making his home debut.

Cardiff though still looked the most likely to make a breakthrough. But they too pushed the boundaries and Perry Ng was booked for diving in the area under Gale’s challenge.

Bazunu conjured up a stunning save to keep out Salech’s latest attempt after the striker met Willock’s left-wing delivery.

His next stop from Jack Moylan’s side foot after 73 minutes was far more routine.

The contest appeared to be heading for stalemate until Gale netted his second goal of the season and Bazunu protected his clean sheet.

The managers

Bolton’s Steven Schumacher:

“You need goalkeepers who win you points and today he has done that. Cardiff created the clearer opportunities, more in the final third and better attacking play.

“When that happens, you need your goalkeeper to make a save for you. He was outstanding.

“We have been working for 18 months to get our wingers arriving at the back stick to head one in. So, we have finally done it.

“Thierry is so frustrating. It took him 20 minutes to get going. Thankfully the subs combined and Thierry was in right place to score.

“Football is mad. We played better in the previous four games but got nothing for our efforts.

“Tuesday took a lot out of us. We had to show another side of us which is really pleasing against good opponents who are one of the hardest teams to play against when you are tired.”

Cardiff’s Brian Barry-Murphy:

“To be honest, we would have been disappointed talking about a draw.

“So, to be speaking after a defeat is very hard on the players and the fans. In the first half, we looked dangerous without being at our best.

“I asked the players for a lot at half-time in terms of the second half and we created enough chances to win many games.

“The players have a deep-rooted belief in how we want to play. And it means a lot to them.

“But they know we have to win. If we keep playing like we are and making chances, I am certain we will.

“We believe we are good enough to do it. I am at an incredible club and I have never felt more motivated to give them a team that they can feel proud to follow.”

What the result means and next fixtures…

How to Watch Louisiana vs. USC: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns visit the USC Trojans on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 at 11 p.m. ET from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Louisiana moved to 1-0 by beating Lamar 38-7, and USC is 2-0, most recently a 39-0 win over Fresno State.

USC’s passing game has been the story through two games. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has thrown for 635 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions, and the Trojans’ defense has allowed just 13 points total.

Louisiana has leaned on defense in its opener. Quarterback Lunch Winfield has thrown for 189 yards with two interceptions, while the Ragin’ Cajuns’ defense held Lamar to 7 points as the offense scored 38.

The Trojans are 30.5-point favorites over the Ragin’ Cajuns at DraftKings, with a total of 59.5 and a moneyline of -11111 for the Trojans and +2450 for the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Louisiana vs. USC

When: Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. ET
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
TV: BTN
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players to Watch

USC enters 2-0 with one of the most efficient passing attacks in the country, and Maiava is at the center of it. He has thrown for 635 yards and five touchdowns without an interception through two games, and the Trojans’ 88.1% completion rate is the highest mark in the nation this season. That kind of accuracy sets up a difficult night for a Louisiana defense that gave up 189 passing yards and two interceptions of its own quarterback in a much lower-scoring opener. If Maiava keeps operating at that completion rate, USC has a clear path to another lopsided night at the Coliseum.

Mosley has been the primary beneficiary of USC’s precision passing game, totaling 222 receiving yards and three touchdowns through two games. He gives Maiava a proven big-play target against a Louisiana secondary that will be facing one of the nation’s most accurate quarterbacks for the first time this season. With the Trojans already blowing out two opponents by a combined 39-0 and 42-26 score, Mosley’s continued production would keep USC’s offense humming early. His touchdown total alone makes him the clearest weapon to watch in this matchup.

Louisiana is a heavy underdog on the road, and Winfield’s dual-threat ability gives the Ragin’ Cajuns their best chance to stay competitive against USC. He threw for 189 yards with two interceptions but also added 84 yards on the ground in a win over Lamar, showing his legs can create offense even when the passing numbers are uneven. That balance matters against a USC defense that will be significantly more talented than what Louisiana saw in its opener. Protecting the ball will be critical, since turnovers against an explosive Trojans offense could turn this into a much bigger margin.

Smith provided the finishing touches on the ground for Louisiana in its season-opening win over Lamar, scoring twice. That short-yardage production gives the Ragin’ Cajuns a way to manufacture points even if their passing game struggles against a USC defense that has already limited two opponents to a combined 26 points across two games. If Smith can find the end zone again, Louisiana has a path to stay on the scoreboard against a heavily favored Trojans team. His role also becomes more important given the uncertainty around Louisiana’s receiving corps heading into this game.

Louisiana vs. USC Odds

Learn more about the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns vs. USC Trojans game and check the full schedule on FOX Sports!

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Spanish GP: Lewis Hamilton crashes as Kimi Antonelli tops final practice from Charles Leclerc in Madrid | F1 News

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was fastest in final practice at the Spanish Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton crashed and lost valuable track time ahead of qualifying in Madrid.

Just 20 minutes into the session, Hamilton was on course to set a very quick lap until he outbraked himself at the last corner and hit the barriers head-on, albeit at a relatively slow speed.

He reversed out of the barriers but the front wing had dislodged itself and got stuck under the front right tyre, so Ferrari urged Hamilton to stop the car.

But the seven-time world champion wanted to limp back to the pit lane so he did not lose crucial running for qualifying later on at 3pm (build-up from 2.15pm), live on Sky Sports F1, before eventually coming to a halt in the middle sector.

Sky Sports F1‘s Anthony Davidson feels Hamilton was wrong to drive for such a long time with a damaged car.

“Any young driver that is watching this right now, you don’t do that. You just don’t do that. That’s what you could have tried to do [get back to the pits] but that rule is there for a reason,” he said.

“If it [the front wing] went under the car completely and jacked your front wheels up and there were marshals on the track… you’ve got to think of all these scenarios.”

Image:
Lewis Hamilton tried to limp around with a damaged car until he eventually stopped in the middle sector (PA)

The crash caused a 45-minute red flag as the marshals repaired the barriers, with the clock being stopped with 15 minutes remaining so the drivers could get more laps around the new Madring.

Antonelli, who leads the Drivers’ Championship by 66 points over Mercedes team-mate George Russell, emerged on top with a blistering 1:32.797 to beat Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 0.166s.

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Ollie Bearman took a huge hit right at the end of final practice at the Spanish Grand Prix

McLaren showed promise with Oscar Piastri in third and Lando Norris in fourth – the latter missed almost all of second practice on Friday.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was fifth and Russell only sixth but it looks like pole position could be anyone’s given the drivers are getting faster with every lap and the track is evolving.

Haas’ Oliver Bearman proved how difficult the Madring is with a big crash in the high-speed Turn 11, leaving his team with a race to get his car fixed for qualifying.

Spanish GP Practice Three Timesheet

Driver
Team
Time

1) Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
1:32.797

2) Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
+0.166

3) Oscar Piastri
McLaren
+0.189

4) Lando Norris
McLaren
+0.236

5) Max Verstappen
Red Bull
+0.375

6) George Russell
Mercedes
+0.702

7) Liam Lawson
Red Bull
+1.105

8) Nico Hulkenberg
Audi
+1.136

9) Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
+1.487

10) Gabriel Bortoleto
Audi
+1.491

11) Franco Colapinto
Alpine
+1.549

12) Esteban Ocon
Haas
+1.633

13) Oliver Bearman
Haas
+1.684

14) Arvid Lindblad
Racing Bulls
+1.708

15) Yuki Tsunoda
Racing Bulls
+1.768

16) Pierre Gasly
Alpine
+2.174

17) Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
+2.233

18) Carlos Sainz
Williams
+2.667

19) Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
+2.773

20) Sergio Perez
Cadillac
+3.644

21) Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac
+3.873

22) Alex Albon
Williams
No time set

Sky Sports F1’s Spanish GP live schedule

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Sky Sports Anthony Davidson talks you through the new Madrid F1 track

Saturday September 12
2.15pm: Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
3pm: SPANISH GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
4.55pm: F3 Feature Race 1
6pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

Sunday September 13
8.40am: F3 Feature Race 2
10.20am: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Spanish GP build-up
2pm: THE SPANISH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Spanish GP reaction
5pm: Ted’s Notebook

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is in Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit with Sunday’s race at 2pm (build-up from 12.30pm), live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

How to Watch Duke vs. Illinois: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Duke Blue Devils visit the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. ET from Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. Duke opened its season with a 17-3 win over Tulane to move to 1-0, and Illinois is also 1-0 by way of a 42-23 win over UAB.

Duke’s defense set the tone in that opener, holding Tulane to three points while running back Nate Sheppard carried the offense with 227 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Illinois leaned on its passing game. Quarterback Katin Houser threw for 182 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, and running back Ca’Lil Valentine added 88 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries as the Fighting Illini scored 42 points.

The Fighting Illini are 5.5-point favorites over the Blue Devils at DraftKings, with a total of 51.5 and a moneyline of -229 for the Fighting Illini and +184 for the Blue Devils.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Duke vs. Illinois

When: Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
TV: FS1
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players to Watch

Illinois’ defense already showed a soft spot up front, allowing 194 rushing yards in a season-opening win over UAB, and that’s bad news against a Duke offense built around Sheppard. The sophomore carried 35 times for a career-high 227 yards and both Blue Devils touchdowns in the 17-3 win over Tulane, the fifth-best single-game rushing total in program history. He enters Champaign a year removed from a 1,132-yard, 11-touchdown campaign that helped Duke win its first outright ACC title since 1962. If he finds the same lanes against Illinois’ retooled front, Duke can control the clock and keep Katin Houser off the field.

Duke’s defense needs the graduate linebacker to be just as disruptive against a more explosive Illinois offense. Mergott forced a key third-quarter fumble that snuffed out a Tulane scoring threat, part of a defensive effort that held the Green Wave out of the end zone entirely in the opener. This week’s assignment is tougher: Katin Houser threw for 182 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing score in his Illinois debut without a turnover. Mergott and Duke’s front seven will need to speed up Houser’s timing and force the mistakes that didn’t show up in his first outing.

Illinois handed the keys to a transfer quarterback for the third straight year, and Houser delivered immediately, completing 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards with three touchdown throws, an additional rushing score and no turnovers in a 42-23 win over UAB. The highlight was a 54-yard Hail Mary to Ty Robinson to close the first half, Illinois’ first Hail Mary touchdown to end a half since 2019. He now faces a Duke defense that pitched a shutout in the scoring column against Tulane. How Houser handles that pressure will shape whether Illinois’ offense can keep pace in front of its home crowd.

Kante turned one read into six points last week, returning an interception 59 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against UAB after primarily playing special teams as a JUCO addition in 2025. The fifth-year linebacker is being counted on for a bigger role in Illinois’ defense this season, and he’ll get another shot at a takeaway against a Duke passing attack that was efficient but modest in its opener, with Walker Eget completing just over half his throws for 131 yards. A turnover from Kante could flip field position and give Illinois’ offense short fields to work with all afternoon.

Duke vs. Illinois Odds

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Tottenham vs Everton: How to watch Premier League contest, TV channel, live stream, NOW TV and score prediction | Football News

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Tottenham host Everton in the Premier League on September 12, live on Sky Sports.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side are still looking for their first win of the season, having drawn one and lost two of their opening three games.

Everton dramatically rescued a point last time out against Manchester United, thanks to a stunning debut goal from Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Everton’s match against Manchester United in the Premier League

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Nottingham Forest’s match against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League

When is Tottenham vs Everton?

Tottenham vs Everton in the Premier League takes place on Saturday September 12 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kick-off is 5.30pm UK and Ireland time.

How to watch Tottenham vs Everton

TV: Sky Customers can watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League from 5pm

App: Sky Customers can also watch on the Sky Sports app

Stream: Non Sky Customers can stream the game with a NOW Day or a cancel-anytime Month pass

Online: Anyone on the move can follow live coverage of the game through our dedicated match blog

Highlights: Watch free Premier League highlights shortly after full-time

How to watch Tottenham v Everton with the Sky Sports app

Sky Sports Subscribers can:

Download or open the Sky Sports app
Head to the ‘Live’ section at 5pm
Tap on the Sky Sports Premier League channel
Sign in with your Sky iD (*you’ll only need to do this once)

*Sky iD help: How to find or create your Sky iD

What is NOW TV?

NOW is an instant streaming service offering access to all 12 Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports+ stream, and much more.

It’s an app, so customers can sign up and stream instantly across over 60 devices. It offers contract-free membership options, so customers can cancel anytime!

You can choose between a Month or Day Memberships. See the latest NOW TV membership prices.

More information about NOW can be found here.

Tottenham vs Everton odds and score prediction

Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones…

More to follow….

Illinois vs. Duke Prediction, Odds, Pick For College Football Week 2

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

No, this isn’t a men’s college basketball game. These two teams are meeting on the football field for the second straight season.

The Illinois Fighting Illini take on the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday in a Week 2 college football matchup on FS1.

Illinois dominated Duke 45-19 in Week 1 last season, but both teams enter this year’s matchup with new quarterbacks leading the way.

Both programs opened the 2026 season with wins, as Duke defeated Tulane 17-3 and Illinois beat UAB 42-23.

Katin Houser threw three touchdown passes and added another on the ground in his Fighting Illini debut. Two of those scores went to wide receiver Collin Dixon, while Ca’Lil Valentine led the game with 88 rushing yards and found the end zone. Illinois’ defense also got in on the scoring with a pick-six.

Bret Bielema’s team has now won six straight season openers and will look to start 2-0 for the third consecutive season.

Duke, meanwhile, had to replace one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Darian Mensah, turning to San Jose State transfer Walker Eget. In his Blue Devils debut, Eget completed 50% of his passes for 131 yards and no touchdowns.

Fortunately for Eget, the Blue Devils didn’t need much from the passing game. Running back Nate Sheppard carried the offensive load, rushing for 227 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries.

With Week 1 behind them, Illinois and Duke now turn their attention to Saturday’s matchup and a rematch of last season’s blowout.

Let’s take a look at the odds for Illinois vs. Duke at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 12.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Duke @ Illinois Odds

Moneyline

Illinois: -218 (bet $10 to win $14.59 total)
Duke: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)

Spread

Illinois -6: -108 (bet $10 to win $19.26 total)
Duke +6: -112 (bet $10 to win $18.93 total)

Over/Under

Over 51.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
Under 51.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)

Duke @ Illinois Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research:

Illinois has been one of the toughest teams in the country to beat at home over the past three seasons, going 13-2 in Champaign, while Bret Bielema has won 10 straight non-conference games.

We know this Illinois team will be a tough out, especially at home. Duke couldn’t find a way to beat the Fighting Illini last season with one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Now, the Blue Devils have to travel to Champaign with a new quarterback leading the offense.

They also can’t count on Nate Sheppard rushing for 200-plus yards again to provide an offensive spark. Walker Eget will have to shoulder more of the load if Duke is going to hand Illinois just its third home loss since the start of the 2024 season.

Take the Illini to cover.

The Pick: Illinois -6

How to Watch Illinois vs. Duke

Date: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
Location: Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois

Conor Benn’s ‘graduation day’ is here but Ryan Garcia could be a class above in Las Vegas clash, says Johnny Nelson | Boxing News

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Conor Benn must prove he belongs at world level in this weekend’s fight against Ryan Garcia, but the WBC champion might be too fast and too sharp, says Sky Sports expert Johnny Nelson.

Benn will challenge for his first world title when he takes on Garcia for the WBC welterweight belt at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Californian floored and outpointed Mario Barrios to become the new WBC champion in February, while he has previously fought elite champions such as Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis.

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Conor Benn hits out at Ryan Garcia for ‘bottling it’ after American fails to show up for face-off in Las Vegas. Credit: @Zuffa Boxing

But Nelson is refusing to rule out a stunning victory for Benn.

“Never say never,” Nelson told Sky Sports. “Right now, it seems like an impossible mountain to climb, because Conor Benn hasn’t answered the questions that needed answering. Has he got that depth of experience? He hasn’t. Can he dig deep? We know he can. Is he that level of a fighter? That’s a question we don’t know the answer to.

“What we do know is, historically, this has happened time and time again before. Lloyd Honeyghan going over to America and winning the world title shocked everybody. Conor’s dad, Nigel Benn, going over and beating Iran Barkley. You know, Barkley had a bit of a name for himself; could Nigel do it? He did do it, and he did it after getting knocked out by Michael Watson.

“So, because the style is probably so crude and rugged, you’d think, has this kid [Conor Benn] got the class to become a world champion and be, what looks like, a class act?

“It just has to be his night. Obviously, you’d understand people leaning towards Ryan Garcia because Garcia is proven. Conor isn’t. So you’re going to give a man a chance to prove himself, not write him off.”

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Gary Logan and Joe Gallagher agree that Ryan Garcia may be complacent about facing Conor Benn and any lack of focus could cost him dearly

Benn stepped up to middleweight to settle his rivalry with Chris Eubank Jr, losing the first fight on points before avenging the defeat with a dominant victory on the scorecards in the rematch.

The 29-year-old endured a tough weight cut to drop down towards 147lbs for the Garcia fight, but Nelson insists the all-action Brit will be a ‘machine’ in the ring.

“I don’t believe the weight will take away his armoury,” said Nelson. “It will obviously take away the natural strength that he had at a higher weight.

“He won’t be completely depleted. I think he’ll still be a machine. He’ll be faster. He’ll not be stronger. I think he’ll have the speed, but not have the strength that he showed when we saw him box Eubank Jr.

“I think speed creates power, and the attrition, the number of shots that he throws, they are blistering.

“We’ve seen him take people out before; we’ve seen him concussively take people out.

“But I think speed creates power, and it’s navigating that. It’s about how he goes about that.”

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Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia exchanged heated words and then had to be separated by security during their Zuffa press conference and face-off

Benn floored Eubank Jr twice in their second fight, while he also demolished former world champion Chris Algieri, but Nelson believes Garcia will be a far more challenging proposition.

“This is graduation day for Conor Benn,” said Nelson. “I expect Garcia to be a class above. I expect Garcia to take Conor seriously, and I expect him to go out and be fast and be sharp and be dominant.

“So, this is for Ryan Garcia to lose because if there’s any scent of arrogance, complacency, or dismissiveness from him in regard to Conor, that will be his reckoning. That will be his downfall.

“This is one of those fights where you’ve got to be on your A-game. Ryan Garcia has to go in there and respect Conor. What I’ve seen and what I’ve heard doesn’t tell me that; he thinks this is easy work.

“This might be just talk. It might be fighting talk, but I hope he’s taking Conor seriously because if he hasn’t, he’s giving a man a chance who, on paper, shouldn’t have one.”

Oklahoma vs. Michigan Prediction, Odds, Pick For College Football Week 2

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Michigan Wolverines will host the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday in a Week 2 Big Noon Kickoff matchup on FOX.

In one of the most dramatic endings in college football history, Michigan converted a miraculous Hail Mary to avoid a massive upset against Western Michigan in Week 1.

The Wolverines originally thought they had lost before replay review put one second back on the clock, giving them one final chance at a Hail Mary. They took advantage.

Despite the win, the Kyle Whittingham era got off to a rocky start as the Wolverines barely escaped a Western Michigan team that entered the game as 27.5-point underdogs. Bryce Underwood and the offense struggled mightily, managing just 13 points, 12 first downs and 276 total yards.

Still, Michigan is 1-0 and now has a huge opportunity to flip the script against a ranked opponent in Week 2.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s Week 1 opener went much more smoothly. The Sooners cruised past UTEP 51-0, with John Mateer throwing for 225 yards and three touchdowns.

Oklahoma’s defense also picked up right where it left off in 2025, shutting out UTEP after finishing last season as one of the best units in the country.

With that, let’s take a look at the odds for Oklahoma vs. Michigan at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 12.

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No. 11 Oklahoma @ Michigan Odds

Moneyline

Oklahoma: -215 (bet $10 to win $10.25 total)
Michigan: +176 (bet $10 to win $27.60 total)

Spread

Oklahoma -5.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Michigan +5.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Over/Under

Over 43.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Under 43.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

No. 11 Oklahoma @ Michigan Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research:

In Week 1, Michigan turned the ball over three times while failing to force a single takeaway. Underwood struggled through the air, completing just 12 of 23 passes (52.2%) for 170 yards and an interception. The Wolverines also struggled on third down, converting just 3 of 10 attempts (30%), compared to Western Michigan’s 8-of-18 mark (44.4%).

So Oklahoma is the obvious play here, right? Wrong.

This is college football, and in a big game like this, the edge goes to the home team. The betting markets are overreacting to Michigan’s poor Week 1 performance. Whittingham will have his team ready to bounce back, and it’s possible the Wolverines were looking ahead to this matchup and simply didn’t get up for a MAC opponent.

That won’t be the case Saturday. Michigan will be ready for a ranked opponent and a Big Noon Kickoff showdown in front of its home crowd. Back the Wolverines to bounce back and cover the spread.

The Pick: Michigan +5.5

How to Watch Oklahoma vs. Michigan

Date: Saturday, Sept. 12. 2026
Time: 12 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI

US Open: Ben Shelton takes down Frances Tiafoe to seal Alexander Zverev showdown in final on Sunday in New York | Tennis News

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Ben Shelton ‌defeated compatriot Frances Tiafoe in ‌an electric U.S. Open semi-final on Friday to secure a title showdown with Alexander Zverev.

On a poignant evening that began with commemorations marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Shelton ‌came from a set down to beat Tiafoe 4-6 6-3 6-3 7-5 and move closer to ending a 23-year ‌American wait for a men’s singles Grand Slam champion.

No home male player has won a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick triumphed in Flushing Meadows in 2003. Shelton will now have a chance to claim his maiden Grand Slam crown.

US Open fastest serve MPH

Ben Shelton – 149

Ben Shelton – 148

Ben Shelton – 147

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard – 145

Thiago Tirante – 145

Andy Roddick holds the all-time record at the US Open in 2002 at 152mph

The record for the most powerful serve in history is held by Sam Groth with 163.6 mph in a Challenger event

Earlier, Zverev booked his place in the final with a 6-3 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (8-6) victory against Karen Khachanov to move a step closer to a ‌second Grand Slam title.

Tiafoe ⁠powered ahead 5-4 ⁠when Shelton produced a double fault, before raising the ‌roof on the main showcourt with a hold to bag the first set.

Tiafoe ‌continued to target his opponent’s relatively weaker backhand in the second set but Shelton dialled up the intensity to draw ⁠level and broke in the fifth game of the third set to take a commanding lead in the match.

With his booming ⁠left-handed serve and his defence proving impenetrable in the high-octane fourth set, ⁠eighth seed Shelton heaped the pressure on late and moved into his maiden major title clash.

Zverev downs Khachanov to close in second major

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Highlights of the US Open semi-final between Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov

The French Open champion had been pushed to five sets in each of his opening two rounds but has now won four straight matches without dropping a set, as he reached his third consecutive major final.

The victory sent him to his second title decider at Flushing Meadows, after finishing runner-up in 2020 to Dominic Thiem.

“After the second round at 3am, me and my team were in the dressing room actually laughing at how bad I was playing. That sense of humour helped me,” Zverev said ⁠on court.

“I have improved a little ⁠bit, otherwise I wouldn’t be in the US Open final.”

From ‘pointless’ start to the final

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Watch the moment Zverev goes around the net with a stunning winner over Khachanov

The German had played all his previous matches during the night sessions, existing in a perpetual loop of darkness and midnight finishes.

The 29-year-old has capitalised on the absence of Jannik Sinner and defeats for Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, as well as a kind draw, to reach a third consecutive Grand Slam final.

“I really started off the tournament, and I was like, ‘Well, this is pointless because I’m not going to do anything here,’ and here I am sitting and preparing for a Sunday final,” Zverev told reporters.

A solitary break was all Zverev needed to pinch a tight first set from his opponent and when he broke again at start of the second, a routine afternoon looked on the cards.

However, a double fault allowed Khachanov back on serve and instead Zverev became embroiled in a tie-break, at one point trailing 5-3 and only winning it after a lung-busting 35-shot rally.

The third set went the same way and Khachanov had set points at 6-4, but two wayward forehands and a Zverev ace gave him match point which he took at the first attempt.

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A partisan crowd in New York on Sunday

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Rather than fearing a partisan crowd on Sunday, Zverev said he was looking forward to it.

“I think it’s going to be a fantastic feeling playing, you know, a final in a sold-out Arthur Ashe and not in an empty one,” he said. “For me, a loud and energetic crowd is always great, as long as ‌they’re fair.”

Navratilova: There are no asterisks in Zverev’s successes

Image:
Zverev ‘is cooking’ according to Martina Navratilova

Sky Sports Tennis’ Martina Navratilova:

“What a year Zverev has had at the majors. It’s been outstanding stuff.

“Okay, Sinner lost early at the French Open and Alcaraz didn’t play, but there are no asterisks, he still had to get through even as a favourite.

“And that has given the confidence to play better tennis after that. I think he played better at Wimbledon than he did at Roland Garros, and now he started off badly here by his own admission, but he hasn’t lost a set the last four matches.

“He’s cooking now.”

Where to Bet on Ryan Garcia vs. Connor Benn This Weekend

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Boxing fans have a massive showdown to follow this weekend as Ryan Garcia puts his WBC welterweight title on the line against Conor Benn at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Garcia enters as the favorite, while Benn looks to pull off the upset in his first world title challenge.

Odds are available on DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, bet365 and more for Garcia vs. Benn, giving bettors plenty of ways to wager on the main event. The card also features Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian in the co-main event, along with Mark Magsayo vs. Andres Cortes and Jose Ramirez vs. Alexis Rocha.

The fight takes place Saturday, Sept. 12, with the main card streaming live on Paramount+ in the U.S. Garcia is making his first title defense after defeating Mario Barrios, while Benn enters the matchup with wins over Regis Prograis and Chris Eubank Jr. Both fighters made weight Friday, setting the stage for a high-profile U.S. vs. U.K. clash in Las Vegas. Catch the best odds and new users promos.

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Garcia vs. Benn Odds

*Odds may differ each site*

MoneylineRyan Garcia−330MoneylineConor Benn+250Total RoundsOver 9.5−125Total RoundsUnder 9.5−110

DraftKings

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Exact Method of Victory

*Odds may differ each site*

Ryan Garcia to Win by KO+300Ryan Garcia to Win by TKO+175Ryan Garcia to Win by Disqualification+10000Ryan Garcia to Win by Unanimous Decision+350Ryan Garcia to Win by Split Decision+1000Ryan Garcia to Win by Majority Decision+2200Draw+1600Conor Benn to Win by KO+1400Conor Benn to Win by TKO+700Conor Benn to Win by Disqualification+10000Conor Benn to Win by Unanimous Decision+900Conor Benn to Win by Split Decision+2500Conor Benn to Win by Majority Decision+4000

Caesars Sportsbook

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Method of Victory

*Odds may differ each site*

Ryan Garcia by KO/TKO/DQ−105Ryan Garcia by Decision or Technical Decision+240Draw+1600Conor Benn by KO/TKO/DQ+500Conor Benn by Decision or Technical Decision+650

bet365

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Fight Winner & Total Knockdowns

*Odds may differ each site*

Ryan Garcia to Win and Over 1.5 Knockdowns+225Ryan Garcia to Win and Under 1.5 Knockdowns−110Conor Benn to Win and Over 1.5 Knockdowns+750Conor Benn to Win and Under 1.5 Knockdowns+425

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Manchester United news: Ruben Amorim takes a swipe at the club’s former players now working in the media – Paper Talk | Football News

September 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Saturday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has taken a swipe at the club’s former players who now work in the media, claiming they “talk a lot about things” from a different era – Daily Mirror

Enzo Fernandez told Chelsea that his relationship with the changing room was broken and beyond repair as he pushed for his Manchester City move, Stamford Bridge insiders have claimed – Daily Mail

Former Liverpool midfielder James Milner has revealed he is training for a marathon – The Sun

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explains how the club were able to cope with the travel disruption ahead of their Champions League trip to Napoli this week – by going through such scenarios in pre-season

Arsenal have brought in outside consultants to examine the club’s internal operations and identify areas for improvement – Daily Mirror

Manchester United have disrupted a massive organised touting network covering hundreds of matchday seats and have removed 685 season tickets as part of an investigation – Daily Star

EFL

A consortium led by Spartans main shareholder Scott Davidson are looking to buy Shrewsbury Town – Scottish Sun

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

WORLD FOOTBALL

James Rodriguez has returned to play in Colombia for the first time since leaving ‌as a teenager, joining Medellin giants Atletico Nacional on a free transfer – The Sun

Former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt has taken charge of Fenerbahce after their manager’s shock resignation following the Champions League draw with Roma – The Sun

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

John Souttar will jet out to Greece this weekend to undergo a medical put the finishing touches on his move to Aris Thessaloniki – Scottish Sun

Dan Purdy has quit his position as Rangers technical director after arriving at Ibrox just 15 months ago as a replacement for Nils Koppen – Scottish Sun

BOXING

Anthony Joshua’s mega-fight with Tyson Fury looks set to take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium – The Sun

ATHLETICS

Grand Slam Track athletes have still only received 50 per cent of their earnings nearly 15 months on from the collapse of Michael Johnson’s ill-fated venture – The Guardian

2026 NFL, College Football Odds: Best Bets For Bama-UK, Packers-Vikings

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Last Monday night in Tallahassee, Florida State created four turnovers and still didn’t cover as a 3-point underdog.

The Seminoles lost 27-24 to SMU, so it’s a push for this column but hopefully a win for any of you that were able to grab +3.5 closer to kickoff.

Boy, did it feel good to sweat football bets again.

We know you’re here for informed wagers and I assure you I vet everything through multiple handicappers, oddsmakers and betting buddies who know what they’re doing. Those that do well in this racket know the “How, what and why,” and that’s always my goal.

Also, this will never be the place for a million picks or five-team parlays. These will always be the wagers I love the most and ones that I’m betting with my own money.

Let’s go to work.

(2026 Record: 1-2-1, -1.2 units)

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The Owls were demolished by Florida last week, 66-21. So, why are you betting them Well, they moved the ball surprisingly well against an SEC defense — 396 yards ain’t too shabby. Life will be a lot easier against Navy, a program that doesn’t sniff the type of athleticism and speed that Florida brought to the table. I like veteran FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp a ton and think the Owls are ripe to pull an upset at home.

Sammy P’s Pick: FIU (+5)

My love for this year’s Minnesota team is well-documented. I enjoy betting on teams that return their starting head coach, both coordinators and starting quarterback. And oh, by the way, they return Anthony Smith, the guy who led the Big Ten in sacks last year. Miss State quarterback Kamario Taylor wowed last week against Louisiana-Monroe with 354 yards and four touchdowns, but now he has to face a real defense, headlined by Smith.

Sammy P’s Pick: Minnesota (+1.5)

After bulldozing East Carolina last weekend, Alabama heads to Lexington for a very early SEC tilt. It’s the first collegiate road start for freshman quarterback Keelon Russell, who improvised a ton against the Pirates to the tune of 6.6 yards per rush. I’m sorry, but that’s not gonna happen against Kentucky. If the Wildcats can limit Russell’s escapability and keep him in the pocket, they’ll have every chance to hang inside this big number.

Sammy P’s Pick: Kentucky (+10.5)

Consider Sammy P one of the few not sold on Ben Johnson’s Bears (Getty Images).

I hope my bosses at FOX Chicago aren’t reading this. Simply put, the Bears are one of the most overvalued teams in the betting market. Their prices to win the conference and Super Bowl are insane given all the question marks on the defensive side of the ball. There’s a lot to like about the Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams partnership, but this line is too fishy. I’ll take Carolina off a playoff berth, catching a full field goal in its home opener.

Sammy P’s Pick: Panthers (+3)

Speaking of overvalued, meet the Green Bay Packers. Defensive superstar Micah Parsons isn’t walking through that door for weeks, and I’ve never been a big Jordan Love believer. Meanwhile, Minnesota brings back most pieces from a top-10 defense and now Kyler Murray is orchestrating the offense with a loaded receiver room and a veteran backfield. People forget the Vikings won nine games last year. And now they have a quarterback.

Sammy P’s Pick: Vikings (-1.5)

Joao Pedro reminds me of Karim Benzema and is on same level as Erling Haaland, says Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso | Football News

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Xabi Alonso has likened Joao Pedro to Karim Benzema and said the Chelsea striker is on the same level as Erling Haaland.

Joao Pedro was named the Premier League’s player of the month for August on Friday after contributing two goals and two assists in his first three games of the season for the Blues.

Alonso has been delighted by his impact and feels the 24-year-old, who scored 20 goals in 50 games for Chelsea last term, should be seen in the same category as his Manchester City counterpart.

“I would say yes,” said Alonso when asked in his press conference if he sees him as being on the same level as Haaland.

“If you count how many top strikers we have in the Premier League, I am sure that Joao is there. So I would rate him that way.

“He has been top. Not just football-wise, personality-wise. His maturity, his desire.

“He has a very strong goal this year: to have a great season, to score many goals, and to be a nominee for not just this month but more months.

“I am not surprised, but really happy with the kind of player that we have here with Joao.”

Alonso continued his praise of Joao Pedro by saying he sees similarities with his former Real Madrid team-mate Benzema, who scored 354 goals in 658 games for the Spanish side.

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Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso believes Chelsea are thriving because of the relationship between Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers

“In many things he reminds me of Benzema,” he added. “Because he is good in the box, he is good out of the box, he is good coming to the left side, he is good with the head.

“He is very complete and he is intelligent.

“He is still young. He still has things to develop. But he has many, many absolutely outstanding qualities.”

Joao Pedro’s form earned him a Brazil recall this week, having been left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the World Cup.

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Thierry Henry analyses Joao Pedro’s role in the Chelsea team this season

“It was painful for him,” added Alonso. “But that’s way back. And we are now talking about other things, like what he is doing well and what he can do better.”

Chelsea front three ‘complete each other’

Joao Pedro has formed part of a dangerous front three with Cole Palmer and £117m summer signing Morgan Rogers, both of whom have also starred under Alonso.

The trio have six goals and four assists in three Premier League games between them and Joao Pedro feels their qualities complement each other perfectly.

“We are very similar in the way we think,” he told Sky Sports. “But also we are very different players, so I think we complete each other.

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Chelsea’s Joao Pedro spoke to Sky Sports about his excitement at playing alongside Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer

“For me, it’s very good when you look behind and you have two No 10s like Cole and Morgan. I’m very happy to play with them.

“I think Cole can pass very well but also he can score. Morgan is a little bit the same.

“I think the way we think is very similar, but in the same way, I am more of a nine; I hold the ball more. Cole is more of a 10, and Morgan is more carrying the ball and dribbling.”

2026 College Football Week 2: Best Games To Watch This Weekend

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Will history repeat itself in Saturday’s Ohio State-Texas battle or will the Longhorns find a way to win?

And which team will kick off the weekend with a spotless record after the Missouri-Kansas tilt?

Here are the five must-watch college football games for Week 2.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Friday, Sept. 11

Spread: Missouri -5.5
Moneyline: Missouri -218; Kansas +180
O/U: 51.5

What To Know: Missouri rolled to an easy straight up (SU) win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Week 1. However, the Tigers failed to cover the 54.5-point spread, as the final score was Mizzou 54, Pine Bluff 14. This week, Missouri faces a tougher opponent in Kansas. Unlike the Tigers, the Jayhawks covered the 41-point spread set in their game by defeating Long Island University 51-6. When these two squads faced off last season at Missouri, the Tigers won 42-31. “The Tigers have the better quarterback, and their run game is still rather awesome even without Ahmad Hardy in the backfield,” FOX Sports college football writer RJ Young explained about his Mizzou-over-Kansas pick.

Saturday, Sept. 12

Spread: Oregon -23.5
Moneyline: Oregon -2100; OSU +1100
O/U: 57.5

What To Know: Oregon got a scare last week when Boise State kept it close well into the fourth quarter. The Ducks ended up getting the 34-27 win but did not cover the 24.5-point spread. Oklahoma State, on the other hand, lost to Tulsa in Week 1 24-10. While the Cowboys controlled possession for more minutes, they had four turnovers and six penalties for 59 yards. In 2025, Oregon won easily when they faced each other, defeating Oklahoma State 69-3. “The Ducks had their “wake-up call” last week vs. Boise State,” FOX Sports college football and soccer writer Laken Litman noted, “but Dan Lanning will have his team ready to go.”

Dante Moore and the Ducks struggled in Week 1. Was it a wake-up call? (Getty Images)

Spread: Oklahoma -5.5
Moneyline: Oklahoma -218; Michigan +180
O/U: 43.5

What To Know: It took a wing and a prayer, two Hail Marys and a controversial extra second on the clock for Michigan to get past Western Michigan in Week 1. But the football gods sided with the Wolverines and they narrowly escaped 13-12. The loss dropped them from No. 16 to completely out of the Top 25. Will Michigan bounce back in Week 2? FOX Sports betting analyst Will Hill believes UM will at least cover. “The Wolverines still appear to have a very solid defense,” he wrote. “They should be able to adopt an “Us vs. The World” mentality — especially as a home ‘dog.”

Spread: Tennessee -12.5
Moneyline: Tennessee -470; Georgia Tech +360
O/U: 55.5

What To Know: Georgia Tech’s 2026 got off to an unexpected start as the Yellow Jackets got upset by Colorado in Atlanta. Now Tech hosts double-digit-favorite Tennessee. It’s been nine years since these two played one another, and that ended in a double-overtime win for Rocky Top. In Tech’s loss last week, the Jackets put up 288 total yards of offense. The Vols put up 638 against Furman in their Week 1 victory.

Spread: Texas -1.5
Moneyline: Texas -122; Ohio State +102
O/U: 49.5

What To Know: Both these teams are near the top of the national championship oddsboard and both have players near the top of the Heisman board as well. So which title contender comes out of Week 2 unscathed? RJ Young picked Ohio State, noting that wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is a “cheat code.” For added context, in last year’s battle, the Buckeyes got the 14-7 win on their own home turf.

England vs Pakistan: Razaullah, 21, hits remarkable 81 off 63 balls featuring nine sixes to force final Test into fourth day | Cricket News

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

England were denied a series sweep of Pakistan inside three days of the final Test at Edgbaston after a remarkable display of six-hitting from 21-year-old Razaullah late on Friday.

Pakistan enjoyed easily their finest day of what’s otherwise been a dismal series but were still trailing by two when their eighth wicket fell early into the evening session, only for Razaullah to smash 81 off just 63 deliveries, clearing the ropes a staggering nine times to equal Tim Southee’s record for a debutant.

He shared in a 121-run partnership with Mohammad Abbas (42), who himself hit two sixes before picking out point off Josh Tongue in the closing overs, while Razaullah’s fun was finally ended – and the day’s play – as he was stumped off Dan Lawrence (2-17).

England, guilty of losing the plot in the final session, will now look to chase down 130 on day four, a far stiffer target than initially looked likely, albeit one they should still reel in to clinch a first ever home series whitewash of Pakistan.

The tourists might be cursing not testing England further, with Shan Masood (95) and Babar Azam (76) both spurning golden opportunities to score the first century of the series – which Razaullah, remarkably, now has the chance to notch.

While Masood can count himself a touch unfortunate, out to a screamer of a catch by Lawrence – one-handed, diving low to his right in the slips – Babar’s dismissal was much more of a head-scratcher, the captain walking straight into an obvious short-ball trap set by England on the stroke of tea.

That wicket had seemed to signal the end of the Pakistan resistance, with four wickets falling for 40 runs before Razaullah very much had other plans and pushed things into a fourth day with some almighty swings of the bat.

More to follow…

Watch day four of the third Test between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.15am on Saturday. Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW

England vs Pakistan – results and schedule

All games live on Sky Sports

Myles Garrett Reflects On ‘Worst Version’ Of Himself In Rams Debut

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Myles Garrett’s debut game with the Los Angeles Rams — and the team’s play, in general — left much to be desired, and the superstar defensive end didn’t hold back on his performance in their loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

“This was the worst version of myself that I’ve put out there,” Garrett said in his postgame press conference after the Rams’ 27-7 defeat. “And I’ve got to be better. I got to find a way to recover and get back to the player I know I can be and I’ve shown that I’ve been before.”

Garrett finished the NFC West matchup without a tackle.

Garrett, whom the Rams acquired from the Cleveland Browns in a blockbuster trade in June, also admitted he wasn’t at “100%” health wise, as the defensive end has been dealing with a knee issue over the last month.

“I wasn’t the player that I wanted to be,” Garrett expressed. “I didn’t feel like I was the player I’ve been before when I stepped onto that field. I got to do what I can to get back to that.”

Garrett and the Rams took part in what was the first-ever NFL game in Australia. A topic of conversation regarding the historic game in Melbourne was the 49ers showing up roughly one week before kickoff, while the Rams arrived roughly 28 hours before kickoff, which was at 10:35 a.m. local time.

As for other team debuts, cornerback and 2023 All-Pro Trent McDuffie — whom Los Angeles acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs for a package highlighted by the No. 29 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 third-round pick, among other selections, in March — totaled four combined tackles, including one for a loss, and two passes defended.

Meanwhile, star defensive lineman and eight-time All-Pro Aaron Donald, who recently returned after two years away from the game, is likely to make his season debut in the Rams’ Week 2 home game against the New York Giants on Sept. 21.

As a whole, the 49ers rushed for 174 yards on 5.8 yards per carry against the Rams, who were collectively outgained 379-290 in total yards and gave up three passing touchdowns to quarterback Brock Purdy. In his postgame press conference, Rams head coach Sean McVay called the loss “a humbling day.”

Los Angeles traded now-third-year defensive end and two-time Pro Bowler Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-rounder and a 2029 third-rounder to Cleveland to acquire Garrett, a five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler.

Last season (2025), the now-30-year-old Garrett set the NFL single-season record with 23.0 sacks and has two NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors on his résumé, in 2023 and 2025. He’s tied with Dwight Freeney for 28th in all-time registered sacks (125.5). Prior to Garrett’s 23-sack campaign, he averaged 13.6 sacks per season from 2018-24. Should Garrett rack up 14 sacks this season, he would move into a tie for 11th all-time in the category.

Amgen Irish Open: Shane Lowry fires course record to top leaderboard as Rory McIlroy left feeling putting ‘frustration’ | Golf News

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Shane Lowry broke the course record and raced top of the leaderboard on home soil at the Amgen Irish Open, as Rory McIlroy was left feeling “frustration” in his putting.

Lowry mixed nine birdies with a lone bogey during a brilliant eight-under 62 at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, lifting him to 11 under and three strokes clear of the rest of the morning starters.

The former Open champion’s closest challenge from his half of the field came from Haotong Li and Jacob Skov Olesen, who posted rounds of 63 and 64 respectively to move to eight under, with Tom McKibbin among those six strokes back.

Patrick Reed heads into the weekend on four under, with Jon Rahm and Robert MacIntyre another shot adrift, with Rory McIlroy nine off the halfway lead after struggling on the greens during a second successive 69.

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Rory McIlroy made a ‘perfect’ eagle on the eighth hole at the Amgen Irish Open, firing his approach shot within two feet

First-round leader Joaquin Niemann and England’s Tyrrell Hatton were among the later starters.

How Lowry raced ahead on home soil

Lowry, who won this tournament in 2009 as a 22-year-old amateur, was playing in the group behind McIlroy and saw crowds for him grow after a run of three consecutive birdies from the third.

He holed a long-range putt at the seventh and picked up further shots over the next two holes to race to the turn in 30, then added back-to-back birdies from the 11th to leave Lowry briefly on ’59 watch’.

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Lowry played alongside Patrick Reed (left) and Jon Rahm

Lowry’s hopes of a sub-60 round suffered a setback with a three-putt bogey from 20 feet at the 13th, although he bounced back by birdieing the 15th and closed out his record-breaking round with three straight pars.

“It was real fun out there,” Lowry said. “I got off to a nice start and then I just kept going. I felt great out there. Just kept my foot on the gas and tried to keep hitting good shots and keep holing putts.”

Work to do for McIlroy after putting ‘frustration’

McIlroy holed a birdie from off the second green but failed to take advantage of multiple chances on his front nine, with the world No 2 failing to get up and down from the sand and missing a close-range putt to save par at the seventh.

The Masters champion responded with a sensational eagle at the par-five eighth, firing his approach close, only to card a sloppy bogey at the 11th and cancel out a long-range birdie at the 17th with a disappointing three-putt at the last.

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McIlroy is back as defending champion this week

“Frustration,” was McIlroy’s assessment of his second round. “I just didn’t have it on the greens. I really struggled to read them. It’s hard whenever you struggle to read them.

“It’s been a tough one on the greens the last two days, but tee to green I’ve actually been pretty happy with how everything else is. I just need to try to hole a few more over the weekend.”

MacIntyre carded a 65 to stand at three under but five-time major champion Koepka – who followed his opening round of 75 with 66 – was in danger of missing the cut at one over.

Who will win the Amgen Irish Open? Live coverage continues on Saturday at 2.30pm on Sky Sports+. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

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2026 NFL Odds Week 1: Lines, Spreads, Results For All 16 Games

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Headlined by a Sept. 9 Super Bowl rematch between the Seahawks and Patriots, as well as the NFL’s first-ever game in Australia between the Rams and 49ers, Week 1 is absolutely loaded.

Here are the lines for every Week 1 matchup at bet365 Sportsbook as of Sept. 11.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Patriots 10, Seahawks 13

Spread: Seahawks -3.5 (NE covers)
O/U: 44.5 (Under hits)

Thursday, Sept. 10

49ers 27, Rams 7

Spread: Rams -3.5 (SF covers)
O/U: 48.5 (Under hits)

Sunday, Sept. 13

Falcons @ Steelers

Spread: Steelers -5.5
Moneyline: Steelers -245, Falcons +200
O/U: 41.5

Ravens @ Colts

Spread: Ravens -3.5
Moneyline: Ravens -180, Colts +150
O/U: 47.5

Bills @ Texans

Spread: Bills -1.5
Moneyline: Bills -120, Texans +100
O/U: 44.5

Bears @ Panthers

Spread: Bears -3.5
Moneyline: Bears -170, Panthers +145
O/U: 47.5

Browns @ Jaguars

Spread: Jaguars -8.5
Moneyline: Jaguars -425, Browns +325
O/U: 40.5

Saints @ Lions

Spread: Lions -6.5
Moneyline: Lions -330, Saints +265
O/U: 49.5

Jets @ Titans

Spread: Titans -1.5
Moneyline: Titans -120, Jets +100
O/U: 38.5

Buccaneers @ Bengals

Spread: Bengals -3.5
Moneyline: Bengals -200, Buccaneers +165
O/U: 50.5

Cardinals @ Chargers

Spread: Chargers -9.5
Moneyline: Chargers -500, Cardinals +375
O/U: 47.5

Packers @ Vikings

Spread: Vikings -1.5
Moneyline: Vikings -125, Packers +105
O/U: 46.5

Dolphins @ Raiders

Spread: Raiders -3.5
Moneyline: Raiders -170, Dolphins +145
O/U: 40.5

Commanders @ Eagles

Spread: Eagles -5.5
Moneyline: Eagles -240, Commanders +195
O/U: 44.5

Cowboys @ Giants

Spread: Cowboys -2.5
Moneyline: Cowboys -160, Giants +135
O/U: 48.5

Monday, Sept. 14

Broncos @ Chiefs

Spread: Chiefs -2.5
Moneyline: Chiefs -150, Broncos +125
O/U: 43.5

Solheim Cup 2026: Nelly Korda, Allisen Corpuz thrash Charley Hull, Lottie Woad to make history for Team USA in Friday foursomes | Golf News

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz created Solheim Cup history with their statement victory over Charley Hull and Lottie Woad in the Friday foursomes, as Team Europe and Team USA shared the spoils in the opening session.

Hull had won two of her previous three Solheim Cup matches against Korda, including a dominant 6&4 singles victory two years ago, although saw her and Woad dominated by the American pair in the opening match at Bernardus Golf.

Korda and Corpuz recovered from losing the first hole to race to a 4&3 victory, seeing them become the first American pair in Solheim Cup history to win five foursomes matches together and the first – from either side – to win five matches in a row.

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Korda and Corpuz won Team USA their first point of the Solheim Cup and set a new foursomes record with their 4&3 win

Alison Lee and Lauren Coughlin also came from behind to win, defeating Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Celine Boutier 3-2, as both sides claimed two points apiece in rainy conditions to leave the biennial contest delicately poised heading into the afternoon fourballs.

Swedish duo Maja Stark and Linn Grant claimed Team Europe’s first point by beating Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho 3&2, while Leona Maguire and Esther Henseleit edged out Andrea Lee and Lindy Duncan 2up to leave a tied opening session for just the third time in Solheim Cup history.

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Korda and Corpuz set new records for Team USA

Team USA captain Angela Stanford sent out Korda and Corpuz first, having won all their foursomes together in 2023 and 2024, with the American duo excelling again despite Woad winning the opening hole with a birdie.

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Charley Hull and Lottie Woad got off to the perfect start after making a birdie at the par-four first

Neither side could take advantage of the par-five fifth before Team USA won three consecutive holes from the sixth to take control of the contest, where Hull was far from her usual best alongside her English playing partner.

Pars were enough for Team USA to win the 12th and 13th holes, with Woad reducing the deficit with a birdie at the next before Korda and Corpuz closed out victory with a par on the par-three 15th.

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Woad was the only European debutant in action during the opening session

“We just lost a bit of momentum at the end of the front nine,” Woad said. “They made a couple birdies and we missed some good chances. I think once you lose momentum, it can be tough to come back.”

Victory saw the pair break the record for most points ever by an American pair, breaking the previous best of 4.5 points from Dottie Pepper and Brandie Burton, while Korda’s seven career points in foursomes is the third-highest ever for Team USA.

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Alison Lee and Lauren Coughlin claimed Team USA’s second point of the foursomes session

“I enjoy playing with her [Corpuz] so much,” Korda said. “We have a lot of fun out there. “She’s just such a solid player. It’s really good to look rely on her and it’s also fun.”

Europe were ahead in match two until Madsen found the water off the sixth tee, with Lee and Coughlin winning three off the next five holes on their way to a victory that doubled Team USA’s lead.

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“This whole morning we just played super consistent,” Lee said. “We just kept it in the fairway, kept it on the greens, gave each other birdie chances when we could. I’m just really happy with how we performed.”

The bottom match saw Grant and Stark race into a four-hole lead after seven, with Grant then holing from the bunker at the ninth to retain their advantage, only for Zhang and Kupcho to threaten a comeback by claiming back-to-back holes from the 10th.

A par was enough for the Swedish pair to claim the 15th and wrapped up victory at the next, while Henseleit and Maguire were taken to the final hole to complete their win after a tight tussle.

Maguire has won 9.5 points from 13 Solheim Cup matches, the highest percentage of points won in European Solheim Cup history among players with at least 10 matches played.

When is the Solheim Cup live on Sky Sports?

Sky Sports Golf will have at least 12 hours of live coverage from the first two days, with coverage continuing on Saturday at 6am ahead of the opening foursomes match teeing off at 6.40am (7.40am local time).

The afternoon fourballs are scheduled to start at 12.05pm (1.05pm local time), with coverage continuing until after the final putt is holed, while Sunday singles coverage begins at 9am (10am local time) ahead of the opening tee shot at 10.10am (11.10am local time).

Who will win the Solheim Cup? Watch Team Europe’s bid to regain the trophy exclusively live on Sky Sports, with all three days live on Sky Sports Golf. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

2026 NFL Week 1 Daily Fantasy Football Picks: Best DFS Plays, Values

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Welcome to our Daily Fantasy Football picks.

Each week, we’ll break down the main Sunday DFS slate, highlighting our favorite picks, sleepers and best values at each position.

Unlike traditional season-long fantasy football, DFS gives you a fresh start every week. There are no drafts, trades or waiver-wire claims to worry about. Instead, you build a new lineup for that week’s slate of games while staying under a set salary cap.

On FanDuel, you’ll have $60,000 to fill out your lineup, with every player assigned a salary based on factors such as recent performance, matchup, and expected production. The goal is to build the best lineup possible by finding the right mix of stars and value plays while staying under the cap.

Paying up for one of the most expensive players on the board means having less money to spend elsewhere, while hitting a lower-priced player can open up plenty of possibilities across the rest of your lineup.

From the top players worth their high price tags to cheaper options who could outperform their salaries, here are our favorite DFS plays for Week 1’s Sunday slate.

All salaries and pricing are via the FanDuel Fantasy app and are based on its $60,000 salary-cap format.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Quarterback

Jared Goff is in a great spot to start the season. Goff is coming off his third consecutive season with at least 4,500 passing yards and leads the NFL with 13,768 passing yards over the past three seasons. The Lions quarterback has also thrown at least one touchdown pass in 23 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL.

According to Next Gen Stats, Goff threw 20 touchdown passes against single-high safety looks in 2025, the most in the NFL. That’s especially notable in this matchup, as the Saints utilized single-high safety at the second-highest rate in the league last season (62.9%). It’s a favorable matchup for Goff to take advantage of, and with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing taking over, Detroit’s offense should have plenty of opportunities to put points on the board.

A shootout could be brewing in Detroit, and at a price of just $7,800 on FanDuel, Goff offers great value as a DFS option this weekend.

One of the biggest hires of the offseason was the Los Angeles Chargers bringing in Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator. McDaniel is regarded as one of the league’s top offensive minds after his previous stops with the 49ers and Dolphins, where his offenses ranked among the NFL’s best in multiple categories. Now, McDaniel gets to work with arguably the most talented quarterback he’s had in Justin Herbert.

And what better way to start than at home against the Arizona Cardinals? Arizona had one of the NFL’s worst defenses in 2025, allowing 28.7 points per game (29th) and 369.8 total yards per game (26th). The Cardinals were also vulnerable through the air, ranking 24th in passing yards allowed per game and surrendering 31 passing touchdowns, sixth-most in the league.

While the Chargers enter as 9.5-point favorites, Arizona has enough offensive playmakers to keep this game competitive and force Los Angeles to stay aggressive. That should limit concerns about the Chargers taking their foot off the gas and leaning exclusively on the run late in the game.

Kyler Murray should thrive in Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system, especially with playmakers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the outside. He has also been excellent in season openers throughout his career. In six career Week 1 starts, Murray has recorded 1,593 total yards (265.5 per game) and 14 total touchdowns while throwing just three interceptions.

Green Bay will be without defensive leader Micah Parsons, who will miss at least the first four games of the season as he continues to recover from a torn ACL. According to Next Gen Stats, the Packers’ sack rate dropped from 7.3% with Parsons on the field to just 3.7% with him off the field in 2025. Green Bay ranked inside the top six in both scoring and total defense from Weeks 1-14, but fell into the bottom eight in both categories from Weeks 15-18.

The Packers also lost defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley this offseason. While Jonathan Gannon is a proven defensive coach in his own right, it could take time for Green Bay’s defense to adjust to a new system, especially without Parsons on the field.

Running Back

Saquon Barkley had a down year by his standards in 2025, especially compared to his historic 2024 season. After racking up 2,283 scrimmage yards and 15 total touchdowns in 2024, Barkley finished last season with 1,413 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns.

But 2026 could bring a bounce-back, and what better way to start than against the Washington Commanders? Washington’s run defense was abysmal last season, allowing 2,411 rushing yards (141.8 YPG, 30th in NFL), 4.78 yards per carry (27th) and 18 rushing touchdowns.

Barkley has also dominated this matchup since joining the Eagles. In four games against the Commanders since 2024 (three in the regular season and one in the playoffs), Barkley has rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in all four.

Ashton Jeanty did not have the rookie season many expected, averaging just 3.67 yards per carry. However, much of those struggles can be attributed to the situation around him. Las Vegas was a disaster in 2025 and featured one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines. That should look much different in 2026.

The Raiders hired Klint Kubiak as head coach after he helped lead Seattle to a Super Bowl as its offensive coordinator, while offensive line coach Rick Dennison brings a long track record of overseeing successful rushing attacks. Las Vegas also made a major investment up front, signing Tyler Linderbaum to an $81 million contract to help transform its offensive line.

Across 68 career regular-season games as an offensive coordinator, Kubiak’s offenses have rushed for 7,722 yards (113.6 per game) and 57 touchdowns while averaging 4.11 yards per carry. His teams have topped 100 rushing yards in 38 of those 68 games (55.9%) and reached 150 yards 14 times. Kenneth Walker III also flourished in Kubiak’s system last season, particularly down the stretch and throughout Seattle’s Super Bowl run.

Jeanty couldn’t ask for a much better matchup to begin his second season. Miami ranked 26th in rushing defense in 2025, allowing 132.4 yards per game and 4.80 yards per carry, the fourth-worst mark in the NFL. The Dolphins also surrendered 18 rushing touchdowns.

Wide Receiver

It was a rough 2025 season by Justin Jefferson’s standards, with much of his struggles stemming from instability at quarterback. Jefferson had three different quarterbacks throwing him the ball throughout the season and never seemed to find a consistent rhythm with any of them.

With Kyler Murray now under center, Jefferson should have a much more stable situation and could see a significant uptick in production. He has also historically been a nightmare for the Packers, especially in Week 1. In the 2022 season opener, the star receiver caught nine passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-7 Vikings win.

After a frustrating 2025 season, expect Kevin O’Connell to make it a priority to get his superstar receiver going early.

Chris Olave is coming off a monster 2025 campaign, and his production took off once Tyler Shough became the Saints’ starting quarterback. In Shough’s eight starts, Olave caught 48 passes on 73 targets for 660 yards (82.5 YPG, 13.8 YPR) and six touchdowns. In eight games started by Spencer Rattler, Olave had 52 catches for 503 yards (62.9 YPG, 9.7 YPR) and three touchdowns.

Now, Olave gets a Week 1 matchup against an already depleted Detroit secondary. Starting safeties Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles) are both expected to miss the early portion of the season, leaving the Lions without two key pieces of a secondary that struggled in 2025.

Detroit allowed 2,644 receiving yards (155.5 YPG, eighth-most in the NFL) and 21 touchdowns (tied for second-most) to opposing wide receivers last season. With Shough under center and a favorable matchup against a short-handed Lions secondary, Olave is in a great spot to carry his late-season momentum into Week 1.

Tetairoa McMillan had an impressive rookie campaign, catching 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. But his ceiling is even higher, and he should have plenty of room to grow in Year 2.

McMillan opens the season against a Chicago Bears secondary that was vulnerable to big plays in 2025. The Bears allowed 61 completions of 20-plus yards (second-most in the NFL) and 26 completions of 30-plus yards (second-most). Chicago also surrendered 32 passing touchdowns (fifth-most) and 7.63 yards per pass attempt (fifth-highest).

McMillan should also see plenty of Tyrique Stevenson, who graded as one of the NFL’s worst cornerbacks last season, according to PFF. That’s a matchup Carolina should look to exploit throughout the game.

And if the Panthers find themselves playing from behind against Chicago’s explosive offense, McMillan could see even more opportunities in the passing game. Everything lines up for Carolina’s No. 1 receiver to have a big Week 1.

Tight End

The tight end pool is very thin this week and, yes, Trey McBride comes with a hefty price tag, but he’s worth paying up for.

As mentioned earlier, this game is projected to be high-scoring, and with the Chargers favored by 9.5 points, the Cardinals could be playing from behind for most of the afternoon. That should lead to a pass-heavy game script for Arizona.

McBride thrived in those situations last season. When the Cardinals were trailing in 2025, he recorded 75 receptions on 99 targets for 753 yards and eight touchdowns. More than 60% of his receptions and nearly three-quarters of his touchdowns came while Arizona was playing from behind.

The Chargers also ranked 27th in DVOA against tight ends last season, making this an even more favorable matchup. The price is high, but McBride is worth spending up for in Week 1.

Defense

Cincinnati Bengals $3,600

We’re big believers in punting at defense and looking for value at a cheap price.

On the surface, this pick feels tough. The Bengals have had one of the NFL’s worst defenses over the past few seasons, and 2025 was no different. Cincinnati ranked 30th in scoring defense (28.9 PPG), 31st in total defense (380.9 YPG), last in rushing defense (147.1 YPG) and last in yards allowed per play (6.18).

But this is a new year and a completely revamped Bengals defense.

Cincinnati traded for three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, signed pass rushers Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen, and added Bryan Cook, Kyle Dugger and Ja’Sir Taylor to the secondary. The Bengals also used draft capital on pass rusher Cashius Howell and cornerback Tacario Davis.

At this price, we’re willing to take a chance on the upgraded unit against Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay had some turnover issues down the stretch last season, committing 11 giveaways in nine games following its Week 9 bye.

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal manager says he deliberately sabotaged his team’s travel plans to prepare for difficulties on the road | Football News

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he deliberately sabotaged the club’s travel plans during pre-season – to get his players used to difficulties on the road.

Those sabotages include deliberately making his team late for matches by changing their route, or meal times – as well as making the changing room hotter.

The Premier League champions had travel concerns during their trip to face Napoli in the Champions League during midweek, caused by the Air Traffic Control crisis on Tuesday.

Arsenal were due to fly out of Luton Airport at around 3pm UK time on Tuesday, but delays meant they arrived in the Italian city around three hours behind schedule.

When asked if his players were affected by that, Arteta revealed he prepared his players by creating difficult scenarios during pre-season games.

“I love those challenges. I tried to create them in pre-season!” said Arteta. “So when they happen, we know how to experience them and we already know.

“Get to the stadium very late, change the routine so the players have to do something else. When it happens, and it can: the flight can be cancelled, or the train is delayed, there is so much traffic, I don’t want the players and staff panicking.

“When that happens, adapt to it. We have two or three hours on the plane – can we use it? Play together, spend some time together, sleep.

“But don’t complain or use it as an excuse because it’s not helpful at all.”

Asked what he has done, Arteta replied: “Just delaying the meals, delaying the transport, taking a different route. We’ve done many things.

“Make the dressing room hotter, more difficult, more challenging, less beds. Those kinds of things because we’re going to have to adapt to different contexts. And we will try to anticipate this and adapt to difficult conditions.

“When there’s no element of surprise or stress on a matchday, I think it’s important.”

NFL Week 1 Betting Report: Books Expecting Big Action On Cowboys, Bengals

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Well, that was a shocker.

The much-hyped Rams were taken to the woodshed in Week 1, falling to the 49ers 27-7 in Australia.

Seattle and San Francisco are 1-0, while L.A. is 0-1 in the treacherous NFC West.

Oddsmakers and sharp bettors serve up their insights on a few other intriguing games, as we dive into NFL Week 1 betting nuggets.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

NFL Rocks on Fox

In America’s Game of the Week, FOX kicks it off with a big NFC East rivalry: Commanders vs. Eagles at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday.

At DraftKings Sports, the Eagles opened as 5.5-point favorites and made a couple trips down to -4.5. But on Wednesday, the Eagles were back at -5.5.

Washington hopes a healthy Jayden Daniels can help keep up with Jalen Hurts and the Eagles. Last season, Daniels missed 10 games due to various injuries.

But bettors are leaning into the home favorite at DraftKings, with 64% of spread tickets and 76% of spread money backing the Eagles. And no question, Philadelphia will be a hugely popular play in moneyline parlays.

Another notable FOX matchup: Buccaneers vs. Bengals at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.

A severe turf toe injury kept Bengals QB Joe Burrow out of the lineup much of last year, from Weeks 3 to 12. But Burrow is healthy for a showdown against Baker Mayfield & Co.

Caesars has Cincinnati as a 3.5-point home favorite, which is where this number stuck pretty much all summer. While the public hasn’t weighed in much yet for this 1 p.m. ET kickoff on FOX, Feazel is pretty certain of where things are heading.

“There’s a lot of hype around Joe Burrow. I anticipate seeing more Bengals action,” he said.

Sunday Night Fight

It’s another NFC East showdown on the NFL Week 1 oddsboard: Cowboys vs. Giants at 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday.

Back in mid-May, the Cowboys opened as 1.5-point favorites, but quickly advanced to -2.5. Over the past week at Caesars, Dallas advanced to -3 a couple times, and that’s where the Cowboys sat on Wednesday afternoon.

With a popular Dallas squad in the Sunday night spotlight, this game could be a huge decision for Caesars and every other book. Especially if other popular favorites have a good Sunday, leading to moneyline parlay liability crashing into the Cowboys by Sunday night.

“The public action is gonna be one-sided,” Feazel said. “The Giants brought in John Harbaugh as coach, which will bring in some bettors. But it’s gonna be lopsided action on the Cowboys, one-way traffic.”

Mahomes on Monday

Patrick Mahomes tore up his knee in Week 15 last season, but he’s set to start for the Chiefs vs. the Broncos at 8:15 p.m. ET Monday. Likewise, Denver QB Bo Nix is back and healthy, after suffering a broken ankle in an AFC divisional-round win over Buffalo.

The Broncos — minus Nix — then lost to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

Caesars opened the Chiefs as 2.5-point home favorites, and K.C. advanced to -3 a couple times. But midweek, it’s Chiefs -2.5 (-117), and early action is perhaps a bit surprising.

“We’re actually seeing more Broncos money come in. A couple of years ago, that would’ve been unheard of,” Feazel said. “But the Chiefs’ defense has arguably gotten worse, and there are questions on offense, as well.

“So far, the public is not buying this Chiefs team.”

But a lot could change between now and Monday night. Keep in mind that on all these NFL games, the overwhelming majority of action comes in on game day, and even more so in the last hour or two.

And if favorites have a big Sunday, there’ll be no shortage of moneyline parlays live to the Chiefs on Monday night.

San Francisco 49ers beat Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne as Brock Purdy throws three touchdowns in front of 100,000 fans | NFL News

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes as the San Francisco 49ers dominated the super-team Los Angeles Rams 27-7 in the first ever NFL regular-season game in Australia.

Purdy passed for 205 yards and scores to Mike Evans, Demarcus Robinson and Deebo Samuel in front of 100,021 fans at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the seventh-largest regular season crowd in NFL history.

The Rams had entered the 2026 NFL season widely-tipped as Super Bowl frontrunners after their blockbuster trade for Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and the return of Aaron Donald from retirement. Instead, it would be Purdy and Kyle Shanahan to deliver a stark reminder of a fiercely-competitive NFC West division.

Australia’s sporting capital revelled in its first real taste of American football – and in a commanding win by the 49ers, who had already won many Aussies’ affection by traveling to Melbourne a week earlier than the Rams, who only landed 28 hours before kickoff on Thursday morning.

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Stats leaders

49ers:

Passing: Brock Purdy, 25/34, 205 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing: Christian McCaffrey, 10 carries, 68 yards
Receiving: Demarcus Robinson, 2 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD

Rams:

Passing: Matthew Stafford, 15/25, 155 yards, 1 INT
Rushing: Blake Corum, 10 carries, 54 yards
Receiving: Puka Nacua, 5 catches, 74 yards

A party atmosphere prevailed even with a Friday morning kickoff necessary to hit the lucrative primetime television audiences in the US. The fans got another memorable chapter in this NFC West rivalry as the 49ers blasted the preseason Super Bowl favourites Rams with superior play on both sides of the ball.

Kyren Williams scored the NFL’s first Australian touchdown on a five-yard rush to begin the second quarter, but the Rams were a disaster Down Under. Los Angeles hadn’t lost by more than seven points since November 2024.

While Purdy’s offense managed enough big plays to win, the San Francisco defense frustrated NFL MVP Matthew Stafford into a 15-of-25 performance for just 155 yards. The Niners held the NFL’s best offense last season to one score, even stopping Stafford on a fourth-down quarterback sneak from the San Francisco one in the third quarter.

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On the Inside The Huddle podcast Neil Reynolds, Jeff Reinebold and Phoebe Schecter give their predictions on who will make the Super Bowl in 2027.

“They outplayed us in every facet,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “I didn’t do nearly a good enough job. This was a humbling day for us. This will only define us if we allow it.

“Sometimes sports can humble you, and today was one of those days. I make no excuses. Whether you want to say it was about travel, whatever, we just weren’t good enough in that window.”

Garrett was practically a non-factor in his Rams debut after missing much of training camp with aches, recording zero tackles. Donald had not made the trip to Australia as he continues to work his way back into football shape following his decision to come out of retirement.

Much of the pregame talk for this trip centered around the teams’ starkly differing methods of preparation: The 49ers ingratiated themselves to the local fans as their body clocks adjusted, while the Rams stayed home until less than two days before kickoff, keeping their body clocks on California time.

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Jeff Reinebold and Phoebe Schecter discuss the prospect of Myles Garrett to the LA Rams and if he can lead them to Super Bowl glory.

Both teams started with understandable sluggishness for a 10:35am kickoff, but Williams’ touchdown run finally got the crowd cheering. The quarterbacks then traded interceptions before Purdy shook off a shaky start and found former Rams receiver Robinson on a 39-yard post route.

San Francisco surged out of half-time, with Samuel’s 45-yard kickoff return leading to Evans’ touchdown catch over new Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson.

The Rams drove deep into the red zone, but after Puka Nacua was ruled down inches outside the goal line, the 49ers stuffed Stafford.

Watch the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, including every minute of the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on Sunday February 14, 2027. Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free with NOW.

Jalen Hurts And Jayden Daniels Enter Pivotal Seasons Ahead Of Week 1 Clash

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

In the NFL, good vibes are fleeting.

Just 19 months ago, the Eagles and Commanders were headed into the offseason feeling like they had world-beaters at quarterback. Philadelphia had just conquered the football world, blowing out the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX with Jalen Hurts taking home MVP honors.

Washington, meanwhile, was fresh off its first NFC Championship Game appearance in over 30 years with rookie phenom Jayden Daniels leading the way. Life was good, and that conference championship game felt like the first installment of the NFL’s next great quarterback rivalry.

The 2026 season opener will be the first time Hurts and Daniels have faced off since that playoff game and there’s been a significant vibe shift on both sides of the matchup. Both quarterbacks are coming off frustrating 2025 seasons that may have cast some doubt on their long-term future with their respective teams.

Hurts and Daniels will be seeking massive contract extensions in the offseason. At that point, Hurts will have one year left on the extension he signed in 2023, and Daniels will be entering his third offseason, when first-round quarterbacks either sign their first big-money extension or end up in contract purgatory, a la Bryce Young in Carolina.

So, the stakes are clear for both quarterbacks in 2026: A bounce-back season will be rewarded with a big payday. But if last year’s struggles bleed over into this season, contract talks might be put on hold.

The bar for a successful season is lower for Daniels than it is for Hurts, with Washington expected to finish in the bottom half of the NFC East.

If the third-year pro can just stay healthy for the full 17-game slate, that will be considered a win. If Daniels stays healthy and rediscovers his 2024 form, Washington will write him a blank check in the spring. It’s just hard to envision a repeat of that magical rookie season given the current state of the Commanders offense.

Jayden Daniels faces a crucial upcoming season amidst uncertainties around the Commanders roster. (G Fiume/Getty Images)

The offensive line was an issue last season and will be worse off in 2026 with star left tackle Laremy Tunsil out indefinitely with a torn triceps. Also, it will be up to first-year offensive coordinator David Blough, who’s just three seasons into his coaching career, to work around that massive weakness.

It would be understandable if Daniels doesn’t fully bounce back, but Washington may be reluctant to fork over a top-of-the-market deal for a player coming off two disappointing seasons, especially if more injuries pop up. The Commanders wouldn’t have to move off Daniels, but they’d likely push contract talks into the following offseason, which is typically a bad sign for a first-round quarterback.

Daniels had issues targeting the middle of the field in 2025, but it was less about his reluctance to make those throws and more about his inability to complete them. Per Pro Football Focus, his accuracy rate on intermediate throws dropped by nearly 10% compared to his rookie season. There were a lot of poorly placed passes on his 2025 film.

But the statistical dip can’t be pinned entirely on Daniels, who was throwing into tighter windows last season. With wide receiver Terry McLaurin out hurt, the Commanders were trotting some abysmal receiving groups out there. It got to a point where tight end Zach Ertz became Daniels’ best option against man coverage. Ertz is still a useful player, but when a 35-year-old is your most reliable option on key passing downs, it’s awfully hard to play quarterback.

Daniels’s regression from Year 1 to Year 2 can mostly be explained by his performance against man coverage and the blitz, which are closely linked. Washington didn’t have receivers who could punish a defense for playing aggressively, and Daniels loses accuracy when he’s forced to drive a throw into tight coverage. He’s one of the NFL’s better quarterbacks when throwing with touch in between the lines of a zone defense. He just didn’t get to do it often last season.

Washington’s offense should be more equipped to deal with aggressive coverage in 2026. Stefon Diggs, who joined via free agency, was one of the NFL’s most productive receivers against tight man-to-man coverage last season. McClaurin is healthy again. And the team prioritized explosive athletes to fill out the rest of the receiving corps, including third-round rookie Antonio Williams and former first-round pick Treylon Burks.

Even with the upgrades, this isn’t a world-beating receiving corps, so Daniels will have to take a step as an intermediate passer to make it work.

Last week, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman defended Hurts and denied that the clock is ticking on his time in Philadelphia despite the team’s passing game struggles over the past few seasons. “I think the bottom line for us … is winning football games,” Roseman said on a recent appearance on the “Move the Sticks” podcast. “And all [Hurts] does is win football games … for me, the barometer is winning football games.”

I don’t expect Roseman to get into the nuances of quarterback evaluation during a podcast hit, but that’s a reductive view of Hurts that also suggests his value to the team is directly tied to its winning percentage. If the Eagles have a down year, and the passing game doesn’t improve, will the front office view of Hurts shift? If that’s the case, then it does feel like there’s a lot riding on this season in regard to his future with the team.

Last season ended for Jalen Hurts with a wild-card loss at home to the 49ers. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Supporting talent is less of a concern for Hurts – who is still surrounded by blue-chip players even after the team traded away his top receiver, A.J. Brown – but he’ll also be getting his play calls from an inexperienced offensive coordinator with Sean Mannion coming over from Green Bay.

While Hurts is no stranger to OC changes, this is the first time in his NFL career where he’ll have to learn an entirely new offense from the ground up. Mannion is Nick Sirianni’s fifth offensive coordinator in Philly, but it’s the first time he’s gone outside of his coaching tree to make a hire.

This won’t be some subtle rebrand. The Eagles offense will be an entirely new thing. Hurts won’t be playing in the shotgun nearly as much and there will be fewer spread formations. It will look more like the 49ers and Rams offenses, with the quarterback under center, condensed formations, and a lot of play-action passing.

That’s the hope, at least.

In April, ESPN dropped a report on the team’s growing frustration with Hurts’ reluctance to step outside of his comfort zone, which created a lot of the issues that have plagued Philly’s passing game over the past three seasons.

Here’s a key excerpt from the report: “He has pushed back on changes that would diversify the scheme, sources said, including when it comes to him going under center more. He has shown a reluctance to let it rip at times, particularly against zone coverage.”

Jalen Hurts faces a potentially big adjustment to new Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s offense this season. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The report also covered Hurts butting heads with former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore over the use of pre-snap motion. Moore, who’s been calling plays for NFL offenses since 2019, is a big proponent of the tactic but dialed back his usage in 2024 to suit Hurts’ preferences.

ESPN also quoted sources close to Hurts who denied those claims, but this season will give us a clear answer. Mannion’s offense is built around all the tactics that are supposedly outside of the quarterback’s comfort zone. This system doesn’t work without pre-snap motion. It doesn’t work without going under center. And it doesn’t work when the quarterback is reluctant to “let it rip” over the middle of the field against zone coverage.

Hurts’ reluctance to throw over the middle of the field isn’t just theoretical at this point. Per Next Gen Stats, Hurts targeted the middle third of the field at the league’s lowest rate in 2025. It was the fifth year in a row he’s accomplished that feat. He’s had four different offensive coordinators over that span, so there’s a clear common denominator.

My theory: Hurts doesn’t have top-end arm strength but makes up for it with a keen understanding of his own limitations. Hurts avoids the middle of the field for the same reason Jared Goff doesn’t throw on the run: it’s not his game. Making throws into tight zone windows with repeated success isn’t in his wheelhouse and not a winning strategy for him. It can hold back the offense at times, but it limits turnovers. Here’s an example from the Eagles’ loss to the Broncos last season.

You can see Hurts consider making the stick throw to wide receiver DeVonta Smith between two zone defenders before thinking better of it and settling for an out-of-structure heave downfield.

But when the windows are clearer – or the Eagles are in catch-up mode late and turnovers are less of a concern – Hurts will take his shots over the middle.

If this scheme change is going to work, one of two things needs to happen: Either Mannion is the second-coming of Shanahan and consistently provides Hurts with clear throwing windows over the middle, or Hurts takes more chances, even if it leads to a small bump to his interception totals.

Sunday’s opener will be our first glimpse at the new offenses in Washington and Philadelphia. While it’s important to give these first-year coordinators some grace and give their quarterbacks time to get acclimated to their new digs, the game will provide a perfect stress test for Daniels and Hurts thanks to the defensive matchups on both sides.

How will Daniels fare against an Eagles secondary that closes throwing windows as well as any defense in the league? Will Hurts look comfortable going under center and turning his back to the defense on play-action defense against a Washington scheme built around pre-snap disguises and post-snap chaos?

The answer to those questions will have ramifications that stretch far beyond the final score on Sunday. They’ll determine how far the Eagles and Commanders can go in 2026 and how much confidence they should have in their franchise quarterbacks beyond this season.

US Open: Elena Rybakina defeats Coco Gauff to silence New York crowd and set up blockbuster final with Aryna Sabalenka | Tennis News

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Elena Rybakina silenced Coco Gauff and the New York crowd to set up a blockbuster US Open final against Aryna Sabalenka who defeated Jessica Pegula to move a win away from her third straight title at Flushing Meadows.

Rybakina battled back to upset home favourite Gauff 3-6 6-4 6-4 in a fierce semi-final showdown to secure a title showdown with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and stay on course for a ‌third Grand Slam crown.

Sabalenka had beaten Gauff’s American compatriot Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-2 ‌earlier in the night to close in on a rare three-peat in New York.

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“Of course there were nerves,” admitted Rybakina in her on-court interview. “Coco is a great player. It’s always tough to play her. Even if sometimes her first serve doesn’t go the second one is so heavy it’s difficult to dictate the rallies. I took a deep breath, tried to talk positive with myself and just told myself I need to fight and try to show good tennis.”

Gauff absorbed relentless pressure but stayed strong to draw errors from the Kazakh, breaking in the sixth ⁠game and taking the ⁠opening set in front of a passionate crowd ‌that included former first lady Michelle Obama.

Rybakina capitalised on some sloppy play ‌by the fourth-seeded American in the second set to level the match.

Rybakina, the Australian Open champion, gained control with her power and broke to go 5-3 ahead in the decider. Gauff hit back ⁠with a break of her own but her comeback bid faltered ⁠when she could not hold serve, as Rybakina broke to close out the win.

“It was such a close third set. I feel like I got a bit lucky on her serve,” added Rybakina, the 27-year-old former Wimbledon champion.

“Couple of deep returns, one mistake from her, it went quickly my way. I know you guys wanted Coco to win. I think it was really a battle. A few moments went my way. In the end I was just trying to be focus and stay aggressive and somehow won the match.”

Sabalenka keeps bid for three-peat alive

Image:
Aryna Sabalenka moved a win away from her third straight US Open title

Top seed Sabalenka relied on her usual power to chip away at Pegula, sending over ⁠29 winners and ⁠seven aces before closing it out with ‌an unreturnable shot deep in the American’s territory.

Third-seeded ‌Pegula, runner-up in 2024, started the match with a poised performance but eventually succumbed to ⁠the Belarusian’s power, as a bevy of costly mistakes in the second set undermined her best ⁠efforts.

“I was so desperate for the win, I wanted ⁠it badly,” said Sabalenka.

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Former first lady Michelle Obama (right) received quite an ovation on Arthur Ashe Stadium

Pegula got off to a near-pristine start, saving an early break point with a fine forehand winner, ‌as Sabalenka struggled to rein in her frustrations, whacking her racket on the court after a double fault in the ninth game.

Pegula held her serve in ⁠the 10th, but the defending champion soon hit her stride as she broke her opponent from the baseline on set point.

She used her best weapon to her advantage again to go up 3-1 in the second set, firing off a forehand ⁠winner from the baseline on break point, as Pegula struggled to find her early polish before Sabalenka broke her again on match point.

Sabalenka on a roll!

Since 1988, Aryna Sabalenka has become the fifth player to reach 5+ Grand Slam finals as world No 1 after Steffi Graf (20), Serena Williams (14), Monica Seles and Martina Hingis (nine each)

Sabalenka is into her ninth Grand Slam final

She is on a 19-match winning streak in New York. A three-peat is on!

Sabalenka is now 36-3 in the last five years at the US Open

It’s her eighth consecutive hard-court major final

Seven top-10 wins this season and back-to-back at this tournament

“I can say that I feel confident and I feel mentally and physically really strong right now,” ⁠said Sabalenka, who earned the respect of the partisan fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with former US first lady Michelle Obama in the crowd.

Pegula admitted: “I think that’s probably the best match she’s played this year. I thought her level was insanely high.

“I’m honestly not that upset, to be honest, because I don’t really think there was much I could have done today.”

Dave Portnoy Picks His All-Time Michigan Football Team On ‘Joel Klatt Live Show’

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

If you invite a die-hard Michigan fan to a live show and give him the chance to build his all-time Wolverines football team, you better be ready for some debate.

Dave Portnoy, one of Michigan’s most passionate — and outspoken — fans, was given that opportunity Thursday during a special live edition of “The Joel Klatt Show” in Ann Arbor ahead of Saturday’s showdown between Michigan and Oklahoma (noon ET, FOX).

Klatt asked Portnoy to select an all-time Michigan team consisting of a quarterback, running back, two wide receivers and one defensive player. Portnoy selected a recent national champion at quarterback, a legendary running back, two of the program’s most dynamic receivers and perhaps the greatest player in school history on defense.

Here’s who made Portnoy’s all-time Michigan team:

QB: J.J. McCarthy, 2021-2023

Career stats: 482-of-713 passing (67.6%) for 6,226 passing yards, 49 passing TDs, and 11 INTs; 161 carries for 632 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs.

Portnoy’s thoughts: “To me, it’s a no-brainer. It’s not even close. If you’re saying you need a QB for the NFL, it’s [Tom] Brady, clearly. But [McCarthy’s] record was 27-1 as a starter. You gotta remember, before he came here, we couldn’t beat Ohio State. He turned the whole program around. Michigan was down, and when McCarthy came in, everything turned.

“I wanted Jim Harbaugh gone. … Every year we were getting drummed [by Ohio State]. There were some down years. But, McCarthy’s record, him winning the national championship. … I don’t know how anybody could say anybody but him.”

RB: Tim Biakabutuka, 1993-1995

Career stats: 434 carries, 2,624 rushing yards, 24 rushing touchdowns, 12 receptions, 121 receiving yards.

Portnoy’s Thoughts: “I’m going with Biakabutuka. He had 313 yards against Ohio State, which was the No. 2 team in the country at the time and undefeated. He made them look bad. I loved Biakabutuka. I had a crush on Biakabutuka.”

WRs: Desmond Howard ( 1988-91), Anthony Carter (1979-82)

Career stats: Howard: 134 receptions for 2,146 receiving yards (16.0 YPR) and 32 receiving TDs; 23 rushes for 249 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs; 45 kickoff returns for 1,211 yards and 2 TDs; 26 punt returns for 337 yards and 1 TD

Carter: 161 receptions for 3,076 receiving yards (19.1 YPR) and 37 receiving TDs; 36 rushes for 213 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD; 79 punt returns for 907 yards and 2 TDs; 63 kickoff returns for 1,606 yards (40 total touchdowns).

Portnoy’s thoughts: “I want Desmond [Howard] and Anthony Carter. I’m down with that.”

Defense: Charles Woodson, 1995-1997

Career stats: 21 receptions, 370 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs, 167 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs, 16 interceptions.

Portnoy’s thoughts: “You could argue Aidan Hutchinson. There’s that clip of him just taking the Ohio State lineman and just throwing him into the fourth row. But, yeah, it’s gotta be Woodson.”

Week 2 College Football Picks: Ohio St-Texas, Oklahoma-Michigan & more!

Arsenal transfer news: Martin Zubimendi may push to leave Premier League champions – Paper Talk | Football News

September 11, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Martin Zubimendi may push to leave Arsenal in January after losing his starting sport under Mikel Arteta. Chelsea and Madrid are reportedly interested in the Spanish international, 27. Teamtalk

Everton have played down the possibility of a move for free agent Anthony Martial. The former Manchester United striker, 30, most recently played in Mexico for Monterrey. iPaper

Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah is considering switching allegiance to Ghana from England. The Standard

Chelsea’s majority owners, Clearlake Capital, are closing in on an agreement to buy out co-owners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter. The Guardian

Richarlison is seeking to terminate his contract at Tottenham after being left out of their Premier League squad. The Times

Sunderland and Aston Villa summer striker target Kevin Viveros, is set to sign a new contract with Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense. Sunderland Echo

EFL

Leicester City are heading towards financial ‘Armageddon’ without fresh capital and improved results, says their prospective new owner Talksport

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

TENNIS

US Open chief Craig Tiley has vowed to keep same day and night format despite Ben Shelton beating Carlos Alcaraz at 3.33am local time. Sky Sports

DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $200 When Placing Your First Bet on Rams vs. 49ers

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The NFL heads to Australia for the first regular-season game in the country, and DraftKings is giving new users a chance to get in on this historic game down below. New users can bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets when placing their first bet on the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers.

All eyes will be on this star-studded Los Angeles roster as Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie make their debut. Reigning MVP, Matthew Stafford returns to lead an offense featuring Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

San Francisco has its own collection of stars, with Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey leading the offense alongside new addition Mike Evans. Fred Warner and Nick Bosa return from injury as San Francisco looks to start the season with a statement win over its NFC West rival.

With Stafford throwing to Nacua and Adams, McCaffrey and Evans joining Purdy, and Garrett making his highly anticipated debut, there are plenty of stars to watch when these teams meet in Australia. New users can bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets with DraftKings and get ready for NFC West rivalry.

Check Out How You Can Claim the New Users Promo

Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account.
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You will receive $200 in bonus bets instantly, regardless of the outcome of your qualifying wager.
Works the same on desktop & mobile.

*Odds are subject to change*

LA Rams-3.5 (−115)O 48.5 (−102)-205SF 49ers+3.53 (−105)U 48.5 (−118)+170

How to Watch 49ers vs. Rams

When: Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 8:35 p.m. ET
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia
TV/Streaming: Netflix

Players to Watch

For Los Angeles, the clearest skill position name to watch is Puka Nacua because his availability changed the shape of this matchup. He was not listed on the Rams injury report released Tuesday after dealing with a core issue, and that points to him being expected to handle his usual role against San Francisco.

That matters in a game where both teams enter 0-0 and there is no 2026 production yet to lean on. With the Rams still waiting for regular season statistical leaders to emerge, Nacua stands out as a proven focal point whose health is one of the most relevant developments going into this opener. If he is moving freely, Los Angeles gets a major piece of its passing game back at full strength.

On the San Francisco side, Christian McCaffrey is central because the 49ers expect him to step right back into his regular role. He was not listed on Tuesday’s injury report after his status had been watched through camp, and the latest update points to him being back at 100 percent for this opener.

In a Week 1 game with no 2026 team production on the board yet, that kind of clarity matters. San Francisco does not have official statistical leaders established for the regular season, so McCaffrey’s role becomes one of the strongest grounded indicators of where the offense can flow early. His involvement would give the 49ers their most dependable all purpose threat and a steady way to test the Rams from the opening series.

US Open: Is men’s singles victory a formality for Alexander Zverev or will Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe or Karen Khachanov trouble him? | Tennis News

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe will continue their ⁠quest to become the first American men’s Grand Slam champion ⁠since Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph at Flushing Meadows as the US Open reaches its semi-final stage.

Shelton sent defending champion Carlos Alcaraz packing in the early ‌hours of Wednesday with the pair slugging it out in the latest-finishing match in tournament history as he reached his third major semi-final, having made the final four in the 2023 US Open and 2025 Australian Open.

“That was a war,” said Shelton. “The most enjoyable match that I’ve had in my career.”

When are the US Open semi-finals on Sky Sports Tennis?

The US Open semi-finals will take place on Friday, 11 September, with both matches scheduled for Arthur Ashe Stadium

Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov will meet not before 3pm local time (8pm UK time), while Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe will take to court at 7pm (midnight UK time)

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Tiafoe recovered from two sets and ‌a break down to beat compatriot Alex Michelsen, reaching the semi-finals for a third time in a thrilling fightback.

The American has provided treasured memories for the home fans in New York, from his dragon-slaying defeat of Rafael Nadal en route to the 2022 semi-final, to his blockbuster win over compatriot Shelton two ‌years ago.

But the Cincinnati runner-up this year is ready to write a new chapter this time around, saying: “I’m just a different person in general. Those two runs (to the semi-finals) were great, something I will cherish forever, but I’m not that person ⁠who I was when I made ⁠one in 2022 and when I made one in ’24. I’m not that person. I’m excited to see what this ‌me does,” said Tiafoe.

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Highlights of the epic clash between Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz

“I have higher hopes for myself. So yeah, it’s great. The tournament ‌is still going. There’s a lot more tennis to be played, a lot more sets to be played, and a lot more physical things to be done. We’re going to enjoy this, but we got to keep going.”

Tiafoe is enjoying a career resurgence having undertaken a big lifestyle change and fitness regime towards the end of last year.

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Highlights of the quarter-final match between Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen

Former world No 1 Lindsay Davenport said: “If you hear their stories about last fall, and what a dark place Frances was in, he was willing to turn over, to try and give it his best shot.

“It’s not easy sometimes for players or people to do that, but he has kind of shifted everything in his life to revolve around tennis.

“Now to watch him be able to go out there and compete from two sets down, like the old Frances doesn’t necessarily (do), to stick his heels in and be like ‘I’m not going anywhere’ – I mean, he’s fighting.”

History awaits…

The winner of Frances Tiafoe vs Ben Shelton will be the first Black American man to reach a US Open Final since Arthur Ashe (1972) and the first Black American man to reach any major final since MaliVai Washington (1996 Wimbledon)

Zverev going about his business

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Top seed Alexander Zverev is favourite to win the US Open

While the men’s draw has fallen to pieces in the absence of Jannik Sinner and with Novak Djokovic and Alcaraz falling by the wayside, Alexander Zverev has been quietly going about his business.

Luciano Darderi, the 21st seed, is the highest-ranked player Zverev has faced, while he eased past world No 70 Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets.

The 29-year-old is a big favourite to beat unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov in the opening semi-final on Friday from 8pm on Sky Sports Tennis.

Zverev has beaten Shelton in all five of their career meetings and has lost just one of his 10 matches against Tiafoe.

Having won his first Grand Slam title at this year’s French Open and then reached the Wimbledon final, the world No 2 should be feeling at home in the latter stages of major tournaments.

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Highlights from the US Open quarter-final match between Alexander Zverev and Botic van de Zandschulp

But he said: “I think the more often that you get to that stage, the more normal it becomes, which is something that you should never take for granted.

“I know it can change in a heartbeat in tennis. I think confidence is something that is incredibly important, but also can go away quite quickly.

“I found that out after Wimbledon where I didn’t play well throughout the two tournaments on the hard courts, and then I found it again here.

“But yeah, of course I’m happy with how things are going, but looking forward, I still hope to play two good matches here.”

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Khachanov has been here before

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Highlights from the US Open quarter-final between Karen Khachanov and Alexander Blockx

Khachanov is seeking his first major final having reached the semi-finals of the US Open in 2022 and the Australian Open in 2023.

Khachanov was unseeded in a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since 2018 after a strange season.

He reached at least the third round of all four majors for the first time but is just 10-15 in other events, with losses in the opening rounds of all three hard-court events before coming to New York.

Zverev and Khachanov, both in the 1990s generation, have met nine times, with the German holding a 6-3 edge.

Their most notable encounter came in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics final, when ⁠Zverev won in straight sets to take gold, while their only previous Grand Slam meeting came at the French Open in 2018, when Zverev fought back from a set down to win in five.

Unexpected Match: John Harbaugh & Jaxson Dart’s Obsession Could Be Enough To Fix Giants

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In the hours after he was fired by the Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh knew he’d have options to coach again. He also knew not all of those options would be good. So, he had a shopping list of things he would need from his next NFL organization.

One item was clearly at the top.

Harbaugh would not take any job if the team did not have a franchise quarterback in place — one he believed could help him win another Super Bowl championship. And it didn’t take Harbaugh long to be sold on the promise of Jaxson Dart.

“I liked the way he played the game, but I feel like we think the same way, generally speaking, about football,” Harbaugh told me on a recent visit to his first training camp with the New York Giants. “I like the way he thinks. I like how competitive he is.

“And probably more than anything, I love how important football is to him. The word I would use is probably ‘obsession.’ I think he’s obsessed with football, and being the best he can be and all the things he wants to accomplish. That’s his obsession.”

That’s good because the Giants are obsessed, too, with fixing a franchise that has been mostly broken for more than a decade. They traded back into the first round to land Dart in the 2025 draft, then spent $100 million and upended their organizational structure to land Harbaugh back in January. They see the Harbaugh-Dart duo as their salvation, the way Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning were 22 years ago.

Jaxson Dart showed enough promise in his rookie season, scoring 24 total TDs in 14 games and providing Giants fans hope. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

They’ve invested everything they could in this pairing they believe is the future of their franchise.

So yes, this better work.

‘That’s Not His Main Thing. Football Is.’

On paper, it’s a mismatch. The 63-year-old coach with a somewhat stoic, all-football demeanor and the flashy 23-year-old who seems to love everything that comes with being a celebrity in New York. Dart is a showman, whether it’s on Instagram, at parties or on celebrity row. Harbaugh, on the other hand, seems more at home in a film room with the lights down low.

But what Harbaugh quickly learned was that Dart’s appearance was deceiving. The old coach spent hours talking with the young quarterback before he took the Giants job. That’s where he first learned of Dart’s “obsession” with the details, with becoming a better quarterback, and with the hard work he knew he had to put in to get there. And just in case he wasn’t convinced, he took calls from former Giants coach Brian Daboll, Eli Manning, and several others raving about Dart’s football acumen and work ethic, too.

And that’s really what Harbaugh cared about most. All the flash and trappings of celebrity are fine with him, as long as the substance is there.

“Right. That’s how I see it with him,” Harbaugh told me. “And he’s great about it. That’s not his main thing. Football is.”

Jaxson Dart attended several events over the offseason, such as World Cup matches and Fanatics Fest. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Dart’s teammates saw that clearly when they reported for Harbaugh’s first practices in the spring. There was a learning curve for all of them as they got their first real look at Harbaugh’s plan and the offensive system he’d be running with new offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. They had to decipher a new language and adopt a new philosophy.

Of course, there were going to be early mistakes. But the learning curve for Dart seemed smaller. He had spent months preparing, learning, and getting ready to become the leader Harbaugh needed him to be. So he was ready for everything when training camp opened in West Virginia. And when his teammates were still making those mistakes in the first few days, Dart’s tolerance was extremely low.

“I would say he was pretty pissed off with a couple of things at the beginning,” Giants receiver Darnell Mooney said about two weeks into training camp. “A lot of guys were trying to figure out everything. We were trying to learn the playbook. Now that the guys know the playbook, everything’s running a little bit smoother. He’s calming down more so that he can just play quarterback. He doesn’t have to help out everybody so much.”

‘He Has All Those Kinds of Tools.’

Harbaugh didn’t know a lot about Dart’s leadership when he was still coaching in Baltimore, but he was familiar with his game. He liked his skills, his toughness, and his moxie. He was impressed by what Dart did last season, when he started 12 games in his rookie year.

“I liked his talent,” Harbaugh told me. “I liked the way he played. I thought he had good feel for the game, good pocket presence, could move a little bit. I thought he made throws off-schedule as well. All the things I think most of the great quarterbacks are doing nowadays, he has all those kinds of tools.”

Harbaugh had a quarterback like that in Baltimore, too. He spent eight years with Lamar Jackson and helped him win two NFL MVP awards and finish second in the voting for a third. Together, they went 76-31 and went to the playoffs five times, though they never got past the AFC Championship Game.

They had a good relationship by all accounts, despite reports of a growing rift near the end of last season. Harbaugh built his entire approach around Jackson’s unique, dual-threat skills.

One big thing Harbaugh learned during his years with Jackson, though, was this: The franchise quarterback can’t help if he’s hurt. Jackson hurt his hamstring in Week 4 last season, missed three games and clearly wasn’t the same player when he returned. In his first three starts, even though the Ravens were 1-2, Jackson had thrown for 722 yards with nine touchdowns and no interceptions, and ran for 118 yards and a touchdown too. He never played close to that again.

John Harbaugh is taking the lessons he used coaching Lamar Jackson with the Ravens and applying them to how he’ll manage Jaxson Dart. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

It’s possible that had he stayed healthy and on the field, the Ravens would have won the AFC North, which they ended up losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a missed 44-yard field goal by Tyler Loop with no time remaining in the final game of the season. A healthy Jackson could have changed history for Harbaugh, who might be preparing for Year 19 in Baltimore right now instead of taking on a new job.

So yes, Harbaugh and the Giants are well aware that Dart displayed a somewhat reckless style when he scrambled last season, showing in his 86 runs for 487 yards and nine touchdowns that he’s unafraid to put his body in harm’s way. In some ways that’s good. As Giants quarterbacks coach Brian Callahan said, “He proved to all his teammates and everybody in this league that he’s a really tough player.”

But the flip side is Dart was pulled off the field five times for concussion checks during his 14 starts. He actually suffered a diagnosed concussion in an early November game in Chicago and missed the next two weeks. He was even pulled out for a concussion check once during this preseason, even though he only played two drives all summer long.

The result of all that has been an endless, nearly year-long debate in New York about whether the Giants coaches should rein Dart in or ride him like the unbroken thoroughbred he is. It’s been a debate inside the organization and the meeting rooms, too.

“Guys that can use their feet in this league are weapons,” Callahan said. “His running ability is something that makes him unique, makes him hard to prepare for, makes him hard to defend. That’s always going to be a part of his game. I think there’s an awareness of when to put yourself at risk, when to get out of bounds, when to get down on the ground and not take a hit, and when to be smart with the football too.

“But I never want to take away that ability to affect the game with his legs, because it’s something that makes him a really dangerous player in the league.”

The Giants and Harbaugh are counting on that.

‘He Wants To Be Perfect Every Play.’

If Dart can stay on the field, there will be unavoidable comparisons. Harbaugh had Jackson for eight years, and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy put in five years with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City — two of the best mobile quarterbacks in this generation in the league. Dart’s résumé is obviously far shorter than both, but the similarities of style and multi-dimensional skill set are clearly there.

“He’s Jaxson Dart. He’s not Patrick Mahomes,” Nagy said. “But we can use that [comparison] for routines and maybe how we did things. I know how much respect that Jaxson has for Patrick. We’ve talked a little bit about the process and what he’s been through. But we’ve also made it clear: ‘You have to be Jaxson Dart.’”

Which also means he can’t be Eli Manning, who is still the standard by which every quarterback for the Giants is judged. Just ask Daniel Jones, who was Manning’s direct successor and — at least when it came to his stoic, business-like demeanor — something of a Manning clone. It’s not just that Manning won two Super Bowls that made him the franchise’s model quarterback. It’s the way he became the perfect face of the franchise — a true professional who never courted any kind of trouble, an Iron Man who never let injuries stop him, and a polished corporate spokesman who sounded like he was all-football all the time.

It’s an unfair bar for anyone to be measured against. It’s also clearly not Dart’s style. He already feels like more of a disciple of the way Joe Namath once took on New York and became one of the city’s biggest stars, with flash and fashion and a desire to be seen. That’s never been the Giants way.

But it could be, because there is at least one trait that Harbaugh sees that Dart absolutely shares with Manning.

“He wants to be perfect every play,” Harbaugh said.

John Harbaugh compared Jaxson Dart’s strive for perection to Eli Manning, who quarterbacked the Giants to two Super Bowls. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Harbaugh needed to see that desire from Dart before he took the Giants job. That’s part of what those get-to-know-you calls were all about. And that’s where Dart learned Harbaugh had the same desire — or obsession — to be perfect, too.

“I love Harbs,” Dart said at the start of camp. “Just his intensity, his love for the game, his leadership. There are a lot of things that stand out as to why he’s been so successful in this league.”

‘He’s Got A Chip On His Shoulder.’

It’s still very early in the Dart-Harbaugh era, of course, and it’s important to remember that. Coughlin went 6-10 in his first season with the Giants, including 1-6 with Manning, then a rookie, at quarterback. In Year 4, Coughlin was about to be fired and fans were burning Manning jerseys in the parking lot in late November, before they turned everything around and went on a Super Bowl run that New York will never forget.

For Harbaugh, that kind of run isn’t just the goal, it’s the expectation. And he’s not the only one who has set his expectations high.

“I don’t hope we win this year,” Giants co-owner Chris Mara said in a recent radio interview. “I expect it. I think everybody else does too.”

The fate of the Giants’ 2026 season largely lies on John Harbaugh and Jaxson Dart’s shoulders. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

That’s because the Giants remember what it’s like to have the right coach and the right quarterback in place, staring at a future that looks and feels like it’ll be so much better than their recent past. It’s a feeling they haven’t had in a very long time.

“Heck yeah. People want to win,” Harbaugh told me. “People want to win everywhere. Every single team, every single city is desperate to win. So I don’t think it’s unusual to feel that way. But I do think these players are determined to do what is required to become good enough, to earn the right to have a chance to win a football game.”

“Ultimately, he just wants to win,” Dart said. “He’s got a chip on his shoulder.”

So does the quarterback. But that isn’t the only weight they’re carrying. Harbaugh and Dart hold the hopes of this once-great franchise sitting square on their shoulders, too.

George Russell insists he ‘has an answer’ to Kimi Antonelli’s pace amid his Mercedes team-mate’s dominance in title battle | F1 News

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

George Russell insists he does “have an answer” to Kimi Antonelli’s pace but admits he will need good fortune to catch his Mercedes team-mate at the top of the Drivers’ Championship.

Russell suffered a demoralising blow to his already faint title hopes at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix when he was beaten to victory by Antonelli despite the 20-year-old having started from 19th on the grid after receiving a penalty for exceeding his engine-part allowance.

The result saw Russell, who had started second in Monza, fall 66 points behind Antonelli with 10 rounds remaining, starting with this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.

Russell started the season as the clear title favourite but has won just two grands prix compared to Antonelli’s seven, with the Italian being consistently quicker, especially in terms of race pace.

Asked about finding himself in situation where he doesn’t have an answer to Antonelli’s speed, Russell replied: “I do have an answer and I’m working on it, and it’s been much improved.

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Watch how Antonelli converted 19th to first to take a sensational victory at the Italian Grand Prix

“I’m very pleased with that sort of step I’ve taken because fundamentally changing the driving style is achievable for a lot of drivers, but then actually being fast with it is another topic.”

Having reached a low point ahead of F1’s summer break, Russell delivered solid weekends in the Netherlands and Italy, but was still unable to beat Antonelli on a Sunday.

“I feel my performance since the summer break has been… I’ve qualified ahead of him in the three qualifying sessions and my race pace has been on a par with him in these two races. And I couldn’t say that pre-break. I’m definitely very pleased with that progression.

“We’ll have to see where the rest of the season takes us.”

Russell ‘trying not to be delusional’

Russell has repeatedly insisted his focus is on improving his own performances rather than thinking about catching Antonelli, but ahead of F1’s return to Madrid he admitted luck will be required if he is to claim his maiden drivers’ title this year.

In addition to his deficit, Russell will also have to take a grid penalty for taking new engine parts between now and the end of the season, which will see him start a race from the back of the field.

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Antonelli and Russell go wheel-to-wheel for the Italian Grand Prix lead in several epic team-mate battles

On his prospects of winning the title, Russell said: “I’m not trying to be delusional. The reality is my team-mate’s done a better job than me this year.

“I’ve had some bad luck but he deserves to be leading and right now he deserves to be in the position he is.

“From my side, I’m just going race by race. I’m going to try and win as many as possible.

“If I want to win this championship, I’m going to need some luck and that’s where we are. I’m sort of being quite realistic about the position we’re in.”

Antonelli: I want to avoid thinking about the championship

Antonelli’s victory on a weekend where his rivals were expected to make ground on him has further cemented his status as an overwhelming favourite to close out the championship.

Behind Russell, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton dropped 76 points behind Antonelli, while McLaren’s Lando Norris trails by 96 points in fourth.

Despite the strength of his position, Antonelli claims it’s “still early” to be thinking about the championship.

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Antonelli: Championship not won until ‘you cross final finish line’

He said: “I don’t even know how many races are left. Ten? So, it’s still a long way to go. It’s still early.

“And I don’t really want to drive thinking about championship. Monza was the proof that I wasn’t driving thinking about or worrying about championship.

“I was just driving to win; to do my best and so that’s the mindset.

“Of course, there might be occasions in the future where before taking a certain decision, I might think about the championship.

“But the thing I want to avoid is going on track for a free practice or a qualifying – or even a race – thinking about or worrying about the championship. That’s the thing I want to avoid at all costs.”

Sky Sports F1’s Spanish GP live schedule

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Sky Sports Anthony Davidson talks you through the new Madrid F1 track

Friday September 11
8.50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Spanish Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)
12.55pm: F2 Qualifying
2.40pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference
3.45pm: Spanish Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.20pm: F3 Qualifying
6.20pm: The F1 Show

Saturday September 12
10am: F3 Sprint
11am: Spanish Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
3pm: SPANISH GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
4.55pm: F3 Feature Race 1
6pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Why Julian Sayin Is Ohio State’s Most Unassuming Superstar Quarterback

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Julian Sayin’s family group chat was blowing up.

A video of Sayin went viral after one of his classmates recorded him introducing himself during the discussion portion of an online sports marketing class in the first week of school. The students had been asked to share their wellness habits. Instead of identifying himself as Ohio State’s starting quarterback or a Heisman Trophy candidate, Sayin kept it as low-key as possible.

He tried to be a normal college student.

“My name is Julian Sayin, I just prefer Julian,” he began. “My major is sport industry. I wouldn’t really say I want to change too much about my physical activity — I feel like I have a pretty good routine, I’m pretty active, I play sports. And one interesting thing about me is I love to play golf and I love playing pickleball.”

The video spread quickly across social media, in part because of how casual Julian was, but his family wasn’t surprised by it.

“It’s very Julian,” his older brother, Aidan Sayin, told me with a chuckle. “He’s not going to give you much detail, but just be humble and to the point. We all had a good laugh.

“The ‘I prefer Julian’ line was hilarious, but that’s just him. We joke that [his humor is] similar to Larry David. We always watch ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ and say he sort of emulates that same character.”

Julian’s no-ego personality might be the opposite of what you’d expect from someone at the center of the college football universe. He tries to fly under the radar and never tells anybody who he is if they don’t already know. Fans loved the video and plenty of them flooded the comment section on the social media post.

“The video itself encapsulates a lot about him,” Aidan said. “He’s not concerned with the spotlight. To be honest, he doesn’t even like it. Whenever we’re out and about in Columbus, he keeps his hat on, his head down, and just wants to get his açaí bowl.”

Julian has been that way for as long as those closest to him can remember. It’s part of what makes him so effective on the field.

He’ll need to keep that level head as he enters his second season as a starter at Ohio State, where a talent-laden roster is chasing its second national championship in three years. The top-ranked Buckeyes have a challenging schedule ahead with their first major test coming Saturday when they visit Arch Manning and No. 5 Texas in one of the biggest games on the Week 2 slate.

‘It Always Came From Within’

Julian is the baby in a family of high achievers. He’s the starting quarterback on the No. 1 team in the country and is a front-runner to win the Heisman after finishing in fourth place last season. But he’s striving to be as accomplished as his three older siblings.

“I think he was always kind of scrappy and trying to follow along,” Sayin’s mom, Karen Brandenburg, told me. “I don’t know how to describe it — it’s kind of like, ‘Don’t think you’re all that.’”

Julian Sayin warms up before Ohio State’s Week 1 game against Ball State. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Julian’s eldest sister, Bailey, played soccer at the University of Chicago before attending the Cambridge School of Art in England. His sister Jocelyn attended the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where she earned a degree in data analytics. After returning to the United States, Jocelyn took an interest in her youngest brother’s career, joining him on several college visits to LSU and Ole Miss. Now, alongside their mom, Jocelyn helps manage Julian’s NIL and marketing deals. She also earned a master’s degree in sports management from Ohio State and is pursuing her doctorate.

Aidan played football at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honors from Wharton. He went on to play for the Columbus Aviators of the UFL and is now considering continuing his football career in Japan or Europe.

When asked whether the household she and her husband, Dan, created while raising their children influenced their ambition, Brandenburg paused for a moment. She’s Type A; Dan is more laid back. Maybe, she thought, it started with Bailey, who from a young age was determined to play on the best soccer teams. That drive might have trickled down to the rest of the siblings.

“I don’t know,” Brandenburg said. “But it always came from within. We didn’t have to push. We never had to say, ‘You’ve gotta go to practice.’ They just always sought after things on their own, which made parenting really easy. We’ve been really lucky that they push each other.”

With success comes praise, and the Sayin kids aren’t particularly comfortable with compliments or being celebrated. When Jocelyn was finishing her master’s program, Brandenburg suggested they attend her graduation. Her daughter immediately pushed back: “No, no. When I get my doctorate, we’ll go to graduation.”

Julian is much the same way. The only feedback he really wants to hear — positive or negative — comes from his coaches and teammates. Even an email from an Ohio State fan in Dayton simply wanting to tell Julian that he had played great didn’t feel right to him.

‘On To The Next’

Thadd MacNeal — who was both Julian and Aidan’s coach at Carlsbad High School outside of San Diego and is close with the Sayin family — was at Ohio State’s 38-14 win over Penn State last year and sat in on the post-game press conference. He remembers reporters asking Julian about his passing percentage — 87% on a near-perfect 20-of-23 passes — in addition to 316 yards and four touchdowns.

“And he literally said, ‘Well, that’s because I have great protection, because my receivers catch every ball, and they’re so productive,” MacNeal told me. “It’s always deflecting to other people. That’s just how he operates.”

When Julian won Elite 11 — a premier high school quarterback competition — in June 2023, his mom wanted to take him out to dinner. He had beaten out Dylan Raiola, the top-rated quarterback recruit in the 2024 class at the time. But Julian declined. There was a tournament about 30 minutes away, and he wanted to go play in it instead.

This story came up during one of Julian’s visits to Alabama while he and his family were sitting in Nick Saban’s office. Julian enrolled at Alabama early in January 2024, but on his first day of classes, Saban announced his retirement, prompting the quarterback to enter the transfer portal and head to Columbus.

Sayin runs against Ball State in Week 1 to score a three-yard touchdown in the Buckeyes’ win. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

“Nick [Saban] said, ‘Hey, I heard you won Elite 11,’” Brandenburg recalled. “And Julian’s like, ‘Yeah.’ And I said, ‘I tried to take him out to dinner and celebrate.’”

“Nick just looked at Julian, and Julian goes, ‘On to the next thing.’ And Nick Saban’s like, ‘Yeah, that’s one thing. On to the next.’”

That attitude, Brandenburg said, is part of what makes Julian different.

“I don’t know what made him that way,” Brandenburg added. “But it’s good. It keeps us grounded, too. There’s always the next thing.

“I’m really trying to learn from him.”

‘Calm And Locked In’

Those traits serve Julian well on the field. He’s calm in big moments and doesn’t let the stage get too big.

He’s already off to a fast start this season, completing 21-of-25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns before coming out midway through the third quarter in Ohio State’s season-opening 56-3 romp of Ball State. Julian also scored his first rushing touchdown of his collegiate career on a fourth-and-goal to make it 21-0 early in the second quarter.

“He seems even more relaxed and confident this year,” Brandenburg said. “He’s very calm and locked in.”

Last year, his first as a starter at Ohio State, Julian completed 77% of his passes and averaged 27.9 attempts per game, the best mark in the country. He threw for 3,610 yards with 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions, leading the Buckeyes to a 12-2 record and impressive wins over Texas and Michigan. They lost to eventual national champion Indiana in the Big Ten title game and runners-up Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.

The year before, Julian played in four games as Will Howard’s backup, completing 5-of-12 passes with one touchdown on an Ohio State team that ultimately won the national championship.

Those experiences have helped Julian grow and develop into an even better player. Transforming his body during the offseason, he’s stronger, more poised, and Ohio State coach Ryan Day said this summer at Big Ten Media Days that he’s carrying himself with “a different look in his eye.”

Ohio State offensive lineman Luke Montgomery, Sayin, running back Bo Jackson and offensive lineman Carson Hinzman celebrate after a touchdown against Ball State. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Buckeyes center Carson Hinzman has seen it too.

“I mean, that dude can roll now,” Hinzman told reporters last month. “When he’s talking in the huddle, the confidence he has. Being able to zip that ball, you hear it literally whistle behind your ear, and it gives us confidence to have a quarterback who can go out there and have a little bit of swagger about him.”

No matter what happens this season — whether Julian wins the Heisman, Ohio State falls to Texas on Saturday or the Buckeyes run the table — his mindset will remain the same. It always has.

“I think sometimes bravado or being the star quarterback works, too,” Aidan said. “But for the most part, teammates want to see someone who is about the team and isn’t all about themselves. He’s just about playing football. He doesn’t care what else goes along with it. He just wants to play football and do his best this week.”

Charles Leclerc takes blame for Lewis Hamilton clash at Monza after pair hold talks ahead of Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid | F1 News

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Charles Leclerc has admitted “I didn’t behave the way I should have” when racing Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton at the opening lap of the Italian Grand Prix.

Hamilton accused the team of having “no rules” after he was forced wide by Leclerc at the exit of the first chicane, an incident which cost him six positions, and could only recover to sixth place at Ferrari’s home event.

Ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, both drivers discussed the incident with Ferrari chairman John Elkann, chief executive Benedetto Vigna and team principal Frederic Vasseur.

“What was very important was to speak first of all. It’s been quite a few years now that I’ve been in Ferrari and I know how it feels when everything on Ferrari is kind of on fire and if you don’t speak between Lewis and I, you can get caught with this noise around the team,” said Leclerc.

“It’s not that there’s no reason for that noise but the intensity of the noise is a bit too crazy. When you look at Monza, there has been friction between other team-mates and we barely talk about it but when it’s about Ferrari, it takes proportion that is not normal.

“We spoke with Lewis. We’ve always had a great relationship. I have a lot of respect for Lewis. I told him, in Turn 2, I didn’t behave the way I should have and the way a team-mate should.

“It happens when you are super motivated, Lewis is super motivated and I’m super motivated and we all try to do our best. Sometimes you go too far, which I did, and we will retune that in order for it to not happen again in the future.”

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Martin Brundle and Nico Rosberg debate who was at fault for the collision between Hamilton-Leclerc

Less than two laps later, Leclerc had a massive crash at the final corner and suffered from blurred version in the aftermath.

However, the Monegasque driver has undergone additional checks and is fit enough to race this weekend.

“I will be 100-per-cent fine. It was only right after the crash that was just a little bit strange and felt a little bit dizzy, but very quickly from Monday afternoon I felt better,” he said.

“I had quite a few treatments for the neck because that’s that’s where most of the shock went and I’m feeling good now, so I’m ready for this weekend.”

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Watch back the 360-degree angle of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc’s crash at the Italian Grand Prix

Hamilton: Leclerc has shown maturity

The Monza clash is the most high profile incident between Hamilton and Leclerc since they became team-mates at the start of last year.

Hamilton has experienced several team-mate on-track battles including against Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg and George Russell and says he has “squashed” the incident with Leclerc “so nothing lingers”.

“I think what’s great is that there was no shying away from having a discussion. We sat face to face, just him and I, and talked about it and we were just both open and honest and we squashed it and we can move on,” he said.

“I think that shows the maturity from him and I think it’s healthy. It’s a relationship we have built over time. Of course, there’s going to be frustrations and I’m sure there’ll be more times where we’re close because we’re very close in pace. We both want to win just as much as each other and we both want to do well for the team as well.”

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Karun Chandhok gives his verdict on Lewis Hamilton’s claim that he was forced off track after team-mate Charles Leclerc ran wide, leaving him on the gravel and kerb and costing him several positions

Hamilton asked for rules of engagement when it comes to racing with Leclerc, like he had at Mercedes, but revealed that was not part of the discussions post-Monza.

“Right now, I’m just trying to focus on having a better weekend this weekend,” he said.

“I’m sure at some stage we’ll discuss how we can be better, but we’ve not had a lot of time to just turn around. You can’t change things in two days.”

Sky Sports F1’s Spanish GP live schedule

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First look at F1’s newest circuit – the ‘Madring’

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

2027 NFL Draft QB Power Rankings: Why Moore Is Ahead Of Manning — For Now

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

With millions to be made via NIL and an open transfer policy, projecting who will enter the NFL draft in a given year is more complicated than ever. This is especially true at quarterback.

With that said, it is impossible for scouts not to fantasize about the talent potentially available in the 2027 NFL Draft — a class that could include a handful of franchise-altering QBs (and several stars elsewhere).

Everyone knows about Arch Manning and Dante Moore, but this class will offer a lot more than just those two superstar passers. That’s why I’ve tiered my 16 favorite draft-eligible quarterbacks below and will be updating this list all season long.

DAY 3 PROSPECTS

There are a handful of quarterbacks across the country firmly on scouts’ radars who have not yet shown the consistency to project as future NFL starters.

UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava (6-foot-5, 215 pounds) and Oklahoma’s John Mateer (6-1, 224) are already well known by a lot of college football fans and play for prominent programs that will help them generate plenty of buzz, should they play well this season. Both are gifted athletes with strong arms and NFL-caliber size, but questions linger about their accuracy and decision-making on and off the field.

Nico Iamaleava has desirable physical traits but a lot to prove after taking a step back last season at UCLA. (Photo by Samuel Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

A pair of current Day 3 prospects have already squared off in a Week 0 ACC showdown. North Carolina State’s CJ Bailey (6-6, 218), a true junior with a whip of an arm, struggled in a 31-8 loss to Virginia. Beau Pribula (6-2, 209), meanwhile, led the Cavs with 110 rushing yards and completed nine of 11 passes, including two long touchdowns off of play-action. He is a fifth-year senior who began his college career at Penn State. His 11 touchdown passes (against nine interceptions) for Missouri last season were a career high. The 2026 season opener was just the 11th start of his college career.

DAY 2 PROSPECTS

In this era of eye-popping statistics, LaNorris Sellers (6-3, 238) and his 60.8% completion rate with 13 touchdowns against eight interceptions last year hardly look like the stuff of an early-round draft pick. But the South Carolina star is among the biggest of this year’s quarterback prospects and has the strongest arm. And Sellers’ best traits may be his intangibles. He was voted a team captain as a redshirt freshman. No freshman at South Carolina had ever earned that distinction before.

Like Manning, Sellers needs to do a better job in the quick game. His accuracy is actually worse on short throws. Improving in this area could vault him into the first-round conversation. But if he doesn’t make gains in this area — in his third season as a starter — Sellers could drop into the Day 3 “project” zone.

And that brings us to Brendan Sorsby (6-3, 235), who, of course, is an unprecedented case.

He has the physical talent to warrant first-round consideration, but he’ll enter the draft following a one-year layoff after being ruled ineligible for sports betting. The NFL’s opinion of his off-field decision-making was made obvious when the league opted not to hold a supplemental draft this summer after Sorsby had declared for it. A QB-starved league actually shut the door in the face of a first-round-caliber quarterback. Folks, the NFL just doesn’t do that.

In a piece full of juicy quotes from anonymous NFL scouts and executives, FOXSports.com’s Ralph Vacchiano and Eric Williams did a fine job of breaking down the unique talent and concerns with Sorsby.

The 2027 NFL Draft is still seven-plus months away. With that amount of time to repair his image, I think Sorsby’s talent wins out and — pardon the pun — a team “gambles” on him on Day 2.

Jayden Maiava finds Trent Mosley for 68-yard TD, extending USC’s lead over Fresno State

Jayden Maiava (6-4, 230) is a redshirt senior with excellent size and a very strong arm. A year ago, Maiava showed a tendency to spray the ball when his feet weren’t settled, and he struggled to loft the ball between defenders. Few are better at developing quarterbacks than Lincoln Riley, and Maiava has the traits worth investing in. But he’ll have to prove himself this season without the luxury of throwing to Makai Lemon and J’Kobi Lane.

Maiava, Sorsby and Sellers are all relative wild cards. Teams prioritizing consistency over traits might like Mississippi’s Trinidad Chambliss (6-0, 210) and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin (6-1, 214) more.

As the only national champion of the bunch, Chambliss demands a close look despite the fact that he’s shorter and older (25) and was the backup to begin three of his four collegiate seasons.

He led Ferris State to the DII crown in 2024 and then transferred to Ole Miss, where he began last season as the backup to Austin Simmons. However, when Simmons injured his foot in Week 2, Chambliss seized his opportunity, emerging as SEC’s Newcomer of the Year by completing 66.1% of his passes for 22 touchdowns against just three interceptions. Chambliss is also a legitimate scrambling threat, showing impressive vision, elusiveness and acceleration to scoot for eight touchdowns on the ground. The season prior at Ferris State, he ran for 25 scores.

Chambliss may be short, but he’s got a compact, well-developed frame similar to Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson. Like them, Chambliss is a gifted passer who throws with better vision and arm strength than one might expect given his height. The biggest question shouldn’t be about his size but how well he can acclimate to a pro-style offense. I hope he attends one of the prominent All-Star games to ease that transition.

The biggest question with Sayin might be how much scouts are willing to overlook the fact that his receiving corps at Ohio State will likely be better than the ones he inherits in the NFL.

With all due respect to Fernando Mendoza, Sayin was the most accurate passer in the Big Ten last year, completing a staggering 77% of his throws for 32 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. Critics will point out that it’s considerably easier to produce when one is throwing to the likes of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, perhaps masking an average arm.

I disagree. National championships are the expectation at Ohio State, and Sayin showed impressive poise in his first year as a starter. While he lacks elite size and isn’t the scrambling threat of many others on this list, he sees the field well and rarely puts the ball in harm’s way, showing impressive diagnostic skills for a player beginning his true junior season. He demonstrated as much all the way back in the 2025 season opener, against Texas in what was Sayin’s first career start.

Julian Sayin connects with Jeremiah Smith for 48-yard TD, giving Ohio State an early lead versus Ball State

Finally, let’s acknowledge two very young quarterbacks more likely to be in play in the 2028 or 2029 NFL drafts but have already shown enough to excite scouts. After all, it has become almost an annual tradition of at least one breakout quarterback ascending from “sleeper” to one of the most exciting prospects of the draft.

The most compelling breakout superstar this year might be Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker (6-3, 215), a strong-armed gunslinger who transferred to Stillwater earlier this year to continue playing under head coach Eric Morris. Last season at North Texas, Mestemaker led the country with 4,379 passing yards.

It’s worth noting he was a late-blooming prep who didn’t start in high school and walked on at North Texas. He’s just a redshirt sophomore but is already creating buzz in the scouting community.

Another redshirt sophomore, Minnesota’s Drake Lindsey (6-5, 230), is another QB to watch.

He completed 63.2% of his passes with 18 touchdowns against six interceptions while leading Minnesota to eight wins last season. Lindsey is one of the few quarterbacks in this article with experience playing under center, and he throws deep balls with excellent trajectory.

DAY 1 PROSPECTS

The next three quarterbacks on my board lack elite physical traits, but they are accurate and instinctive passers whose games translate easily to the NFL. The flashes for each are bright. But they need to prove that previous breakout campaigns were not a fluke.

I’m eager to see how CJ Carr (6-2, 215) progresses in his junior year, with Notre Dame’s offense no longer being funneled through first-round running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.

Their presence undeniably made things easier on Carr, but he showed a savvy and poise last year that was uncommon for a first-year starting quarterback. Despite being smaller than many of his peers at the position, many of his best throws were downfield strikes to beat blitzes, showing the combination of pre-snap recognition, courage and accuracy that have scouts excited about where his game is headed. The 2027 NFL Draft will mark 20 years since Brady Quinn was the last Fighting Irish QB to be drafted in the first round. Carr could end that streak.

CJ Carr is vying to become the first Notre Dame QB drafted in the first round since Brady Quinn in 2007. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

Similar to baseball players working their way to the majors through various levels of A-ball, Darian Mensah (6-3, 205) has spent the past two seasons starring at Tulane (2024) and Duke (2025) and now will be throwing fastballs at the University of Miami. Despite a relatively weak supporting cast, Mensah guided the Blue Devils to an ACC title — its first since 1962 — and could have a bigger title in mind given the current talent at The U.

In both size and style, Mensah reminds me a bit of Jayden Daniels. He has a slight build and needs to play with greater game-to-game consistency, but he’s elusive and accurate in the pocket and on the move.

After leaving Arizona State for LSU, Sam Leavitt (6-2, 216) is also playing with an entirely new supporting cast. I think that could be a good thing for his development as a passer. Prior to suffering a season-ending Lisfranc injury in his right foot last year, Leavitt often relied too heavily on star wideout Jordyn Tyson. Leavitt needs to prove his health first, of course, but also showcase better field vision and ball distribution.

It’s why I’m excited about his pairing with Lane Kiffin and all the talent at LSU. Love him or hate him, Kiffin is one of the sharpest minds in football. I think coupling the exciting backyard element of Leavitt’s game with Kiffin’s clever play design is going to light up SEC defenses this year and spark a steady rise up the draft boards.

TOP-5 TALENTS

The unquestioned top two quarterback prospects to open this season are Arch Manning (6-4, 222) and Dante Moore (6-3, 220), both of whom would have been top-five picks this past spring had they declared.

It might surprise some to learn that I’m actually higher on Moore — if the draft were held today.

The tape shows that the Oregon quarterback is the more accurate of the two, with Moore especially better than Manning in the quick game — an increasingly important skill in today’s high-tempo NFL. Moore has already earned kudos this summer from scouts who have traveled through Eugene and seen how he’s bulked up from a year ago. That’s significant, as a relatively slight frame was one of the real concerns scouts had last year about him, along with his relative inexperience.

He entered this season with 20 career starts, including five at UCLA as a true freshman back in 2023. Last year was his first as a full-season starter, and he starred immediately, completing 71.8% of his throws for 30 touchdown passes with 10 interceptions. Projecting him to the NFL is relatively easy given his arm talent: He’s not only accurate but possesses a snappy release and consistently throws receivers open with both velocity and touch.

CJ Carr, Arch Manning and Darian Mensah early Heisman favorites? Can a non-QB win it this season? | Big Noon Kickoff

But, as with a lot of young quarterbacks, Moore’s decision-making and accuracy have waned in the face of pressure. Now bigger, stronger and more seasoned, I think he’s going to demonstrate improvement in these areas and contend for the national championship, Heisman Trophy and No. 1 overall draft pick all in the coming year.

With Manning, it is important to recognize his growth amid impossible expectations when trying to project what he can become. No player in college football is under a more intense microscope.

Given the attention Manning has drawn over his three-plus years at Texas, it is easy to forget that he has started just 15 games at the college level. Last year, he completed 61.4% of his passes for 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. By any standard other than being a Manning, this production — again, his first as a starter — would be considered a stellar achievement, especially when you factor in that he ran for another 10 scores.

And that’s the point. Manning is already very good. And it is so easy to think this is just the beginning. He blends prototypical size with a rocket arm and excellent mobility. He checks every box and I think he’s going to shatter last year’s numbers and team with Auburn transfer Cam Coleman to rival Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith as the most dynamic QB-WR combo in college football. (Manning, of course, had a rough go last year at Ohio State, but this Saturday in Austin should be an epic clash.)

If Manning corrects a few flaws in particular over the next few months, he’ll likely be the favorite to go first overall in the 2027 NFL Draft — if he turns pro.

Flanders Darts Trophy: Latest draw, schedule, results as Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen, Beau Greaves feature in Antwerp | Darts News

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The race to qualify for the World Grand Prix at the end of September live on Sky Sports concludes at the Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp this weekend.

Although the PDC’s top-two ranked players, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, are absent, the 13th European Tour event of the season gives a host of other leading names the chance to take the title.

Gian van Veen, Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen and James Wade are all in action at the Antwerp Expo.

So too is Beau Greaves who, fresh from making history at last week’s tournament in Prague by becoming the first woman to win a match on the Euro Tour, goes for a second against Damon Heta in Friday evening’s first round. The winner of that match will face Van Gerwen on Saturday.

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Luke Littler won last week’s Czech Darts Open with victory over Luke Humphries.

2026 Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy schedule and results

Friday September 11
Round One
Afternoon Session (1200 BST)
Niels Zonneveld vs Petr Tous
Mickey Mansell vs Bradley Brooks
Andrew Gilding vs Chris Landman
Kevin Doets vs James Hurrell
Karel Sedlacek vs Michael Hansen
Jeffrey de Graaf vs Host Nation Qualifier 3
Ryan Joyce vs Stephen Burton
Niko Springer vs Host Nation Qualifier 1

Evening Session (1800 BST)
Rob Cross vs Cristo Reyes
Joe Cullen vs Host Nation Qualifier 4
Cameron Menzies vs Gabriel Clemens
William O’Connor vs Host Nation Qualifier 2
Raymond van Barneveld vs Jim Long
Damon Heta vs Beau Greaves
Sebastian Bialecki vs Kim Huybrechts
Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Brendan Dolan

Saturday September 12
Round Two
Afternoon Session (1200 BST)
Krzysztof Ratajski vs Doets/Hurrell
Jermaine Wattimena vs Sedlacek/Hansen
Martin Schindler vs Cross/Reyes
Danny Noppert vs Gilding/Landman
Ryan Searle vs Cullen/HNQ4
Chris Dobey vs Zonneveld/Tous
Luke Woodhouse vs O’Connor/HNQ2
Ross Smith vs De Graaf/HNQ3

Evening Session (1800 BST)
Josh Rock vs Joyce/Burton
Gerwyn Price vs Mansell/Brooks
James Wade vs Van Barneveld/Long
Gian van Veen vs Menzies/Clemens
Michael van Gerwen vs Heta/Greaves
Nathan Aspinall vs Springer/HNQ1
Stephen Bunting vs Van Duijvenbode/Dolan
Wessel Nijman vs Bialecki/Huybrechts

Sunday September 13
Afternoon Session (1200 BST)
Round Three

Evening Session (1800 BST)
Quarter-Finals
Semi-Finals
Final

Sky Sports remains the home of darts with the World Grand Prix (September 28-October 4), Grand Slam of Darts (November 14-22) and World Darts Championship (December 10-January 3) all live. Stream darts and more through NOW with no contract.

This Season’s Super Bowl Winner Will Be 1 Of These 7 NFL Teams

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The NFL is a league built on parity and the idea that, in any given season, any team can rise from the bottom of the standings and compete for a championship. The 2025 season proved this concept, with the Patriots going from AFC East bottom-feeder to Super Bowl participant.

As we head into the 2026 season, every team’s fanbase is asking the same question: Why not us?

It’s a nice thought. But here, in reality, stories like last year’s Pats come along maybe once or twice a decade. Typically, we can whittle down the true Super Bowl contenders with reasonable accuracy before the season even begins. And that’s what I’ll be doing here. I’ve considered the title cases for all 32 teams and narrowed them down to a group of seven that can realistically win a Lombardi Trophy next February.

So let’s look at what makes these teams title contenders before examining the group of fringe contenders who just missed the cut, along with why they were left out.

One of these seven teams will win the Super Bowl:

The Rams were one unlucky two-point conversion away from earning home-field advantage in the playoffs, which may have been enough to get Sean McVay’s team to the Super Bowl.

It would have been easy – and maybe even sensible – for the Rams to just run it back and hope for better luck. Instead, they traded for Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, added a lockdown cornerback in Trent McDuffie, and then lured Aaron Donald out of retirement.

They were already one of the favorites to hoist the Lombardi trophy before those additions. Now, they’re the clear favorites. They check all the boxes you look for in a title contender:

A trustworthy head coach … check.
Top-shelf quarterback play … check.
A sturdy running game … check.
Receivers who get open consistently … check.
A dominant defensive line … check.
A reliable secondary … also a check.

Myles Garrett’s addition played a big part in Aaron Donald coming out of retirement. (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

The acquisition of Garrett commanded a lot of the offseason attention, but adding McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the cornerback room could be the moves that propel L.A. over the championship hump. The Rams secondary could be pushed around and picked on last season. That’s not happening with two physical corners like McDuffie and Watson on the field. Even if opposing quarterbacks can stay upright long enough to get a pass off with Garrett and Donald collapsing the pocket, finding open receivers will be a challenge.

More concerns exist on the offensive side of the ball, where an injury to Davante Adams or Puka Nacua could leave the team lacking in big-play ability. The offensive line is thin, as well, and reigning MVP Matthew Stafford needs all the protection he can get now that he’s entering his age-38 season.

Still, this is the NFL’s most talented roster that’s led by one of the NFL’s best coaches in Sean McVay. This is a Super Bowl-or-bust season for Los Angeles.

The defending champs took a few hits in the offseason, losing running back Kenneth Walker and a handful of second-tier starters along the defense. They almost took another during Wednesday night’s season-opening win, but it sounds like quarterback Sam Darnold avoided a serious hip injury after leaving the win over the Patriots in the first half.

Outside of losing Walker, this is largely the same team that won a title in February, and they’d be the title favorites once again if not for L.A.’s busy offseason.

One thing we can bank on: Head coach Mike MacDonald will have his defense playing at an elite level once again. The defensive line has been the key to the unit’s success, and all of its key pieces return in 2026. The Seahawks are light at cornerback but will play with three safeties more often than not, so that’s more of a minor concern than it would be for other teams. There’s no reason to expect any falloff from this bunch.

If safety/slot defender Nick Emmanwori, an All-Rookie selection a year ago, makes the leap and plays at an All-Pro level, the Seahawks’ defense may even improve over last season.

There are some offensive concerns with coordinator Klint Kubiak becoming the Raiders’ head coach. MacDonald went outside the building to find his replacement but went back to Kyle Shanahan’s coaching tree to poach 49ers assistant Brian Fleury. Big plays powered the Seahawks’ offense – and offset some of Darnold’s turnover issues – so his primary task will be keeping Seattle’s explosive play rate up.

If the first-time offensive coordinator can do that and help Darnold cut down on the turnovers, Seattle will be just as formidable as the Rams.

Whether Seattle can repeat as Super Bowl champion may hinge on Sam Darnold’s performance in 2026. (Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

The Ravens have not been a well-coached team the past two seasons. If new head coach Jesse Minter can clean up penalties and coverage busts on defense, it will go a long way. And if new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who comes over from Ben Johnson’s staff in Chicago, can get Lamar Jackson back to his MVP form, Baltimore can regain its place among the AFC’s contenders after last year’s disappointment.

The defense will almost certainly be better. Minter, one of the sharpest defensive minds in the sport, got top-10 results out of a Chargers’ defense with far less talent than what he’ll be working with in Baltimore. The pass rush gets two major boosts with Nnamdi Madibuike returning from injury and Trey Hendrickson joining from the rival Bengals.

Depth is a concern, but if this unit is healthy and Minter lives up to the hype, this will be a championship-level defense.

The Ravens are hoping rookie head coach Jesse Minter can turn them back into contenders. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Jackson’s play will determine if the offense can keep up. The two-time MVP battled injuries throughout 2026 and didn’t play his best ball when he was on the field. Jackson took far too many sacks last season, but he says he wasn’t as eager to leave the pocket last season because of the injuries and vowed to run more now that he’s healthy. That should help the two-time MVP get his groove back and elevate this offense back into the top-10.

The 2025 Chiefs showed us that rostering an elite quarterback isn’t enough to keep a team in title contention. So, while it feels like Josh Allen is capable of carrying the Bills to a Super Bowl, only one or two things have to go wrong for them to experience their own season from hell.

Buffalo has just enough quality around Allen to make this shortlist of contenders. The offensive line, which powered one of the league’s best run games a season ago, lost left guard David Edwards to free agency, but everybody else is back. Running back James Cook is primed for another monster season, and the receiving corps added the perimeter threat it so desperately needed with the trade for D.J. Moore. No more relying on Keon Coleman for downfield targets.

The Bills’ offense won’t change much, but with Sean McDermott out as head coach, Buffalo’s defense is getting a makeover. First-year defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has been a favorite among football nerds for years thanks to his work in the college ranks. McDermott ran a structurally sound defense, but smart quarterbacks had no trouble picking it apart. Leonhard’s scheme will give them more to think about.

Denver’s Super Bowl aspirations still hinge on quarterback Bo Nix. A fractured ankle robbed him of a chance to prove he could lead the Broncos to a Super Bowl, but he’ll get another crack at it with another strong roster.

Denver did lose a stout run defender in John Franklin-Myers and starting safety P.J. Locke, but the defense is stacked, and the front office used the money saved from those departures to add some firepower to the passing game in the form of receiver Jaylen Waddle. Everything is in place for a Super Bowl run … if the quarterback play is sufficient.

Whether the Broncos can break through to the Super Bowl under head coach Sean Payton will come down to the play of QB Bo Nix (above). (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

There will be a new voice in Nix’s ear this season, with head coach Sean Payton relinquishing play-calling duties to Davis Webb. The first-time offensive coordinator is just three years into his coaching career and has never called plays in a game that counts. It’s impossible to know how he’ll handle the monumental task; but even if he falters, having a Hall of Fame play-caller as a “break glass in case of emergency” option lowers the concern.

If you’re wondering how the Eagles managed to win 11 games and another NFC East title while the offense was imploding on and off the field, just look to the other side of the ball. Philadelphia’s defense finished as a top-three unit for a second year in a row and carried the team back to the playoffs.

The ceiling could be even higher in 2026. The Eagles patched up the biggest hole in their defense by adding cornerback Riq Woolen to play opposite of star Quinyon Mitchell. Philly’s pass defense was solid last season but struggled to get off the field on third down. Coordinator Vic Fangio prefers man coverage in third-and-medium situations, but with Adoree Jackson or Kelee Ringo getting torched, it wasn’t an effective strategy. While Woolen isn’t an elite cover corner by any means, he is a ball-hawk who can create turnovers if teams repeatedly try him.

A secondary is as strong as its weakest link, and Philly’s weakest link will be sturdier this season.

Cornerback Riq Woolen won the Super Bowl last season and then joined a perennial contender in Philadelphia. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

On the defensive line, the Eagles are banking on development from young players like Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. to make up for their numerous offseason losses. They also added veteran edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, who comes over after a down season in Minnesota. If Philadelphia can get just average pass rush production from its defensive ends, this could be the NFL’s best defense, which will keep the defending NFC East champs in contention even if the offensive issues persist.

The Texans are included here solely out of respect for Demeco Ryans’ defense, which would have been good enough to drag Houston’s frustrating offense through the AFC playoffs if not for C.J. Stroud picking the worst time to play his worst-ever game. The Texans quarterback averaged 4.5 yards per attempt and threw four interceptions in the season-ending loss to the Patriots. Three of those picks were thrown over a nine-play stretch that staked New England to a double-digit lead that felt insurmountable based on how the Houston offense was playing.

So, why should we expect a different outcome next January?

For starters, Stroud is a much better quarterback than he showed last postseason. He may not be the franchise savior he appeared to be after his rookie season, but he’s capable of producing top-10 play for long stretches. With a truly elite defense, that’s good enough to make a run.

Houston also improved its offensive line, which has been the root cause of its problems over the past few seasons. And with Stroud entering his second season in coordinator Nick Caley’s offense, there should be fewer growing pains for the offense early on.

If this offense can be just mediocre, the Texans should run up another double-digit season. If Stroud can avoid another postseason stinker, the ceiling is much higher.

These teams could sneak into the Super Bowl — but they aren’t winning it.

New England Patriots

The Patriots have a better roster than they did a year ago, and new WR1 A.J. Brown is a perfect match for Drake Maye’s game. Obviously, Brown’s ankle injury against the Seahawks isn’t a great way to start the season. The defense entered the season due to regress against a tougher slate of quarterbacks than in 2025, and the offensive line remains a work in progress.

Cincinnati Bengals

This offense has the potential to reach some serious highs, but we’ve been saying that for years now, and Joe Burrow and Co. have yet to produce a truly elite season. While the defense has improved, it still looks like a mediocre group at best.

Detroit Lions

The Lions still haven’t filled the Graham Glasgow-sized hole in the middle of its offensive line and are banking on a Dolphins castoff or a rookie to hold down the fort at right tackle with Penei Sewell swinging over to the left side. Detroit needs its offensive line to return to elite status to get this team back on track for title contention. I’m not sure it can.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are an organization on the rise, but they’re still another strong offseason – and another leap from Trevor Lawrence – away from being a true title threat. If the defense avoids regression and Lawrence finds consistency, they’re capable of a deep postseason run. Even then, it’s difficult to imagine them going toe-to-toe with the NFL’s top contenders.

San Francisco 49ers

The roster is old and already injured. If this were Madden, and we could turn off injuries, the 49ers would have enough talent to challenge Seattle and Los Angeles in the NFC West. But we can’t, and they probably won’t.

Chicago Bears

Even Ben Johnson knows that the regression gods are out to get Chicago this season after riding last year’s devil magic to a divisional title and an impressive playoff run. The Bears are headed in the right direction, but progress isn’t linear, and the division will be tougher, with Detroit and Minnesota likely to improve.

Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes is coming off a late-season ACL tear, and the Chiefs made no meaningful improvements to the roster outside of adding running back Kenneth Walker. It will be another uphill climb just to make the playoffs. If not for Mahomes, they’d be nowhere near this list.

How to watch Premier League, WSL, Spanish Grand Prix, US Open finals, Solheim Cup and NFL with Sky Sports and NOW | Football News

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Football, F1, cricket, golf, tennis and NFL all on one weekend – and all on Sky Sports. Here’s everything you need to know so you don’t miss a minute of the action.

What sport is happening this weekend?

Premier League – Man Utd vs Man City
Formula 1 – Spanish Grand Prix
Tennis – US Open finals
Men’s cricket – England vs Pakistan third Test
Golf – Solheim Cup, Irish Open
NFL – Bills vs Texans
WSL – Man Utd vs Chelsea, Aston Villa vs Man City

How can I watch it?

TV: Sky Customers can watch all the action on Sky Sports. If you don’t have Sky Sports, you can upgrade for £22

App: Sky Customers can also watch on the Sky Sports app

Stream: Non-Sky customers can stream the action with a NOW Day or a cancel-anytime Month pass

Online: Anyone on the move can follow live coverage of any event with our dedicated event blogs and catch up with highlights on the Sky Sports app

Full Big Weekend TV schedule

Friday

0600: Solheim Cup foursomes (Sky Sports Main Event and Golf)

0930: Irish Open (Sky Sports+)

1015: England vs Pakistan day three, third Test (Sky Sports Cricket)

1200: Solheim Cup fourballs (Sky Sports Main Event and Golf)

1230: Spanish Grand Prix practice one (Sky Sports F1)

1630: Spanish Grand Prix practice two (Sky Sports F1)

1700: US Open (Sky Sports Tennis)

1930: West Ham vs Wrexham (Sky Sports Main Event and Football)

Saturday

0600: Solheim Cup day two foursomes (Sky Sports Main Event and Golf)

1015: England vs Pakistan day four, third Test (Sky Sports Cricket)

1200: Solheim Cup day two fourballs (Sky Sports Main Event and Golf)

1230: Seven EFL games – including Derby vs Birmingham, WBA vs QPR (Sky Sports Football and Plus)

1245: West Ham Women vs London City Lionesses (Sky Sports Premier League)

1430: Irish Open (Sky Sports+)

1500: Spanish Grand Prix qualifying (Sky Sports F1)

1700: Tottenham vs Everton (Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League)

2000: US Open Women’s final (Sky Sports Main Event and Tennis)

2220: South Africa vs New Zealand fourth Test (Sky Sports Action)

Sunday

0900: Solheim Cup singles (Sky Sports Main Event and Golf)

1015: England vs Pakistan day five, third Test (Sky Sports Cricket)

1130: Manchester United Women vs Chelsea Women (Sky Sports Mix and Plus)

1130: Sheffield United vs Wolves (Sky Sports Football)

1300: Coventry vs Brighton (Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League)

1300: Spanish Grand Prix (Sky Sports F1)

1400: Irish Open (Sky Sports+)

1600: Manchester United vs Manchester City (Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League)

1730: Two NFL games – Bills vs Texans and Buccs vs Bengals (Sky Sports Action and Plus)

1800: Aston Villa Women vs Manchester City Women (Sky Sports Football)

1900: US Open Men’s final (Sky Sports Main Event and Tennis)

2125: Three NFL games – Packers vs Vikings, Dolphins vs Raiders, Commanders vs Eagles (Sky Sports Action and Plus)

How to watch Big Weekend with the Sky Sports app

Sky Sports subscribers can:

Download or open the Sky Sports app
Head to the ‘Live’ section
Tap on the channel or event you want
Sign in with your Sky iD (*you’ll only need to do this once)

*Sky iD help: How to find or create your Sky iD

What is NOW TV?

NOW is an instant streaming service offering access to all 12 Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports+ stream, and much more.

It’s an app, so customers can sign up and stream instantly across over 60 devices. It offers contract-free membership options, so customers can cancel anytime!

You can choose between a Month or Day Memberships. See the latest NOW TV membership prices.

More information about NOW can be found here.

Why Rams OC Nate Scheelhaase Is The Next Great Sean McVay Disciple

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

LOS ANGELES — It’s the start of practice, and Nate Scheelhaase has some pep in his step.

Scheelhaase, the new Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator, is bouncing around the field. The 35-year-old pedals back into coverage, simulating a defensive back to give his tight ends a good look as they run routes with the quarterbacks, stopping a player to correct footwork or offer a word of encouragement.

Scheelhaase’s energy and enthusiasm are something that doesn’t go unnoticed by his boss, Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay.

“He’s done a great job,” McVay told me. “He’s got great organizational skills, great communication skills. He shows great leadership to be able to bring people together. He’s got a great capacity for the game, and he’s continuing to learn the foundation of some of the things we’ve been doing. But he’s been awesome. And I’ve been really pleased with the job he’s done.”

The former University of Illinois quarterback is the latest offensive assistant of the McVay coaching tree expected to springboard to stardom as an NFL head coach. Zac Taylor (Cincinnati Bengals), Liam Coen (Jacksonville Jaguars), Matt LaFleur (Green Bay Packers), Mike LaFleur (Arizona Cardinals) and Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings) are all current head coaches who served as offensive coordinators for McVay, while Brandon Staley (ex-Los Angeles Chargers head coach) and Raheem Morris (ex-Atlanta Falcons head coach) are defensive coordinators who moved on to earn head coaching jobs in the league.

“You just learn how to communicate with people on a clear and concise level,” Coen told me when asked what he learned from McVay. “Obviously, you learn the schematics and techniques of all three phases. But honestly, I think what makes Sean different is just the way he can connect with people — white, black, purple, green, rich, poor, from here or there — it doesn’t matter. Sean can connect, and I think that’s something you always appreciate about learning from him.”

Scheelhaase interviewed for head coaching jobs in Baltimore, Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Las Vegas during the last hiring cycle. But he returned to take on the offensive coordinator role in Los Angeles, replacing Mike LaFleur. Scheelhaase understands he’s a work in progress, as he looks to add value to a loaded roster considered to be a heavy favorite to win the Super Bowl.

“What doesn’t change in this game and being involved in it is you feel like you’re one piece of the puzzle, and your contribution can make an impact,” Scheelhaase told me. “That was one of the things that excited you as a player to be in the locker room. And a lot of guys stepped into coaching for that reason — to be a part of something bigger than themselves. That’s what I love about coaching, being able to make an impact. And it looks different based on the role that you have or based on the position you play. But it matters.

“It matters from our head coach to our backup left guard, to our athletic trainers and to the people that are making our food in the morning. So, being able to own my role and make meaningful contributions is a huge deal to me.”

Sean McVay has the most extensive coaching tree in the NFL with former Rams OC and current Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell being one of his five former assistants to hold a head coaching job this season. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

How Scheelhaase’s Coaching Journey Began As A Player

Tony Severino, a recently retired legendary head coach at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, told me he saw something in Scheelhaase as an aspiring player at his football camp.

“I saw something special in him back then,” Severino said. “He’s one of the first freshmen we ever started. He started in the secondary and at slot receiver because we had a senior at quarterback. Midway through his sophomore year, we put him at quarterback, and he was special, and then whenever we needed him on defense at safety. He was always a great football player.”

Scheelhaase told me he got his foundation from playing for Severino. Along with Severino, Scheelhaase said he also got his first football education from his parents, former University of Iowa defensive back Nate Creer and LouAnn Scheelhaase.

“My dad was my coach, and my mom was the head video coordinator,” Scheelhaase told me. “She had the video recorder in the crowd. We’d play on Saturday and watch on Sunday after the game.

“I learned the behind-the-scenes parts after games could make a huge impact on what you were trying to do on the field. You could learn and become a better player from the behind-the-scenes stuff. So, I think somewhere inside me, it created an appreciation for everything that happened before the snap, and so that carried on. He coached me all the way through eighth grade.”

Nathan Scheelhaase was a four-starter at Illinois, playing against the likes of Kirk Cousins. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/Getty Images)

Scheelhaase describes his father as a survivor. Creer grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and was raised by an older sister after losing both parents at 10 years old. From that, Scheelhaase said he learned how to grind and battle through adversity from his parents, who sold their house and moved to Illinois to be closer to him when he played football in college.

“He knows how to work,” Scheelhaase told me about his father. “He’s worked warehouse jobs his whole life, freaking third shift. And knowing a little bit of where he comes from, I have a lot of gratitude for where I’m at and what I get to do here. So, I think you learn a lot, not only from the football side but how to work.

“My mom is the same way. My mom is a stud. I was able to go to private school that was out of our budget because she freaking took a job that was not her favorite, but she knew she could make enough money to get me through high school at the place that I wanted to go to school. She is meaningful in probably every character piece that I have and still is to this day. I’ve got awesome parents. And certainly, on the human side, but also on the football side, I’m super grateful for them.”

A Natural Leader

Scheelhaase, who was a four-year starter at Illinois, holds the program record for total yards with 10,634, and while things didn’t always go as he would like, Scheelhaase played his best when the game mattered the most, according to Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm, who served as one of the four offensive coordinators he worked with at Illinois.

“Nathan was intelligent, very bright,” Brohm told me. “He was a very good teammate, supportive of everybody — even the guys he was going against. To be quite honest, he performed better on game day than he did at practice. He was a guy who always came through in the game, had a lot of grit, toughness and character – and those things always showed up in the game and helped us win.”

Brohm pointed to two performances in bowl games by Scheelhaase that were key moments in his rise. He led Illinois to wins over Robert Griffin III in the Texas Bowl in 2010 before a victory over UCLA in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl a year later, earning MVP honors in the latter.

Nate Scheelhaase threw for a touchdown and ran for 110 yards in Illinois’ win over UCLA in the 2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

As Scheelhaase had a strong college career, he credited his playing days for helping him succeed so far as a coach. Scheelhaase said playing quarterback from youth football to college helped him see and coach the game through a quarterback lens.

“Obviously, the quarterback is the trigger man; he’s going to make a meaningful impact on the offense and the team at large,” Scheelhaase told me. “I think anytime you can view things through his lens as a starting point, it’s going to just give you a good barometer of where to go and what to do as far as what should we put into the install? How should we schedule our offseason programming? And what’s going to ultimately be on the third-down game plan?

“So, if you’re always viewing things through his lens — as far as are we providing clarity for him and are we putting him in the best position to be successful – it’s the lens in which I view the game.”

Severino echoed Scheelhaase’s sentiment, believing the player he once coached in camp was ready to take on the challenge of coaching due to his playing background.

“Quarterback is kind of like a catcher,” Severino told me. “A catcher sees the whole game out in front of them, and they make great Major League managers. Quarterbacks, a lot of times, if they’re good people, they make great leaders. And they become good head coaches.”

How Scheelhaase Found His Coaching Voice

After his playing career was over, Scheelhaase said he earned his first full-time job as a running backs coach for head coach Matt Campbell at Iowa State in 2018 after a few years on Illinois’ coaching staff. Scheelhaase spent six seasons with the Cyclones, coaching running backs and receivers before ultimately being promoted to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, where he helped to groom Brock Purdy and Rocco Becht.

Campbell, who is now the head coach at Penn State, remembers how infectious Scheelhaase’s personality was when he was at Iowa State.

“No. 1, he galvanizes the players, galvanizes the people around him,” Campbell told me. “There’s a humility and curiosity with how he comes in and really tries to grow himself and the people around him in football. And then I think the second thing I really appreciate about him is he just has a sense of trust and leadership.

“He just had this ability to lead in a positive way, and I think everyone around him felt that.”

Nate Scheelhaase cut his teeth in coaching as an assistant at Iowa State. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

That personality allowed Scheelhaase to form a close bond with Campbell. In fact, Scheelhaase, his wife Morgan and his family went on a vacation with Campbell’s family to Hawaii once.

It was moments like those that Scheelhaase shared with Campbell that the new Rams offensive coordinator credited with helping build his foundation as a coach.

“He helped to form a lot of who I’ve become as a coach,” Scheelhaase told me about Campbell. “The way to do it, the way to treat people, the way to come to work every day, the way to go about it with the right mindset — which is how you can put players and people in the best position to be successful. And pouring everything you’ve got to help that happen. I learned a whole lot and will forever be indebted to him. He’s the man.”

Scheelhaase has continued that building process with the Rams. McVay allowed him to call plays during preseason games the last two years, and he’s constantly working to help Los Angeles find an edge that will help them on game day.

An example of that last season included daily work with receiver Konata Mumpfield, which led to the rookie contributing to L.A.’s NFC Championship run last season.

“Mumpfield was a rookie receiver who is really talented and has continued to make a great impact for us,” Scheelhaase told me. “But we started utilizing him on third down, and he was really our third receiver on third down. I can remember behind the scenes working with him in walk-through practice just so he had a great idea of the concepts we were running and how he fit in the puzzle before he was even playing. This was probably seven, eight or nine weeks before he may have been out there in those situations, but behind the scenes he was working.

“And then seeing him get into a Sunday night game against Tampa and Matthew [Stafford] hit him on a backside in-cut, and you feel like you were able to contribute to help create clarity for him, which is obviously our job as coaches.”

Now, Scheelhaase should have even more say in the Rams’ offense in 2026. He’s quickly risen through the ranks of McVay’s staff, going from offensive assistant and passing game specialist in 2024 to pass game coordinator in 2025 before his promotion to offensive coordinator over the offseason.

Nate Scheelhaase has added responsibilities in 2026, getting promoted to offensive coordinator. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

But Scheelhaase said he has already had the freedom to find his role and voice as a coach, crediting McVay as he said that’s one of the Rams head coach’s secret sauces.

“There’s so much more to it than the X and Os,” Scheelhaase told me. “The way he builds a culture in the NFL where people matter, and connection matters, is one of our secret sauces, for sure. And the way he brings up leaders and allows them to see behind the curtain, be able to see behind the scenes and learn, to hear his thoughts and how he’s thinking.

“How he moves and how he operates throughout the course of a year, I’ve been fortunate enough to just be a sponge and be able to soak up a ton of insight in those situations. That’s a part of it.”

McVay still remains the offensive playcaller for the Rams in 2026. That shouldn’t deter teams from pursuing Scheelhaase as a head coach candidate next offseason, though, if everything goes right this year. It certainly hasn’t stopped teams from pursuing McVay disciples in the past, either, as the likes of Kevin O’Connell and Mike LaFleur didn’t call plays under the Rams head coach before getting head coach opportunities themselves.

And while McVay still holds onto playcalling duties, it’s the way he leads that Scheelhaase is taking note of as he potentially becomes the next McVay disciple to become a head coach.

“He knows what the foundational pieces in this game are always going to be, and he’s willing to double down on those things time and time again,” Scheelhaase told me. “I don’t think he’s trying to chase a different identity. I don’t think he’s trying to chase what maybe somebody else is doing.

“But I think he has a great belief in what it looks like to be a successful organization, and what that emphasis looks like throughout the year. It’s not just in the fall, but it’s a 365-day-a-year job, and I think he’s got that mapped out pretty darn well for what’s important.”

Solheim Cup 2026: How Team USA look to overcome ‘heart-breaking’ near-misses against Team Europe and retain trophy | Golf News

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Team USA are determined to overcome ‘heart-breaking’ near-misses in away Solheim Cups and successfully retain their trophy on European soil this week, live on Sky Sports.

Angela Stanford’s side arrive at Bernardus Golf as defending champions, following their 15.5-12.5 win over Team Europe in Virginia two years ago, leaving Team USA chasing back-to-back wins for the first time since 2017.

It’s 11 years since the United States last won in Europe, when a record final-day comeback overturned a 10-6 deficit and snatched a one-point win in Germany, with Team USA falling agonisingly short in both the last two away editions.

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Angela Stanford and Anna Nordqvist both hope to guide their teams to Solheim Cup victory this week

Team USA lost by a point at Gleneagles in 2019 after Suzann Pettersen’s iconic putt in the singles, then followed a home loss in 2021 by letting their commanding opening-day lead slip to tie 14-14 at Finca Cortesin in Spain two years later.

“It’s always really hard to win on foreign soil,” American Andrea Lee said in her press conference. “I think we played really well and came so close last time in Spain.

“It was pretty heart-breaking to end in a tie and for Europe to retain, but I think a lot of us from that team are here this week. We’re just very motivated to keep the [Solheim] Cup and try to win on foreign soil again.”

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Highlights of the final day from the 2024 Solheim Cup, as Team USA secured a 15.5-12.5 victory over Europe in Virginia

Team USA travelled together – including caddies – from Atlanta to the Netherlands on Saturday, spending the following day as tourists in Amsterdam ahead of switching focus to Solheim Cup week.

Attention to detail with the American camp has seen clothing and bag designs linked to past successes on away soil, including their 2007 victory in Sweden before their 2015 win in Germany.

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“I think something about this format just brings a fire out of the European girls that they will come out and play amazing golf, and they’re great competitors to play against, so I think that’s something we’re preparing for,” Alison Lee explained.

“Obviously coming over here to Europe is always difficult. I don’t ever play in the rain or wind, but I think that’s something we’re all expecting.

“We know that if we come out and do our best to play some good golf, and hopefully have a bit of chemistry out there as well, I think we have a really good chance this year.”

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Andrea Lee added: ” If we win this week, this would be the fourth foreign soil win for the United States. I think we’re all just really determined to try and keep it.”

The last four Solheim Cups have had a combined winning margin of six points, compared to the 24-point difference in the last four Ryder Cup, with Team USA failing to close out recent opportunities at away success.

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USA captain Angela Stanford discusses her Solheim Cup picks and why she thinks her side can challenge for away victory

“In Spain [2023], we were super close,” world No 1 Nelly Korda insisted. “They tied with Europe, so they retained the [Solheim] Cup. For Gleneagles, I feel like we played really well, but maybe haven’t had momentum go (our way) while we’re in Europe.

“I think that what Ang [Stanford] and the assistants have said this week is to really rely on each other. When it gets tough, we all have to realise we are here for each other and we also have so many people out there supporting us.”

On recent disappointments, Angel Yin admitted: “As much as we don’t close out the win, it’s always coming down to the last putt. We always put up a really good fight, even though we’re unfamiliar with the situation, and I think we’re learning.”

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Geraint Hughes provides a fitness update on Angel Yin and explains the reasons why there were doubts over her participation for Team USA

Can Europe claim Solheim Cup on home soil?

Europe’s off-course antics in the team room have included ping pong, darts and a quiz involving baby photos of the caddies in recent days, with personalised pictures among the gifts received.

Nordqvist’s young line-up contains four rookies and half a squad that’s never experienced a home Solheim Cup, with Charley Hull – making an eighth consecutive appearance – among the stars hoping to deliver.

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Starting from a 17-year old debutant all the way to one Europe’s superstars, watch the best moments from Charley Hull’s Solheim Cup career

“I actually feel like there’s a lot less pressure when you’re away,” Hull explained. “We get big crowds both places, but obviously it’s a little more pressure over here when it’s a home Solheim Cup!”

Only Carlota Ciganda has as many Solheim Cup appearances as Hull, on either team, with the Spaniard keen to see Nordqvist follow calling time on her LPGA Tour playing career by leading Europe to victory.

“I would love to win for her [Nordqvist], especially now after announcing her retirement,” Ciganda revealed. “I think it would be a very nice present for her.

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Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist played her final round on the LPGA Tour at the FM Championship last month, having announced her shock mid-season retirement

“Not that she needs it, because she’s won everything! She’s been a part of so many Solheim Cups and wins. She’s made so many great putts, won majors and she’s done everything. I think it would be just special.

“I think she’s prepared really hard, she’s done her job and she’s ready. Hopefully we can deliver for her.”

When is the Solheim Cup live on Sky Sports?

Sky Sports Golf will have at least 12 hours of live coverage from the first two days, with coverage getting under way at 6am on Friday and Saturday ahead of the opening foursomes match teeing off at 6.40am (7.40am local time).

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Watch a selection of the best shots from Solheim Cup history including Carlota Ciganda, Lexi Thompson and Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist

The afternoon fourballs are scheduled to start at 12.05pm (1.05pm local time) on both days, with coverage continuing until after the final putt is holed, while Sunday singles coverage begins at 9am ahead of the opening tee shot at 10.10am.

Sky Sports+ will have live coverage of the closing ceremony from 5.30pm on Sunday, following the Solheim Cup winner being crowned, while the opening ceremony on Thursday at 4.30pm will see the opening-day pairings revealed.

Who will win the Solheim Cup? Watch Team Europe’s bid to regain the trophy exclusively live on Sky Sports, with all three days live from September 11-13 on Sky Sports Golf. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

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The Dodgers Are Finally Mulling An IL Stint For Shohei Ohtani, But Is It Too Late?

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

LOS ANGELES — Another day, another ominous turn in the Shohei Ohtani health saga.

Knee and bicep issues have already downgraded the two-way sensation to a one-way slugger for the remainder of the year.

For the time being, though, he is neither.

Ohtani’s insistence on trying to play through aches and pains for the last three months — and the Dodgers’ unwillingness to shut him down and place him on the injured list before it got to this point — is now relegating the four-time MVP mostly to spectator status with the postseason just weeks away.

On Wednesday, Ohtani was held out of the lineup for the sixth time in the Dodgers’ last seven games.

And with only 16 games remaining in the regular season, he might finally require the IL stint that his team has spent months trying to avoid. The Dodgers plan to make that choice sometime in the next week.

“Obviously, it’s not ideal given that it would potentially be 15 days,” Roberts said. “But I still stand by whatever is best for him is best for us.”

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

A week ago, Ohtani went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in a game against the Cardinals and looked to be in obvious discomfort at the plate, shaking out his arm between his half-hearted swings. He was mired in a 6-for-46 stretch without a home run over his last 12 games at that point.

Clearly, Ohtani’s injuries were causing him issues at the plate, despite what he was telling his team or what Dodgers officials were publicly acknowledging. The next day, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes attempted to dismiss what was obvious to anyone who has watched Ohtani over the last few weeks.

“I just think there’s also just ebbs and flows of the season and what to attribute things to and what not to is just too hard to say,” Gomes said. “We haven’t had any indication that he’s not feeling good enough physically to go out and play.”

Ohtani then sat out each of the next four games.

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The hope was the time off would help get Ohtani’s body in a place where he could bounce back as a hitter. He returned to the lineup on Monday and went 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts.

The Dodgers then planned to give him Tuesday off and continue to sprinkle in off days the rest of the regular season to try to get him as right as possible before October.

But Ohtani was expected to return to the starting lineup for Wednesday’s series finale against the Reds, so it was a surprise when his name wasn’t in the lineup again.

“There was a swing Monday that he didn’t feel great on,” Roberts explained Wednesday afternoon. “He hasn’t totally recovered from Monday. So, the thought is to give him today and then huddle up with him, the medical staff, and figure out what’s the next steps.

Clearly, communication between Ohtani and the Dodgers remains a work in progress.

(Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)

Roberts did not know about Ohtani’s setback the day after that painful swing. Ohtani swung in the cages on Tuesday and was expected to be available off the bench “in a big spot” that night before he reported his discomfort from the previous day’s game.

The issue this time is with Ohtani’s arm, according to Roberts.

“It’s not really localized, and that’s why when you see him a week ago shaking his arm, it’s just the arm,” Roberts said. “So, it’s not specific to elbow or shoulder. It’s just his bicep, arm, but it’s not one specific thing.”

This is not where the Dodgers hoped to be as they ramp up for the playoffs, months after Ohtani first reported his knee and bicep pain.

(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

Ohtani has not pitched in a game since July 3, and every attempt to ramp back up since then has invited setbacks that have clearly impacted his performance at the plate. He is slashing .198/.294/.396 since Aug. 8, when he first started back up his throwing program. He is hitting .186 since Aug. 14, when he threw his first bullpen session in more than three weeks.

Those sessions are now done.

On Monday, after months of delaying the decision, Ohtani finally acknowledged that he would shift his focus strictly to hitting — the only logical choice at this point as he tries to find his way at the plate.

The Dodgers still have not placed Ohtani on the IL at any point since he joined the team in 2024. They didn’t do it in June, when he first reported the knee pain. They didn’t do it in July, when he first reported the bicep issue while he was still dealing with knee pain, which required an injection over the All-Star break. They haven’t done it throughout a second half in which he has a pedestrian .246 batting average and .332 on-base percentage.

“It really hasn’t even been something that we’ve discussed,” Gomes claimed last Thursday.

One week later, those discussions are now happening.

“The concern is that after four days [off], to then take four at-bats and to feel something in an at-bat where we can’t keep going forward, I think that’s disappointing,” Roberts said. “But that’s kind of where we’re at. And I think that we’re of the mind of, give him today [off], and anything should be on the table as far as kind of what gets him to be the best version of himself in September.”

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Because Ohtani played Monday, he would not be eligible to return until Sept. 23 should the Dodgers decide to put him on the IL. At that point, there would be less than a week left in the regular season for Ohtani to try to find his rhythm.

In hindsight, Roberts wishes they would have handled that differently.

“I think if we look right now, here today, I would love to go back and put him on the IL,” Roberts acknowledged. “But I did feel at that moment in time, we all felt that giving him four days was sufficient.”

Though it wasn’t, Roberts still remains confident that Ohtani will still be back at some point this season.

He just might not look the same.

“Is he going to be 100% by the end of this season?” Roberts asked rhetorically. “No.”

US Open: Alexander Zverev passes Botic van de Zandschulp test to set up semi-final date with Karen Khachanov | Tennis News

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Alexander Zverev ‌took another big step towards a second Grand Slam ‌title by beating Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2 7-5 6-1 to reach the US Open semi-finals.

The 29-year-old French Open champion and Wimbledon runner-up got off to a slow start in his campaign at Flushing Meadows but has steadily found his range.

Zverev played five-set matches in each of the first two matches, but he has won his last three in straight sets and is the only man to reach all four Grand Slams semi-finals this year.

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Into his 13th major semi-final,, Zverev will face Karen Khachanov in the last four for a spot in Sunday’s final.

“I ‌think you saw in the first two rounds, I really didn’t play well,” said Zverev, who has spent 16 hours and 40 minutes on court, the most by any man en route to the semi-finals at the US Open since 1991.

“In other tournaments I would be out in the first round, but here I can fight back and play best of five sets, play four-and-a-half hours. I’ve started playing ⁠better throughout the tournament and I’m ⁠definitely happy to be in the semi-finals here.”

The German was far from steady on serve early ‌on at Arthur Ashe Stadium, coughing up five double faults in an erratic start, but Dutchman van de Zandschulp leaked forehand errors to ‌allow the top seed to break in the fifth game and then take the first set.

Van de Zandschulp regrouped in the second set and came close to levelling the contest, but Zverev absorbed ⁠the pressure and reeled off three games in a row towards the end as the momentum swung firmly in the German’s favour.

Zverev, the 2020 runner-up, fired an overhead smash to break early in the third ⁠set and cruised home from there to reach his third semi-final in New York.

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Khachanov back to semi-finals with walkover

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Highlights from the US Open quarter-final between Karen Khachanov and Alexander Blockx

Khachanov advanced to the semi-finals when Alexander Blockx retired trailing 6-2 7-5 3-2, as the world No 50 reached the final-four stage in Flushing Meadows for ‌the first time since 2022.

Blockx, who became the first Belgian man to reach the quarter-finals here, was already carrying a rib injury into the match and was visibly hampered by further physical issues.

He wore a brace on his right ankle and had his thigh wrapped, ‌with the 21-year-old also calling for the trainer during the contest.

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Khachanov will return to a Grand Slam semi-final for the first time since reaching the ⁠last four at the Australian Open in 2023.

“I was preparing really well for that match up, it’s not easy because I feel I was dominating then I felt he was struggling more and more,” Khachanov said on court.

“He was suffering, but I wanted to keep ⁠the energy there. I wish him a speedy recovery but I’m super happy I’m in the semis.”

West Coast Read: Mike McDaniel Is Embracing Best QB He’s Coached, Justin Herbert

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Welcome to West Coast Read, a weekly spin around what’s happening in the NFL on the Left Coast.

And to kick things off, we start with a conversation I had with new Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and his plans for Justin Herbert. McDaniel displayed flashes of excellence as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, but things ultimately fizzled in four seasons on South Beach.

However, McDaniel was highly sought after this offseason by several teams, both as a head coach and offensive coordinator, because of his reputation for innovation as a playcaller. With plenty of options on the table, McDaniel chose the Chargers because of the vast array of skills Justin Herbert has at his disposal, providing a stark contrast to the limited skill set his previous quarterback in Miami had in Tua Tagovailoa, taken one spot above Herbert at No. 5 overall in the 2020 draft.

McDaniel told me his 20 years of coaching in the NFL prepared him for this crossroads moment of his career in coaching the most talented quarterback he’s ever worked with in the league.

“It’s as simple as I’m not sure there are many players in my entire career that are more talented to play the quarterback position than Justin,” McDaniel told me in a conversation after practice during training camp. “And so, with those talents, I learned and built offensive systems around players who are not as talented, so it forces you to try and get really high-level play from guys that don’t have those supreme skill sets.

“Your offense and problem-solving are at its best, where maybe you don’t have to solve those problems from a coaching perspective [with Herbert]. There’s a certain coverage or a certain defensive issue that’s presented, and your quarterback can scramble and go get the first down. And you don’t have to solve the problem as a coach. That’s the greatest blessing of bouncing around NFL teams as you evolve as a coach, because you get exposed to so many types of talents. So, you’re not pigeonholed.”

Mike McDaniel helped Tua Tagovailoa become a Pro Bowler during his time as Dolphins head coach. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

McDaniel provided this example: if he had landed in New England early in his coaching career working with someone like Tom Brady back in 2007, he would have benefited from one of the best quarterbacks ever at solving pre-snap issues, changing plays and protections that put his offense in the best situations.

And maybe that would have stunted his growth as a play designer.

“And then, when you don’t have him, what type of coach can you be?” McDaniel told me. “I think as a young coach, I would have really screwed it up. I would have asked for Justin as young as possible, but I’m very much glad I’m finally getting the opportunity to coach him now, after solving problems with guys that can’t throw it as far or overcome a poorly designed play where things are gloved and just scramble for the first down.”

McDaniel said he maintained discipline installing the offense, making sure to focus on Herbert’s footwork and improving his ability to get the ball out quick on short completions before getting to the good stuff — how to take advantage of the Oregon product’s otherworldly arm strength.

Mike McDaniel has raved about Justin Herbert all offseason after becoming the Chargers’ offensive coordinator. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

That occurred midway through training camp, and the results of that were evident when Herbert connected a long touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.

McDaniel will fix L.A.’s offense, so Herbert plays at an MVP level by making sure he doesn’t get bored with short completions that help move the chains and providing a more consistent running attack led by a healthy Omarion Hampton.

But McDaniel needs to accomplish two things to be deemed a successful season for himself and Herbert: No. 1, his quarterback can’t continuously get belted like a piñata, leading the league in sacks and quarterback hits. And second, Herbert’s postseason stat line must improve from a career 54.7 completion percentage, with two touchdowns and five interceptions for a 64.7 passer rating. Herbert is 0-3 in the playoffs and under his direction in the postseason, L.A.’s offenses have averaged 15 points per game.

Justin Herbert was sacked six times in the Chargers’ loss to the Patriots in the postseason as Mike McDaniel will look to keep his new QB safe. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

McDaniel believes good things are in store for Herbert and the Bolts, but that must translate into some postseason wins.

“It’s been an interesting, very cool process — bucketing all the stuff we’re getting him to work on and then taking some of the stuff that he’s done at a very high level and making sure that isn’t lost in this offense,” McDaniel told me. “That’s why I was front-loaded in watching all the film from his career so that I could build an install that both incorporated the stuff I wanted to work on but allowed for the field to distribute so that later in plays he can make off-schedule stuff happen like he always has.

“There’s different parts of the field that he can access that most throwers can’t. So, there’s been some work on just making sure that skill set is utilized. Which, from an offensive perspective, is even a more powerful way to make the defense defend the entire field. Balancing that stuff out — we didn’t work on anything that was big arm down the field until probably the last week — so, really focused on small ball, getting the ball out on plant throws and quick-timing plays. I knew that was the biggest jump he needed to make. I was very proud of myself because I put off all the fun, down-the-field stuff until just recently.”

All-L.A. Super Bowl?

Speaking of the Chargers, they have a chance to pair up with their crosstown rival Rams and achieve something unprecedented in the NFL.

Former Raiders CEO and Los Angeles native Amy Trask served as an intern when the Los Angeles Raiders won the Super Bowl after the team’s 1983 season after relocating from Oakland.

So, Trask understands what an all-Los Angeles Super Bowl would mean for the city.

“I’ve heard a number of discussions about this,” Trask told me. “Some have suggested that would be disappointing for tourism and for the hotels industry because arguably you’d have far less people traveling to the game if neither of the teams were located outside of Los Angeles.

“But I have a different view. While I understand the point that is made, I think it could be a tremendous opportunity for the region to showcase itself. The Los Angeles area and the region itself did a spectacular job during the World Cup. We of course have the Olympics coming in a couple years. But with the Super Bowl coming in February, if it is the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams, think about what the region can do to showcase itself.”

The Rams are a heavy favorite to win the Super Bowl after executing blockbuster trades for Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, along with the return of All-Pro Aaron Donald from a two-year retirement.

After back-to-back 11-6 seasons under Harbaugh and quick exits from the postseason, the Chargers have the sixth-best odds to win the Super Bowl at +1700.

This year’s Super Bowl is set to take place at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 14. The last time the Super Bowl was played in Los Angeles was in 2022, when the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 on their home field.

The first Super Bowl in L.A. took place at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 1967, with the Green Bay Packers defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10. In all, nine Super Bowls have been played in Los Angeles. Only Miami (11) and New Orleans (11) have hosted more.

The Chargers won their only championship in 1963, a 55-10 victory over the Boston Patriots for the American Football League title at Balboa Stadium in San Diego. Along with winning it all four years ago, the Rams also lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Coliseum in 1980 in Super Bowl XIV.

Rams CEO Kevin Demoff recently recognized it’s been 10 years since the Rams moved back to Los Angeles. It’s been nine years since the Chargers relocated from San Diego to Los Angeles.

During that time, the two teams have combined for 11 playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory for the Rams after the 2021 season in the stadium that Rams owner Stan Kroenke built.

Yes, the same Kroenke who just bought the Los Angeles Angels.

A Rams-Chargers Super Bowl could be kismet.

“Having grown up in Los Angeles and living in Los Angeles, you’ve got everything here,” Trask said. “It’s a very reasonable drive from the mountains, which will have snow on them, the desert, which will be very beautiful, and the beaches, which are always beautiful. Exploit the region. Show off the region. That’s what I think can be done if it ended up Chargers-Rams.”

Jeremiyah Love, whom the Arizona Cardinals took with the third overall pick in this year’s draft, flashed electric playmaking ability in his first and only action during the preseason, totaling 58 yards on 11 carries in a Week 1 contest against the Raiders. But Love suffered a high-ankle sprain and hasn’t practiced since, making his availability in his team’s season opener on the road against the Chargers a question mark.

While most NFL observers consider Love the most talented running back in this year’s draft class, a longtime NFL talent evaluator believes Love’s backup at Norte Dame, Jadarian Price, might be the better player.

Scott McCloughan served as San Francisco’s top personnel man for four seasons and Seahawks general manager John Schneider’s right-hand man as senior personnel executive from 2010 to 2013. McCloughan also worked in personnel for the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders and currently serves as a draft consultant for teams and agents that hire him to evaluate NFL prospects.

“I think he’s Nick Chubb,” McCloughan told me about Price. McCloughan was in Cleveland when they drafted Chubb. “He’s a big guy who can run downhill. He’s got some speed. He’s got some elusiveness and ball skills. I told Johnny [Schneider] when they drafted him, ‘You just got a hell of a player dude.’”

The Seahawks took Jadarian Price in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images)

At 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, Price ran a 4.49-second, 40-yard time at the NFL Scouting Combine. And while he doesn’t possess the elusiveness or pass-catching ability of Love, he has a clearer path to a workhorse role for the Seahawks, with Kenneth Walker signing with the Chiefs in free agency and Zach Charbonnet working his way back from season-ending knee surgery,

Along with Love’s injury concerns, he’s also in a stacked running back room that includes experienced veterans Tyler Allgeier and James Conner. Love is actually listed as the No. 2 running back on Arizona’s depth chart.

But McCloughan believes Price will be a more productive back than Love in their NFL careers.

“You know what, it was very close,” McCloughan told me. “I mean, it wasn’t a slam dunk. And don’t get me wrong, Love’s really good. And of course, Love was the starter. But Jadarian, I think he’s going to be a really good NFL running back. I know Nick just recently retired, but when he was in his prime, he was kicking ass.

“He’s got a lot of power, but he also has speed.”

More 3TE Sets In 2026? Don’t Bet On It

Rams head coach Sean McVay predominantly used three-receiver sets during his time with the Rams, usually leading the league in that personnel grouping. However, due to injuries and effectiveness, McVay’s Rams led the league by using three tight end personnel groupings on 331 snaps in 2025, averaging 6.2 yards per play. It’s by far the most a team has used that formation over the past decade in a single season. The second-most was 183 by the Cleveland Browns in 2021.

League-wide, teams used three tight ends 5% of the time in 2025, up from 3.5% in 2024. Moreover, 21 tight ends were selected in this year’s draft, the most since 2002 (24).

The Rams drafted another tight end this year in Max Klare and are carrying five on the active roster, so McVay could be planning to lean on three TE sets again. However, new Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, who served as the San Francisco 49ers tight ends coach before taking his new job, does not expect the Rams to use three tight end sets as often this season.

Terrance Ferguson had three receiving touchdowns as a rookie in 2025. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

“Last year, I think they caught a lot of people off guard by doing that, especially in those first few weeks,” Fleury said. “When you get into bigger groupings, usually it simplifies the defensive menu. But as they continue to put it on the field, the defensive menu continues to grow as people become more prepared.

“Going into this season, while that might seem like an advantageous trend for an offense to do, the entire league has had the entire offseason to come up with their plan for defending their team personnel. So, I don’t think you’re going to see quite the same advantages. We will have some of it available and deploy it when we feel appropriate. But I don’t know that you are going to get quite the level of production that the Rams had out of it league-wide.”

Top 5 On The Westside

A weekly look at the top five teams among the NFC and AFC West:

5. Kansas City Chiefs

I’m tempted to put the Chargers here, but even though he’s recovering from a knee injury, I trust Patrick Mahomes more than Herbert.

4. San Francisco 49ers

They’re a M*A*S*H unit on both sides of the ball, but Shanahan will figure out how to cobble together enough healthy bodies to play winning football.

3. Denver Broncos

They have one of the best defenses in the league and one of the most underrated QBs in Bo Nix.

2. Los Angeles Rams

In Sean McVay we trust, unless it’s booking travel arrangements.

1. Seattle Seahawks

To be the best, you must beat the best. Showing the defending champs some respect here, unlike the rest of the country.

“There’s only three players that I would stand up and watch play: LT (Lawrence Taylor), Reggie White and Aaron Donald. Those are three guys where I would watch every play because I’ve never seen nothing like it. And I think Myles [Garrett] could be that same type of player here, for sure.”

Eric Dickerson to me on the impact Myles Garrett could have on the Los Angeles Rams.

US Open: Top-seeded quartet set for women’s semi-final showdown with Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff in action | Tennis News

September 10, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will bid to move one step closer to a third straight US Open title when she faces familiar foe ‌Jessica Pegula, while Elena Rybakina will take on home favourite Coco Gauff in the semi-finals on Thursday from midnight – live on Sky Sports Tennis.

For the first time since Wimbledon in 2009, all four top seeds at a Grand Slam have reached the semi-finals, with Sabalenka, Rybakina and Gauff all former major champions and third seed Pegula seeking a maiden Grand Slam title.

Sabalenka has reached the semi-finals here for a sixth consecutive year and is now two wins away from becoming the first woman ‌since Serena Williams from 2012 to 2014 to win three straight titles in New York.

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Highlights from the quarter-final between Aryna Sabalenka and Linda Noskova

The top seed had not dropped a set before surviving her toughest test of the tournament on Tuesday, edging Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova.

The Belarusian will face a familiar opponent in third seed Pegula, with their rivalry returning to Flushing Meadows for a third straight year after Sabalenka denied the American the title in 2024 and then beat her again in last year’s semi-finals.

Does Pegula have the edge?

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Highlights of the clash between Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro

Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 9-4 but Pegula has won two of their last three ⁠encounters, including a victory in the Berlin Open semi-finals earlier this year ⁠in which she took the deciding set 6-0.

“I think it’s fun to look at the rivalry we’ve had. She’s got to me here the last couple of years,” Pegula said.

“I have been able to beat ‌her a few times, maybe on a smaller stage, so I think that’s going to be kind of a hurdle for me to get over.”

Sabalenka will head into the semi-final after surrendering top spot in the world rankings, which Rybakina secured with her quarter-final victory over Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng.

The Australian Open winner will become the 30th woman to top the WTA rankings and the first from Kazakhstan to reach world No 1 when the new rankings are released after the ⁠tournament.

Sabalenka, who had held the top spot since October 2024, said she would gladly trade it for another US Open title.

“I’ll be more than happy,” she said. “Yes, three-peat. Sounds great.”

Did you know?

The top four seeds have reached the women’s singles semi-finals at a Grand Slam event for the first time since Wimbledon in 2009, and for just the second time in the Open Era at the US Open after 1975

New world No 1 up against the fan-favourite

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Highlights from the clash between Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva.

Rybakina’s reward for reaching the semi-finals for the first time in New York is a meeting with fan-favourite Gauff, who produced a stunning comeback to beat fifth seed and fellow French Open winner Mirra Andreeva.

The 2023 ⁠US Open champion was on the brink of defeat in the second set before saving two match points and turning the match around.

Gauff’s victory put her into the semi-finals at a second straight Slam after her run to the last four at Wimbledon, and she will have the home crowd behind ⁠her as she bids to clinch a second US Open title.

“Elena is playing some great tennis,” said Gauff. “Congrats to her for being the new world No 1 or will be the new World No 1. I think that’s incredible.

“We played each other in Toronto. That didn’t go my way, so I think I just have to learn from that match.

“I know I’m going to have some aces hit on me and some winners hit on me, but I’m going to keep fighting and give it my all.”

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Gauff and Andreeva produced an epic 39-shot rally, with the American coming out on top

A third Slam title or revenge for Gauff?

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Highlights from the quarter-final between Elena Rybakina and Qinwen Zheng

Rybakina will bid for a third Grand Slam title, while Gauff will have revenge on her mind after the Kazakh beat her in three sets in last month’s Canadian Open semi-finals.

On playing Gauff, Rybakina said: “I will expect that a lot of people are going to support her.

“I just need to stay aggressive. I think from where I was coming to this tournament, being injured and not practicing, I think we came pretty far. Now we just last push and important to still enjoy. Hopefully it’s going to go my way.”

The pair are tied 1-1 in their previous meetings and will face off for a place in Saturday’s final.

BetMGM Bonus Code FOXSPORTS: Get $1500 in Bonus Bets or Bet $10, Get $150 for Patriots vs. Seahawks

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

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The reigning champs open at home in front of the 12th Man. A new-look Seattle team will have to adjust to being without Kenneth Walker III and playcaller Klint Kubiak. The Seahawks still have Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the reigning OPOY, and he’s looking to start where he left off last season with quarterback Sam Darnold.

Meanwhile, the Patriots added two receivers for Drake Maye in A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. With a revamped offense and a rejuvenated defense, New England is looking to open its season with a vengeance.

Whether you’re watching for the Darnold-to-Smith-Njigba connection, Brown to make an immediate impact or another defensive slugfest, there are plenty of players to follow in the season opener.

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NE Patriots+3 (+100)O 44.5 (−108)+145SEA Seahawks−3 (−110)U 44.5 (−110)−175

How to Watch Patriots vs. Seahawks

When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 8:20 p.m. ET
Where: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock

Players to Watch

With TreVeyon Henderson ruled out for the opener, Stevenson steps into one of the clearest volume roles in this matchup. He is expected to handle the bulk of New England’s snaps and touches out of the backfield, with Corey Kiner serving as the top understudy and additional depth likely coming from the practice squad.

That workload is what makes him so important against Seattle. The Patriots can lean on Stevenson on early downs and in the passing game, which gives him a direct path to shaping tempo and keeping the offense on schedule. If New England is going to control this game, Stevenson is the player most likely to set that tone.

For Seattle, the passing game spotlight naturally lands on Smith-Njigba because this opener puts him across from one of New England’s top cover corners. He is projected to remain a central piece of the Seahawks’ receiving group, and his role carries even more weight in a game where individual matchups on the perimeter could decide key possessions.

Last season, Smith-Njigba produced 119 catches, 1,793 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, and that kind of production is why he is the receiver to track every snap. He gives Seattle a proven target who can stress coverage in multiple areas of the field. A strong night from him would go a long way toward opening the entire Seahawks offense.

Napoli 0 – 1 Arsenal

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Martin Odegaard’s superb strike gave Arsenal a deserved 1-0 victory over Napoli in their Champions League opener.

The Gunners should have won by a bigger margin but missed a succession of chances before Odegaard crashed a low shot in off the post from the edge of the box following intricate build-up.

The goal, Odegaard’s fourth in five games this season, ensured a winning start for last season’s runners-up in this competition but wasteful finishing made it harder than it should have been.

Mikel Arteta’s side attempted 26 shots worth a whopping 4.05 expected goals but Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka spurned their best chances of the first half before Piero Hincapie blazed over from six yards out early in the second.

Odegaard’s goal, fired in following a quick one-two with substitute Christos Tzolis, finally broke the deadlock but Noni Madueke, another substitute, missed a one-on-one chance with Tzolis’s follow-up blocked on the line, leaving Arsenal to suffer a late scare.

Former Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne appeared well placed to equalise when put through for a rare Napoli chance in the final few minutes, but wasted the chance by opting to cross, ensuring Arsenal could celebrate a victorious start to their European campaign and a fifth straight win of the season in all competitions.

The key moments in Naples

22 SAVE! Eberechi Eze heads a Saka cross back across goal but Merino’s header is parried
29: SLICE! Arsenal create another great opening but Saka fails to connect properly with his shot in the centre of the box
45: MISS! Odegaard plays Saka through on goal but he fires wastefully over the bar
50: WASTE! Odegaard lifts the ball over the top to White, whose cross finds Hincapie but the defender somehow blasts over from six yards out
75: AT LAST! Arsenal finally score as a slick passing move ends with Odegaard firing a low shot into the corner
85 SAVE! Kai Havertz puts Noni Madueke through on the counter but his shot is saved before Tzolis sees his follow-up effort blocked
89: SCARE! De Bruyne looks well placed to equalise but chooses to cross instead of shoot and wastes the chance

What the result means and next fixtures…

Vikings Name Carson Wentz QB2, Sliding J.J. McCarthy To Third String vs. Packers

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

From national champion to top-10 pick, J.J. McCarthy was supposed to usher in a new era of Minnesota football. Instead, he now finds himself sitting third on the Vikings’ depth chart with his future with the organization up in the air.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Wednesday morning that J.J. McCarthy will move down the depth chart. Veteran Carson Wentz will serve as the primary backup to starter Kyler Murray for this weekend’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Even though Wentz gets the backup nod for Week 1, O’Connell made it clear that the depth chart behind Murray will be evaluated on a “week-to-week” basis.

Selected No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy’s time in Minnesota has been defined by adversity. A torn meniscus during his rookie preseason sidelined him for the entire year before his career could even take off.

Not only did he miss his entire rookie season, but he had to watch Sam Darnold lead the Vikings to a 14-3 record and a playoff berth. When Minnesota decided to let Darnold walk in free agency to join the Seattle Seahawks, the franchise was officially handed over to McCarthy.

McCarthy’s first year as the starter didn’t go as planned for him or the Vikings, compounded by the fact that Darnold went on to win the Super Bowl in his very first season with the Seahawks.

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Injuries and on-field struggles limited McCarthy to just 10 starts last season. Even though he posted a 6-4 winning record, his stats reflected the growing pains after he completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

McCarthy’s career is far from over, but with his inconsistent play and the addition of Murray in the quarterback room this offseason, his future in Minnesota is truly up in the air.

Solheim Cup 2026: Angel Yin opens up on illness battle, Team USA doubts and how Angela Stanford helped her decision | Golf News

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Angel Yin considered not featuring at the Solheim Cup due to illness and insisted she would ‘never jeopardise’ Team USA’s hopes of away glory in the Netherlands.

Yin was among the automatic qualifiers via the US Solheim Cup points list for Angela Stanford’s side, who are looking to retain the trophy at Bernardus Golf and claim a first away victory over Team Europe since 2015.

The 27-year-old has not completed a 72-hole tournament since May and only played in one LPGA Tour event since June, missing the cut by 13 shots on her return to action from an undisclosed stomach issue.

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Geraint Hughes provided an update on Angel Yin’s fitness ahead of the Solheim Cup

Yin has lost over two and a half stone in weight from the illness and had seen her participation thrown into doubt, although was left grateful of the support captain Stanford offered when debating her Solheim Cup status.

When asked whether she thought about not playing, Yin said in her pre-tournament press conference: “Yes, of course. I know it’s crazy that I’m here because I played a week before in Boston and it obviously wasn’t great.

“It wasn’t ideal. It [rounds of 81 and 76] is not a score you really bring out and you go ‘wow, that’s the person that’s going to be helping America bring home the Cup’.

Image:
Yin has played a limited schedule in recent months

“I’ve been working hard, I’ve been trying everything I can, because this is the biggest event in women’s golf. We know this is going to be a big deal, because this is the 20th Solheim Cup.

“I wanted to be honest, because I would never jeopardise America. I had honest talks with myself in the mirror, with my team, and obviously with Angela [Stanford]. She’s the only other person – other than my family – that I’ve updated throughout all of this.

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Speaking ahead of the Solheim Cup, Angela Stanford discussed the strength of Team USA and their hopes of an away victory

“We all agreed on this and she wanted me here. I had my caddie ask her: ‘Do you want me here?’ And if she had said no, I wouldn’t be here. But she said yes. With belief like that and confidence from her to back me, why wouldn’t I show up?”

Stanford insisted in her press conference on Tuesday that Yin will feature for Team USA, despite former world No 1 Lilia Vu – who claimed a key half-point in the 2024 win – being on-site in uniform and a potential last-minute alternate.

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Yin had extra practice on Wednesday, taking the front nine on her own before joining the rest of Team USA on the back nine, with the two-time LPGA Tour winner confident her game is showing positive signs heading into a key week.

“I’m feeling great,” Yin added. “I guess everybody has different opinions, but I personally think it [her game] is not bad. Every day it’s getting better. I guess it’s like art, right? Everybody has a different opinion, but results are the only thing that matters.

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Yin has been involved in practice every day for Team USA

“I can say and be confident as much as I want, but ultimately it’s up to the captain, because she needs to be responsible for us. I just need to do my part and then I just need to wait for her call.

“Whatever she does and whatever she says will, in my opinion, be the best decision because we trust her and she’s been leading us great.”

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Yin and Yealimi Noh won a practice match again Alison Lee and Megan Khang, who was left impressed by how her team-mate is playing despite her limited competitive golf.

“Angel is playing great golf,” Lee insisted. “She’s working hard, she’s putting in the work, and she’s working probably the hardest out here.

“She’s working hard, she’s putting in the work, and she’s working probably the hardest out here. She wants to make the reps, wants to put in the effort.

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Angela Stanford is hoping to lead Team USA to Solheim Cup victory on European soil

“She’s obviously earned her spot here and she’s doing her best to obviously give her best, so there’s nothing but great things to say about her.”

When is the Solheim Cup live on Sky Sports?

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Take a look back at some classic winning moments from the Solheim Cup archives

2026 NFL Win Totals: Over/Unders For All 32 Squads

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The wait is finally over.

With the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks kicking off the year in a Super Bowl rematch on Wednesday, the 2026 NFL season is finally here.

The Denver Broncos, Patriots and Seahawks led the league with 14 wins last year, but oddsmakers aren’t buying a sequel.

Meanwhile, after acquiring the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, along with bringing back their franchise leader in sacks, the Los Angeles Rams’ win total has surged.

So which teams are projected to win the most games this year? And which teams might fall short of their expected win totals?

Let’s dive into the win totals at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 9.

2026 NFL Over/Under Win Totals

Arizona Cardinals

Over 3.5: -136 (bet $10 to win $17.35 total)
Under 3.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)

What To Know: The Cardinals won just three games in 2025 and lost their final nine games of the season. Arizona drafted RB Jeremiyah Love as an explosive weapon who could help improve the offense, but the defense remains a major concern. Combined with the NFL’s fourth-hardest schedule, it’s no surprise their win total is set very low.

Atlanta Falcons

Over 7.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total)
Under 7.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)

What To Know: The Falcons won eight games in 2025 and closed the season on a four-game winning streak. Despite that momentum, Atlanta enters 2026 with a relatively low win total under new head coach Kevin Stefanski with Tua Tagovailoa slated to start at quarterback in Week 1.

Is Lamar Jackson primed to bounce back this year after an injury-riddled 2025? (Getty Images)

Baltimore Ravens

Over 11.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)
Under 11.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)

What To Know: The Ravens won only eight games in 2025, but much of that was due to Lamar Jackson missing four games while also dealing with injuries for most of the season. After parting ways with John Harbaugh after 18 seasons, Baltimore hired Jesse Minter as its new head coach and made a major splash in free agency by signing Trey Hendrickson.

Buffalo Bills

Over 10.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)
Under 10.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)

What To Know: The Bills have gone over their win total of 10.5 in each of the last six seasons. After firing Sean McDermott this offseason, Buffalo promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach while also trading for DJ Moore and signing Bradley Chubb.

Carolina Panthers

Over 7.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)
Under 7.5: -136 (bet $10 to win $17.35 total)

What To Know: The Panthers won the NFC South last season with just eight wins. Coming off its first playoff appearance since 2017, Carolina significantly upgraded its defense with the additions of Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd.

Chicago Bears

Over 9.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)
Under 9.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18 total)

What To Know: The Bears won 11 games and the NFC North in Ben Johnson’s first season in Chicago, but they are set to face the NFL’s toughest schedule in 2026. That, combined with several key defensive departures and the unexpected retirement of center Drew Dalman, has lowered their win total entering the season.

Cincinnati Bengals

Over 10.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)
Under 10.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)

What To Know: The Bengals won just six games in 2025, but that was largely because Joe Burrow missed nine games while they also fielded one of the worst defenses in the NFL. However, Cincinnati made several major additions this offseason, including Dexter Lawrence II and Boye Mafe, among other moves. Combining the roster additions with the third-easiest schedule in the league, the Bengals are expected to take a major step forward in 2026.

Cleveland Browns

Over 5.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18 total)
Under 5.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)

What To Know: The Browns won five games in 2025 and finished last in the AFC North. However, Cleveland made several major changes this offseason, including hiring Todd Monken and upgrading an offensive line that struggled throughout last year. The Browns will start Deshaun Watson in Week 1 but will have a QB roster of Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green.

Dallas Cowboys

Over 9.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Under 9.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)

What To Know: The Cowboys won seven games last season, mostly because they had one of the NFL’s worst defenses. However, their offense remained elite, ranking fifth in the league with 27.7 points per game. Dallas addressed its biggest weakness this offseason by trading for Rashan Gary and drafting Caleb Downs, two additions that could dramatically improve the defense. Combined with an easier schedule, those moves are a major reason why the Cowboys are projected for a higher win total in 2026.

Denver Broncos

Over 9.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Under 9.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)

What To Know: The Broncos were one of three teams that led the NFL with 14 wins last season. However, they also recorded 11 one-possession victories during the regular season, which tied an NFL record. The big question entering 2026 is whether Denver can replicate that same success in close games. Their win total signals they will take a step back despite acquiring Jaylen Waddle via trade.

Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 1,223 yards, caught 77 passes for 616 yards and had 18 total touchdowns in 2025 (Getty Images).

Detroit Lions

Over 10.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Under 10.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

What To Know: After winning 15 games in 2024, the Lions took a major step back in 2025, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs. However, because Detroit finished last in the NFC North, it will face the sixth-easiest schedule in 2026, which is a major reason why the team’s win total is so high.

Green Bay Packers

Over 9.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)
Under 9.5: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)

What To Know: Despite their recent success, the Packers have only gone over this win total twice in the past five seasons, including last year when they had just nine wins and lost their final five games. Even with the third-hardest schedule in 2026, Green Bay still has high expectations from Vegas.

Houston Texans

Over 9.5: -146 (bet $10 to win $16.85 total)
Under 9.5: +124 (bet $10 to win $22.40 total)

What To Know: Houston has won at least 10 games in each of the last three seasons, including 12 wins in 2025. After starting last season 0-3, the Texans won 12 of their final 14 games, including a nine-game winning streak to close out the regular season before losing to the Patriots in the divisional round.

Indianapolis Colts

Over 7.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Under 7.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)

What To Know: The Colts’ 2025 season was the complete opposite of the Texans’. Indianapolis started 7-1 and held the No. 1 seed in the AFC after Week 8. However, it then lost eight of its final nine games, including a seven-game losing streak to end the season. That collapse included a four-game stretch without starting quarterback Daniel Jones due to injury. Jones will remain the starter in 2026 after signing a two-year, $88 million contract extension.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Over 8.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Under 8.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)

What To Know: After winning just four games in 2024, the Jaguars completed an incredible turnaround in 2025 with 13 wins and an AFC South title in Liam Coen’s first season as head coach. However, Jacksonville did suffer a few notable free-agent losses, including Travis Etienne Jr. and Devin Lloyd, which could help explain the team’s lower projected win total entering 2026.

Patrick Mahomes looks to bounce back from a torn ACL and return to elite form this season (Getty Images).

Kansas City Chiefs

Over 10.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)
Under 10.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)

What To Know: The Chiefs recorded their lowest win total since 2012 with just six wins, largely due to a brutal 1-9 record in one-score games. While Kansas City remained in playoff contention for most of the season, Patrick Mahomes’ ACL injury caused him to miss the final three games and effectively ended the team’s playoff hopes. With Mahomes expected to play in Week 1 against the Broncos, Vegas expects the Chiefs to bounce back to championship-level contention in 2026.

Las Vegas Raiders

Over 5.5: -150 (bet $10 to win $16.67 total)
Under 5.5: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total)

What To Know: After finishing with the worst record in the NFL last year with just three wins, the Raiders finally have hope after drafting Fernando Mendoza. After spending $281.5 million on the very first day of free agency alone, Las Vegas should be much improved in 2026. Kirk Cousins will start at quarterback in Week 1 against the Dolphins.

Los Angeles Chargers

Over 9.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Under 9.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)

What To Know: The Chargers won 11 games in 2025 despite losing both All-Pro tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, for most of the season. Both are expected to return in 2026, and Los Angeles also added Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. Even with those major boosts, the Chargers’ win total is somehow lower entering the season.

Puka Nacua caught 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 11 total touchdowns in 2025 (Getty Images).

Los Angeles Rams

Over 11.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18 total)
Under 10.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.59 total)

What To Know: The Rams won 12 games last season, and if not for a few bad breaks and costly mistakes in their losses to Seattle, it could have been Los Angeles hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. The Rams’ biggest weakness, the secondary, was addressed this offseason with the addition of Trent McDuffie via trade. And now, after trading for the best defensive player in football in Myles Garrett, and signing Aaron Donald, the Rams do not have a weakness. They are currently the current Super Bowl favorite at +500.

Miami Dolphins

Over 3.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Under 3.5: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)

What To Know: The Dolphins have the second-lowest projected win total entering 2026. Miami will look completely different this season following the departures of Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa, as they were major sellers this offseason, trading away both Jaylen Waddle and Minkah Fitzpatrick while also releasing Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. Jeff Hafley and Malik Willis are now set to lead a new era in Miami.

Minnesota Vikings

Over 8.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)
Under 8.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)

What To Know: The Vikings won nine games last season after letting Sam Darnold walk in free agency, but one positive was how they finished, winning their final five games. Minnesota also signed Kyler Murray to a veteran minimum contract. Murray was named the starter for Week 1 over the Packers, beating out J.J. McCarthy for the job.

New England Patriots

Over 10.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)
Under 10.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)

What To Know: The Patriots are coming off a 14-win season that ended with a Super Bowl appearance, but they also faced one of the easiest schedules in the NFL in 2025. New England now has the sixth-toughest schedule entering 2026, which is a major reason why Vegas is projecting a drop in wins. However, the Patriots did go out and trade for A.J. Brown, which should be a huge boost for Drake Maye.

New Orleans Saints

Over 7.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)
Under 7.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)

What To Know: The Saints won only six games last season, but they went 5-4 in games started by Tyler Shough and just 1-7 in all other contests. With Shough expected to enter 2026 as the full-time starter, New Orleans’ win total has increased, especially with the team also facing the second-easiest schedule in the NFL.

New York Giants

Over 7.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Under 7.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

What To Know: After winning a combined 13 games over the last three seasons, the Giants are officially in a new era in New York under John Harbaugh. The Giants improved this offseason with an impressive draft class that included Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa, who are set to join a young core featuring Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers. The future looks bright for New York.

New York Jets

Over 5.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)
Under 5.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)

What To Know: The first year of the Aaron Glenn era in New York did not go as planned, as the Jets won just three games. However, after signing Geno Smith, adding several key defensive free agents and bringing in a solid draft class featuring offensive weapons Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr., Vegas expects at least some improvement in 2026.

Philadelphia Eagles

Over 10.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)
Under 10.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)

What To Know: The Eagles have gone over this win total in each of the last four seasons. However, after starting 8-2 last year, Philadelphia lost five of its final eight games, including a wild-card playoff loss to the 49ers. The Eagles had a strong offseason, adding Riq Woolen and Dontayvion Wicks while also drafting Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers to ease the loss of A.J. Brown. Their offense, under new OC Sean Mannion, is expected to play a major role in determining their success in 2026.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Over 8.5: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)
Under 8.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)

What To Know: In Mike Tomlin’s 20 seasons with the Steelers, Pittsburgh never had a losing season, and the team had won more than 8.5 games in every year since 2019. However, Tomlin is now gone, and Mike McCarthy has taken over as head coach. McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers will reunite from their days in Green Bay alongside several new offensive weapons.

San Francisco 49ers

Over 9.5: -146 (bet $10 to win $16.85 total)
Under 9.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total)

What To Know: The 49ers remarkably won 12 games in 2025 despite dealing with a plethora of injuries to several key players. Brock Purdy missed eight games, while Fred Warner and Nick Bosa both suffered season-ending injuries. George Kittle and Talanoa Hufanga also missed a significant portion of the season. Even after overcoming those injuries and exceeding expectations, San Francisco’s projected win total has dropped entering 2026.

Seattle Seahawks

Over 10.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Under 10.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)

What To Know: The Super Bowl champions won 14 regular-season games last season in a historic year. However, losing several key contributors, including Boye Mafe, Kenneth Walker III, Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen, has significantly dropped Seattle’s 2026 win total.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Over 8.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)
Under 8.5: -136 (bet $10 to win $17.35 total)

What To Know: After starting last season 6-2, Tampa Bay lost seven of its final nine games and missed the playoffs. Vegas is expecting a similar type of season from the Buccaneers in 2026.

Tennessee Titans

Over 6.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Under 6.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)

What To Know: In Cam Ward’s first NFL season, the Titans won just three games. However, Tennessee made several major changes this offseason, including hiring Robert Saleh as head coach and Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator. The Titans also signed John Franklin-Myers to a big contract and drafted wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick. With those additions, Tennessee appears poised to improve in 2026.

Washington Commanders

Over 7.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)
Under 7.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18 total)

What To Know: After a dream season in 2024 in which the Commanders won 12 games and reached the NFC Championship Game, Washington took a major step back in 2025, winning just five games. However, Jayden Daniels missed seven games, and the Commanders went just 2-5 without him.

Solheim Cup 2026: Nelly Korda plays down ‘intimidation factor’ to Team Europe as Charley Hull eyes rematch with world No 1 | Golf News

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Charley Hull said she would relish another Solheim Cup showdown with Nelly Korda, who played down bringing an “intimidation factor” to Team Europe.

Hull makes an eighth consecutive Solheim Cup appearance for Team Europe, who look to regain the trophy at Bernardus Golf – live on Sky Sports – after losing on American soil two years ago.

The 30-year-old top-scored for Team Europe in their 2024 defeat and despatched Korda 6&4 during the Sunday singles, with Hull open to facing the world No 1 again for Anna Nordqvist’s side during their pursuit of a home victory.

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Highlights from Charley Hull’s dominant victory over Nelly Korda in the 2024 Solheim Cup Sunday singles

“Playing Nelly Korda at that time was really good – it was so much fun,” Hull said in her pre-tournament press conference. “I came out and played pretty well.

“Every dog has its day and I also did that day, but she’s had a pretty incredible season so far this year. If it came down to singles, it would be a really good match.

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“I have a lot of respect for Nelly [Korda]. She’s a great world No 1, a great golfer and anything can happen in match play.”

Hull and Carlota Ciganda are the players heading into the week with most Solheim Cup experience, having both played in every edition since 2013, although the Englishwoman doesn’t put any extra pressure on herself as a ‘veteran’ of Team Europe.

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Starting from a 17-year old debutant all the way to one Europe’s superstars, watch the best moments from Charley Hull’s Solheim Cup career

“I see my role as a player, really,” Hull insisted. “I do my own thing, trying to keep my own routine as much as you can. The captains are there for advice – the younger players [can] come and ask me some advice and stuff.

“We’ve got here from playing our normal routine. Every week we’re by our ourselves, so we really shouldn’t do anything too differently. We’ve still got to hit a ball around the golf course and play good!”

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Can Korda give Team USA an advantage?

Korda makes her fifth consecutive Solheim Cup appearance and arrives in the Netherlands as the dominant force in the women’s game, having won four times on the LPGA Tour – including the first two majors of the year – in an impressive season.

The 28-year-old has one of the best winning percentages of any American in Solheim Cup history, forming an unbeaten foursomes partnership with Allisen Corpuz in the last two editions, with Andrea Lee hoping that Korda can Team USA an edge.

Image:
Nelly Korda is looking to be part of her first away victory for Team USA

“We all respect her a lot and we look up to her,” Lee said. “She has an amazing game and she’s the No 1 player in the world, so it’s just really nice to have her on our side.

“I feel like it almost brings a little bit of an intimidation factor going against Europe, so we have a little bit of an up just because we have her.”

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“Honestly, I don’t even think about that,” Korda insisted. “I remain in my bubble and I’m a little bit oblivious to it all, but because I want to be. I just want to make it really simple for myself, not to think about too much and just to go out and play my game.

“What I love about this tournament is how much passion it brings from each side. Even when Europe becomes very passionate about what they’re doing on the golf course, I feel like we all want to elevate our game as well.

Image:
Korda has featured in every edition of the Solheim Cup since her 2019 debut

“As for a target, I don’t really think about it. If they’re intimidated, great! But for me, I just go out and do my thing. I just hope that the United States team just brings a lot of passion.”

When is the Solheim Cup live on Sky Sports?

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Take a look back at some classic winning moments from the Solheim Cup archives

The Top 20 Non-QB Offensive Skill Players Entering The 2026 NFL Season

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Mossing cornerbacks down the sideline. Throwing nasty stiff arms to gain a few extra yards. Juking helpless defenders in space, making them whiff on tackles.

The NFL’s best offensive skill players do these things at a higher clip than everyone else. Quarterbacks, of course, are the most important players and franchise faces, but it’s the skill guys around them who create most of the highlights in the open field.

So let’s give them some love. Here are my top 20 non-quarterback offensive skill players entering the 2026 NFL season, in descending order:

The best fullback of this generation, Juszczyk is pivotal to Kyle Shanahan’s offense due to his versatility. Juszczyk led the NFL with a 78.6% receiving success rate last season and at age 35 is still a tremendous lead blocker for running back Christian McCaffrey. Now entering his 14th season, Juszczyk has been a first-team All-Pro selection in two of the past three years.

Walker has always been talented, but he garnered a whole new level of respect with his memorable playoff run for the Seahawks, which culminated with him becoming the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP since 1997. He parlayed that into a big free-agent contract with Kansas City, and with Patrick Mahomes coming off a torn ACL and some uncertainty with the Chiefs’ pass-catchers, Walker could be the engine of the offense this season.

Kenneth Walker III turned his Super Bowl MVP with the Seahawks into a spotlight role with the Chiefs. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)

With so many elite running backs in the NFL right now and because he plays with one of the best quarterbacks on the planet in Josh Allen, Cook can slide a bit under the radar. But the three-time Pro Bowler led the NFL last season in rushing yards (1,621) and rushing yards per game (95.4). In 2024, he paced the league with 16 rushing touchdowns.

One of the NFL’s most dynamic weapons, Achane figures to get plenty of touches in 2026 for the rebuilding Dolphins. He led the NFL last season with 5.7 rushing yards per carry and his 1,838 scrimmage yards ranked sixth.

In his first season with the Cowboys, Pickens proved that he’s a true No. 1 receiver, even while playing alongside another star WR in CeeDee Lamb. The former Steeler posted career-highs in catches (93), receiving yards (1,429) and receiving touchdowns (9) as a prime target for quarterback Dak Prescott, and his numbers could be even better in 2026 playing on the franchise tag.

Playing on a franchise tag in 2026, George Pickens figures to put up even better numbers than in his breakout 2025 season with the Cowboys. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

After putting together the best rookie tight end season in NFL history in 2024, Bowers saw his second year marred by injury. He missed five games due to a left knee sprain and bone bruise and played through the lingering injury in several others. Now entering Year 3, Bowers is poised to bounce back. He’ll be the undisputed No. 1 pass-catching option for Las Vegas, which will have veteran Kirk Cousins as QB1 to start the season.

While Brown has been one of the league’s best wide receivers for years, his numbers the past couple of seasons were impacted by the Eagles’ pass-game struggles. His production could get back to an elite level in New England, where he’s reunited with coach Mike Vrabel — his head coach at the start of his career with the Tennessee Titans — and one of the league’s best young quarterbacks in Drake Maye.

A.J. Brown is all smiles in New England, where he’s back with former coach Mike Vrabel and paired with an MVP-caliber quarterback. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Now 32, Henry remains the gold standard for consistent, elite running back play. The five-time Pro Bowler carried the ball 307 times for 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025 — his seventh season of at least 1,000 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns. He’s also one of just nine players in NFL history who have rushed for 2,000 yards in a single season.

Taylor was a borderline MVP candidate last season before the Colts’ collapse down the stretch. The star running back led the NFL in carries (323) and rushing touchdowns (18) for the first time since 2021, when he was the rushing triple-crown winner. Taylor has registered at least 1,400 rushing yards three times in the past five seasons.

Lamb had a down year by his standards last year (75 catches for 1,077 yards and three touchdowns) and missed three games with a high ankle sprain, but he still topped 1,000 receiving yards for the sixth straight season.

McBride was the best tight end in football last season, catching a career-high 126 passes on 169 targets (third-most) for 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns. The 26-year-old should once again be one of the NFL’s most targeted players in Arizona’s offense, led by first-year head coach Mike LaFleur.

Trey McBride might not get much national attention playing in Arizona, but he catches plenty of passes in the Cardinals’ offense. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Barkley last season was significantly less effective than in 2024, when he became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. But that was due in large part to the Eagles’ injuries on the offensive line and issues with the offense at large. The three-time Pro Bowler still surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in 2025, doing so for the fifth time in his career.

The reigning Comeback Player of the Year, McCaffrey was 76 receiving yards short of posting 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season for the second time in his career. The four-time Pro Bowler remains one of the NFL’s most valuable offensive weapons entering his 10th season.

One of the most versatile and consistently dominant wide receivers in the league, St. Brown has registered at least 1,100 receiving yards in four straight seasons. The former fourth-round pick has garnered All-Pro honors three years in a row.

St. Brown has been a Pro Bowler in each of the past four seasons and has led the NFL in first-down receptions in two of them. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Jefferson remains on the shortlist for best wide receiver in football, even as bad quarterback play has hurt his production. Despite catching passes from the likes of Joshua Dobbs, Nick Mullens, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer and J.J. McCarthy, Jefferson has posted six straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career. His numbers could climb back into the elite tier if new QB Kyler Murray turns out to be a hit in coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

Last season, Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions and 80 receiving first downs and was second with 1,715 receiving yards despite missing a game. Through three seasons, he’s averaging 95.3 receiving yards per game, which is the highest among qualified pass-catchers in NFL history.

Gibbs is the prototype of the modern superstar running back — an elite rusher who can also produce as a borderline WR2 in the pass game. With David Montgomery traded to Houston and Detroit’s limited options in the backfield, Gibbs is poised to be a true bell cow in the Lions’ offense for the first time.

Smith-Njigba led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards last season en route to Offensive Player of the Year honors. The former Ohio State star entered the league as primarily a slot receiver but has become a truly dominant force out wide as well, making him a complete WR. He was one of only two receivers in 2025 with at least 100 receiving yards on eight different route types (the other was Nacua).

Robinson was the most dominant running back in football last season, posting 287 carries for 1,478 rushing yards and catching 79 passes for 820 yards for a league-best 2,298 scrimmage yards. He also had the NFL’s longest run last season (93 yards) and earned his first All-Pro nod.

Chase is football’s most dominant receiver. The Bengals superstar has led the NFL in catches in consecutive years, and he’s put up at least 1,200 receiving yards in three straight seasons. Quarterback Joe Burrow is talking Super Bowl this season, which could mean even bigger numbers for Chase.

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Conor Benn hits out at Ryan Garcia for ‘bottling it’ after American fails to show up for face-off in Las Vegas | Boxing News

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Conor Benn has hit out at Ryan Garcia, branding him a ‘bottler’ after the American was a no-show for their face-off ahead of Saturday’s WBC welterweight showdown in Las Vegas.

The two fighters were scheduled to meet for a media opportunity at Mandalay Bay Hotel on Tuesday, but Benn was the only one to appear.

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Benn says he is hopeful that he can end all the noise and talk around the fight

He was joined by his father, Nigel, and, with Garcia absent, Benn jokingly squared up to his dad, who appeared to mock the WBC welterweight titleholder, telling his son: “I’m not Ryan, I turn up!”

Benn, 29, will challenge for a world title for the first time in his career on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, hoping to emulate the achievements of his world champion father, who won the WBO middleweight title in 1990 and the WBC super-middleweight title in 1992.

Garcia, meanwhile, is set to make the first defence of his title, but was handed a stern warning by Benn ahead of their meeting.

“Saturday can’t come soon enough,” Benn said on Tuesday.

“I apologise for Ryan [Garcia] doing what Ryan does and bottling it. We turn up, we’re here, ready for the face-off.

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The British fighter is relishing his status as the underdog ahead of Saturday’s fight against Garcia

“He needs to get his s*** together because come Saturday, he’s in for a real, real shock.”

Ben comes into this fight off the back of successive victories. His first came in November 2025, when the English fighter exacted revenge on Chris Eubank Jr, after suffering the first professional defeat of his career against his rival in April of that year.

He returned to the ring in April 2026 and outscored Regis Prograis at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to extend his fight record to 25-1.

Garcia represents a step up in opponent for Benn, with the 28-year-old American having secured his WBC welterweight belt following his dominant unanimous victory against Mario Barrios in February.

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Benn believes he is well prepared and ready to challenge for a world title

But Benn is relishing his status as the underdog, and following a protracted war of words with the American, he wants to end their verbal feud once and for all.

“I like being the underdog,” Benn said. “I think I perform at my best.

“I think every single one of my fights has led me to this moment. All the pressure I’ve had early on in my career has prepared me for nights like those at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“It’s prepared me for the noise and the drama and the chaos. So come September 12, it’s nothing new, nothing different.”

Aaron Judge Is Finally Back. But Right Now, The Yankees Just Need Him To Play It Safe

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

NEW YORK — A few days ago, an imposing 6-foot-7 outfielder appeared at the door to Aaron Boone’s office in the visitor’s clubhouse at Petco Park.

Aaron Judge showed up, unannounced, and told the Yankees skipper that he was ready to go.

Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham had just been placed on the injured list with a hamstring strain. The club needed help on the field. Judge had been nursing a fractured right rib since the end of May, but he was toward the end of his ramp-up and recovery timeline.

Judge believed he was ready to play. Boone said no.

(Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

There were still a few more boxes the Yankees captain needed to check before being cleared to return, and Boone was not going to risk rushing Judge back because of another player injury. There were people to call, and processes that had to be cleared that had nothing to do with how badly Judge wanted to be back in the lineup, and everything to do with the Yankees making sure he wouldn’t re-injure himself or aggravate the fracture. No amount of hope or anticipation or roster needs would change the plan.

So Judge spent the team’s off-day on Monday at Yankee Stadium checking all those remaining boxes. He faced live pitching. He replicated going out to right field and playing defense for a few innings. He ran the bases. Judge came away from it all with no issues. The Yankees were pleased with what they saw. Finally, they gave Judge the answer that he was expecting to receive months ago.

On Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, Judge was back after being sidelined for over three months. But he was on a leash, and that bothered him.

Judge played six innings and went 0-for-3 before Boone pulled him from the Yankees’ 5-3 win in the series opener against the Rockies. His timing was clearly off as he flew out to center and struck out twice. He expected it, to some extent. These at-bats are equivalent to his spring training build up.

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

And even though Boone warned him before Tuesday’s game that he would be pulled early, Judge was still miffed when it actually happened. Judge and Boone had a long chat on the dugout steps after the sixth inning about it. The eight-time All-Star made it his case to stay in the game.

“We got Cam [Schlittler] on the mound, so I’m probably not going to get a lot of action anyway,” Judge said, reiterating his conversation with Boone. “What’s the difference between me standing out there for nine innings or standing out there for six?”

His request was denied. Hours later, Judge was clearly still stewing over the manager’s decision.

“I feel good. I played half a game. So I’m not too sure what to say about that,” said Judge, who was uncharacteristically peeved and not even trying to hide it. “Obviously, whatever [Boone] says, I’m going to do. But I’m not happy about it.”

That was the tradeoff.

(Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)

Judge advocated for skipping a minor-league rehab assignment that would be considered standard for a player who hasn’t seen live pitching since May 31. The Yankees obliged. Better to have Judge’s bat in their lineup than be wasted in minor-league games. In lieu of Judge spending a week wearing a Scranton RailRiders uniform, the Yankees will treat his initial return to the major-league lineup like a rehab assignment.

He won’t play full games at the outset. He won’t start every game in their series against Colorado. Every inning he takes right field will be measured against an internal plan built by the team, not by how Judge feels. That plan exists because how he feels has never been the problem. If it was up to Judge, he would’ve continued to play through his injury and avoided missing any time at all.

“He’s been champing at the bit,” Boone said, and it wasn’t a compliment. It was a small reveal of how difficult it has been for Boone and the Yankees to keep Judge sidelined despite his readiness and impatience to play. Even now, with Judge single-handedly bringing the electricity back to the Bronx, the return everyone wanted comes with more restriction than freedom.

Even Hal Steinbrenner, the Yankees owner, wanted to be in the loop before Judge was cleared to go. Unlike his dad, George, Steinbrenner is not known to meddle in baseball operations. He typically stays out of day-to-day decisions, preferring to leave that up to Boone and longtime Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.

But, on Monday, after Judge took live at-bats, played the field, ran the bases, and was cleared to return by the team strength and conditioning coach, Brett McCabe, and the rest of the training staff, Boone called Cashman and Steinbrenner and asked them to weigh in on the decision. Boone said Steinbrenner wanted to be in the loop, which underscores how much the Yankees have riding on Judge. He is essential to their goal of going all the way, and he knows it.

Of course, the back-to-back reigning American League MVP’s instinct was to go out there and play. The team needed him, he felt he was ready. What’s the problem? But the Yankees are walking a delicate tightrope, even if they won’t admit it.

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Judge has been “asymptomatic” for several weeks now, according to Boone. In other words, he doesn’t feel any pain or restriction when he’s going through baseball activities. And yet, the Yankees would still prefer Judge to be careful in right field, particularly on diving catches, since that’s how he fractured his rib in the first place.

“I’d like him to be cautious with that stuff, and he will,” Boone said. “And the one thing, even though he probably got hurt doing something like that, if you really watch over the last several years, he’s done a good job of learning how to reign it in and not do things in certain situations. So he is aware of those things, probably even more hyper-aware of them now, obviously. The one thing is, watching him move out there, he’s moving really well, albeit avoiding certain things.”

Is it realistic to expect Judge, who has built his reputation on giving maximum effort, to actually change that wiring? Can he really dial it back?

“I hope I’m playing every day,” Judge said. “But I’m not the manager. So you have to talk to him. Hopefully I can play more than six innings.”

(Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)

The reality is, the Yankees need a still-easing-in Judge to be the three-time MVP Judge to catch Tampa Bay in the division race. The Rays (86-58) lead the AL East by four games, with New York (82-62) right behind them, trying to avoid another wild-card series against the Red Sox and earn a bye week before the ALDS instead. The stakes are already high, and they’ll only get higher in October. So, on a nightly basis, Boone will be fighting against the urge to keep Judge in the lineup for just one more at-bat, weighing whether one more swing will be the one that wins them the game, or potentially re-injures him.

Boone said the Yankees are going to be smart about how they handle that balance, but it’s not like talking to Judge about their processes will be helpful. It’s hard to imagine Judge will say anything except he’s feeling good enough to go out there and play. Even back in May, when Judge knew something was wrong, he played through the injury because of how many other players were sidelined at the time.

Now, at least, the Yankees have the luxury of a full-ish roster on the position-player side. Besides Grisham (hamstring strain) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf strain), who could both potentially come back at some point this year, the Yankees lineup is set for the postseason. Judge’s presence in that lineup is a requirement for the Yankees to go back to the Fall Classic, and even though Judge alone is not going to carry the offense, he certainly has a ripple effect.

(Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)

While he was out, the Yankees offense struggled mightily to generate runs. Since June 2, which is the date Judge officially went on the IL, New York has ranked 26th in the majors in runs scored (341) and slugging percentage (.385), and 29th in batting average (.227) and batting average with runners in scoring position (.216). From Opening Day to May 31, the Yankees ranked fourth in the majors in runs scored (305), second in slugging (.436), 13th in batting average (.243) and seventh in batting average with runners in scoring position (.270).

When Judge is in the lineup, he makes everyone around him better. He offers protection, forcing opposing pitchers to attack the zone against hitters like Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger who typically precede Judge in the order. And even now, while Judge’s timing is off, the best plan of attack for opposing pitching staffs might be to walk him and take their chances against the batter after him.

Which is why, more than anything, the Yankees just need Judge to play it safe. Just like a few days ago in San Diego, when Judge told Boone he was ready to give the team his all, Boone and the Yankees have to continue to hold firm. Right now and in the weeks ahead, Judge needs to be managed as much for his instincts as for his health. Hence, the leash.

“He was not real pleased with me taking him out,” Boone said. “The ultimate competitor in him wants to be out there because he’s done a lot of work to prepare, to be ready to play. And I know in his mind he feels he is very much ready to play and go the distance. But, it’s my job to be smart here. Especially these first several games.”

Erling Haaland: Jamie Carragher believes Manchester City striker will be greatest goalscorer of all time | Football News

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Jamie Carragher believes Erling Haaland will be the “best goalscorer of all time” after his double earned Manchester City a 2-0 win at Porto in the Champions League.

Haaland’s brace in Portugal saw him become Man City’s third highest goalscorer of all time, taking his tally to 167 in just 203 appearances and is now 93 goals behind record-holder Sergio Aguero.

The 26-year-old has now hit 364 goals for top-flight clubs and country in his 424-game career – and Carragher has backed the Norway international to become a record-breaker.

He told CBS Sports: “I just can’t see Haaland not scoring 1,000 goals or being the best goalscorer of all time.

“I’ve never seen anything like it in terms of goals and numbers, and it is every game – but because he does it so often, it does not feel that big.

“He has just scored two goals away from home in the Champions League – any other striker does that; it is an amazing night. It just feels like a normal night.

“I just can’t see how he does not end up being the greatest goalscorer or getting the most goals we have ever seen anybody get.”

Haaland has scored 42 goals in 39 appearances in the group stage/league phase of the Champions League, the most of any player since his first season in the competition in 2019-20.

Porto boss Francesco Farioli described Haaland as a “monster” at his post-match press conference.

Haaland needs one goal to become Man City’s all-time top Champions League scorer after equalling Aguero’s record of 36 goals.

Haaland has scored 59 goals in 59 Champions League appearances but will now turn his attention to the Premier League, where City go to rivals Manchester United on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

Sunday 13th September 4:00pm

Kick off 4:30pm

Haaland: I could’ve scored more in Porto win

Haaland has hit five goals in five appearances across all competitions under new boss Enzo Maresca – but the ex-Borussia Dortmund forward felt he could have scored more against Porto.

He told Amazon Prime: “Amazing game against the champions of Portugal. We knew it was going to be a difficult fight, man against man. They’re a top team, impressive, all of them. They play amazing football.

“Well done to them. But with all the pressure, we have to deliver on the biggest stage. That’s what we did tonight.

“Honestly, we controlled the whole first half. Of course, it’s a bit uncomfortable when they come high. But we created a lot of chances. I could have easily had a few more goals.

“But second half, we scored and they managed to push us for a good 25 minutes. We managed to hold through and finish the game.

“These are the games we have to win. We had a great start to the season, and in the Champions League, you have to win games. If not, you get all the pressure.”

2026 Super Bowl Predictions: Battle Of L.A.? Cowboys Win It All? Our Super Bowl LXI Picks

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Finally, seven months after Super Bowl LX ended, the NFL has returned. But who will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at SoFi Stadium this upcoming Valentine’s Day?

As the 2026 NFL regular season kicks off with a rematch of Super Bowl LX on Wednesday, we made our predictions for who will play in and win Super Bowl LXI. The Seattle Seahawks are the reigning Super Bowl champs, but we aren’t too bullish on their chances of repeating. And we don’t think the New England Patriots will return to the Super Bowl this year, either.

So, which two teams will go head-to-head in Los Angeles in February? There was only one team that was picked to win the Super Bowl twice among the seven of us, while one of us also predicted that the Dallas Cowboys will return to glory this season.

Here are our full Super Bowl picks ahead of the start of the 2026 NFL season.

Henry McKenna:

Rams Defeat Bengals

Looking at the rosters as they are now, it’s impossible to convince me that the Rams aren’t the most logical and simple selection. There is no team that’s more complete. There is no team that has a better and more proven head coach. Their quarterback, Matthew Stafford, is top three. Their WR1, Puka Nacua, is top three. Their defensive line is No. 1. Their top pass rusher, Myles Garrett, is No. 1. And even looking past their superstars, there really isn’t a weakness on their depth chart.

So while I love a few teams to surprise, including the Bengals (simply by getting to the Super Bowl), I can’t convince myself that there is any team more likely to win the Super Bowl than the Rams. They are the runaway favorites, more than any year I can remember since 2007; it’s not even close.

Score prediction: Rams 26, Bengals 20

Ralph Vacchiano:

Broncos Defeat Bears

Ralph Vacchiano: Sean Payton is on a mission to put right what once went wrong, and it’s probably not best to stand in his way. He had the best team in the AFC last season and home-field advantage in the AFC Championship Game, and if he hadn’t lost quarterback Bo Nix to a broken ankle one week earlier, he almost certainly would’ve been coaching in his second Super Bowl. This year he has an even better team. If he can just have a little better luck and health, no one in the AFC will beat them.

As for the Bears, their road will be loaded because they have to survive a bruising division and find a way past the loaded Rams and defending champion Seahawks. But the Seahawks aren’t what they used to be and the Rams have age and extensive travel issues to overcome. The Bears are a young up-and-comer in the NFC. Their team, and quarterback Caleb Williams in particular, also made a remarkable turnaround in Year 1 of the Ben Johnson Era. Now that they understand what he’s doing, Year 2 could be off the charts.

Score prediction: Broncos 31, Bears 24

Ben Arthur:

Texans Defeat Rams

With all due respect to the Seahawks, who allowed the fewest points in the NFL last season, the Texans have the best defense in the league. They’re the most feared, at least, with All-Pro and Pro Bowl talent on every level. It was a unit so good that it could’ve dragged Houston to the Super Bowl last year in spite of offensive inconsistencies, but C.J. Stroud’s disastrous, four-interception performance in the divisional round to the eventual AFC champion Patriots was too much to overcome. Stroud may never reach his rookie year heights again, but he should be at least an average starter this season (what he was for most of 2025, by the way) — with a stronger run game and plenty of motivation from his uncertain, long-term future.

A Texans team that stays on schedule offensively and maintains its dominance defensively can win the AFC and even take down the mighty Rams, who are as hyped as any team we’ve seen in NFL history.

Score prediction: Texans 24, Rams 21

Steven Ruiz:

Rams Defeat Bills

If you’re picking against the Rams, you’re betting on them not being at full strength by the time the playoffs roll around. Given the age or usage of some of their key players, it isn’t a bad bet. But on paper, Los Angeles has the league’s best roster, perhaps its best coach and the reigning MVP at quarterback. The Seahawks have enough to push the Rams even if they’re healthy — which is why I’m predicting another matchup between these teams in the NFC title game — but I can’t say the same for any other team in the league.

The AFC is more difficult to predict. I’ll take the Bills, who have everything they need on offense and should improve defensively with new coordinator Jim Leonhard. They’ll beat Baltimore in a surprisingly low-scoring game to make their first Super Bowl in three decades, only to get blown out by the Rams two weeks later.

Score prediction: Rams 38, Bills 17

Greg Auman:

Chargers Defeat Rams

The battle of Los Angeles! Both L.A. teams competing for a ring in their home stadium is maximum Los Angeles. The Rams have already won a championship there, but the Chargers have a chance to be the story of 2026, with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel getting Justin Herbert to places he’s never been before.

The Rams will be the team to beat all season, so it won’t be easy to beat Matthew Stafford, Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald, but that’s what we’re calling. The Chargers will need to stay healthy in a way they couldn’t last year, but watch out for running back Omarion Hampton emerging behind a dominant offensive line.

Score prediction: Chargers 24, Rams 21

Eric D. Williams:

Seahawks Defeat Chiefs

The talk nationally all offseason has been about the super team the Rams have built this year. And the Seahawks use that disrespect as motivation to repeat as champions for the first time since the Chiefs accomplished that feat in 2023.

Speaking of the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid rebound from a disappointing season last year to reach the Super Bowl together for the sixth time, but they come up short against Mike Macdonald’s aggressive defense.

Score prediction: Seahawks 28, Chiefs 24

Bucky Brooks:

Cowboys Defeat Texans

The Cowboys finally end their Super Bowl drought behind a dynamic offense and opportunistic defense. Dak Prescott caps off his MVP regular season with a spectacular performance that helps America’s Team secure the world title.

Score prediction: Cowboys 31, Texans 24

NFL Related Stories

Stuart Grehan reveals Walker Cup ‘responsibility’ and source of Great Britain and Ireland’s historic comeback | Golf News

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Walker Cup winner Stuart Grehan has admitted he felt responsibility to lead Great Britain and Ireland through the tournament as he detailed the trigger behind his side’s historic comeback.

GB&I executed the biggest comeback in Walker Cup history, with the competition coming down to the final putt.

The eventual champions took a one-point lead into Sunday, only for the USA to win all four matches and open up a 9.5-6.5 advantage heading into the singles, leaving GB&I needing to win the session 7-3.

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Stuart Grehan shakes hands with Preston Stout after his win

But Grehan got his side off to the best possible start, with the Amateur champion beating world No 1 amateur Preston Stout before GB&I went on to clinch a dramatic 13.5-12.5 victory.

Grehan, who lifted the Walker Cup on home soil, joined Jamie Weir and Chris Wood on the Sky Sports Golf podcast to discuss just how special it was to claim victory in such dramatic fashion.

The Irishman admitted he felt a responsibility to lead the team to their first Walker Cup win since 2015, revealing he had discussed taking on that role with captain Dean Robertson.

“We’ve spoken about it a little bit, I’d say two months prior to the match,” Grehan said when asked if he had been given a leadership role.

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“It’s something that I wanted to take on. Obviously I’m a little bit older, one, and I probably knew the golf course more than anyone as well, which is another thing. It’s a role I wanted this week, to go out and lead being the only Irishman in the event.

“It is a team of 10, but I definitely felt like the responsibility this week that I might be seen as a leader. There’s loads of leaders, they’re all leaders in their own sense, but yeah, to be able to go out there and hit first… It was an incredible moment for me and everyone that’s helped me get to that point.

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Following Great Britain and Ireland winning the Walker Cup for the first time since 2015, the team went on to give their rendition of Wonderwall

Josh Hill completed the turnaround by seeing off Tyler Watts on the final hole, sparking wild celebrations, with Grehan having finished his game and remaining on the fairway to watch his team-mate complete the job.

The comeback had seemed almost impossible after Sunday’s initial red wash, but Grehan said his team-mates inspired him to pick himself back up after a disappointing start, helping to spark the remarkable turnaround.

“Sunday morning, I actually felt very flat, to be perfectly honest with you,” he said. “I was very flat myself. It was probably all the mental energy I kind of expended on Saturday, but I just couldn’t get up for it and my game was not very good on Saturday morning.

“It wasn’t bad but myself and Eliot [Baker], we just couldn’t get anything going. I think we were still 300-par and in pretty testy conditions. But at this level, that’s just not good enough. So, we lost the session 4-0, clean sweep, I was very flat at halftime.

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Great Britain and Ireland celebrate after winning the Walker Cup for the first time since 2015

“I know the few other guys were the same. But in fairness to Tyler Weaver, he came in, and I just remember him saying that it’ll even make for a better story now. And I was like, OK, he still believes.

“Luke [Poulter] said something as well. I can’t remember exactly what it was, but he was very upbeat and in fairness to Dean [Robertson], he came in, he said ‘look, lads, the margins are so small. You’re all still playing really well.’ Collectively as a team, we were still pretty good. ‘Go out there this afternoon and give it your all’.

“Then the music got going at half-time as well. Then we were all kind of up for it already.

“I didn’t get off to a great start, but the rest of the guys behind me did, and that kind of spurred me on, to be perfectly honest.”

NFL Catchup: Baker Mayfield Gets Paid; Aaron Donald Won’t Travel To Australia

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The 2026 NFL season has just about arrived, which led to one team doing one last bit of business before the start of the regular season.

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a massive contract extension on Tuesday. The deal will reportedly make Mayfield one of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks as he was entering the final year of his current contract.

Meanwhile, the Rams will be without Aaron Donald for their opener in Australia, and the Patriots will be missing a key piece of their backfield for Wednesday’s Super Bowl rematch.

Here’s the latest from around the NFL on Tuesday.

Baker Mayfield’s summer-long standoff with the Buccaneers is finally resolved. Tampa Bay and its quarterback have agreed to a three-year extension worth $165 million, ending months of speculation about his future, according to an ESPN report.

The $55 million annual average puts Mayfield in a three-way tie for the third-richest per-year salary at the position, behind only Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott, and level with Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, according to Spotrac.

It’s a dramatic rise for Mayfield, who signed a one-year, $4 million “prove-it” deal with Tampa Bay back in 2023 before inking a three-year, $100 million extension in 2024. Since taking over the post-Tom Brady era, he’s gone 27-24 as a starter with two playoff berths, highlighted by a 2024 season in which he threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns.

Injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin took some shine off last season’s numbers, but with his long-term future now settled, the focus turns to unseating the Panthers atop the NFC South.

Aaron Donald won’t be making the trip to Melbourne.

The Rams defensive tackle is officially ruled out for Thursday’s season-opening matchup against the 49ers, a decision that comes after he stayed noncommittal about his travel plans earlier in the week.

Donald came out of retirement last month to rejoin Los Angeles, a decision he’s tied partly to the team’s trade for edge rusher Myles Garrett, which further bolstered a line already featuring Kobie Turner and Byron Young.

With Donald unavailable, Garrett will lead the Rams’ front against San Francisco.

Patrick Mahomes is back.

Andy Reid confirmed Tuesday that the two-time MVP will start Kansas City’s opener against Denver on Monday, barring a setback, closing the book on his recovery from the ACL and LCL tears he suffered against the Chargers in Week 15.

The return caps a nearly nine-month absence for Mahomes, who saw the Chiefs miss the playoffs for the first time in his career last season as the team stumbled to 6-11 without him. He’ll return to a retooled roster that includes new addition Kenneth Walker at running back, and immediately faces a loaded AFC West featuring Justin Herbert and Bo Nix.

In 14 games last season, Mahomes completed 62.7% of his throws for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions — modest by his own standard, and now a benchmark he’ll look to clear as Kansas City tries to reclaim its division.

New England will be shorthanded in the backfield for Wednesday night’s Super Bowl LX rematch with Seattle.

TreVeyon Henderson has been ruled out after missing all three practices this week with an ankle injury first suffered on Aug. 24. Center Ben Brown (knee) was also ruled out, and no other Patriots carry an injury designation heading into the game.

Henderson was a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year last season after leading New England in scrimmage yards and touchdowns — 911 rushing yards on 5.1 yards per carry with nine scores, plus 35 catches for 221 yards and a touchdown — and he didn’t miss a game as a rookie, making this a rare setback in his young career.

Rhamondre Stevenson, who took over lead-back duties late in New England’s playoff run last season, is expected to step back into that role as the Patriots open their season on the road against the team that beat them in the Super Bowl.

Injury News & Notes

The Steelers reportedly made an offer to cornerback Joey Porter Jr., but both sides are not close to a deal at this point.
Christian Gonzalez and the Patriots agreed to an extension that will make him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, according to multiple reports.
Veteran running back Tyler Allgeier is listed as the starting running back on the Cardinals’ unofficial depth chart ahead of first-round rookie Jeremiyah Love, who is slotted as RB2 as he continues his recovery from a preseason high ankle sprain

US Open: Naomi Osaka’s fashion ensemble in New York – which outfit was your favourite? | Tennis News

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Naomi Osaka may have exited the US Open, but she went out with a burst – of colour, and a bit of swag. Which outfit was your best of the tournament?

The two-time US Open champion may have lost a lopsided fourth-round match to Elena Rybakina but she continued to make her mark as the undisputed fashion queen on tour.

Osaka, already known for her walk-on fashion reveals at tournaments, has been upping her game at the year’s final major with a series of dramatic ensembles – all with a basketball theme as her sponsor, Nike, honours the New York Knicks’ championship win.

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The Sky Sports Tennis team look at all the incredible outfits Osaka has worn this week at the US Open and pick their favourites!

For her first-round match, Osaka channelled NBA great Allen Iverson in a long, white tulle skirt and a dramatic grey, hooded robe. When she removed the hood, Osaka’s hair was in cornrows under a headband, recalling Iverson’s look when was the NBA MVP while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Her ensemble was designed by Who Decides War, the New York-based streetwear brand.

For round two, Osaka – a four-time Grand Slam champion – arrived on court in an ensemble by Thom Browne, with a flowing white jacket embroidered with crossed tennis rackets. Underneath, her tennis skirt’s mesh fabric resembled a basketball net.

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Creator Eliza Wastcoat looks at Osaka’s influence on the fashion and tennis world

For the third round she wore the label Monse – an oversized hybrid of a grey suit jacket and hoodie sweatshirt over flowing grey fleece joggers, an outfit meant to mesh business wear with sports wear.

After her loss Monday, Osaka arrived on court in a coat of many colours: a fur-trimmed cloak designed by Brooklyn-based label KidSuper.

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The Japanese superstar was asked if she was disappointed that there may have been other fashion looks she’d been planning to display, had she remained longer.

“I mean, I think there’s always something, you know?” Osaka said. “I feel like that’s a way that I can have fun and sort of just excite myself, also.”

DraftKings King of the Endzone: $5 Million in Bonus Bets Available for Patriots vs Seahawks

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

NFL football is finally back, and DraftKings is putting $5 million in Bonus Bets on the line for the season-opening showdown between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.

DraftKings King of the Endzone gives eligible customers a chance to win a share of the $5 million by backing the player who scores the longest touchdown of the game.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is coming off a breakout season, the Seahawks’ dynamic receiver will have all his eyes on him. A.J. Brown was added to this Patriots’ offense, alongside Rhamondre Stevenson, two these playmakers could find the endzone in the season opener.

If the player on your bet scores the longest touchdown of the game, you’ll win a share of the $5 million Bonus Bets.

The Qualifying Bet Token expires before the game begins, so make sure to opt in and place your qualifying wager before the deadline.

How to Join The King of Endzone Promo

Following Opt-In, you’ll be issued one (1) single-use Qualifying Bet Token that works on any prematch NFL Touchdown Scorer Prop on NE vs. SEA (Under “TD Scorer” – First TD Scorer, Anytime TD Scorer, 2+ TDs)
Minimum Bet: $5
If the player in your qualifying bet scores the longest touchdown in NE vs. SEA, you’ll win a share of $5,000,000 in Bonus Bets –Passing Touchdowns do not count as King of the End Zone winners – only the player that scores the longest touchdown of the day. –If the longest TD of the game is scored player a player while also participating on a team’s Defense/Special Teams (D/ST), customers who bet on either the player or the D/ST will both be paid out as winner.
Qualifying Bet is Singles only
One Qualifying Bet Token per customer for this promotion
Qualifying Bet Token expires at 8:20 PM ET on 9/9
Wagering on this promotion must use funds from your cash balance or DK Dollars. Bets placed with other bonus rewards are void. Cashed out bets and voided bets will void this promotion.
Winners will be credited within 24 hours of the conclusion of NE vs. SEA

Check Out How You Can Claim the New Users Promo

Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account.
Deposit funds (minimum $5).
Select the New Customer Token.
Place a $5+ cash bet (-500 odds or longer).
You will receive $200 in bonus bets instantly, regardless of the outcome of your qualifying wager.
Works the same on desktop & mobile.

Who Scores in This Super Bowl Rematch?

*Odds may differ each site*

Rhamondre Stevenson+110+650+700Jaxon Smith-Njigba+135+800+950Jadarian Price+135+650+900A.J. Brown+155+1000+1200George Holani+185+1000+1400Cooper Kupp+245+1200+2000

Transfer news: Manchester United suffer hammer blow after top target Lewis Hall agrees five-year Newcastle deal – Paper Talk | Football News

September 9, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Tuesday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United have suffered a hammer blow after top target Lewis Hall agreed a new five-year deal at Newcastle – The Sun

Brentford have started negotiations with Kevin Schade over a new contract – Daily Star

Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy insists the club’s full-backs – Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez – “are not good enough” and “are not going to get better” – Daily Mirror

Xabi Alonso has held private talks with Estevao Willian amid speculation that Chelsea’s Brazilian boy wonder is concerned with his lack of opportunities and new manager’s vision for him – Daily Mail

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Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso says Estevao does have a future at the club despite not featuring much this season.

Mikel Arteta convinced Miles Lewis-Skelly to remain at the Emirates Stadium by telling the Arsenal academy product that he would tweak his formation – The Sun

Gabriel Jesus has admitted that he was made to train alone at Arsenal in the days leading up to his exit – Daily Mirror

Image:
Gabriel Jesus has signed a deal at Barcelona until 2029

Arsenal’s preparations for their opening Champions League game against Napoli were disrupted after they were caught up in the travel chaos that affected airports across the United Kingdom – The Guardian

Paul Scholes has speculated that there may have been an issue between Declan Rice and Morgan Rogers at the World Cup after the England duo were involved in a furious exchange during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea – The Sun

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is set to return to training in two weeks after successful heart surgery – Daily Mail

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

WORLD FOOTBALL

Arabian Falcons manager Jonjo Shelvey has offered surprising lifelines to Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho in Dubai with the duo still without clubs – The Mirror

More than 100,000 people have signed a formal complaint urging FIFA to investigate president Gianni Infantino over suspected breaches of the governing body’s code of ethics regarding his ties to US president Donald Trump – The Independent

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Derek McInnes has revealed John Souttar could still quit Rangers this month – Scottish Sun

Motherwell have confirmed the exit of striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos – Scottish Sun

2027 Way-Too-Early INDYCAR Power Rankings: Surprise! Alex Palou On Top

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Want to talk 2027 INDYCAR racing?

I know, it’s a little hard, as INDYCAR has not even released a full schedule.

Not knowing the exact number of ovals and road courses makes predicting who will be better and who will be worse more difficult than normal.

But with 2026 fresh in our minds, here’s my waaaaayyyy-too-early power rankings going into next season.

On the verge: Marcus Armstrong, Scott Dixon, Rinus VeeKay

10.

He was eighth in points. But frankly, any of the three drivers listed as being on the verge could be here with a strong argument — especially because Newgarden struggled at several races. He did triumph on a couple of short ovals where he is always good. But Newgarden was hurt for much of the year, and leaving him off the top 10 seemed wrong.

Ericsson was seventh in the standings, marking a huge turnaround from 2025 when he was 20th. He got the win at Markham and the Andretti Global team should be strong, with all three drivers returning next season.

Power finished 11th in the standings and that was mostly on him in his first year at Andretti after a lengthy Penske tenure. He led laps in 12 races but only had five podiums. Fewer mistakes and some better racing luck, and he could have a solid 2027.

Rosenqvist, the Indianapolis 500 winner, makes the move from Meyer Shank to McLaren for next season. He should be solid and quite comfortable, returning to an organization he previously drove for — even if they at one point let him go.

O’Ward was fourth in the standings this year but now that McLaughlin and Malukas have improved, this means he will have to get better at the same pace. With his inconsistency on road and street courses (he did win at Mid-Ohio), it is hard to be confident that will happen.

The pole and the win in the season finale at Laguna Seca was a statement victory at a track that Alex Palou has typically dominated. It was a sign that McLaughlin, who was sixth in the standings in 2026, has more wins coming.

Malukas was fifth in the standings in 2026 and has a huge upside as he enters his second season at Team Penske. He will likely need to win a couple of races, though, to finish ahead of the projected top three.

Kirkwood was second in the standings in 2026 and earned two big wins at Arlington and Washington. He will be in the mix, and the only reason he is third is because cracking a Palou-Lundgaard combination is going to take everything going right.

Yes, I know it hasn’t been announced yet but who else is going in that seat? Lundgaard is going to an organization that traditionally has been a stronger program than where he was. He finished 10 points out of second this year, and he could gain those by driving for Ganassi.

Until someone keeps the five-time champion — who has won the title in each of the last four years and has won 14 races in the last two seasons — from winning races, he’s going to be No. 1. There’s no reason to think he loses anything going into 2027.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

FC Porto 0 – 2 Man City

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Erling Haaland’s double earned Manchester City a 2-0 win at FC Porto – but it was another game where Enzo Maresca’s side won but failed to convince.

City’s main man up front was surprisingly wasteful in the first half, seeing two glorious chances in the area saved by Diogo Costa as well as heading another good chance over the bar.

Porto’s goalkeeper was in inspired form in the opening 45 minutes, also saving well from Rayan Cherki from the rebound of one of Haaland’s chances.

But Haaland took just two minutes of the second period to make amends, barging Jakub Kiwior aside to nod an Enzo Fernandez cross in off the post.

But City then took their foot off the gas as the Portuguese champions started to grow in confidence. Porto failed to produce a shot on target but Alan Varela curled just wide of the far post from the edge of the box in a warning shot.

Image:
Haaland scored twice in the second half

Then Gianluigi Donnarumma was nearly caught in possession by Porto forward William Gomes, with the City goalkeeper lucky to see the ball run away to safety. City did find a way to seal the result, however, as Haaland tucked home Rayan Ait-Nouri’s cutback in stoppage time.

Erling’s on Sergio’s level!

Erling Haaland scored his 36th UEFA Champions League goal for Manchester City, equalling Sergio Agüero as joint-most for the Citizens in the competition.

Despite another game this season where City have won but struggled to impress at the same time, Maresca failed to win away of his three away Champions League ties as Chelsea boss last term.

He will see a winning start to this campaign as a positive – especially as City have become the first team to beat Porto at the Estadio do Dragao this calendar year.

But improvement is needed ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports.

Sunday 13th September 4:00pm

Kick off 4:30pm

The key moments from Estadio do Dragao

16: SAVE! Antoine Semenyo starts the game brightly and curls an early effort into Diogo Costa’s gloves.

21: BIG CHANCE FOR HAALAND! Semenyo feeds Phil Foden who clips a cross into the box for Haaland – who is denied by a smart glove from Costa.

27: BIG MISS! Haaland heads over another good chance via a cross from the left, this time from Semenyo.

29: BIG SAVE! Foden goes on a mazy run in and around the penalty area and forces another save from Costa.

31: DOUBLE SAVE! A man possessed! Costa denies Haaland’s low drive from inside the box, then gets up to stop Rayan Cherki at the rebound.

42: OUCH! Marc Guehi catches Gabri Veiga with his arm which causes a lot of blood. With Porto calling for a red card for a violent elbow, the Man City defender avoids punishment. It was more accidental rather than malicious.

47: GOAL! Haaland takes just two minutes to rectify his wasteful first half by nodding a header in off the post from Enzo Fernandez’s cross.

49: NO PENALTY! City goalkeeper Donnarumma clatters into Porto winger Pepe in the box… but the offside flag goes up against the forward.

57: SO CLOSE! Porto midfielder Alan Varela gets a chance to shoot and curls just wide of the far post. That was Porto’s first shot of the game.

66: NERVY! Donnarumma is nearly caught in possession by Porto forward Gomes, but the ball runs behind for a goal kick.

85: JUST WIDE! City substitute Ait-Nouri has the chance to seal the result but steers a shot wide of goal from a good area.

90+1: GOAL! Haaland seals the result by slotting home Ait-Nouri’s cutback after he did well to get to the byline.

Should Maresca be happy about Man City’s performance?

Image:
Erling Haaland gave Man City a win but they weren’t convincing

Man City striker Erling Haaland to Amazon Prime:

“I hope so, we win away in a difficult game. Look at this atmosphere, it was unreal at times. So I hope [yes].

“Amazing game against the champions of Portugal. We knew it was going to be a difficult fight, man against man. They’re a top team, impressive, all of them. They play amazing football.

“Well done to them. But with all the pressure, we have to deliver on the biggest stage. That’s what we did tonight.

“Honestly we controlled the whole first half. Of course, it’s a bit uncomfortable when they come high. But we created a lot of chances. I could have easily had a few more goals.

“But second half we scored and they managed to push us for a good 25 minutes. We managed to hold through and finish the game.

“These are the games we have to win. We had a great start to the season and in the Champions League, you have to win games. If not, you get all the pressure. You never know what’s going to happen.

“We have to learn. Enzo has to demand a lot from us and each other. At Manchester City, you have to win games and win trophies, that’s what we have to do.”

And here’s Maresca’s verdict – he’s happy!

Man City head coach Enzo Maresca to Amazon Prime:

“We could have scored more goals, especially in the first half. But overall we deserved to win the game. We created enough chances to win the game, we didn’t concede a lot.

“It’s normal to come here and concede some noises so overall I’m happy with the performance.

“If you think you’re going to come here in this stadium and just play and not concede anything, it’s not reality. It’s normal that they are going to create something. They didn’t create a lot – some actions, some mistakes from us. But I think it’s normal.”

What the result means and next fixtures…

MAC Appeals Michigan-WMU Result, Asks NCAA To Declare Western Michigan Winner

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Mid-American Conference appealed the outcome of the Michigan-Western Michigan game on Tuesday and asked NCAA and College Football Playoff administrators to recognize the Broncos as the actual winner.

Michigan won 13-12 on a Hail Mary pass after the replay official put one second back on the clock. The stadium clock and the one shown on television showed zeroes after Bryce Underwood’s first Hail Mary was thrown out the back of the end zone.

The Big Ten had said in a statement that time had not expired on a separate clock embedded within its replay system. Western Michigan and the MAC initially accepted the explanation, but that had changed by Tuesday.

“After further study and investigation, it is now evident that replay protocol was not properly followed in determining whether time remained on the game clock at the conclusion of the Western Michigan vs. Michigan football game,” MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said in a statement.

Western Michigan originally did not decide to appeal the outcome after president Russ Kavalhuna said Sunday he didn’t “discern anything unfair or untoward” with the Big Ten’s replay decision that put an extra second on the clock.

Kavalhuna added that he spent Saturday night speaking with Big Ten officials, including commissioner Tony Petitti.

“He was gracious enough to let me talk with some of his staff who are over this issue,” Kavalhuna said. “And it is just a discrepancy. What the viewing public see and what the reviewing officials see are different, and that’s clear.”

Messages seeking comment were sent to the NCAA and CFP.

Steinbrecher said the established replay protocol requires that the game clock displayed on the program feed be used in determining whether time remained. Instead, he said, the Big Ten replay crew relied upon the clock feed embedded within its replay system. As a result, one second was placed back on the game clock and an additional play was awarded.

“This was not a judgment regarding the proper amount of time to place on the clock,” Steinbrecher said. “It was an error in the application of the established replay protocol governing this specific end-of-game timing situation. Had the protocol been properly followed and the program-feed clock been used, no additional play would have been awarded, and Western Michigan would have won the game, 12–7.”

The MAC is requesting the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee and the CFP recognize Western Michigan as the actual winner for purposes of their respective rankings, evaluations and selection deliberations.

Michigan was ranked No. 16 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll but dropped out of the rankings Tuesday.

The Assocated Press contributed to this report.

US Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka edges into semi-finals with three-set win over Linda Noskova in thriller | Tennis News

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Aryna Sabalenka maintained her hopes of a third successive US Open title with a three-set victory over Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in an absorbing quarter-final – a result that retains her status as world No 1 for at least one more day.

The 28-year-old beat Noskova 7-6 (7-1) 3-6 7-6 (10-7), coming through two tie-breaks and sealing victory with a second-serve ace to set up a meeting with the winner of Tuesday night’s all-American clash between Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro in the semi-finals.

Sabalenka needs to win in New York to have any hope of staying as world No 1 but will definitely lose that spot if Elena Rybakina – who defeated Sabalenka in this year’s Australian Open final – overcomes Qinwen Zheng in her quarter-final on Wednesday.

If Rybakina is beaten, then Pegula or Coco Gauff could rise to the top of the rankings should they win the tournament at Flushing Meadows on Saturday evening.

Image:
Sabalenka is aiming to win a third straight US Open title

Sabalenka, world No 1 for 99 consecutive weeks, is hoping to become the first woman to win the US Open three times in a row since Serena Williams from 2012-14.

Noskova, who had forced a first-set tie-break from 5-2 down, double faulted at 3-3 in the final-set breaker and then slipped 7-6 down after an unfortunate net cord, before Sabalenka, who has never lost a US Open quarter-final, edged into the last four.

Sabalenka extended her career record over Noskova to 3-0 after previously seeing off the 21-year-old in the Adelaide International final in 2023 and then the Indian Wells semi-finals earlier this year.

Noskova will not become the first woman to secure back-to-back majors since Naomi Osaka claimed the 2020 US Open and 2021 Australian Open after seeing her 11-match winning streak in majors come to an end.

Image:
Linda Noskova was hoping to become the first back-to-back Grand Slam winner since Naomi Osaka in 2021

How Sabalenka came through Noskova scrap

Sabalenka broke Noskova to love in the second game of the match to take a 3-2 lead, only to lose four of the next five games as her Czech opponent fought back.

The first-set tie-break, however, was completely one-sided with Noskova’s only point coming via an ace out wide as her double fault and Sabalenka’s power settled things.

Noskova staved off break points early in the second set, including in the first game, and carved out two of her own on the Sabelanka serve at 3-2 up, taking the second of those when her rival produced an untimely double fault.

Sabalenka saved break point with an ace in her subsequent service game before Noskova went on to set up a deciding set by converting a fourth set point.

Noskova became the favourite when she broke Sabalenka for a 3-2 lead in the third set, with the world No 1 twice double-faulting in the game. But Sabalenka dug deep to level the match at 4-4 before the enthralled spectators were treated to another tie-break.

The second breaker was far more competitive than the first but Sabalenka came out on the right side of it once again to stay on course for a three-peat.

Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports until Sunday September 13. Stream tennis and more top sport contract-free with NOW.

Plant The Flag: 4 NFL Players And 1 Coach Who Will Top Expectations This Season

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

While we’re all making our final preseason predictions before the start of the 2026 NFL regular season, there’s something else I want to do before the year gets going: plant the flag.

Before the games get going, I’m planting the flag on some players (and an assistant coach) to exceed expectations and dominate headlines this season. That includes a pair of veterans looking to bounce back after relatively down seasons, and a pair of second-year pros who are ready to make the leap in 2026. I’m also buying stock in a first-year defensive coordinator with a bright future in coaching and could be a name to know in the next head coaching cycle.

So, let’s plant the flag.

A reminder: A.J. Brown is just 28. You wouldn’t know it based on the offseason conversation surrounding Drake Maye’s new weapon. You’d think he was a 30-something receiver coming off an unproductive season and not one who’s still in the prime of his career and coming off yet another 1,000-yard campaign, despite playing in the league’s most dysfunctional passing game.

The “washed up” talk is a bit premature, and I firmly believe that Brown is about to remind the NFL that he’s still one of the league’s scariest receivers.

Even during a frustrating season, Brown showed why defenses fear him. He destroys press-man coverage and will dunk on a cornerback in one-on-one situations downfield. Only Tee Higgins and George Pickens tallied more receiving yards against press coverage in 2025, according to Next Gen Stats. And while Brown has lost some speed — he hasn’t hit 20 mph on a play in nearly two seasons — he can still create quick separation on short routes with physicality and sharp route running.

Brown has mastered the art of pushing off right at the edge of the five-yard mark, when hand fighting is still legal.

Opposing defenses were still treating Brown like a star last season. He’d routinely get extra attention in obvious passing situations, whether it was a safety over the top to prevent vertical shots or bracket coverage on short in-breaking routes.

Brown remains a monster at the catch point, but in 2025, the quality and quantity of his tight-window targets dipped. Jalen Hurts targeted him on just 41 tight-window throws, the lowest mark of Brown’s four-year stint in Philadelphia, and his expected catch rate was just 53.5%, per Next Gen Stats. He still managed to haul in over 60% of those passes, showing his contested catch prowess.

And that’s why I’m so bullish on Brown in 2026. Maye was the league’s best quarterback on tight-window throws, leading the NFL in both expected points added (EPA) and completion percentage over expected (CPOE) by a wide margin. He accomplished that with Stefon Diggs, who’s certainly past his prime, as his go-to target in those situations. Now that he has the league’s preeminent 50/50 ball winner out there with him, Maye will feel even more free to let it rip on those tight window throws.

This is really a vote of confidence for Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, whose reputation as a quarterback whisperer took a hit after J.J. McCarthy’s short-lived stint as Minnesota’s quarterback of the future. McCarthy’s play was so poor it obscured the improvement elsewhere along the offense. The Vikings’ offense went from bad in 2024 to above average last season; the offensive line allowed fewer pressures and O’Connell’s play designs kept getting receivers open.

McCarthy just couldn’t make the plays that were there to be made. He finished dead last in accurate throw rate, per Pro Football Focus. McCarthy also finished last in completion percentage over expected on attempts, with a completion probability over 75%, per Next Gen Stats. He couldn’t even hit the layups O’Connell set up for him.

Kyler Murray started five games for the Cardinals last season before suffering a season-ending foot injury. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

In 2024, Murray finished sixth in that same stat. The ability to hit the gimme throws will be a big boon to the Vikings’ passing game. And Murray’s play under pressure should also raise the bar quite a bit. McCarthy struggled to extend plays in the face of pressure and had one of the higher pressure-to-sack rates in the league. Murray will take his fair share of sacks, but he looks like Tom Brady in the pocket compared to his younger backup.

Murray’s presence in the backfield should also boost Minnesota’s run game. Defenses have to account for him pulling the ball on option runs, which was less of a concern with McCarthy under center.

But let’s be honest: Murray’s performance this season won’t be measured by comparisons to McCarthy’s 2025 campaign. Sam Darnold’s run in 2024 will be the point of comparison. We haven’t seen much of Murray over the past year, so it’s difficult to say if he’s still a better quarterback than Darnold in a vacuum, but we can say this: Murray is stepping into a more balanced offense, and all the key contributors who helped Darnold get his career back on track are still around.

Murray putting up a top-10 season would not surprise me.

With George Kittle nearing the end of his prime and Travis Kelce nearly at the end of his career, the “best tight end in the league” title belt is up for grabs, and Chicago’s Colston Loveland is my pick to snatch it this season.

I don’t even know where to start. Loveland is everything you want in a tight end. He’s a massive human being who can box out smaller defensive backs in the red zone. He’s got enough wiggle to skate past linebackers who dare to cover him. And while he isn’t a burner, he gets down the seam in a hurry and can go outside of his frame to haul in passes.

Loveland can line up out wide, in the slot, or attached to the offensive line like a traditional tight end. And he’s already a solid in-line blocker in the run game and can hold his own against defensive ends in pass protection.

He got off to a quiet start in his rookie season, but he became a key figure in the Bears’ passing attack down the stretch, getting double-digit targets in each of Chicago’s last four games. Expect that to carry over into the 2026 season. While Loveland will draw more attention from defenses, Bears coach Ben Johnson makes it hard to hone in on his second-year star by moving him all over the formation, letting him pick out matchups he wants to exploit. Loveland’s versatility makes it all possible.

Arizona’s Trey McBride is another candidate to take the TE1 mantle, if he hasn’t already taken it. But McBride’s in a far worse situation, with questions at quarterback and an inexperienced head coach. The same goes for Brock Bowers in Las Vegas.

The race for the first-team All-Pro spot at tight end will likely come down to Loveland and those two, and I’ve got the Bears tight end narrowly beating them out.

I cannot wait to watch this Chargers’ offense now that Mike McDaniel is coordinating it. While the prospect of Justin Herbert slinging the ball downfield is the main attraction, second-year running back Omarion Hampton, the team’s 2025 first-round pick, will be the player who benefits most from McDaniel’s arrival.

Miami’s passing game may have crumbled in McDaniel’s final season, but his run game was as explosive as ever. Without the threat of Tyreek Hill blowing the top off the secondary, defenses could pack the box with run defenders with more confidence, forcing McDaniel to devise more creative ways to get Devon Achane out to the edge of the defense. He came up with some wild ideas, using wonky motions and backfield formations to set up advantageous blocking angles and give Achane a straight-line path to the second level as he built up speed.

Watch how fullback Alex Ingold, who followed McDaniel to the Chargers, toys with the Bills linebacker and eventually creates a rushing lane for Achane.

Achane hit 15 mph on 70 run attempts in 2025, which easily led the NFL, per Next Gen Stats. His average speed when he crossed the line of scrimmage ranked second behind Seattle’s Kenneth Walker. At times, it looked as if McDaniel was firing Achane out of a cannon, right into an open rush lane.

If McDaniel can do the same for Hampton, he should be in for a monster season. Hampton doesn’t have Achane’s speed, but he ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and can be a nightmare to bring down in the open field due to his size. We didn’t see his top-end speed often in 2025, though. Hampton was hit behind the line of scrimmage on 53% of his attempts, trailing only Pittsburgh’s Jaylen Warren, per Next Gen Stats. Despite L.A.’s run-blocking issues, Hampton maintained a 4.4-yard rushing average and a solid 41.9% success rate.

Expect a big increase in both stats now that McDaniel is dialing up plays for him.

Listen to a Christian Parker press conference, and you’ll understand why folks in Dallas are excited about the new Cowboys defensive coordinator. The 34-year-old is a sharp football mind who can explain high-level concepts clearly and concisely.

Parker also has an impressive coaching lineage, having worked under Vic Fangio and Vance Joseph, two of the sport’s best defensive coordinators. But Parker has never called plays, and we’ve seen plenty of coaches who can win a press conference but can’t coordinate a defense on game day. He still has plenty to prove.

Given the state of the Cowboys defense, which is solid along the front seven despite lacking talent in the secondary, expectations for what constitutes a successful season for Parker have to be adjusted. Unless the first-year coordinator is a miracle worker, this won’t be a top-10 unit. Even an above-average finish would be considered a significant accomplishment.

Parker’s primary task will be cutting down Dallas’s explosive play rate. No defense allowed more explosive plays last season, and the Cowboys were susceptible to big plays against both the run and the pass.

Parker has harped on improving the team’s communication, which played a major role in the defensive breakdowns, especially in the secondary. Opponents racked up 483 yards on passes to deep targets to “open” receivers, per Next Gen Stats. No team was within 100 yards of them in that stat. Coverage busts like this were an all too familiar sight in Dallas last season.

Parker’s former team, Philadelphia, ranked fourth-best in that same metric. If Parker can just solve that issue for Dallas, the defense should make the leap from “awful” to “mediocre.” That may not feel like much of an upgrade, but with one of the league’s best offenses on the other side of the ball, it would be enough to get the Cowboys back into the playoffs and push Parker up the list of head coaching candidates ahead of next year’s hiring cycle.

Ballon d’Or 2026: Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham among nominees but no Cristiano Ronaldo | Football News

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees have been announced as the best male and female footballers of the year are identified.

Harry Kane is among those in the running for the men’s prize and is the bookmakers’ favourite to be crowned.

Kane scored 73 goals last season, enjoying one of the best campaigns of his career and he could become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001.

Kane is joined the 30-man long-list by international teammates Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.

Other Premier League stars like Bruno Fernandes, Erling Haaland, Gabriel and William Saliba are among the other players included.

Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe will be the likely challengers to Kane for the illustrious award but there is no nomination for Cristiano Ronaldo despite winning the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.

England stars Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood are among 30 players nominated for the women’s Ballon d’Or.

Men’s Ballon d’Or nominees

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid)
Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Acraf Hakimi (PSG)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
Marquinhos (PSG)
Sadio Mane (Al Nassr)
Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Nuno Mendes (PSG)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Joao Neves (PSG)
William Pacho (PSG)
Julian Quinones (Al Qadsia)
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rodri (Barcelona)
Ferran Torres (PSG)
Fabian Ruiz (PSG)
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Vinicius Jnr (Real Madrid)
Vitinha (PSG)

Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees

Esmee Brugts (Barcelona)
Klara Buhl(Bayern Women)
Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)
Selma Bacha (Lyon)
Scarlett Camberos (Club America)
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City)
Cata Coll (Barcelona)
Corventina Dumornay(Lyon)
Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)
Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)
Patri Guijarro (Barcelona)
Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich)
Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City)
Rose Lavelle (FC Gotham)
Mapi Leon (Barcelona)
Lorena Leite (Kansas City Current)
Manaka Matsukobo (Chelsea)
Melvine Malard (Manchester Utd)
Ewa Pajor (Barcelona)
Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City)
Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses)
Claudia Pina (Barcelona)
Wendie Renard (Lyon)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
Momoko Tanikawa (Bayern Munich)
Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)
Tessa Wullaert (Como)
Caroline Weir (Real Madrid)

Men’s Young Talent of the Year nominees

Kerim Alajbegovic (RB Salzburg/Juventus)
Ayyoub Bouaddi – (Lille/Manchester City)
Pau Cubarsi – (Barcelona)
Yan Diomande – (RB Leizig/Real Madrid)
Lennart Karl – (Bayern Munich)
Eli Junior Kroupi – (Bournemouth)
Johan Manzambi – (Freiburg/Aston Villa)
Lamine Yamal – (Barcelona)
Ibrahim Maza – (Bayer Leverkusen)
Warren Zaire-Emery – (PSG)

Women’s Young Talent of the Year nominees

Veerle Buurman – (Chelsea)
Vicky Lopez – (Barcelona)
Felicia Schroder (Real Madrid)
Clara Serrajordi – (Barcelona)
Lily Yohannes – (Lyon)

Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year nominees

Yassine Bounou – (Al Hilal)
Thibaut Courtois – (Real Madrid)
Gregor Kobel – (Borussia Dortmund)
Joan Garcia – (Barcelona)
Edouard Mendy – (Al-Ahli)
Emi Martinez – (Aston Villa/Chelsea)
David Raya – (Arsenal)
Vozinha – (GD Chaves/Colo-Colo)
Unai Simon – (Athletic Bilbao)
Matvey Safonov – (PSG)

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year nominees

Ann-Katrin Berger – (Gotham FC)
Cata Coll – (Barcelona)
Hannah Hampton – (Chelsea)
Lorena – (Kansas City)
Ayaka Yamashita – (Manchester City)

Women’s Coach of the Year nominees

Jonatan Giraldez – (Lyon)
Andree Jeglertz – (Man City)
Nils Nielsen – (Japan)
Pere Romeu – (FCB)
Elena Sadiku – (Celtic/BK Hacken)

Men’s Coach of the Year nominees

Mikel Arteta – (Arsenal)
Luis De La Fuente – (Spain)
Unai Emery – (Aston Villa)
Vincent Kompany – (Bayern Munich)
Luis Enrique – (PSG)

When is the Ballon d’Or ceremony?

The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 26, 2026 in London.

How are the Ballon d’Or winners decided?

The shortlist was compiled by a group of journalists from France Football working alongside French sports publication L’Equipe.

For the men’s Ballon d’Or prize, winners are decided by a voting system involving one journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations.

Each journalist casts votes for their top 10 players from the 30-player shortlist. The 10 players are awarded 15, 12, 10, seven, five, four, three, two and one point based on where they rank.

If players are tied on points, then whoever has the most first-place rankings from the 100 journalists finishes ahead on points. If that is tied, then it’s the most second-places and so on.

Journalists are encouraged to consider three factors when deciding their vote:

Individual performances, decisive and impressive character
Team performances and achievements
Class and fair play

For the women’s Ballon d’Or, the same process applies but only journalists from the top-50 ranked nations are invited to vote.

2026 NFL Power Rankings: Where Every Team Stands Heading Into The Season

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The long, hot summer is finally over, and it hasn’t gone well for everyone. Some teams were hit by injuries, others by looming suspensions, and a few got to see just how bad they really were.

Meanwhile, Aaron Donald officially returned to the Los Angeles Rams — as if they needed any more help.

Anyway, the prelude is over, and the NFL Kickoff Game is almost here. Here are my Power Rankings as the 2026 season begins.

*Super Bowl odds courtesy of DraftKings

Super Bowl odds: +35000

It’s a good thing there are other things to do in South Florida during the fall, because watching the Dolphins is going to be painful. One practice a few weeks ago was more than enough to convince me they’re the worst team in the league.

Super Bowl odds: +50000

They have so many young, exciting skill players, but still no QB to make it all work. And now RB Jeremiyah Love has an ankle injury that could keep him out of the opener, too.

With one year left on his deal with Cleveland, can Deshaun Watson reclaim his Texans form. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Super Bowl odds: +20000

So, Deshaun Watson “won” the QB battle over Shedeur Sanders and everyone in Cleveland seems unhappy about it. Wait until they see him play in the regular season.

Super Bowl odds: +15000

The ankle injury to RB Ashton Jeanty is bad news for a team that didn’t have many weapons to begin with. Starting veteran QB Kirk Cousins will bring early stability. But this season is all about letting rookie Fernando Mendoza eventually play and grow.

Super Bowl odds: +20000

There are a lot of things to like about the Jets, including a veteran defense, a strong offensive line, and a handful of talented skill players. If only they had a QB to go with them. Geno Smith is the anchor on this promising ship.

Super Bowl odds: +13000

QB Cam Ward has had a very uneven summer, which isn’t a good sign. If OC Brian Daboll can get him pointed in the right direction, there’s enough around him for the Titans to be a hard team to beat. But right now, that’s a big “if.”

Super Bowl odds: +6000

They are putting absolutely everything on QB Jayden Daniels and the hope that he’ll recapture his rookie magic. The problem, though, is the offensive line may not be able to properly protect him.

Super Bowl odds: +9000

I was starting to believe in the Saints as a surprise playoff contender and was ready to move them atop the other pretenders in the NFC South. But the hamstring injury that will keep promising rookie WR Jordyn Tyson out until mid-October has shaken my faith.

Will Tua Tagovailoa make the most of his second chance with the Falcons? (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Super Bowl odds: +13000

Yikes, what a quarterback mess in Atlanta. Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t been very good and Michael Penix Jr. isn’t fully healthy yet. Tua got the Week 1 nod, but neither seems like a viable option right now.

Super Bowl odds: +7000

Odell Beckham is back, but a fourth WR doesn’t move the needle much. I’m still waiting to see how back WR Malik Nabers and RB Cam Skattebo really are. They could make the Giants a surprise team, especially with a defense that could end up in the top 10.

Super Bowl odds: +5500

Health and Baker Mayfield’s contract distraction were my biggest concern in the previous rankings, and nothing much has changed. Mayfield is still without an extension, and WRs Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan have been battling summer injuries.

Super Bowl odds: +9000

This whole division is ranked low, because … well, let’s face it, the division is lousy. Someone will eventually emerge, but it’s really a big toss-up. The Panthers are a top candidate as the defending “champs.” But it all depends on the lagging growth of QB Bryce Young.

Super Bowl odds: +5000

The second of my underrated teams, I liked what I saw out of them in my visit to Latrobe, Pa. Aaron Rodgers still looks old, but he also looks sharp, and the front office has put a nice array of weapons around him. The Steelers’ ceiling is a little lower, though, because the division has improved.

Super Bowl odds: +6000

There are two teams I fear I have vastly underrated in my preseason Power Rankings, and the Colts are one of them. I still have my doubts about Daniel Jones’ ability to bounce back from a major injury again. But so far, so good for him.

Will Kyler Murray be rejuvenated by playing for a playoff contender again? (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Super Bowl odds: +5000

QB Kyler Murray was fine this summer, but it’ll take a lot more than that to make me believe he can lead this decent Vikings team in a brutally tough division. It’s possible, though. Kevin O’Connell only has to turn back the clock to 2024.

Super Bowl odds: +2500

A lot of people around the NFL like what the Cowboys have done to fix their shoddy defense this offseason. It definitely should be improved, but enough to make them a contender? Their elite offense still may have to do most of the work.

Super Bowl odds: +2000

I think the whole state of Wisconsin is mad at me for this, but I’m leaving the Packers here for two main reasons: Micah Parsons’ continuing recovery (torn ACL) and RB Josh Jacobs’ placement on the Commissioner Exempt List.

Super Bowl odds: +1600

Patrick Mahomes may be on track to start the season opener, but will he be the same old superstar? The Chiefs have the chance to rise or fall quickly in these rankings based on the early answer to that.

Super Bowl odds: +1700

New OC Mike McDaniel seems to have injected a bolt of energy (no pun intended) into a team that desperately needed it. If that mixes with his offensive brilliance, this might be the rare Chargers team that exceeds its potential.

Super Bowl odds: +1900

I was all ready to move the Lions up even further, but the back injury to No. 2 RB Isaiah Pachecho has made me hesitate. Looks like Jahmyr Gibbs will have to earn his three-year, $67.5 million extension from the start.

Will Trevor Lawrence finally emerge as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL? (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Super Bowl odds: +3000

The entire receiving corps was banged up in the preseason, and the RB room was questionable to begin with. Really, the only reason to have faith in this team at all is the wizardry of head coach Liam Coen.

Super Bowl odds: +1800

They had hope that WR Jayden Higgins would emerge as a much-needed No. 2 WR, but a torn ACL ruined that. Their league-best defense is going to have to do a lot of the heavy lifting again.

Super Bowl odds: +1900

Outside the season-ending injury to WR Ricky Pearsall, it looks like all their pieces will be in place for Week 1. So consider the Niners a provisional entry in the top 10, but keep the duct tape handy just in case.

Super Bowl odds: +1700

Summer hamstring injuries to DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon were a reminder of just how big a gamble it was to trade A.J. Brown. Lane Johnson’s extended absence was a reminder of the offensive line’s age. But the injury to edge rusher Jonathan Greenard is the real concern.

Super Bowl odds: +1800

I waffle on the Bengals because they really could go either way. With Joe Burrow back, surrounded by an elite set of skill players and an improved defense, they could be a Super Bowl contender. Or they could start slow again, and Zac Taylor could be gone by mid-October. It’s a coin flip.

How will Josh Allen fare with a new head coach? (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

Super Bowl odds: +1000

Summer injuries to WRs Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir were a dangerous reminder that receiver is still a problem for this team. Man, if they can properly address that position, look out.

Super Bowl odds: +2400

Maybe I’ve got too much faith in Ben Johnson and QB Caleb Williams. Maybe I’m just ignoring the concerning knee injury suffered by RB Kyle Monangai. Or maybe the Bears really are ready to pop.

Super Bowl odds: +1800

A much-harder schedule still looms large over their heads. But QB Drake Maye was nearly the MVP last season without an elite receiver. Now he’s got a new No. 1 in still-elite A.J. Brown.

Super Bowl odds: +1200

If the reports out of Seattle are right, they are prepared to prove me wrong. Rookie RB Jadarian Price has gotten rave reviews for his elusiveness this summer. Maybe he can replace Kenneth Walker III and step in for the injured Zach Charbonnet. Maybe.

Super Bowl odds: +1000

New coach Jesse Minter has a lot to prove, but at least he has the Big 3 of Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers to help him prove it. And don’t rule out help from rookie WR Ja’Kobi Lane, a third-round pick who had a big summer.

Can Bo Nix take a leap in Year 3? (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Super Bowl odds: +2000

Sean Payton knows there’s unfinished business after QB Bo Nix’s injury was probably all that stood between the Broncos and the Super Bowl last year. And now Nix is healthy and has a new shiny toy in WR Jaylen Waddle.

Super Bowl odds: +500

Hey, Aaron Donald’s back! So the rich get richer. Summer injuries to DE Myles Garrett (knee) and WR Puka Nacua (groin) were a reminder that things can change. But Donald’s return strengthens their grip on the top.

England vs Pakistan: Joe Root hits back at ‘disrespectful’ notion opposition have shown ‘no fight’ ahead of third Test | Cricket News

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Joe Root hit back at the idea Pakistan have showed “no fight” in their Test series against England and described the notion as “disrespectful” to both outfits.

Root was speaking ahead of England’s third Test against Pakistan starting on Wednesday at Edgbaston, live on Sky Sports, with England leading 2-0 in the three-match series after dominating their opposition in both Tests.

Pakistan last week took the unprecedented step of sending seven players home and calling up seven after losing heavily at Headingley and Lord’s.

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul have also been replaced, with Mike Hesson, in charge of Pakistan’s white-ball sides, and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke overseeing the third Test at Edgbaston.

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Watch the best of day four at Lord’s as England thumped Pakistan by 194 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series

Not only that, the Pakistan Cricket Board has launched an investigation into “media reports concerning discipline and conduct”.

With so much disruption, Root was asked what it is like to take on a team that is offering “no fight”.

For Root, that is “disrespectful” to both England and Pakistan, with the answer probably somewhere in the middle between one team playing well and one team playing poorly.

“Absolutely we have found (Pakistan) a challenge,” Root said.

“I think that’s a bit disrespectful to both Pakistan as a team and to us as a team. I don’t think we’ve allowed them to get into games because of how well we’ve played as well and how quickly we’ve read the situations and the surfaces that we’ve had.

“I think it’s very easy to say one team is excellent and one team is poor. Normally it’s somewhere in the middle.

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Take a look at some funny moments from the England vs Pakistan Test series!

“If one team has been outstanding then the other team can’t have been poor and vice-versa. I think it’s important to live in that middle area somewhere and understand that that’s not how it is.

“Regardless of what’s happened over the last two games this week, it’s a completely different proposition for us.

“There’s a very talented group of players in that dressing room and you’ve got to be ready for it, so we’ll make sure that we are.”

Watch day one of England’s third Test against Pakistan, from Edgbaston, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10am on Wednesday September 9 (first ball 11am). Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream contract-free with NOW.

England vs Pakistan – results and schedule

All games live on Sky Sports

SMU-Florida State Kicked Off With Only Some Lights, No Replay After Power Outage

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Florida State and No. 19 SMU kicked off at 9:15 p.m. ET at Doak Campbell Stadium following a nearly two-hour power outage that forced both programs to play under severely restricted conditions.

As teams prepared to take the field, ESPN reported that the game would proceed despite significant operational limitations. According to Yahoo Sports, the two programs kicked off without full stadium lights, working public address speakers, referee microphones, sideline iPads, coach-to-player helmet communications, or functioning scoreboards.

ESPN’s official broadcast displayed a graphic confirming the following:

Official time will be kept on the field
Not all lights are operational
No replay review
No helmet communications

Officials said that the Seminoles (1-0) and Mustangs (0-0) were to take the field at 9 p.m. for warmups with a 9:15 p.m. ET kickoff, almost two hours after the scheduled 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

A statement on the Jumbotron inside Doak Campbell Stadium at 8:30 p.m. read: “Technical staff are addressing a power disruption to the west side tower due to an electrical short in the main transformer. Electricians are working to restore the power service. The game remains suspended. Update to follow.”

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips chatted with athletic directors from both schools, SMU’s Damon Evans and Florida State’s Michael Alford, for a few minutes on the field before administrators moved inside to further discuss options.

The highly anticipated finale on Labor Day to the weekend’s first full slate of games was put on hold as a countdown clock inside the stadium stopped at 7:30 p.m. and the stadium lights went out.

Florida State and SMU had run out of their respective tunnels and onto their sidelines just moments before the game officially entered a delay. The Seminoles and Mustangs remained on their sidelines before eventually being sent back to their locker rooms.

A few specialists from both teams returned to the field to warm up. Florida State punter encouraged the fans to stand up and cheer, and the school’s band played in one end zone. Fans did the wave and knocked around beach balls.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Ross Wilson: Newcastle chief reveals club prepared for Eddie Howe exit in summer that ‘never felt chaotic’ | Football News

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson says they were “prepared for a number of months” for Eddie Howe’s exit in a summer that “never felt chaotic”.

Howe’s shock resignation in July led to the swift appointment of Matthias Jaissle, who has enjoyed an unbeaten start to his reign.

Howe’s exit was part of a turbulent summer for the Magpies which also included the departures of key players Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

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Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie explains the three things we learned from Newcastle’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth

Toon chief Wilson revealed Howe’s resignation was not “painful” because of their Jaissle contingency, but Guimaraes’ £75m move to Arsenal was not “part of the plan”.

Wilson said: “Eddie is an exceptionally talented coach and at some point that meant he was probably going to do something else and we had to be prepared for that.

“It didn’t feel painful. Clearly the timing was not one we had planned for. But we had a plan in place which is why we executed it as quickly as we did.

“It might have caught some people off guard, but the reason we could move so quickly on it was because we had prepared for a number of months.”

Monday 14th September 6:30pm

Kick off 8:00pm

Wilson added: “I think we want Newcastle United to be a club with anticipation and excitement. If we’re not it probably means we’re doing it wrong.

“[This summer] never felt chaotic inside. There is no point us pretending otherwise – we did not want to lose Bruno Guimaraes. That was really disappointing that we got to that place in the end.

“We were happy where we got to in terms of numbers but that was not part of our plan. But everything else that happened during the window was part of the plan.”

‘Trading an important part of Newcastle plan’

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Jaissle gives his thoughts on new midfielder Nico Gonzalez

Wilson believes success for Newcastle rests on them being a trading club going forwards after a summer of fluctuating fortunes in the transfer window.

Newcastle raised nearly £250m in player sales but signed eight players aged 24 or under, with much enthusiasm over the big-money arrivals of Nico Gonzalez and Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

“If you want to be a successful club in the Premier League, you have to trade players and if you don’t the chances are you won’t be a successful club in the Premier League,” said Wilson.

“This is what we’ve got to do. And if you don’t do it, then just keep the squad you’ve got and forevermore they’ll grow old, achieve less and leave for nothing.”

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European football expert Julien Laurens explains why Mathias Fernandez-Pardo’s arrival made sense for Newcastle

The outlook is shaped by Newcastle being fined £5.2m for breaching UEFA’s financial sustainability regulations, with £6m suspended pending future compliance.

They have not qualified for Europe this season, and chief financial officer Simon Capper has forecast the club will be “compliant” with the more relaxed Premier League financial rules.

Woltemade exit allowed Fernandez-Pardo signing

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Jaissle revealed new signing Fernandez-Pardo had settled in quickly

Wilson and Capper also revealed that club-record signing Nick Woltemade had to leave on loan to allow the arrival of Fernandez-Pardo.

On Deadline Day, Woltemade, who joined last summer in a £69m deal, moved to Juventus on loan, with Newcastle confirming the £51m signing of Fernandez-Pardo from Lille.

Wilson said: “Because we try to link things together, the ultimate deal for Fernandez-Pardo was only possible because we did the Woltemade deal. The ultimate [Fernandez-Pardo] deal.

“If we didn’t do the Woltemade deal, we might have done another deal, but that’s what we mean by linking things together.”

Capper added: “So the conversation we were having internally was, ‘If you want to do that [sign Fernandez-Pardo] you’re going to have to give me something back…otherwise we’ll be in a position we’re not comfortable with’.

“We managed to get that. That’s how we work together as a group, as a senior management team, to deliver the best result we can out of a transfer window.”

Another New Highest-Paid CB: Patriots, Christian Gonzalez Agree To Record Extension

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

While Christian Gonzalez will watch Devon Witherspoon and the Seattle Seahawks celebrate their Super Bowl LX victory on Wednesday night, the New England Patriots cornerback will have something else over his counterpart in the NFL’s regular-season opener.

Gonzalez and the Patriots have agreed to an extension that will make him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, according to multiple reports. Gonzalez will receive a four-year, $135 million deal with $102 million in guaranteed money, ESPN reported late Monday night.

With a $33.75 million average annual salary, Gonzalez slightly bests the contract extension that Witherspoon signed in August that made the Seahawks star the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Witherspoon agreed to a four-year, $132 million extension ($33 million average annual value) with $101 million guaranteed.

Even though Gonzalez still has two seasons remaining on his rookie contract, his contract talks were at the forefront during Patriots training camp. Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in July that the team had made Gonzalez an offer that would make him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, but Gonzalez’s trainer said that the language of the contract was “kind of trash.”

Gonzalez didn’t seem to refute his trainer’s comments when he spoke with reporters when he spoke with reporters last week.

“He can speak his mind. He’s got his thoughts, I’ve got mine,” Gonzalez said, “but I back everything he says. He backs everything I say. That’s kind of our relationship. We talk every day. He’s going to say what he’s going to say.”

Gonzalez added in comments to MassLive that he was “still frustrated” that he and the Patriots had yet to reach an agreement on an extension.

Now, Gonzalez and the Patriots can shift their attention to the 2026 regular season, which begins Wednesday night in Seattle. As New England was largely dominated in Super Bowl LX, Gonzalez put up an impressive performance in that game. He allowed just one catch on five targets for 16 yards, per Pro Football Focus, as Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba struggled to make an impact.

That performance capped off a Pro Bowl year for Gonzalez. He didn’t have an interception in the regular season, but he allowed just one touchdown and had the game-sealing interception in the Patriots’ AFC Championship Game win over the Denver Broncos.

Gonzalez, 24, also earned a second-team All-Pro nod for his play in 2024. The Patriots took Gonzalez with the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

US Open 2026: Home favourite Coco Gauff wins all-American showdown with Iva Jovic to reach quarter-finals | Tennis News

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Coco Gauff won the all-American showdown against teenager Iva Jovic to reach the US Open quarter-finals.

The 22-year-old, who is bidding for a second Flushing Meadows title, overpowered Jovic 6-1, 6-4 on a balmy Labour Day bank holiday night in New York.

A jittery start from the 2023 winner gifted 18-year-old Jovic a break in the first game with a double fault.

But Jovic’s nerves were also on show as Gauff raced away with the next six games to take the first set.

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Jovic finally held serve at the start of the second but three spectacular Gauff hustles, turning desperate defence into all-out attack, secured a break for 3-2.

The youngster managed to hit straight back, but was then broken to love as Gauff took control before serving out to win in an hour and 33 minutes.

Gauff, who is yet to drop a set so far, made sure to reassure Jovic that her time will come: “Iva’s an incredible player, an incredible talent, she plays beyond her years. I’m used to being the younger American!

Image:
Teenager Iva Jovic battled herd throughout the contest

“I thought today was a good match for me. The first set was really high-level and she raised her level in the second.

“I had some opportunities to maybe get up some early breaks. We’re all just happy with how I was able to close the last game out.

“I think I just remember when I was that age, every loss was so low, and every win was so high. I think there’s lessons to be learned in the losses.

“She seems a little bit more mature than maybe I was at 18, but I feel like sometimes the losses for me felt so low.

“So I think it’s just important getting her to know that she’s playing good-level tennis, and I think today it just went my way.

“I am someone who played well young too, so it doesn’t always matter. Sometimes it does matter, and you just learn those lessons and I know that she will be in many more fourth rounds and quarters, and she’ll capitalise on those moments the next time.”

Andreeva up next as quarter-final line-up complete

The impressive victory set up a last-eight meeting with French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, whom Gauff has beaten in all five of their career meetings.

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With Gauff’s win, the woman’s quarter final line-up is set as Aryna Sabalenka plays Linda Noskova and Jessica Pegula takes on Emma Navarro.

Gauff then faces Andreeva, with Qinwen Zheng against Elena Rybakina for a place in the final four at Flushing Meadows.

“It is another tough match,” Gauff added. “Mirra is someone that I always have tough matches with and they have leaned my way but every match could have almost gone either way.

“She is obviously in a different mindset now at the top of the game coming off of a Grand Slam win. I expect her to approach the match completely differently than she did in the past.”

NFL Catchup: Latest On Rams, 49ers Stars; Shedeur Sanders QB3?

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Week 1 of the regular season is finally here and teams across the NFL are putting the final touches on their roster while others are dealing with last-minute injury news before the season kicks off Wednesday with the Super Bowl rematch between the Patriots and Seahawks.

The Atlanta Falcons formally named Tua Tagovailoa as their Week 1 starting quarterback, while the Dallas Cowboys suffered a blow to their offensive line with All-Pro guard Tyler Smith set for thumb surgery.

Down under, the Niners and Rams are preparing to play the first NFL game in Australia and one side is confirming the return of a pass rusher while the other is being more secretive about theirs.

Here is the latest news from around the league on Monday.

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald remained noncommittal Monday about whether he will travel, let alone suit up for the team’s Week 1 opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.

Speaking to reporters following practice, the recently unretired veteran offered vague answers when asked if he plans to make the trip and play on Thursday.

“Feeling really good. Feeling great,” Donald said when asked about traveling to Australia. “Come up with a game plan and see what’s going on.”

Donald, who ended his retirement Aug. 30 to rejoin the Rams, continues to work through a progressive conditioning ramp-up.

While head coach Sean McVay previously indicated the entire roster is expected to make the flight, Donald’s actual game-day snap count and active availability remain a day-to-day evaluation as kickoff approaches.

Meanwhile, Myles Garrett looked like he was trying to add more power to his tackles, so the Rams’ pass rush will still be plenty for opposing offenses to handle.

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris told reporters Monday that star defensive end Nick Bosa will play in Thursday’s season-opening matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

Bosa, who tore his right ACL in Week 3 of last season and dealt with knee tendinitis during training camp, returned to practice last week before making the flight with the team.

“He’s going [to play]. We are not hiding that,” Morris told reporters.

Bosa’s return provides a key boost to a San Francisco pass rush that finished last in the NFL in sacks last season. While the team may manage his snap volume as he continues building up his conditioning, his active status anchors the 49ers’ defense for the historic kickoff in Australia.

Browns’ Todd Monken Hints Taylen Green Could Be QB2

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken told reporters Monday that sixth-round rookie quarterback Taylen Green could be active for Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, potentially serving as the primary game-day option behind starter Deshaun Watson.

When asked if Green could earn the gameday active spot over Shedeur Sanders to run specialized athletic packages, Monken left the door open.

“Could be,” Monken said. “There could be a package where we have him.” Monken added that while activating three quarterbacks on game day remains possible. Green, a sixth-round pick in April’s draft, made the Browns’ 53-man roster as QB3 after Dillon Gabriel was placed on injured reserve due to a back injury.

Monken named Watson the starting quarterback on Aug. 24 after a competition in training camp between him and Sanders.

While the Dallas Cowboys’ offense has undergone constant turnover in recent seasons, guard Tyler Smith has remained a steady anchor.

Now, the Cowboys must survive without him after head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced Monday that Smith will be sidelined. He is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks after undergoing thumb surgery.

The surgery will force Smith to miss at least the first four games of the regular season while opening up a spot on the 53-man active roster.

“Tyler Smith is going to have surgery on his thumb tomorrow morning,” Schottenheimer said during his press conference. “It’s something that he’s just been dealing with.”

With Smith sidelined, offensive lineman T.J. Bass is slated to take over as the starting left guard.

Bass joined the organization as an undrafted free agent and has made 10 career starts, including five last year. The Cowboys retained Bass this offseason after placing a second-round restricted free agent tender on him.

The Cowboys are set to open their season on Sunday night when they travel to New York to take on the Giants on Sunday Night Football.

The New York Giants officially released veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton on Monday, ending his seven-year tenure with the organization.

Selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the 29-year-old was the longest-tenured player on New York’s roster before his release. Slayton had 296 catches for 4,435 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns in seven seasons in New York.

The decision clears roster space as the Giants finalize a receiving corps led by Malik Nabers, Odell Beckham Jr., Darnell Mooney, and rookie Malachi Fields ahead of their Week 1 opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

Slayton posted a farewell message on X Monday thanking the organization, officially becoming an unrestricted free agent.

The Giants signed Slayton to a three-year, $36 million deal before last season. He was due $13 million this season.

The move creates just over $3 million in cap space for this year.

After a competitive quarterback battle, the Atlanta Falcons are naming Tua Tagovailoa as the starter for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Kevin Stefanski made the announcement official on Monday morning.

Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from season-ending knee surgery, though he is expected to return to the field later this year. Until he is fully cleared, Tagovailoa will take the reins as Atlanta’s starter.

With Penix’s return still unknown, Stefanski is expected to rock with Cooper Rush as the backup to start the season.

Tagovailoa is coming off an up-and-down final season in Miami. Over 14 starts with the Dolphins, he completed 67.7% of his passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, while adding 43 yards on the ground

Injury News & Notes

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales remains optimistic running back Jonathon Brooks will suit up for Sunday’s opener against the Chicago Bears despite missing his third consecutive practice due to general soreness.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur expressed optimism Monday that first-round rookie running back Jeremiyah Love would play in Sunday’s opener against the Los Angeles Chargers as he completes his recovery from a preseason high ankle sprain.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to play in Thursday’s Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia after being held out during August practice sessions while recovering from a psoas injury.
Six-time Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith agreed to terms on a new deal with the Minnesota Vikings, officially returning to the franchise for his 15th NFL season after contemplating retirement during the offseason.
The New York Giants agreed to a two-year, $13 million extension with veteran backup quarterback Jameis Winston, keeping him under contract through 2028.

NFL Related Stories

Isack Hadjar to miss Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid due to wrist injury as Liam Lawson continues at Red Bull | F1 News

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Isack Hadjar will miss this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid as he continues to recover from a fractured wrist.

Liam Lawson will replace Hadjar for a third successive race as Max Verstappen’s team-mate at Red Bull, while Yuki Tsunoda continues at Racing Bulls.

Hadjar suffered a hairline fracture in a bone in his wrist during the summer break in a routine workout that involved boxing which forced him to miss the Dutch, Italian and now Spanish Grands Prix.

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Isack Hadjar was reinstated to the Monaco podium last week after a Red Bull appeal.

A Red Bull statement said: “After racing for the team in Zandvoort and Monza, Liam will continue to drive alongside Max at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.

“The decision has been taken as Isack’s recovery continues to progress positively. While he is not yet ready to return to the cockpit, he will be in Madrid supporting the team.

“Everyone at Red Bull Racing looks forward to welcoming Isack back behind the wheel very soon.”

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Lawson impressively qualified only one tenth behind Verstappen at Zandvoort and finished the Dutch Grand Prix in seventh – a complete contrast to his two Red Bull outings at the start of 2025 before he was dropped.

But, he went out in Q2 at Monza, partly due to being impeded by Oscar Piastri on his best lap. In the race, he started from the pit lane due to engine penalties but made contact with Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg at an early standing start restart, so had to change his front wing and recovered to 14th, while Verstappen was on the podium.

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Liam Lawson sits down with Sky Sports F1’s Crofty to reveal his the tracks he’d take with him to a desert island

Tsunoda has produced two solid weekends at Racing Bulls, finishing a place ahead of team-ate Arvid Lindblad in the Dutch Grand Prix, before scoring a point by taking 10th at Monza.

The Monza result looks set to be appealed by rivals Audi over an incident at the standing restart, which saw Tsunoda pull into the wrong grid slot, triggering an extra formation lap.

The 26-year-old, who was dropped by Red Bull last season, expressed hope ahead of the Italian Grand Prix that he could convince someone to give him a seat on the grid in 2027.

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Audi have lodged an ‘intention to appeal’ after Yuki Tsunoda escaped a penalty for this incident at the Italian Grand Prix restart

“I’m free! Would love to hear those calls, but not yet,” he said. “It’s good that things are going positive, at least.

“Obviously, my primary target is to be in Formula 1. Let’s see. In this world anything can happen. At the same time, it’s also knowing that it’s not easy to have a seat.”

Sky Sports F1’s Spanish GP live schedule

Thursday September 10
2pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
5pm: Paddock Uncut

Friday September 11
8.50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Spanish Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 11.30pm)
12.55pm: F2 Qualifying
2.40pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference
3.45pm: Spanish Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 3pm)
5.20pm: F3 Qualifying
6.20pm: The F1 Show

Saturday September 12
10am: F3 Sprint
11am: Spanish Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 11:30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
3pm: SPANISH GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
4.55pm: F3 Feature Race 1
6pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 heads to Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, with every session live from this Friday on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

How Much Is Florida State Coach Mike Norvell’s Buyout? Contract Details In 2026

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell entered the 2026 college football season on the hot seat following back-to-back losing years in Tallahassee.

After leading Florida State to a 13-0 regular season and an ACC championship in 2023, Florida State finished 2-10 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025.

Norvell holds an overall record of 38-34 at Florida State, including a 22-26 record in ACC play through six seasons. As FSU aims to meet fans and boosters’ expectations, questions surrounding Norvell’s contract and potential buyout details have emerged.

What Is Mike Norvell’s 2026 Salary?

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell takes the field ahead of the Seminoles’ matchup against No. 19 SMU, which was delayed nearly two hours. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)

Norvell signed an eight-year contract extension prior to the 2024 season valued at more than $84 million through 2031, averaging roughly $10 million annually. Following the 2024 season, Norvell agreed to a restructured arrangement that directed $4.5 million toward institutional revenue-sharing initiatives. His contract includes a scheduled $150,000 salary increase each season.

How Much Is Norvell’s Buyout After This Season?

If Florida State terminates Norvell without cause during or before the conclusion of the 2026 season, the university would owe him approximately $51 million, according to On3.com. If the decision occurs after the 2026 season, the buyout figure drops to roughly $45.6 million.

According to On3.com, Norvell is owed 85% of his remaining salary and supplemental compensation. The buyout would reportedly be paid in monthly installments of approximately $800,000 through 2031 if fired after this season.

What Is Florida State’s Toughest Games And Remaining Schedule?

Florida State opened the 2026 season with a home win over New Mexico State before taking on SMU.

The remaining schedule includes a non-conference road contest at Alabama on Sept. 19 and the regular-season finale against rival Florida on Nov. 27 in Tallahassee.

Florida State’s 2026 Football Schedule:

Aug. 29: vs. New Mexico State
Sept. 7: vs. SMU
Sept. 19: at Alabama
Sept. 26: vs. Central Arkansas
Oct. 3: vs. Virginia
Oct. 9: at Louisville
Oct. 17: at Miami
Oct. 31: vs. Clemson
Nov. 7: at Boston College
Nov. 13: at Pitt
Nov. 21: vs. NC State
Nov. 27: vs. Florida

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Transfer news: Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha on Man Utd’s radar – Paper Talk | Football News

September 8, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Tuesday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha has emerged as a potential transfer target for Manchester United, with Manchester City and Newcastle also interested – Daily Express

Ex-Tottenham player Serge Aurier is poised to plunge his career to new depths – by joining a seventh-tier club side Montigny-en-Gohelle in France – The Sun

Leon Goretzka will be out until at least after the international break in a fresh blow to Aston Villa’s new-look team – Daily Mail

Manchester United have secured a deal to sign Liverpool teenager Isaac Konde – The Mirror

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Asmir Begovic and Dave Reed look into the amount of money Manchester United should have spent more money on their defence

Manchester United remain keen to sign Leicester City midfielder Louis Page, 18, after missing out on a deadline-day move for the England youth international – ESPN

The transfer window closed a matter of days ago, but already Fulham have been forced to stump up in the region of £19m with Hugo Larsson’s loan move from Eintracht Frankfurt set to be made permanent after just one appearance – Daily Express

EUROPEAN

AC Milan are preparing to make a move to sign Brazil forward Endrick, 20, on loan from Real Madrid in January – Calciomercato

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has revealed winger Jota could be back for the Scottish Premiership champions ahead of schedule – Daily Record

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Rangers boss Derek McInnes fears Lawrence Shankland could be ‘out for a while with a significant hamstring injury’ after going off against Motherwell in the 1-0 win at Ibrox

Rangers fear skipper Lawrence Shankland might be racing to kick another ball this year after he limped out of Saturday’s win over Motherwell with a damaged hamstring – Daily Record

CRICKET

The Pakistan Cricket Board has confiscated and examined the phones of two players as part of an investigation into “discipline and conduct” on their horror tour of England – Daily Telegraph

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Stuart Broad assesses Joe Root’s developing England side and says the captain will be delighted after his team delivered what was expected of them against Pakistan

TENNIS

Carlos Alcaraz has split from the group of top players calling for a greater share of prize money from the Grand Slams in a significant blow to the campaign – The Times

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Highlights of Carlos Alcaraz against Jaime Faria from the US Open

Panthers Optimistic Jonathon Brooks Plays Against Bears Despite Practice Absence

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Carolina’s Jonathon Brooks missed his third straight practice with “general soreness,” but Panthers coach Dave Canales remains hopeful the team’s young running back will be ready for Sunday’s season opener against the Chicago Bears.

Brooks spent time working on the side with trainers Monday while his teammates went through a short, non-padded practice.

“We have to just keep taking it one day at a time,” Canales said. “He ran out there today. We’ll see (where he is) and compare it to what he looked like before and we’ll go from there.”

Canales said last week he was “very optimistic” that Brooks would be able to play in Week 1.

Brooks has missed 31 of 34 regular-season games since joining the Panthers, but the team remains high on his potential and believes he will be the perfect complement to starter Chuba Hubbard if he can stay healthy.

The Panthers finished 19th in the league in rushing last season, averaging 116.3 points per game. They’ll face a Bears defense that allowed 134.5 yards per game last season, which ranked 22nd in the league.

“He’s a guy who just makes plays in space down the field in the pass game, the screen game, and he has that the home run speed,” Canales said.

Canales said Brooks’ speed can be deceiving.

“Once he sets an angle, all of a sudden you see people start turning and realize he’s moving a lot faster than you think he is because he’s such a smooth, long strider,” Canales said. “You don’t realize that. So, it’s a factor. It’s a pretty special dynamic in that regard.”

Brooks was not made available to reporters on Monday during the team’s open locker room session.

Panthers guard Damien Lewis said he likes Brooks’ ability to hit the hole fast, saying he makes things easy on the team’s offensive linemen since they don’t have to hold their blocks as long.

“He’s really explosive,” Lewis said. “When he gets that ball, he sees the space, he gone. So, you know, I call him one play action.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Oleksandr Usyk’s manager dismisses Tyson Fury’s offer to be ‘backup plan’ for Anthony Joshua fight amid doubt over heavyweight clash | Boxing News

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Oleksandr Usyk’s manager has dismissed Tyson Fury’s call for a third fight with the Ukrainian amid continued doubt over an all-British heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua.

With protracted negotiations over a long-awaited Fury-Joshua bout being held up by a dispute over where the fight would take place, Fury took to social media on Monday to say he was looking for a new opponent.

Fury said he wants a third fight with Usyk, who became undisputed heavyweight champion as he beat Fury twice on points in 2024.

Responding to Fury’s comments in a statement given to Sky Sports News on Monday evening, Usyk’s manager Sergey Lapin said: “Usyk is not Tyson’s backup plan.

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Boxing commentator Adam Smith is confident the British mega-fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury can still be agreed in time to take place this year

“If Fury needs an opponent, he should visit the Ready to Fight platform. They can help him find a worthy opponent there.

“Oleksandr is always open to big challenges. But serious intentions are backed by a concrete offer, not statements in the press.”

Usyk announced in June that he was vacating the three heavyweight belts he still held at the time, but the 39-year-old said he was not yet retiring, and has recently been linked with a fight against Deontay Wilder.

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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has called for Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to fight in London

Usyk, who holds a perfect 25-0 professional record, claimed successive wins over Joshua in 2021 and 2022, but has become part of the Brit’s training team over the last year.

Both Joshua and Fury have signed individual contracts for what was slated to be a November contest, but have yet to agree on where the fight will take place, with speculation suggesting it could be held in New York City.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn says he and his fighter want the contest to take place in London, while Fury says his rival is trying to avoid a bout that has been more than a decade in the making.

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Eddie Hearn claimed that Anthony Joshua feels a responsibility to UK fight fans that AJ vs Fury should happen in the UK

“This will only lead me to a fight with Oleksandr Usyk,” Fury said in a video posted on Instagram.

“Oleksandr you’re his [Joshua’s] trainer and his sensei and you know he is weak minded… and that he would never fight the Gypsy King which you have had the guts to do twice.

“You got the decisions last time, fair play to you. Good luck to you, let’s do it again. Let’s run it back in November. The ball is now in your court… do you want to fight me this year, 2026, or are you calling it quits?

“Let me know because I am now looking for a new opponent.”

Kyle Whittingham Addresses Bryce Underwood’s Status As Michigan’s QB1

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

It turns out even a game-saving Hail Mary won’t etch your name on the depth chart in permanent marker.

Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham said that Bryce Underwood remains the team’s starting quarterback, for now, following the team’s narrow 13-12 victory over Western Michigan in their season opener.

Speaking to reporters ahead of No. 16 Michigan’s Week 2 matchup against No. 10 Oklahoma, Whittingham backed Underwood, but noted there’s room for improvement across the board.

“He’s our QB right now, and it’s not something that’s infinite,” Whittingham said. “At some point, we’ve got to turn a corner and we’ve got to see improvement as we do with a bunch of stuff. We got to see improvement out of the coaches, and so it’s not just on Bryce.”

Whittingham’s comments come just days after Michigan needed a 47-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass from Underwood to wide receiver JJ Buchanan on the final play to avoid what would’ve been the biggest upset of Week 1.

The play occurred after replay officials reviewed the previous sequence and added one second back to the game clock. Underwood finished the night completing 12 of 22 passes for 170 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and a lost fumble in the fourth quarter.

Following the win against Western Michigan, Underwood encouraged his team to not get complacent.

“I feel like we just got to come out and dominate and be aggressive like we were in the first drive on every single play,” Underwood said. “We can’t come down, energy can’t come down, can’t get comfortable.”

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Whittingham noted that the entire team, not just the quarterback position, could see movement within the depth chart.

“It’s not just Bryce’s job that is not absolutely set in concrete,” Whittingham said. “Nobody’s is. You got to perform week in and week out and become somebody that we feel like is playing at a level that we can win with, and that goes far beyond Bryce. It goes throughout the whole team, and what you’ve done lately is very important in football.”

With a home game against Oklahoma looming, Whittingham knows the offense must resolve its issues quickly.

“We have a ton of work to do,” Whittingham said. “The degree of difficulty next week goes way up. And if we don’t play a lot better, it’s not going to be pretty.”

US Open 2026: Qinwen Zheng stages epic comeback to stun Iga Swiatek and reach quarter-finals | Tennis News

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Qinwen Zheng staged a second epic comeback at the US Open in as many days to stun former champion Iga Swiatek and book her place in the quarter-finals for the third time.

Two days on from saving match point while trailing 5-0 in the third set to Madison Keys, Zheng mounted another remarkable fightback on Arthur Ashe.

Swiatek won the first five games but Zheng simply refused to roll over, winning the next seven games to clinch the first set before overpowering her shellshocked opponent to complete an astonishing 7-5 6-3 victory.

A stunned Swiatek never recovered, and the 2022 champion succumbed in straight sets, 7-5 6-3, leaving the court in tears after her campaign unravelled in unthinkable fashion.

The former world No 4 from China, who had come through qualifying after being sidelined by a long-term elbow injury, became the first qualifier to reach the quarter-finals since Emma Raducanu won the tournament in 2021.

Zheng’s reward is a last-eight tie against either Naomi Osaka or Elena Rybakina.

Image:
Qinwen Zheng, of China, celebrates after winning a match against Iga Swiatek, of Poland, during the fourth round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Zheng revels in being back on big stage

“I started the match not so well but I found my rhythm,” Zheng said.

“It has been a long, long time since I played on a centre court and I really appreciate being here on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“I took it point by point and little by little I started to play better and find my game.

“I even forgot the score at 4-5 in the first set, which showed I was focused. To come back from 0-5 is not lucky, that’s all I can say.”

Image:
Qinwen Zheng, US Open (Associated Press)

‘One of the great comebacks’

Sky Sports Tennis’ Jonathan Overend:

“It’s a straight-set win but it’s one of the great comebacks. Go figure. How’s that possible? Zheng made it happen.

“Two games in a row, 5-0 down in sets. She got the win against Madison Keys to get the first set today, before completing victory against Swiatek for only the second time in her career.”

“The Chinese dream lives on as the qualifier makes it into the final eight.”

Potapova in tears after late injury in Andreeva defeat

Anastasia Potapova was in floods of tears as her stay in New York came to an end.

The 25-year-old Austrian won the first set against fifth seed Mirra Andreeva, but, at 5-3 down in the third she badly twisted her knee chasing a forehand down.

Potapova had the knee heavily strapped up and bravely finished the match, but did not win another point as French Open champion Andreeva triumphed 5-7 6-4 6-3.

“Anastasia is a good friend, and seeing what a battle we have and then seeing her fall is not easy,” said Russian teenager Andreeva.

“It’s not the way you want to finish the match. I just told her she is playing amazing and I’m sure she’ll come back even stronger, she’s a warrior.”

2026 College Football Rankings: Oregon, Notre Dame Slip After Week 1 Performances

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

One week of college football was enough for Joel Klatt to switch things around in his rankings.

After his preseason No. 1 team, Oregon, was taken down to the wire against Boise State, Klatt has a new team at No. 1 in his top 10. And many teams made strong cases to be considered as the best program in the nation this weekend, with Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, LSU and Miami (Fla.) all making big statements in their season-opening wins.

So, as we now have one week of college football in the books, here are the 10 teams that Klatt thinks are the best in the country.

10.

Klatt’s thoughts: I thought USC, over their first two games, did a lot to enhance my view of what they can be this year. They were good upfront running the football. Quarterback Jayden Maiava is outstanding — I hope he’s healthy; he got nicked up a little bit late in that game against Fresno State.

And then their defense ends up pitching a shutout. I don’t think Fresno State is anywhere close to a Boise State, but we were questioning, “What was USC’s defense going to be?” They were outstanding in the first three quarters of their opener and then didn’t play well in the fourth quarter and gave up some points after the game was already out of hand. Then you could tell that that was a serious point of emphasis for the team and for Gary Patterson, USC’s coordinator, specifically, in their second game against Fresno State. And they played hard throughout, and they got the shutout.

Klatt’s thoughts: I don’t think UTEP is great, but Oklahoma was dominant. They beat UTEP 51-0. John Mateer threw three touchdowns. Isaiah Sategna was electric. He had a punt return for a touchdown, he was great on offense.

Oklahoma faces Michigan next. I have one question for Oklahoma and one only: can they run the ball independently of John Mateer? I think that’s a question. I don’t think that’s going to be answered against UTEP. We’ll see against Michigan, because as much as Michigan struggled, I thought their defense was still pretty strong.

I liked what I saw from Oklahoma. I think that they’ve got future NFL players all over the place. I think that’s an elite team.

Klatt’s thoughts: Josh Hoover comes to Indiana, and a lot of us were wondering how he would do replacing last season’s Heisman winner and national champion Fernando Mendoza. I think what got lost in the conversation leading up to this season is that Mendoza did not start out hot. In fact, one of his worst games was against Old Dominion in the opener a year ago. It took him a little bit of time.

It did not take Josh Hoover much time. He was excellent — he did a lot of things well, he threw the ball on time, he threw it accurately, he’s got guys down the field that can really go and get it, he created plays out of the pocket, he played on schedule, he took the throws that were there, he put them on the money, he created yards after the catch with ball placement.

I was incredibly impressed with Josh Hoover, even if I wasn’t blown away by Indiana. Indiana did not play great on the defensive side of the ball. I did not think they ran it as effectively as they wanted to run it or as they thought they would be able to run it. Maybe some injuries played into that. What I did see was a passing game that was elevated from a year ago — that passing game is elite.

Klatt’s thoughts: This felt very different from the Michigan near-upset, where I was watching Michigan and was like, “Oh no.” Caution lights, panic, all of it. Oregon, I don’t feel like that. Now, I had Oregon at No. 1. I’m not just going to keep them No. 1, and I’m not going to just explain this away. I don’t think it was a great performance — I think that they showed that they can get into a dogfight and win. I’m going to move Oregon all the way down, and they’re going to be my No. 7 team in the country.

Do they still have enough talent to win the national championship? Yes. Does one game define them? No. Did they want to play better? Absolutely. And we’re going to see if they can do that when they’re on the road against Oklahoma State.

The QB play was the difference in Week 1; Dante Moore was the difference for Oregon, elevating the Ducks and getting them into a position where they can come back and win that football game.

Klatt’s thoughts: Now I know Georgia won big and you heard all these statistics, like they averaged 11 yards per play. OK, it was Tennessee State. So, we get it. It was 63-3. Quarterback Gunner Stockton was 15 of 16, over 200 yards and three touchdowns. Georgia ran for 10 yards per carry as a team.

All of that is great. We still don’t know anything about Georgia as far as their skill position players. I still really love Georgia. I love head coach Kirby Smart. I think they’re going to be there all the way until the end. And I still think that the SEC goes through Georgia.

But, I saw two other SEC teams that I felt like were more talented on Saturday. And maybe that was just Tennessee State, and we’ll see. We’ll come to find out as Georgia’s schedule starts to get a little bit more difficult.

Klatt’s thoughts: A team that I was very high on, but I’m going to move down. Notre Dame won the game on Sunday night, but it was a close game against Wisconsin. And maybe Wisconsin is a lot better — and I think that they probably are, based on what we saw. Notre Dame beat Wisconsin 41-13, they outscored them 28-3 in the second half, so they kind of pulled away.

I didn’t love the run game — that was something that I just thought, and maybe this was a fool’s errand on my part, that Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price were fantastic, but man, you know they’ve got that offensive line back and they’re going to have more threats on the outside and they should be able to run it just the same. It was not the same. Price and Love were dynamic, and so that’s going to be an issue for them at some point.

Now, who’s going to exploit that on their schedule? That remains to be seen. Is it BYU? Maybe. Is it Miami? Certainly. But Notre Dame’s schedule is just so light that I don’t know if we’re going to know a lot about Notre Dame until we get into the playoff.

Klatt’s thoughts: Miami goes out to Stanford and wins, 45-6. They were dominant. Dominated the line of scrimmage. Darian Mensah looks like he could be a star. He threw for 400 yards, 27 of 30.

And then there was the real star: Malachi Toney. Now you know why, when I did my preseason All-Americans, it was so easy for me to just say like, “Yup, Jeremiah Smith and Malachi Toney are your preseason All-American wide receivers.” Malachi Toney is unbelievable. Twelve catches, 234 yards and three touchdowns.

I think Miami is better than last year. They went all the way to the national championship game — I don’t see this team losing some of those games that they shouldn’t during the course of the year.

Klatt’s thoughts: This is a program that I watched on Saturday night, and I thought to myself, “OK, yup, that’s real.” Lane Kiffin is real. He’s answered his critics. That is one of the happiest fan bases in college football when they wake up on Sunday and when they wake up on Monday. It worked. It worked! Now we’ll see how they can navigate that schedule, but this is a team, based on what I saw from everybody in college football, that is going to be my No. 3 team in the country — they move from No. 8 to No. 3.

LSU is absolutely a title contender from a talent perspective. And I thought that this would be the case. It was a bit of a wild card in the offseason just to see, all right, is it going to gel? Is it going to work? Yes. Yes, it’s going to work. Now, can they navigate the perils of a season, an SEC schedule, the adversity that comes with it? We’ll see, because I do still think that it’s a bit of a transactional roster. But it’s pretty clear to me that Lane is trying to build the combination of the Nick Saban discipline and toughness, and the flash and star power of the early-2000s Pete Carroll teams.

Klatt’s thoughts: Texas was outstanding against Texas State. Some of those questions about the run game and defense — I thought they answered them. I think Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator is going to work out really well for them. They’ve got talent everywhere. We might see three or four Longhorns picked in the first 10 or 15 picks of the NFL Draft. Quarterback Arch Manning looked really good, first-year wide receiver Cam Coleman looked really good, running backs Hollywood Smothers, Raleek Brown, wideout Ryan Wingo — that is a really, really good football team.

Klatt’s thoughts: Ohio State is No. 1. They beat Ball State again. It’s like Georgia and even Texas — Ohio State didn’t get threatened whatsoever, but all of these teams did exactly what you should do. They went out there and just totally took care of business.

The run statistics look a little inflated compared to the way they actually ran it on a play-by-play basis. They had a couple of long touchdown runs in the third quarter that elevated some of that production. But what you see is that quarterback Julian Sayin is still the real deal. Jeremiah Smith is still the best player in college football — eight catches, 151 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio State broke a couple of long runs there, both Jacksons — Bo and Ja’Kobi. I thought that they looked good and they did exactly what you would expect. They didn’t mess around. I know that Ball State isn’t as good as Boise State. Ball State’s nowhere close to Clemson. But Ohio State just went out there and totally dominated, 56-3, and they went about their business, and they’re No. 1.

Now, was it close? Yes. This is not like an easy, absolutely far and away, “Ohio State is No. 1.” … All of these teams in the top eight, I still think very highly of. This is not an indictment of any of these teams: this is as solid a top 10 as I can remember putting together early in a season in my career.

Solheim Cup: Mimi Rhodes ready to fulfil childhood dream for Team Europe and backs Anna Nordqvist’s side for home win | Golf News

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Mimi Rhodes is relishing the chance to fulfil a childhood dream at the Solheim Cup and is backing Anna Nordqvist to lead Team Europe to victory in the Netherlands.

Rhodes makes her Solheim Cup debut for Team Europe this week at Bernardus Golf, having been named among Nordqvist’s captain’s picks last month, where the hosts look to regain the trophy after their 2024 defeat to Team USA.

The Englishwoman enjoyed a strong amateur career before claiming three wins during her Ladies European Tour rookie season last year, with Rhodes now looking to build on her maiden LPGA Tour campaign by achieving a lifelong goal of representing Europe.

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“For me, it’s what I’ve been working for the last 12 years since I started playing,” Rhodes exclusively told Sky Sports.

“You have it on the TV and it’s what you’d wait two years to watch. I have so many vivid memories of watching on TV at my grandparents’ house and with my family – we’re all into team sport and we love watching team golf.

“It’s just such a huge week that everyone has to wait for every two years, so it’s so hard to put into words that I’m actually going to be playing in it.

Image:
England’s Mimi Rhodes is relishing her Solheim Cup debut this week

“This has literally been the No 1 thing that I’ve dreamt of since I turned pro, even more than winning majors or anything. I’ve just wanted to represent Europe.”

Rhodes started the year with back-to-back top-10 finishes but later feared she may not get a captain’s pick, having missed seven cuts in an eight-tournament stretch from April to July before a solid finish to the qualification campaign.

She made the cut at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open and AIG Women’s Open, as many of her qualification rivals failed to impress, with Rhodes only finding out about her spot when Nordqvist called her after the final women’s major of the year.

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Highlights from the final day of the AIG Women’s Open, where Esther Henseleit lost out in a play-off after an incredible final day

“That phone call was just so surreal,” Rhodes admitted. “When you want something this badly and then it suddenly happens, it’s like, ‘wow, is this actually real?’

“It was such a stressful couple of months. I just didn’t know what to expect, honestly, when I got the call. I was fearing the worst and had come to terms with it a bit!

“I would have been devastated to miss out but I was just so happy that that she picked me. I just want to make her [Nordqvist] proud and I just can’t wait to play.”

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Anna Nordqvist announced her captain’s picks last month, live on Sky Sports

Rhodes was involved in the PING Junior Solheim Cup at Gleneagles in 2019, before watching from inside the ropes as Suzann Pettersen snatched a dramatic 14.5-13.5 victory for Europe.

“That was a pretty cool memory,” Rhodes added. “They had a little party and we got invited in, so that was incredible.

“Watching it inside the ropes, I was thinking to myself, ‘I want to work hard to get playing on that team and representing Europe’. I think it’s the greatest achievement in women’s golf to represent your continent.”

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The last three Solheim Cups held in Europe have produced the three closest finishes in its history, as 2015 and 2019 were both won by a single point ahead of the 2023 contest finishing 14-14, while Rhodes is confident Europe can come out on top and regain the trophy.

“I think on paper, it doesn’t really matter how strong their team [USA] is compared to ours,” Rhodes insisted. “I could tell at the practice there were a lot of good vibes, and we’re going to have a lot of fun, so I think it’s going to intimidate the other team.”

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Team USA captain Angela Stanford discusses her captain’s picks and how confident she is of them retaining the trophy on away soil

“Anna’s going to be an amazing captain – I got that vibe from her at the practise. She’s a really great leader, so I think she’s going to steer us in the right direction and bring the vibes.

“I think she’s going to be proud of us regardless, which relaxes us a bit, but she’ll have us in check! She’s really good with her words, and we’re looking forward to looking up to her as our captain.”

“We’re going to make her proud and bring it home.”

Monday Morning NFL Top 10 Rankings: Who Are The Best Teams Heading Into The Season?

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The wait is over. It’s been seven months since Seattle and New England met in a surprising Super Bowl matchup. And now they’re squaring off again, on a Wednesday no less, to kick off the new NFL season. It’s one of a few games in Week 1 that promises to shake up the league hierarchy from the jump.

With the 2026 campaign finally upon us, let’s see where the Top 10 teams stand.

Perhaps this is the year the Cowboys finally end their Super Bowl drought with a dynamic offense poised to light up scoreboards like a pinball machine. Dak Prescott has a scary set of pass catchers and playmakers around him that will give countless defensive coordinators around the league sleepless nights. The high-scoring offense masked the defense’s flaws a season ago, but a new defensive coordinator in Christian Parker and a revamped lineup should help the Cowboys compete at a championship level.

The football world is seemingly waiting for the clock to strike midnight on last season’s Cinderella despite Trevor Lawrence’s emergence as an MVP candidate. While the skeptics question whether Liam Coen can keep the No.1 overall pick playing at an elite level, the Jaguars’ improving supporting cast could help an explosive offense spark a surprise Super Bowl run.

The pressure is squarely on the shoulders of Joe Brady and Josh Allen to lead a Super Bowl run, after the Bills moved on from Sean McDermott despite reaching the playoffs eight times in nine seasons. With a “Super Bowl or bust” mentality hovering over the team, the Bills are hoping new WR1 DJ Moore and defensive play caller Jim Leonard can produce better results behind a more aggressive approach under new leadership.

Caleb Williams is poised for an MVP run during his second season under Ben Johnson’s direction. The former first-overall pick proved in 2025 that he is the ultimate closer with six fourth-quarter comebacks and six game-winning drives. The “Iceman” can bail the Bears out of bad situations with his late-game magic, but the defense must be more consistent and not rely solely on turnovers to tilt games in Chicago’s favor.

Demeco Ryan’s swarming defense can single-handedly keep the Texans in title contention, with Will Anderson, Jr., Danielle Hunter, Azzez Al-Shaair, and Derek Stingley leading the way. If CJ Stroud can shake off a disappointing playoff run that led to concerns about his status as the team’s franchise quarterback, the Texans are a top-five contender lurking in the shadows.

Trading away AJ Brown might have cost the Eagles a WR1, but the improved chemistry between Jalen Hurts and his perimeter playmakers should lead to more consistency in the passing game. While the former Super Bowl MVP must adapt to another offensive system, the drama-free huddle should help him return to his efficient playmaking. With the ultra-talented defense capable of bottling up opponents until the offense hits its stride, the Eagles are a dark-horse contender to keep an eye on.

The Super Bowl LX runner-ups surprised opponents last season as a worst-to-first squad who responded well to a culture change ushered in by a Patriots’ legend. While Mike Vrabel deserves credit for pulling a rabbit out of a hat in 2025, the team’s chances of being a title contender hinge on their ability to handle the burden of expectations with an upgraded roster featuring more star power on the perimeter.

After falling short in the AFC Championship Game, the Broncos come back with a squad that is built to make a deep playoff run with Bo Nix and newly promoted offensive play-caller Davis Webb at the helm. Although Sean Payton has handed off the call sheet to his protégé, the one-time Super Bowl champion will make sure Jaylen Waddle is featured prominently throughout the opening script. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has spent the off-season concocting more blitzes and simulated pressures that will keep quarterbacks running for their lives.

Mike Macdonald has the motivation and manpower to pull off a rare back-to-back in a league that has not seen a repeat champion since the 2023 and 2024 Kansas City Chiefs. The Seahawks could pull it off with Sam Darnold and Jaxson Smith-Njigba spearheading an offense that should benefit from the extra possessions generated by their turnover-obsessed defense, which is loaded with big-play specialists. Despite the defending champs needing to adjust to the target on their backs, the Seahawks have the pieces in place to hang another banner at season’s end.

Les Snead and Sean McVay have assembled a “Dream Team” with a roster littered with MVPs, All-Pros and Pro Bowlers, surrounded by a collection of late-round picks and undrafted studs who perfectly complement the Rams’ premier players. With McVay cleverly moving the Xs and Os around the gridiron like a chess master, the Rams’ combination of talent and tactics could produce an easy run to a title.

Women’s Super League: Alexia Putellas’ debut for London City analysed with more on Man City and Chelsea | Football News

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter analyses the big talking points from the first round of Women’s Super League matches, bringing you closer to the key stories at the heart of the women’s game.

Putellas only part of London City’s style meets substance – will it last?

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Highlights of the Women’s Super League match between London City Lionesses and Manchester United

Michele Kang rolled out the red carpet in Bromley for London City Lionesses’ season opener under the lights, where the Sky Sports cameras were in attendance to watch a dominant win over Manchester United. Kang herself was among the spectators in a sell-out crowd.

Alexia Putellas inevitably made all the headlines. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner commands that kind of attention. But the real standouts from such a positive opening night, in footballing terms, were Delphine Cascarino and Danielle van de Donk. Neither part of this summer’s spending spree but the two most influential players on the park.

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London City gave a good account of themselves in most departments, actually. A performance far more complete than the majority of last season, or even the sum of all their individual parts suggested.

Putellas was sound, if not as spectacular. It will take time for her to acclimatise to new surroundings, or perhaps more appropriately, take patience for those surroundings to adapt to her. It has always been that way around for La Reina. Team-mates must reach her wavelength.

What was clear is that the Spain superstar will be the nucleus of Eder Maestre’s plan. Of the eight chances London City created, she claimed two and Cascarino was responsible for four. The restless Putellas hype will no doubt carry through the season, her standards acting as the spine and soul of this group of newcomers. She has to knit all the various pieces together to meet the required level of chemistry that constitute a team.

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Putellas made her WSL debut for London City in the 2-1 win over Man Utd

But Maestre’s side look to have gelled fairly well on first glance. No doubt they will face sterner tests in future weeks. London City and Man Utd were actually the perfect antithesis for opening night, a side on their way up passing one in obvious decline. London City barely stopped to say hello.

Kang’s empire has consumed Bromley and will continue to dominate WSL chatter for as long as their results match their endeavour. There is no denying the pull of Putellas. Or Cascarino. Or Mary Earps, who did not feature on Friday but was still a major fan attraction. But buying footballers is really the easy part. Creating a consistent team out of them much more difficult.

Are Man City too reliant on Hemp?

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Highlights of Manchester City against Birmingham in the Women’s Super League

It’s only week one and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has reaffirmed her position as the best the Women’s Super League has to offer, her 11 shots yielding two goals as Man City beat Birmingham.

Nothing about that victory was especially experimental, though still impressive. Shaw scored two carbon-copy goals, both from corners, both delivered from the left. Her movement for each was similar except the angle of the second header was far more difficult to guide on target. She made it look easy.

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Bunny Shaw scored Manchester City’s second goal of the game against Birmingham City

City scored 15 times from corners last season, a seasonal record, and such a superpower will no doubt come in handy again as they look to defend their crown. They were the only side to score from a set-piece across opening weekend. Last term, they scored from a set-play in all but seven games.

But what struck me was how lop-sided their attacking phase was from open play. Almost everything went through Lauren Hemp. Loading on the left is not necessarily a new tactic, but to such an extent surely misses an opportunity.

Hemp is an exceptional outlet, with pace to burn and superb crossing accuracy, which is why the centre-backs often look left when playing out from the back. Gracie Prior found Hemp 11 times against Birmingham. Opponents know to expect this.

Where City might profit this term is by exploiting that expectancy to unlock different pockets of space. Use the threat of Hemp to attract numbers and play elsewhere. Andree Jeglertz has spoken plenty about wanting City to have fresh, innovative ways of creating goals. He likes central rotations, utilising the ball-playing skill of Yui Hasegawa. City should lean into her passing range more.

Perhaps that will be helped by Vivianne Miedema’s return from injury, whenever that might be. But before then, they can also afford to mix it up a bit more. Becoming even more versatile than they are now could propel them from being a very good team to an unbeatable one.

Chelsea’s goal-shy streak persists

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Highlights of the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa

New season, same problem for Chelsea. Their creators are crying out for a finisher.

Lauren James cannot be expected to shoulder the scoring burden on her own. So, how can Chelsea combat a flaw that has been plaguing them since Sonia Bompastor took charge?

Stylistically, Chelsea are doing most things right. A statistical reading of their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa will tell you that final-third entries were plentiful. The Blues created five big chances, missing four.

Essentially, James has been left to do the job of a winger and striker. She created the joint-most chances for others (4) while taking the most shots herself (11). Aggie Beever-Jones accumulated the highest expected goals total but debutant goalkeeper Akane Okuma was equal to both of her two efforts on target, neither particularly taxing.

The speed at which Chelsea arrive in the box remains an issue. It allows enough retreating defenders to make blocks; Villa made six of them. Okuma also made a remarkable nine saves. “We have to speed up the game,” reflected Bompastor.

Chelsea’s 35 shots were their most ever in a league game they failed to win. Bompastor added: “If you analyse the statistics, you would say it’s crazy that we didn’t win.” The club’s succession line of attackers looks too thin given what they are up against. They have Melvine Malard and Mayra Ramirez to return. But they need firepower now.

College Football Week 1 Betting Recap: ‘We Went From A Big Winner To A Loser’

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

One second made a world of difference for the public betting masses on Saturday. A simple tick of the clock turned college football Week 1 odds on their head.

Huge favorite Michigan got a second shot at a Hail Mary, turning what was seemingly a 12-7 upset loss into a stunning 13-12 victory over Western Michigan.

It was equally stunning for bookmakers.

“That extra play and successful Hail Mary was a massive swing for the book,” BetMGM trading manager Adair Horne said. “We went from a big winner to a loser.”

That’s what moneyline parlays can do.

Oddsmakers from Las Vegas and across the country chimed in to recap the weekend that was in college football betting.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Like Clockwork

Michigan was a 27.5-point home favorite vs. Western Michigan. The first drive went as expected, with the Wolverines rolling 75 yards to take a 7-0 lead.

But that would be the only Michigan score until the game’s final play, on which the Wolverines ostensibly got a do-over.

On second-and-10 from Western Michigan’s 47-yard line, the final seven seconds appeared to run off as Bryce Underwood’s Hail Mary fell incomplete outside the back of the end zone. But upon review, officials deemed a Broncos defender touched the ball while out of bounds with one second remaining, which ended the play … and put one second back on the clock.

The second time was a charm, as Underwood connected with a leaping JJ Buchanan to give Michigan the improbable 13-12 victory.

That TD helped the masses cash their moneyline parlays that included Michigan. And there were a lot of ‘em.

“We took six times the amount of bets on Michigan moneyline compared with Western Michigan,” Horne said, noting most of those moneyline plays were on parlay tickets.

Added Joey Feazel, Caesars Sports head of football trading: “Michigan was a popular selection on the moneyline for parlays. Bettors were certainly pleased to see that one second added on the clock for the second Hail Mary attempt.”

Additionally, a Fanatics Sportsbook customer made a huge in-game bet in the waning seconds, when a Michigan loss appeared imminent. The bettor put $10,000 on Michigan +2800 moneyline.

When the prayer was answered, that customer banked a $280,000 win (total payout $290,000).

High-Flying Favorites

Horne said BetMGM had a mixed-bag result in college football Week 1 odds. Big favorites delivered in big ways for the betting public over the past few days.

“Customers found the most success with LSU-Clemson, Wisconsin-Notre Dame, Texas State-Texas and pretty much every other big favorite easily covering,” Horne said.

Lane Kiffin’s LSU debut was a cakewalk, with the Tigers pounding Clemson 51-10 as 10.5-point home favorites. At BetMGM, LSU was the most-bet team of any on the full Saturday schedule, taking the most tickets and money on the spread.

Arch Manning and the Longhorns were 29.5-point home favorites vs. Texas State and rolled 59-7.

On Sunday night, Notre Dame whacked Wisconsin 41-13 as a 21-point favorite at Lambeau Field. At halftime, the Irish led just 13-10.

“Notre Dame covering hurt, after Wisconsin put up a huge fight in the first half,” Horne said.

Falling-Flat Favorites

Horne also noted a few key games that fell in the sportsbooks’ favor.

“Bettors had the most difficulties with Washington State vs. Washington, Colorado vs. Georgia Tech, Oregon vs. Boise State and Baylor vs. Auburn,” Horne said.

Indeed, all four favorites — Washington -23.5, Georgia Tech -6.5, Oregon -24.5, Auburn -6.5 — failed to cover the spread. And the Yellow Jackets lost outright against coach Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes.

Georgia Tech led 13-7 late, but allowed a touchdown with 37 seconds left. Then Colorado blocked the Jackets’ game-winning field-goal attempt as time expired.

The public was all over Georgia Tech at BetMGM, more so than any other team on an 11-game Thursday night slate.

Spanish GP 2026: Dates, schedule, weather, UK start time and how to watch or stream F1 race in Madrid live on Sky Sports | F1 News

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Formula 1 heads to a brand-new street circuit in Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix – the final European race of the season.

The high-speed track has got everyone talking and will be a huge challenge for the drivers, including championship leader Kimi Antonelli who won last time out in Monza.

Antonelli went from 19th to first to extend his lead over George Russell to 66 points, Lewis Hamilton to 76 points and Lando Norris to 96 points.

Russell, Hamilton and Norris will be looking to hit back on a track where Mercedes are not expected to have the advantage which saw them claim a one-two at Monza.

The final round of the 2026 Formula 3 Championship takes place in Madrid with three races, while Formula 2 is also in action on what promises to be an action-packed weekend.

Madring track layout

The new 3.365 Madring street-track layout is very fast and includes a big banked corner which is at 24 per cent gradient, so the drivers are set to be challenged just to keep it out of the barriers this weekend.

Hamilton says overtaking will be difficult so Saturday’s qualifying and track position will be critical.

Spanish GP weather in Madrid

The current weather forecast suggests rain will not affect the on-track action in Madrid with sunny skies across all three days of running and air temperatures at around 32C.

Spanish GP dates, UK start time and Sky Sports F1’s live schedule

Thursday September 10
2pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
5pm: Paddock Uncut

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

How to watch or stream the Spanish Grand Prix in the UK and Ireland

Got Sky?

TV: Sky Customers can watch on Sky Sports F1 from first practice on Friday afternoon to the Spanish Grand Prix itself on Sunday September 13 at 2pm

App: Sky Customers can also watch on the Sky Sports app – with the option to go onboard with any driver!

Not got Sky?

Stream: Non-Sky Customers can stream the action with a NOW Day or a cancel-anytime Month pass

Live blog: Anyone on the move can follow live coverage of the race weekend through our dedicated F1 blog

FREE Highlights: Watch F1 highlights shortly after the chequered flag on the Sky Sports app

How to watch the Spanish GP on mobile with the Sky Sports app

Sky Sports Subscribers can:

Download or open the Sky Sports app
Head to the ‘Watch’ section at 12.30pm for build-up on Sunday, ahead of lights out at 2pm
Tap on the Sky Sports F1 channel
Sign in with your Sky iD (*you’ll only need to do this once)

*Sky iD help: How to find or create your Sky iD

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NOW is an instant streaming service offering access to all 12 Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports+ stream, and much more.

It’s an app, so customers can sign up and stream instantly across over 60 devices. It offers contract-free membership options, so customers can cancel anytime!

You can choose between a Month or Day Membership. See the latest NOW membership prices.

More information about NOW can be found here.

Formula 1 heads straight to Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, with every session live from this Friday on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

College Football Rankings: Where Michigan Landed After Its Week 1 Hail Mary Win

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

If it feels like Michigan can’t do much of anything without inviting controversy, you’ve just been paying attention for the past two years.

Add to that list the seemingly phantom single second of time Big Ten officials found on their clock but not the game clock — the one all of us can see — that allowed the Wolverines to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. All official parties accept the result. College football fans are a different story.

But now the Wolverines get Oklahoma — a program which has more talent, a better defense and a better quarterback coming to the Big House than the one Kyle Whittingham’s team showed up with in Week 1. And this is as, dare I say it, the rest of college football is blowing wind into the Sooners’ sails to avenge what most have come to view as a wrong. Michigan should’ve lost last Saturday night. The Sooners have a chance to turn the conditional part of the aforementioned sentence into a declarative one.

Before we move onto Week 2, here are my top-25 rankings from Week 1.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 15

JJ Buchanan catches Bryce Underwood’s game-winning Hail Mary touchdown pass with no time left against Western Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 13-12 win vs. Western Michigan

Michigan won a game it should’ve lost to a Broncos team that isn’t even in its weight class. Quarterback Bryce Underwood looked shook. He was responsible for two of the Wolverines’ three turnovers, and the Hail Mary touchdown he threw to win the game can mostly be attributed to luck. Luck won’t save the Wolverines on Saturday when they face Oklahoma.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 25

North Dakota State head coach Tim Polasek on the Bison sideline. (Photo by Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 38-0 win vs. Fordham

I’m struggling to find a team on the Bison schedule that is capable of defeating them. After two games, the only program in FBS to never lose an FBS game — cheeky, I know — looks every bit like running the table.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 24

Josh Heupel talks with Faizon Brandon after his touchdown against Furman in Week 1. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 56-9 win vs. Furman

Quarterback Faizon Brandon finished with 13 of 17 completions, 294 total yards and five total touchdowns after becoming the first true freshman to start at quarterback for the Vols since 2004. Keep your eye on him.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 23

Quarterback Byrd Ficklin breaks a tackle against Idaho in Week 1. (Photo by Aaron Baker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 66-14 win vs. Idaho

In the season opener, Utah put up 633 yards, including 364 on the ground, while allowing just 225 total yards by Idaho. This could be a powerful offensive force this season.

Record: 0-0

Previous ranking: 22

Week 1 game: SMU vs. Florida State | Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

SMU and Florida State play Monday night, so I’ll update my Week 1 rankings accordingly after.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 21

Week 1 game: 24-10 win vs. Washington State

Look, Demond Williams Jr. did that Kyler Murray thing I’ve been telling you about for the better part of a year. But this game was 17-10 until there were about two minutes left to play because the Huskies are about as disciplined as a newborn puppy: 12 penalties for 130 yards will get you beat in Big Ten play.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 20

Jadan Baugh celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against Florida Atlantic in Week 1. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 66-21 win vs. Florida Atlantic

Jon Sumrall’s Gators put up a gaudy 624 yards against the Owls, and running back Jadan Baugh showed why he’s one of the five best tailbacks in the country with 160 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just 14 rushes — 11.4 yards per rush.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 19

Conner Weigman scores a touchdown in Week 1 against Oregon State. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 33-20 win vs. Oregon State

Conner Weigman looked the part of a Big 12 championship-contending quarterback for Houston after completing 20 of 30 pass attempts for 305 pass yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 18

Austin Simmons rolls out to throw against Arkansas Pine Bluff in Week 1. (Photo by Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 54-14 win vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Tigers quarterback Austin Simmons was special in his debut. He completed 17 of 19 passes for 252 passing yards with four passing touchdowns.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 17

Zion Tracy and John Klosterman celebrate in Week 1 after a play against Marshall Thundering. (Photo by Brien Aho/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 45-0 win vs. Marshall

Despite a new head coach and 60 new players — or because of, if you prefer — Matt Campbell’s Nittany Lions will enter Week 2 tied for the No. 1 scoring defense in the country.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 16

Journee Tonga runs against Utah Tech in Week 1. (Photo by Bryan Byerly/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 63-7 win vs. Utah Tech

The strength of the Cougars team was on display in their opener when they rushed for 308 yards.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 14

Coach Joey McGuire talks with Will Hammond after their Week 1 victory against Abilene Christian. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 33-10 win vs. Abilene Christian

Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond looked the part of man leading the defending Big 12 champions with a stellar performance: 26 of 33 completed passes for 298 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 13

Keelon Russell celebrates a Week 1 touchdown against East Carolina. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 48-10 win vs. East Carolina

In his first-ever start, Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell put up 256 passing yards and 86 rushing yards with a rushing touchdown in what was an outstanding debut for a Tide team looking to win its first SEC championship since 2023.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 12

Trinidad Chambliss celebrates a touchdown against Louisville in Week 1 at Nissan Stadium. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 41-38 vs. Louisville

When quarterback Trinidad Chambliss finally found his form, Louisville didn’t just crumble. It disintegrated behind eight penalties — including four in six minutes of the fourth quarter — that contributed to Ole Miss cruising to its season-opening win. Leave it to Chambliss to put up a Heisman-level stat line too, with more than 300 passing yards, 50 rushing yards and four total touchdowns.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 11

Running back Jonathan Hatton Jr. falls out of bounds short of the end zone against UTEP in Week 1. Oklahoma won 51-0. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 51-0 win vs. UTEP

The Sooners shut out the Miners with true freshman Noah Best starting at center and a ground game that might be worth bragging about come SEC play with 170 yards.

Record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 10

Jide Abasiri and Alex Vansumeren celebrate after a Week 1 play against Fresno State. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 39-0 win vs. Fresno State

Does it matter that fewer folks have seen the Trojans play at the Coliseum through two games (104, 158) than people saw Penn State play against Marshall (108,489) on Saturday? Yes, but only for us who love college football more than anything else that might be going on in Los Angeles on a day ending in Y. Angelinos just don’t.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 9

Carsyn Baker scores a rushing touchdown against Missouri State in Week 1. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 50-0 win vs. Missouri State

Ampersand U enjoyed its first season-opening shutout since 1993 (LSU, 24-0).

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 8

Sam Leavitt celebrates with his teammates after a touchdown run against Clemson in Week 1. (Photo by Derick Hingle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 51-10 win vs. Clemson

Amateurs only.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 7

Malachi Toney catches the ball before running in his third touchdown against Stanford in Week 1. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 45-6 win vs. Stanford

Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney became the first player since LSU’s Malik Nabers to record at least 180 yards, 10 catches and two receiving touchdowns in one half in Miami’s win. He finished with 11 catches for 229 yards, three touchdowns and an early lead in the Heisman Trophy conversation.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 6

CJ Carr drops back to pass against Wisconsin during Notre Dame’s Week 1 win at Lambeau Field. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 41-13 vs. Wisconsin

After a slow start, Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr found the weakness in Wisconsin’s defense — the middle of the field. And he and the Fighting Irish pelted it until the Badgers came unglued under the weight of trying to keep up with a Notre Dame program that was clearly punching down in weight class, even for Wisconsin.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 5

Arch Manning ahead of Texas’ Week 1 game against Texas State. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 59-7 win vs. Texas State

Texas is talented. Texas is capable. But is Texas mentally tough enough to defeat the AP’s No. 1 team in the country? Fortunately for us, the answer to that question is just a few days away.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 4

Evan Stewart runs after a catch against Boise State in Week 1. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 34-27 win vs. Boise State

Oregon survived. So they get to stay here — for now. Is a Boise State team with one loss to this Oregon team a more deserving CFP invitee than an undefeated North Dakota State? Just tossing out something to think about. Now, aside from that, the Ducks owe the Broncos $1.4 million for this threat to their College Football Playoff hopes.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 3

Jeremy Bell celebrates with Terrell Foster and Marcus Harrison during their Week 1 game against Tennessee State. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 63-3 win vs. Tennessee State

No, this ain’t John Merritt’s Tennessee State, but I am impressed with any defense that can hold a college football team to 10 friggin’ rushing yards over the course of 60 minutes. That’s exactly what Kirby Smart’s Dawgs did in their opener.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 2

Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith celebrate after connecting on a three-yard touchdown against Ball State in Week 1. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 56-3 win vs. Ball State

Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith wasted no time reminding folks why he’s the best player in the sport with eight catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns — in just one half of football.

Record: 1-0

Previous ranking: 1

Charlie Becker makes a wild touchdown catch against North Texas in Week 1. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Week 1 game: 52-16 win vs. North Texas

These Hoosiers gave up more points to a rebuilding North Texas — at home! — than they did against No. 1 Ohio State in the Big Ten title game last season. I don’t love that, and I’m certain neither does Curt Cignetti.

‘Fear Arch Manning’ 👀 USC a CFP sleeper, can Indiana repeat as National Champions, Notre Dame | FTF

Thomas Carty expects David Allen disqualification after bizarre end to fight on Katie Taylor undercard | Boxing News

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Thomas Carty was ‘blatantly’ fouled by David Allen, who should have been disqualified after the bizarre ending to their fight, says the Irishman’s manager Mike Ofo.

Carty dramatically toppled through the ropes after being hit on the back of the head in the opening round of his clash with Allen on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s farewell fight at Croke Park on Saturday.

The bout was declared a ‘no contest’ after Carty was unable to continue, but Ofo believes Allen should have been penalised for an illegal blow.

Ofo told Sky Sports: “I am very disappointed about what happened on Saturday night at Croke Park and the untimely halt to what should have been the crowning achievement of Thomas’ career so far.

“Thomas was pumped to be fighting on such an historic event in front of such an enormous crowd at the home of Irish sport and was gutted by the bizarre turn of events.

“What happened was plain for all to see with Allen blatantly fouling him twice in quick succession in response to Thomas’ punishing jab that immediately marked up Allen’s face.

“The second, illegal rabbit punch to the back of Thomas’ head knocked him clean through the ropes and there is only one outcome under the rules of boxing in those circumstances – a DQ loss for Allen.”

Image:
Carty falls through the ropes after receiving a blow to the back of the head from Allen

Image:
… he continues to tumble

Image:
OUCH! Carty lands on his head and shoulder outside the ring

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Allen had attempted to explain the final punch of the fight by saying: ” I went up a bit close, caught him with a left hook to the body and rattled him a little bit to the head.

“I think, then he threw a combination, knocked my head back with an uppercut.

“But then he grabbed me frantically. I’m not aiming for the back of anyone’s head ever, but I am aiming about here [the ear].

“It wasn’t a big shot; I tried to clip him round the ear as I always do, and he’s turned his head into it. It’s gone round the back of the head.

“From there on, I don’t know. It’s not for me to say what’s happened. He’s a good guy, I do like him…

“I’ve caught him behind the head, not on purpose; he’s turned into, and he’s gone through the ropes.

“At the time, I said to the referee, ‘Are you not going to count?’ If that was in the middle of the ring, I’d have won by stoppage.”

But Ofo has dismissed Allen’s account and is confident that Carty would have been victorious by stoppage if the fight had not ended prematurely.

The unfortunate ending to the fight was another cruel twist of luck for Carty, who endured his sole defeat last year after suffering a freakish knee injury, but the 30-year-old hopes to record his 12th professional win in a rematch with Allen.

Ofo said: “I see he is already busy trying to set a narrative but that is gaslighting and Thomas and the team were all confident that he would have stopped Allen in the later rounds, particularly in light of the terrible shape Allen turned up in. Frankly, he should change his nickname from ‘The White Rhino’ to ‘The White Hippo.’

“However, once the BUI have reconsidered the referee’s decision and done the right thing, we will happily give Allen a rematch and they can settle it once and for all – hopefully inside the ring this time!”

Allen declined to comment on Ofo’s comments.

Wrigley Field’s Volleyball Debut: Kentucky Wins, Nebraska-Missouri Suspended

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

For over a century, Wrigley Field has been home to baseball, with generations of the greatest baseball players gracing one of the most stories venues in the sport.

That changed Sunday, when the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge turned the Friendly Confines into a volleyball court for the first time ever, as No. 3 Kentucky defeated No. 13 Penn State and Nebraska was set to face Missouri in a doubleheader.

It’s the latest — and most unusual — stop on what’s already been a barnstorming season for No. 1 Nebraska, which has now played matches in an NFL stadium (AT&T Stadium), an NHL arena (T-Mobile Arena), a WNBA venue (Wintrust Arena) and now an MLB ballpark, all before playing a single home match in Lincoln.

No. 3 Kentucky vs No. 13 Penn State Highlights 🏐 Women’s Volleyball on FOX

Check out the matchup between the No. 3 Kentucky Wildcats and No. 13 Penn State Nittany Lions at Wrigley Field!

Wrigley’s volleyball debut wasn’t without its own bit of history repeating itself.

The last time the ballpark hosted a its first night game under the lights in 1988, rain forced a delay and eventually washed the game out before it could become official.

Sunday’s volleyball doubleheader ran into its own hiccup, though this time it was the brand-new court surface, not the weather, causing a delay. Play was halted twice during the Nebraska-Missouri nightcap due to a slippery playing surface, which led to a delay that somehow heightened the energy at the end of the night.

Here are the top moments and results from each match:

No. 3 Kentucky Tops No. 13 Penn State

The Wildcats opened the historic evening at Wrigley Field with a back-and-forth first set that came down to the wire, eventually pulling away from Penn State 25-23. No team led by more than three points for most of the set, but Kentucky closed on a 4-of-5 run to seal it, hitting .265 to the Nittany Lions’ .190. Outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye finished the set with the final two kills, both set up by Kassie O’Brien, who racked up 11 assists in the opening frame alone.

Kentucky carried that momentum into the second set, needing four set points before closing it out 25-21. DeLeye kept rolling, adding eight more kills to push her total to 12 through two sets.

Penn State refused to go quietly, though. The Nittany Lions climbed back from a 19-15 deficit with an 8-1 run in the third set, and a kill from Ryla Jones — her third of the set — gave PSU its first set win in Wrigley, 25-23, avoiding a repeat of last year’s sweep loss to the Wildcats.

Kentucky shut the door in the fourth, dominating 25-15 behind an 8-0 run that turned a tight game into a 14-6 lead the Wildcats never gave back. The finishing touch had a local flavor: Georgia Watson, a Huntley, Illinois native and self-described Cubs fan, notched two of Kentucky’s final three kills to close out the match in her home ballpark’s backyard.

Brooklyn DeLeye led the way for Kentucky with 21 kills on a .319 hitting percentage, while Morgan Gaerte added 15 kills and six blocks on a .344 clip. Setter Kassie O’Brien orchestrated the offense with 48 assists, and libero Molly Tuozzo anchored the back row with 19 digs and six assists.

The win moves Kentucky to 2-0 on the week after also beating UCLA on Wednesday, and to 2-1 against ranked opponents this season, having also swept then-No. 6 Wisconsin at the AVCA First Serve.

Penn State, which hadn’t played a ranked team before Sunday, drops its first ranked matchup of 2026 and gets a quick shot at redemption against Depaul on Monday Sept. 7.

No. 1 Nebraska-Missouri Suspended

The nightcap between top-ranked Nebraska (4-0) and Missouri (3-1) got underway on schedule at 9 p.m. ET, but the historic first-ever outdoor volleyball match at Wrigley Field never got past its opening set.

With Nebraska ahead 11-7, play was stopped for the first time as players began slipping on the outdoor surface, but that was just the start of what felt like a fever dream.

Rather than a weather delay, it was a player-safety call: coaches from both programs met courtside, and crews — players and staff included — began tearing up the court logos and wiping down the surface to cut down on slickness.

Both teams did not let the delay stop them from soaking up their moment under the light, as the action at Wrigley Field shifted from volleyball to a dance-off, among other activities.

But the party had to stop eventually as the match was ultimately suspended.

A public address announcement told fans that rescheduling the match at Wrigley Field would not be possible, and that a decision on how — or whether — the match continues from the point of suspension will be announced at a later date.

College Sports Related Stories

Czech Darts Open: Luke Littler topples Luke Humphries 8-6 in final on return to European Tour in Prague | Darts News

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Luke Littler beat rival Luke Humphries to win on his return to the European Tour at the Czech Darts Open in Prague.

Littler had not played in a European Tour event since March, but roared to glory with an 8-6 victory in Sunday night’s final to end his opponent’s hopes of winning this title for a third straight year.

Littler hit five 180s and averaged just over 95 as both players struggled in the heat at the PVA EXPO after a long day which had already seen The Nuke overcome Michael van Gerwen in the semi-finals, Danny Noppert in the quarter-finals and Krzysztof Ratajski in the last 16.

“It’s good to be back and I’m back with a bang,” said Littler after his victory.

World No 1 Littler won the first two legs against world No 2 Humphries in Sunday’s final, only to see his rival, who has reached four of the last five finals in this tournament, reel off three straight legs to take the lead.

Littler fought back to move ahead with a 130 checkout in the ninth leg – the biggest finish of the game – and then won the next two legs to move 7-4 ahead in a race to eight.

Humphries rallied to win the next two legs and was millimetres away from sending the game to a decider, as he wired two darts at D16.

Littler recovered to pin D10 to win this tournament for the first time, taking home the £35,000 first prize and guaranteeing his place at the European Championship in Dortmund in October.

That’s one of the titles that Littler wants to win as he eyes a clean sweep of major trophies in 2026 – and it means he’s unlikely to play in any other regular European Tour events this season.

Image:
Luke Littler celebrates at the Czech Darts Open (Pic: Sebastian Doppstadt/PDC Europe)

“I’m not sure now I’ve won this one,” he explained. “I think I’ve secured my place in Dortmund. That’s obviously the one I’m chasing.

“In two weeks time it’s the World Series in Amsterdam. We’ll have to see what happens, what the plan is and how busy I am.”

Humphries had overcome Gerwyn Price, William O’Connor and Andrew Gilding earlier on Sunday to reach the final for the third year in a row, but he was not upset at missing out on a ‘three-peat’.

“I can’t be upset,” he said. “The two darts I threw at D16 were right on the wire and if that goes in, it could have been a different game.

“That’s just the way it goes. He’s a fantastic player. I’ve been playing here and there, not so great. Maybe good sometimes. I’ve got to dedicate my life a bit more to get better and keep pushing him.

“I keep saying I’m not beating him in finals so I’ve got to change things to keep matching him.

“I think he enjoys the challenge and I love it as well. Hopefully over the next four months, I push him and if he does the clean sweep [of major titles] he has to do it the hard way.”

Sunday’s Czech Darts Open results

Final

Luke Humphries 6-8 Luke Littler

Semi-finals

Gerwyn Price 4-7 Luke Humphries
Michael van Gerwen 3-7 Luke Littler

Quarter-finals

Gerwyn Price 6-4 Ross Smith
William O’Connor 3-6 Luke Humphries
Jonny Clayton 3-6 Michael van Gerwen
Danny Noppert 0-6 Luke Littler

Afternoon session

Gerwyn Price 6-1 Cameron Menzies
Ross Smith 6-3 Gian van Veen
William O’Connor 6-5 Josh Rock
Luke Humphries 6-3 Andrew Gilding
Jonny Clayton 6-4 Keane Barry
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Wessel Nijman
Danny Noppert 6-5 Luke Woodhouse
Luke Littler 6-3 Krzysztof Ratajski

Why Western Michigan Won’t Appeal Loss to Michigan Despite Clock Controversy

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

What began as an improbable, last-second 13-12 victory for No. 16 Michigan over Western Michigan has erupted into the first major debate of the college football season.

One day after one of the most debated finishes in recent college football memory, both the Big Ten and the Mid-American Conference weighed in publicly on how officials added one second back to the clock in Michigan’s 13-12 win over the Broncos.

Western Michigan president Russ Kavalhuna said Sunday he didn’t “discern anything unfair or untoward” with the Big Ten’s replay decision that put an extra second on the clock.

Kavalhuna added that he spent Saturday night speaking with Big Ten officials, including commissioner Tony Petitti.

Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor said Sunday that “ultimately, the refs did not cost” the Broncos the game.

“If we make the mistake of making an excuse, it allows us to be bitter instead of getting better,” Taylor added. “That’s where we want to go as a football team.”

The Big Ten has maintained since Saturday night that its officials made the correct call.

In a statement, the conference said Western Michigan defender Micah Davis “started his jump from an established out-of-bounds position” and made contact with the ball with one second still showing. The league also said its broadcast cameras, including the one trained on the stadium clock, are aligned before kickoff using what it described as a strobe system, which it said accounts for the gap between its replay clock and the version shown on NBC’s broadcast.

The conference’s statement also included comments from commissioner Tony Petitti, who said: “I commend Western Michigan for an outstanding effort and a well-played game, and I offer my congratulations to Michigan.”

MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher also released a statement claiming he contacted the Big Ten office after the game and was given video and audio of the replay that confirmed the explanation provided to the conference.

“Upon the conclusion of the Western Michigan-Michigan football game, the Mid-American Conference and Western Michigan contacted the Big Ten office to seek clarification regarding the replay review and the placement of time back on the game clock,” the statement read.

“The Big Ten explained that the ball touched a player who was out of bounds before the clock reached 00:00, resulting in one additional play being awarded. The Big Ten subsequently provided video and audio of the replay, which confirmed the explanation provided to us.

“I commend Western Michigan for an outstanding effort and a well-played game, and I offer my congratulations to Michigan.”

NBC also addressed the sequence during its coverage Sunday.

“Our cameras are not the official arbiter of timekeeping within the game,” John Fanta said, noting that responsibility belongs to the Big Ten and its game officials.

The result stands. Michigan is 1-0 heading into Week 2 under new head coach Kyle Whittingham, and Western Michigan, despite the outcome, has said it will not pursue the matter further through any formal channel.

More Michigan Wolverines

Transfer news: Former Manchester United and England winger Jadon Sancho lined up for stunning Borussia Dortmund return – Paper Talk | Football News

September 7, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Monday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Jadon Sancho is reportedly in line to be handed a stunning return to Borussia Dortmund – The Sun

Curtis Jones says Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu was a huge driving force behind his Liverpool exit – Daily Mirror

Image:
Inter Milan signed Curtis Jones from Liverpool (Credit: Inter Milan)

Manchester City’s former chairman David Bernstein says his old club’s transfer spending while their 115 charges case continues in silence ‘makes a mockery’ of the Premier League’s regulation of the top division – Daily Mail

Arsenal reportedly missed out on a double deal for Leicester wonderkids Jeremy Monga and Louis Page due to Andrea Berta’s unconventional negotiation tactic – Daily Mirror

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery believes Alejandro Garnacho still needs time to adapt, having played just half an hour for the club – Daily Mirror

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Ollie Watkins opened his Saudi Pro League account in Al-Hilal’s 3-0 win against Al-Ahli

Ollie Watkins moving to the Saudi Pro League has earned Exeter City a tidy £2m windfall – The Sun

Milos Kerkez has hinted that Liverpool must find a compromise because they cannot carry out Andoni Iraola’s high-pressing tactics for 90 minutes – Daily Mirror

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna insists they are working hard to tie Scott McTominay down to a new contract – Daily Record

Bojan Miovski has sacked his agent amid the striker’s uncertain long-term future at Rangers – Daily Record

Vinnie Jones has revealed he turned down the chance to appear alongside Ally McCoist in Scottish football film A Shot At Glory – Scottish Sun

BOXING

Eddie Hearn says Katie Taylor’s dream Croke Park farewell fight only reinforces why Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury must take place in the UK – The Sun

2026-27 Super Bowl Predictions: Will Chiefs Win It All Again, Or Do Bills Breakthrough?

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Seattle Seahawks were largely dominant en route to winning the Super Bowl last season. Now, can they become the second team in the last two decades to go back-to-back?

Well, the oddsmakers don’t think the Seahawks are the frontrunners entering the 2026 NFL season. In fact, they have one of the Seahawks’ top divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, as the heavy favorites following their massive offseason.

And the “First Things First” crew isn’t high on the Seahawks’ chances of repeating, either. During Friday’s episode, the five co-hosts made their Super Bowl picks, with only one of them even having Seattle reaching the title game.

So, who will win the Super Bowl in 2026? Here’s how the “First Things First” crew sees the 2026 season ending.

Nick Wright’s Super Bowl Prediction:

Chiefs Defeat Eagles

As Nick Wright continues to share his unwavering pride in the Kansas City Chiefs, he sees the AFC Championship Game as a matchup between two powerhouses: the Baltimore Ravens and the Chiefs. For the NFC, the Seahawks will return, and the Eagles make it back after their 2025 appearance.

“I have the Ravens hosting the Chiefs in the AFC, much like they did two years ago,” Wright said. “In the NFC, I have the Seahawks hosting the Eagles.”

Wright’s Super Bowl prediction is a repeat of Super Bowls LVII and LIX, featuring the Eagles and the Chiefs. Wright thinks that the result will be more like Super Bowl LVII than Super Bowl LIX.

“All they’ve done is gone to five of the last seven Super Bowls, seven of the last eight AFC Championships. They’re back atop the mountain,” Wright said of the Chiefs. “Philadelphia, remember, I believe in you.”

Chris Broussard’s Super Bowl Prediction:

Ravens Defeat Cowboys

Broussard took a different approach to his AFC and NFC Championship predictions. His AFC Championship Game features the Ravens and the Houston Texans, and the NFC will see an overdue appearance for the Dallas Cowboys and a second consecutive appearance for the Rams.

“I’m expecting C.J. Stroud to bounce back,” Broussard said. “The Cowboys, I’m high on them; it’s been, 31 years. I have Lamar [Jackson] exercising his playoff demons.”

The twist is that the Rams will fall to the Cowboys and advance to their first Super Bowl in over three decades. However, the Ravens are Broussard’s prediction to win it all.

“I have the Ravens finally getting it done, against Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys. Ravens over Cowboys for the Super Bowl.”

Greg Jennings’ Super Bowl Prediction:

Ravens Defeat Rams

Greg Jennings followed Broussard’s lead, predicting a Ravens and Texans showdown for the AFC Championship Game and the Rams and Cowboys to meet up in the NFC title game. However, his Super Bowl matchup includes the Rams representing the NFC.

But just like Broussard, Jennings believes the Ravens are due for a Super Bowl win.

“I got the Ravens and the Texans, and the Rams and the Cowboys. If the Rams got this far, they’re going to the Super Bowl. I believe this is the year for the Ravens,” Jennings said.

Kevin Wildes’ Super Bowl Prediction:

Patriots Defeat Lions

Kevin Wildes only revealed his prediction for the Super Bowl matchup and his winner. He tabbed the New England Patriots to make a return to the Super Bowl, defeating the Detroit Lions.

“I have the Patriots. We saw them do it last year. They went and reloaded and got better,” Wildes said. “They got A.J. Brown, Romeo Dobbs, and fixing the offensive line; it seems like a pretty simple formula.”

Danny Parkins’ Super Bowl Prediction:

Bills Defeat Seahawks

Parkins believes that the Buffalo Bills will take down the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Championship Game, while the Seahawks will beat the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game. As for his Super Bowl pick, Parkins thinks this is finally the year for Josh Allen and Bills Mafia.

“Josh Allen gets over the top and gets his Super Bowl. The Seahawks make it back, but don’t go back-to-back,” Parkins said.

NFL Related Stories

Kimi Antonelli: Mercedes driver hailed by pundits and Toto Wolff after remarkable 19th to first Italian GP comeback win | F1 News

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

On a Monza weekend that had already produced one implausible result in qualifying, Italy’s new young star Kimi Antonelli delivered a second in Sunday’s thrilling race to ensure its own prominent place in Formula 1’s history books.

Of course, unlike surprise pole position sitter Pierre Gasly – who had never previously qualified at the head of an F1 grid in 190 appearances spent in mostly midfield cars – the 20-year-old Antonelli has become a fixture at the head of the field this year.

Sunday represented the seventh race win of the Mercedes driver’s increasingly-impressive second of Formula 1 and one which extended what stood as a 59-point championship lead to a joint season-high 66 points.

But by winning from the second-lowest grid position in F1’s 76-year history – 19th place – and beating a team-mate and chief title rival in George Russell who had started from the front row, Antonelli ensured it was anything but just another win.

And that’s before you even consider the local factor too – Antonelli ended a 60-year wait for an Italian to win their home Grand Prix again.

The remarkable Monza comeback led to Antonelli being described as “King Kimi” by Martin Brundle, who has both raced against and commentated on many of the sport’s most legendary figures over more than four decades.

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Highlights from the 2026 Italian Grand Prix.

Brundle’s fellow Sky Sports F1 pundit Nico Rosberg, the 2016 world champion, was similarly effusive in his praise after witnessing Antonelli’s remarkable drive.

“We have to say the race that he drove, the first lap, the second start, everything was to perfection,” said Rosberg.

“The speed he had, how he was managing everything. You cannot do it better.

“He’s in his second season in F1, he just turned 20. Who does that like that? It’s just unheard of!”

‘He’s going to walk over water’ – Wolff thought ‘special moment’ was possible

Rosberg had been among the many ahead of the race to suggest that a podium was likely out of Antonelli’s reach from the grid’s penultimate row, something the Italian himself had ruled out after qualifying.

But it turns out that not everyone was expecting it to necessarily be a race purely of damage limitation from the grid penalties that had left Antonelli so out of position.

“I thought one of the two [Mercedes drivers] is going to win,” disclosed Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff after the race.

“Either George because he was on pole [for the restart] or Kimi because he’s going to walk over water here in Monza. And I felt that yesterday also.”

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Kimi Antonelli and George Russell go wheel-to-wheel for the Italian Grand Prix lead in several epic team-mate battles.

Wolff, who worked with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for six of the Briton’s seven world titles, said he sensed “a special moment” was potentially in the offing from Antonelli at his home track.

“Its been a while that I’ve seen drivers’ energy levels, mindset or behavioural pattern and I knew that that was his mission today, to win the race,” he said.

“I chatted with his father yesterday, the father also saw that coming.

“These are the moments where you can see how a weekend is panning out through the sessions, that a special moment could come.

“It’s still a mechanical sport, so it can change quickly.”

What made the difference for Antonelli?

Like any great comeback story, Antonelli’s was not without some good fortune along the way.

Certainly, the second race start after the red flag for Charles Leclerc’s big lap-two crash offered a second chance to make up multiple places more quickly than otherwise might have made the chance had the race not been stopped, even if it did compromise Mercedes’ plans for running Antonelli on a long hard-tyre opening stint.

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Charles Leclerc CRASHES OUT the of the Italian GP

He was already running 12th by the time the red flag was thrown. He then picked up four more places on the restart lap. By lap 13 he was directly behind Russell in third and, once Gasly’s early challenge faded, the Mercedes’ went head-to-head from lap 16 in what soon turned into an almost lap-by-lap changing of the lead.

Eventually running second as the battle settled down slightly, a later well-timed Virtual Safety Car then allowed Antonelli to make a pit stop to switch on to fresher medium tyres, with Russell soon locked in to going to the end on more-worn hards, although Wolff said it was not clear at the time which strategy would win the race.

In any case, Wolff believes it was Antonelli’s driving on track overtaking cars that made the difference.

“The differentiator today was the ability going through the traffic,” added Wolff. “We’ve seen it with other great ones in the past. Lewis put it in some of the races and that’s what he’s shown today.

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Kimi Antonelli wins the Italian Grand Prix from 19th on the grid

“There’s just no stopping when a driver and a car are one, then there’s nothing that can stop them.”

As for Italy’s rising star himself, Antonelli said he had woke up on Sunday morning feeling “very good mentally” and “that a very good result would have been a podium for me”.

“But after the red flag I was already P12 and I had another start,” he added.

“After another couple of laps I was already in the top five and I knew I could have a shot for the win. Of course it was very difficult to break away but we managed to pull it off and bring it home.”

2026-27 NFL MVP Predictions: Will Dak Prescott Win Award For First Time?

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

After Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford won his first MVP award last season, could we see another player win the award for the first time in their career?

There are certainly some intriguing players who are candidates to win their first MVP in the 2026 NFL season. The “First Things First” crew sees that being the case as well, with four of the five panelists picking a player to win their first MVP this season.

So, let’s take a look at who they have winning MVP, as three of them even picked the same player to win the award.

Nick Wright’s MVP Prediction:

Patrick Mahomes returns to the field after suffering a torn ACL in Week 15.(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Nick Wright continued his theme of the Kansas City Chiefs returning to prominence in 20026, and labeled quarterback Patrick Mahomes as his MVP pick.

“He was the favorite to win this award at the midway point of last season. I don’t think him coming off his ACL is going to hamper him throwing the ball. I think it will limit how much he runs the ball,” Wright said.

Mahomes’ 2025 season ended early when he suffered a torn ACL in Week 15. However, with a new running back in Kenneth Walker III and tight end Travis Kelce returning, Mahomes enters the season with a talented supporting cast.

Chris Broussard’s MVP Prediction:

Broussard started the Dak Prescott for MVP trend, making note that his numbers are a massive factor in this year’s MVP.

“The last four years that he’s played 16 or 17 games, he’s thrown for 4,500 yards and 30 or more touchdowns,” Broussard said. “I think Dak is going to have huge numbers this year, and I obviously think they’re going to win the division.”

The Cowboys finished year one under head coach Brian Schottenheimer 7-9-1 and second in the NFC East. Prescott capped the season with 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Greg Jennings’ MVP Prediction:

Could Dak Prescott win his first-ever NFL MVP award? (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

As Jennings also picked Prescott as his MVP prediction, he provided another perspective that makes Prescott a worthy candidate.

“If you’re going to win MVP, and you had a good season last year, you got to have areas where you can improve. The Dallas Cowboys have areas where they improve, and Dak is a part of that,” Jennings said. “Dak Prescott has to be what they are expecting him to be in order for this team to take the next step. I believe he is capable of doing that.”

Even if Prescott had an impressive year on paper, making the improvements this season will be a big factor in the Cowboys’ 2026 campaign.

Kevin Wildes’ MVP Prediction:

Once again, Wildes picked the Cowboys quarterback to win this year’s MVP.

Wildes’ argument for Prescott stemmed from his ability to put up points, as well as having solid numbers on paper.

“He led the league in completions. He threw the ball 600 times last year. The little sprinkle I like, which is a benefit of Matthew Stafford, is that their defense was so bad, [they] got to put up points,” Wildes said.

Danny Parkins’ MVP Prediction:

Caleb Williams enters year three in the NFL and year two under Ben Johnson. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Parkins tabbed Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams as his MVP winner for the upcoming season. After finishing the 2025 campaign as the Bears’ all-time single-season passing leader, Parkins believes a second year in head coach Ben Johnson’s system will be key.

“Their offense is excellent,” Parkins said. “We always talk about great quarterback talent in a great offensive system in Year 2. It’s Year 3 for Caleb Williams and Year 2 in Ben Johnson’s system. It’s a young offense with really, really talented playmakers at every level. … I think they are going to score a ton of points.”

NFL Related Stories

Italian GP: Did Mercedes strategy cost George Russell win at Monza against Kimi Antonelli? | F1 News

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

George Russell feels Mercedes were correct to split strategies despite losing out to Kimi Antonelli in a thrilling Italian Grand Prix.

Russell led Antonelli, who stormed through the field from 19th to be in the lead battle after just 13 laps, by one second when a race-changing Virtual Safety Car was called with 25 laps remaining.

Mercedes pitted Antonelli, but not Russell, for new medium tyres, which put the team-mates 15 seconds apart when the VSC ended.

From sixth, Antonelli overtook his rivals one by one then caught and overtook Russell with three laps to go to win his home event.

It leaves Russell 66 points behind Antonelli in the Drivers’ Championship with 10 rounds to go.

“I was on the hard tyre and Kimi was on the medium tyre [when the VSC came], so if either of us were to pit, it was going to be Kimi,” said Russell.

“I guess, why I was just a little bit annoyed with the timing of that VSC because, like Max said, I think it would have been tough for those guys on the medium to have competed with anybody on the hard tyre. But, it takes nothing away from Kimi’s drive altogether.”

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The crowd erupted with boos aimed at George Russell as he stepped on Monza podium

Had Mercedes pitted both drivers, Antonelli would have been stuck behind for a few seconds in the pit lane, therefore losing track position to Max Verstappen, who also pitted under the VSC.

Russell told Sky Sports F1: “The VSC came at an awkward time. I don’t think the team knew what the right strategy was and, as Max was in the fight, decided to split the strategy which was probably the right thing for the team to do.

“In hindsight of course, it’s easy to say I should have pitted or, if I won the race, they would have said Kimi should have stayed out.

“I would have liked to have had a fight with Kimi. It was quite a nice battle and I felt I was holding my own at that point. That was probably another reason the team wanted us to go on a different strategy. I get it.”

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Kimi Antonelli and George Russell go wheel-to-wheel for the Italian Grand Prix several times

Schiff: I don’t know why Russell is not more frustrated

Sky Sports F1’s Naomi Schiff

I don’t know why he’s not a little bit more frustrated, if I’m totally honest.

“I guess if you’ve given it all and you think that have actually executed the best strategy, and your team-mate has beaten you outright from P19 on the grid, then maybe there is nothing to be frustrated about, other than the fact that Kimi is going to be incredibly tough to beat this season.”

Wolff explains Mercedes’ thinking at time of VSC

Toto Wolff revealed Mercedes’ computer systems told them, at the time of the VSC, that Russell’s strategy would be faster than Antonelli’s with the Italian expected to “come close but wouldn’t catch”.

Mercedes believed the hard tyre was a “forever tyre” that would effectively last the whole race, but not with the performance of the medium.

“The differentiator today was the ability going through the traffic [from Antonelli]. We’ve seen it with other great ones in the past. Lewis [Hamilton] put it in some of the races and that’s what he’s shown today,” said Wolff.

“There’s just no stopping when a driver and a car are one, then there’s nothing that can stop them.”

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George Russell explains why the team chose not to pit him during the VSC, which potentially could have cost him the win in Monza

Coming into the weekend, Antonelli was expected to lose points to his closest title rivals – Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.

Instead, he’s extended his advantage and Russell is set to start at the back himself in one of the upcoming races as he does not have enough engines to finish the season without a grid penalty.

However, Russell says he’s “not thinking about” the title race and instead is looking at the positives of being competitive in Monza and Zandvoort compared to the events before the summer break.

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Kimi Antonelli reflects on his sensational 19th to first Monza victory, catching teammate George Russell to claim a landmark home win and strengthen his championship lead

“We are where we are. Kimi’s been driving incredibly this season and deserves to be leading the championship and he’s got a healthy lead,” he said.

“I’m not going to think about the fight or the comeback. I’m just thinking about going to every race and trying to win it. It will be what it will be. I’m not putting any pressure on myself in this regard, saying ‘I need to do this or that’. I just need to win more races and, of course, he’s in this spot.”

2026 NASCAR Chase Odds: Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin Tied On Board For Darlington

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The first race of the NASCAR Cup postseason will get the green flag this Sunday, Sept. 6 at Darlington.

Drivers will take the track for the Cook Out Southern 500 as The Chase makes its comeback.

It’s fitting that Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin are tied atop the board. Reddick secured his fourth win of the 2026 season at this very track; Hamlin enters the weekend as the favorite to win the title and also as the regular-season champion.

Let’s take a look at the oddsboard as of Sept. 6 at DraftKings Sportsbook.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Cook Out Southern 500

Tyler Reddick: +380 (bet $10 to win $48 total)
Denny Hamlin: +380 (bet $10 to win $48 total)
Chase Briscoe: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Kyle Larson: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Christopher Bell: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Ryan Blaney: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
William Byron: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Ty Gibbs: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Chris Buescher: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Brad Keselowski: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Bubba Wallace: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Joey Logano: +2800 (bet $10 to win $290 total)
Erik Jones: +2800 (bet $10 to win $290 total)
Chase Elliott: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Austin Cindric: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Corey Heim: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Carson Hocevar: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Ryan Preece: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)

Daniel Suárez: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Ross Chastain: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Alex Bowman: +7500 (bet $10 to win $760 total)
Josh Berry: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total)
Michael McDowell: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Shane van Gisbergen: +11000 (bet $10 to win $1,110 total)
Austin Dillon: +11000 (bet $10 to win $1,110 total)
Zane Smith: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
John Hunter Nemechek: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Connor Zilisch: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Riley Herbst: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Austin Hill: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
AJ Allmendinger: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Todd Gilliland: +30000 (bet $10 to win $3,010 total)
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: +30000 (bet $10 to win $3,010 total)
Noah Gragson: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)
Cole Custer: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)
Ty Dillon: +70000 (bet $10 to win $7,010 total)
Cody Ware: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Chad Finchum: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)

Here’s What To Know About The Oddsboard:

The Favorite

Can Tyler Reddick find his spark again as The Chase begins?

Reddick and his team started the 2026 season off with a magical run. He won the first three races and added two more to the tally before losing momentum. At one point, Reddick boasted a 100-point lead in the overall standings. Looking ahead to this weekend, the driver of 23XI’s No. 45 Toyota should feel relatively confident, considering he won at this track when Cup raced here in March for the Goodyear 400.

One To Watch

Denny Hamlin’s 2026 has been exceptional so far.

Denny Hamlin — who’s at the top of the early oddsboard along with Reddick — is one to watch in this race and throughout the entire postseason. In fact, FOX Sports motorsports insider Bob Pockrass put Hamlin at the very top of his Chase contenders rankings, and he also notes that Denny has won at all 10 tracks on The Chase schedule. That, of course, includes Darlington. When the series raced at this track earlier this year in March, Hamlin got an 11th-place finish after starting ninth. Hamlin goes into Darlington as the points leader in The Chase.

Italian GP: Kimi Antonelli sensationally wins thrilling Monza race from George Russell and Max Verstappen | F1 News

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Kimi Antonelli completed a remarkable comeback to win his home Italian Grand Prix from 19th place after a race-long battle against Mercedes team-mate George Russell.

Antonelli was not expected to contend for victory due to grid penalties for exceeding his engine allocation but stormed through the field early on – in between the red flag for Charles Leclerc’s huge crash – and showed tremendous pace to catch Russell on an alternative strategy.

The two Mercedes and Max Verstappen pulled clear of the field in the first half of the race, exchanging the lead several times, due to the yoyo style of racing caused by the 2026 power units and the impact of having a slipstream around the long straights at Monza.

Antonelli and Verstappen pitted on Lap 29, just after half race distance, when a Virtual Safety Car came out for Lance Stroll stopping in his Aston Martin.

After their pit stops, the pair emerged in sixth and seventh with a 15-second deficit to Russell but comfortably made their way back up to the top positions on fresher tyres.

Antonelli caught Russell with five laps remaining but ran wide at the first chicane due to the track breaking up. However, he was soon back on Russell’s tail and made the race-winning move with three laps to go, while Verstappen held off the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to claim third.

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Kimi Antonelli and George Russell go wheel-to-wheel for the Italian Grand Prix lead several times

It means Antonelli is 66 points ahead of Russell in the Drivers’ Championship with the latter also expected to take grid penalties of his own at a future race.

Norris limited the damage in fourth on a weekend McLaren struggled, but not without a feisty battle with Piastri during the final laps, and is 96 points behind Antonelli in the standings.

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Kimi Antonelli wins the Italian Grand Prix from 19th on the grid

Ferrari had huge hopes to win at Monza but Lewis Hamilton struggled to sixth, having been left frustrated since the opening lap when he was forced into the gravel by team-mate Leclerc who crashed hard on the third lap.

Pole-sitter Pierre Gasly did not have the pace and dropped to seventh, ahead of Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad, his Alpine team-mate Franco Colapinto and the other Racing Bulls of Yuki Tsunoda.

Italian GP Result: Top 10

1) Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

2) George Russell, Mercedes

3) Max Verstappen, Red Bull

4) Lando Norris, McLaren

5) Oscar Piastri, McLaren

6) Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

7) Pierre Gasly, Alpine

8) Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls

9) Franco Colapinto, Alpine

10) Yuki Tsuoda, Racing Bulls

More to follow…

4 Takeaways From LSU’s Absolute Throttling Of Clemson In Their Season Opener

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

They say it never rains at Tiger Stadium.

They were wrong.

On an evening where a torrential downpour pushed kickoff back nearly 90 minutes, LSU showered Clemson with points over the course of 51-10 throttling to kick off the Lane Kiffin era in Baton Rouge.

“Imagine if we had pro players,” Kiffin quipped in his halftime interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe — a nod to LSU’s ongoing legal fight with the SEC and its attempt to add former NFL players to its roster.

Imagine, indeed.

Here’s how it all went down, along with my takeaways from LSU’s commanding season-opening win against Dabo Swinney’s struggling Clemson squad.

1. Forget Sam Leavitt’s Arm — His Legs Carried LSU To Victory

Quarterback Sam Leavitt had a standout season opener in LSU’s dominant win. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)

It feels like it’s been a decade since Sam Leavitt led Arizona State to the College Football Playoff.

Two years and one transfer later, onlookers were reminded what makes Leavitt so dangerous — and why he might just be the perfect fit for Kiffin’s offense — as he dashed for a pair of first-half scores and carved up Tom Allen’s Clemson defense.

The former Sun Devils signal-caller was fleet of foot for a player coming off season-ending foot surgery that, even as he walked into the stadium on Saturday night, appeared as though it might still be hobbling him.

Leavitt finished the evening with 113 yards on 12 carries. But it was his acrobatic scampers of eight and 13 yards in the first half that pushed LSU’s lead at the break up to 28 points and put the hopes of any kind of Clemson Magic being stirred up on the bayou to bed.

LSU will see stiffer competition than the Clemson squad it saw on Saturday night — we’ll get there in a second — but the way the Tigers ran the ball (309 yards on 58 carries) and, especially via their new starting quarterback, provide this offense with a dynamic we may have underrated coming into the campaign.

2. LSU’s Legal Clash With The SEC Lingered Over This Game

Let’s take a moment to discuss who didn’t play on Saturday evening.

In a week when football kicked off in earnest across the country, the most compelling storyline in the enterprise played out in a Baton Rouge courtroom.

LSU has been fighting its own conference over the last three weeks in an effort to bring back a handful of players — including Ole Miss transfers Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris — who had signed with NFL teams.

Lane Kiffin is living up to his reputation as a coach who pushes the limits. (Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)

LSU’s persistence in pressing the matter drew its share of ire from around the college football and political world, including barbs from attorneys general in Oklahoma, South Carolina and Mississippi — who each shared messages backing the SEC in its efforts to enforce its own rules.

The proceedings came to a head on Thursday as a hearing was held just a few miles from Tiger Stadium and where Judge William Jordan sided with LSU and paved the way for Kiffin’s crew to add Wright and Harris to the roster.

But rather than move forward with adding Wright and Harris and risk a slew of severe penalties from the SEC — which included suspending Kiffin for half the season, a fine that equaled 50% of the program’s annual budget, or even the threat of being kicked out of the league — the Tigers brass stood down.

Dae’Quan Wright warms up prior to the Cleveland Browns’ preseason game against the Buffalo Bills in August. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

“LSU has made a measured decision to keep these two young men off the roster for now while preserving a path for them to be added later,” plaintiff attorney Ryan Downton told me in a statement on Saturday morning. “Everyone should use that space to lower the temperature and look at the facts.”

To Downton’s point, there is still a world where LSU does add Wright and Harris, among others, to its roster down the line.

The SEC, too, filed a suit in federal court that leaked, coincidentally, while conference commissioner Greg Sankey was on the stand in Baton Rouge. Will the suit proceed? Or will LSU move forward with adding a pair of NFL cuts?

Stay tuned.

3. Lane Kiffin’s Offense Isn’t The Only Strength In Baton Rouge

LSU linebacker Whit Weeks celebrates with his teammates during the Tigers’ win vs. Clemson. (Photo by Aric Becker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

LSU’s offense might move at warp speed, but the Tigers defense set the tone on Saturday night.

They barely gave an inch — 40 yards, to be precise — over the game’s first 17 minutes, capped off by defensive end Jordan Ross leaping in front of Clemson quarterback Christian Vizzina’s first-quarter pass and dashing to pay dirt. A 30-yard pick-six at the end of the first quarter to be exact.

Clemson looked completely overwhelmed throughout the early stages of Saturday’s proceedings as the LSU front swarmed Vizzina in just his second start in four years at Clemson — albeit it was no better when he was replaced by freshman Tait Reynolds.

Purple and white pass-rushers Ross and Princewill Umanmielen were as persistent a presence in the backfield as Vizzina and Reynolds themselves, combining for seven tackles, 2.5 for a loss and two hurries in the first half alone.

Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker was among the few holdovers from Brian Kelly’s staff and spurned heavy interest from Tulane for its head coaching job to return to LSU. Keeping Baker around sure looks apt on Kiffin’s part after at least one game.

4. Clemson Is Running Out Of Answers

Dabo Swinney during his team’s lopsided loss to LSU in Week 1. (Photo by Aric Becker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

And so we’re here, again. Already.

It’s hard to completely overreact to Saturday night’s shellacking in Death Valley — it’s a long season after all — but Dabo Swinney may squarely be on the clock.

These are bizarre times in the Upstate.

Swinney’s resume is genuinely glimmering. Two national titles. Four championship game appearances. Nine ACC titles. Thirteen (!!) 10-win seasons. Hall of Fame stuff.

The more uncomfortable reality is what should we really expect under Clemson and Swinney in 2026 and beyond?

The Tigers have been stubbornly slow at adapting to modern roster-building. The hiring of Garrett Riley and the return of Chad Morris also haven’t exactly been boons for a Clemson offense that has been largely listless since Trevor Lawrence was rushing past Howard’s Rock (In fairness, we’re only one game into the Morris experience Part II).

Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina after being sacked by LSU during the first half. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)

Clemson isn’t close to being a national title contender. That much was abundantly clear during Saturday night’s throttling under the lights in Baton Rouge. But, given the way the Tigers looked for the bulk of the night, are we sure they’re even an ACC or bowl game contender?

Breakups are painful. They’re even messier when they involve a coach who, frankly, deserves a statue outside Memorial Stadium. But it’s nights like Saturday that make the uncomfortable questions about Swinney and the future of this program increasingly prescient.

Perhaps the Tigers lick their wounds and rip through the rest of their schedule.

I’m not holding my breath.

RJ Young on Indiana’s title defense: Will they repeat? | The Herd

Gianni Infantino: FIFA president confirms he will stand for re-election in March | Football News

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election as FIFA president next March.

Infantino has been under pressure to resign after he tried to sell a stake in FIFA tournaments to private investors.

He has refused to step down and he is likely to face a challenger in the vote which will be held at the FIFA Congress in Morocco next year.

Candidates who want to challenge Infantino have to declare their intention to stand in the election by November 18.

FIFA spokesperson: “The FIFA president announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election.”

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Infantino wouldn’t be drawn on questions about his future and the current row with UEFA as he attended the Women’s U20 World Cup in Poland

Infantino has been under attack by FIFA vice-presidents in Asia, Europe and North America.

Last month, European nations withdrew their threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving “assurances such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again”.

However, European football’s governing body continues to lead a global drive to force Mr Infantino from power.

Infantino used trips in recent weeks to highlight how FIFA have raised money and invested it in football associations, who each have a vote carrying equal weight in the presidential election.

This week Infantino was at the Women’s U20 World Cup in Poland, where he declined to discuss his future and the current row with UEFA.

2026 INDYCAR Odds: Alex Palou Heavy Favorite At Laguna Seca

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The confetti has already dropped for Alex Palou, who secured his fifth INDYCAR title and fourth consecutive at Milwaukee.

However, one more race remains on the INDYCAR schedule before the 2026 season comes to an end.

This weekend, the series goes to Laguna Seca for the Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m. ET (FOX).

Will reigning champion Alex Palou add another exclamation mark to his already dazzling track record or should bettors keep their eyes on another driver?

Here are the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 6.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

INDYCAR Series: Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey 2026

Alex Palou: 20/31 (bet $10 to win $16.45 total)
Scott McLaughlin: 4/1 (bet $10 to win $50 total)
Christian Lundgaard: 7/1 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Kyle Kirkwood: 8/1 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Felix Rosenqvist: 8/1 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
David Malukas: 12/1 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Pato O’Ward: 18/1 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Marcus Ericsson: 20/1 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Alexander Rossi: 20/1 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Will Power: 35/1 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Scott Dixon: 40/1 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Marcus Armstrong: 40/1 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Josef Newgarden: 40/1 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Rinus Veekay: 50/1 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Louis Foster: 80/1 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Kyffin Simpson: 80/1 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Nolan Siegel: 100/1 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Mick Schumacher: 100/1 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Graham Rahal: 100/1 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Christian Rasmussen: 100/1 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Caio Collet: 100/1 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Santino Ferrucci: 150/1 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Romain Grosjean: 200/1 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Dennis Hauger: 200/1 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Sting Ray Robb: 500/1 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)

Here’s What To Know About The Oddsboard:

The Favorite

Alex Palou’s 2026 could get sweeter if he gets into Winner’s Circle at Laguna Seca.

This weekend should be a relatively enjoyable one for Alex Palou because, regardless of what happens on the track, he’s already wrapped up the 2026 INDYCAR championship. His road to his fifth INDYCAR title (and fourth consecutive) was paved with eight poles, six wins and 673 laps led. When the series raced here in July 2025, Palou got into Winner’s Circle, holding off Christian Lundgaard (second) and Colton Herta (third).

One To Watch

Will Pato O’Ward finish the year with another win?

Pato O’Ward comes into this weekend after sweeping both races at Milwaukee. His electric run in the Midwest was exactly what he needed to add some glimmer to an otherwise disappointing year. Before the series stopped at the Milwaukee Mile, Pato had just one other win under his hood this season and that came at Mid-Ohio. Last year at this track, O’Ward just missed the podium, finishing fourth.

Katie Taylor ecstatic after beating Flora Pili to make perfect end to ‘dream career’ at Dublin’s Croke Park | Boxing News

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Katie Taylor acclaimed becoming a three-time undisputed world champion in her farewell fight at Croke Park as the most special moment of her decorated career.

Taylor outclassed Flora Pili in a unanimous points victory in front of a crowd of 80,000 to ensure her three decades as an amateur and professional boxer ended in fairytale fashion.

Wild celebrations followed the announcement that she had overwhelmed the previously unbeaten Pili 100-90 100-90 98-91 on the scorecards.

For Taylor the feeling of signing off in front of her fans bettered winning Olympic gold at London 2012, headlining Madison Square Garden and her trilogy against Amanda Serrano.

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Katie Taylor shares her victory with her home crowd at Croke Park after beating Flora Pili

The 40-year-old said: “This was definitely the highlight of my whole career.

“I didn’t think anything could get bigger than London 2012 and then MSG came along.

Image:
Croke Park on Katie Taylor’s final night

“I didn’t think anything could get bigger than that first fight with Serrano and then here we are at Croke Park.

“I ended my career on top, like every athlete wants to do, on my terms, and I ended it as the undisputed champion.

“That’s exactly how I wanted it to end. It was so important to me all along to end my career well.”

Taylor thrilled Croke Park with a spine-tingling ring walk and also delivered in the ring by outclassing Pili across all 10 rounds.

She finished the fight by launching an all-out assault in the final 10 seconds that was roared on by the crowd and once the bell sounded, she smiled and hugged her opponent knowing she had thrown her final shots.

Taylor said: “This night was everything I expected and more. Thankfully I was able to hold my emotions together because I was getting emotional all week speaking about this event.

Image:
Katie Taylor fights Flora Pili at Croke Park

“And over the last few months, the preparation for this has been so emotional. But the atmosphere was so special. It was beyond my wildest dreams. It was unbelievable.

“What an amazing night. Looking back on an amazing career, this was just a dream ending to a dream career for me. What a way to end.

“I don’t think there’s another country in the world that would sell 80,000 tickets for a female athlete. I’m convinced Ireland was the only country that would actually do that.

“What a way to end this amazing journey. I started off this career and I had the dream of becoming an Olympic champion.

“I achieved that, but then these last 10 years have been beyond my wildest dreams. It’s been a remarkable 10 years.”

Hearn: Greatest Irish sportsperson of all time

Image:
Katie Taylor celebrates her win over Flora Pili at Croke Park

Eddie Hearn speaking to DAZN:

“We went into this event and I said this will be the greatest atmosphere and greatest occasion boxing has ever seen and Croke Park, you did it tonight.

“There were 83,000 people in here tonight and they are still here. I wasn’t supposed to do something we haven’t done before. This is a woman who refused to take no as an answer and banged on every door. She’s the greatest Irish sportsperson of all time.

“She made this happen. She made it happen because the entire nation supported her so proudly.”

One Second Changed Everything for Michigan Against Western Michigan

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Every college football season produces a moment that, years from now, will make people look at one another and say, “I remember where I was when that happened.”

For Kyle Whittingham, Bryce Underwood and Michigan football fans everywhere, that moment came Saturday night at the Big House.

The Wolverines trailed in-state foe Western Michigan, 12-7, with one second remaining on the clock. Their season opener, one in which they entered as 27.5-point favorites, was slipping away.

Underwood, Michigan’s highly touted sophomore quarterback, took the snap at midfield and rolled left. He backpedaled, bought himself a moment and heaved a Hail Mary pass into the outstretched arms of wide receiver JJ Buchanan to lift the Wolverines to an unfathomable 13-12 victory over the Broncos.

But should the play have even been allowed to take place?

That is the question that will undoubtedly be on the minds of Western Michigan coaches and players after Underwood’s first Hail Mary attempt sailed out of bounds as the clock hit zero.

Western Michigan players had already begun celebrating what they believed to be a historic victory. Then the officials went to review the play.

TV replays appeared to show the clock reaching zero before the ball touched the hands of a Western Michigan defender. But after the review, the officials ruled that one second remained.

The Big Ten Conference released a statement explaining the decision, saying that “following video review, it was determined Western Michigan’s No. 18 started his jump from an established out of bounds position (left foot) and made contact with the ball with one second remaining on the clock.”

The Mid-American Conference and Western Michigan contacted the Big Ten office to seek clarification regarding the replay video and the placement of one second back on the game clock.

MAC commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher said the Big Ten explained that “the ball touched a player who was out of bounds before the clock reached 0:00, resulting in one additional play.”

That one additional play changed everything.

“The extra second was huge,” Whittingham said in his postgame news conference. “As I watched the first Hail Mary and the ball sailed out of the back of the end zone, as I glanced at the clock, I was pretty sure there was one second left. But that obviously is not up to me.”

And so Underwood did it again. This time, his Hail Mary found Buchanan, sending the Big House into bedlam and lifting the Wolverines to a victory that, for several minutes, had seemed impossible.

Bryce Underwood connected with JJ Buchanan for a 47-yard touchdown pass that lifted the Wolverines to a win over Western Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

“This game will go down in Michigan history,” Whittingham said. “I don’t know if it’s in a positive way, but it will go down in history for certain.”

For most of Saturday night, it looked as if Michigan was headed toward the wrong kind of history.

Underwood started the game strong, leading the Wolverines on an 11-play, 75-yard opening drive that ended with his 1-yard touchdown run. But Lance Taylor’s Western Michigan team refused to give up. The defending MAC champions kicked four field goals and forced three turnovers, including a costly fourth-quarter fumble by Underwood.

The Broncos took their first lead early in the fourth quarter and remained composed until the final whistle, threatening to hand Michigan its most stunning upset loss since Appalachian State walked out of the Big House with a victory in 2007.

Instead, Michigan got one second. And a miracle to follow.

Somewhere from Ann Arbor to college campuses across the country, plenty of people now have a story that begins the same way:

“I remember where I was when I saw it.”

PING Junior Solheim Cup: Europe captain Anne van Dam says her side will ‘fight to last putt’ to win | Golf News

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Team Europe’s PING Junior Solheim Cup captain Anne Van Dam believes her side have a very good chance of winning back the trophy from Team USA at Bernardus Golf this week, adding her players will “fight to the last putt” to secure victory.

Twelve of Europe’s best golfers between the ages of 12 and 18 are gearing up to take on Team USA between September 7 and 8 in the PING Junior Solheim Cup at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands.

The tournament will take place three days before the Solheim Cup gets under way on September 11, live on Sky Sports.

Image:
Team Europe last won the PING Junior Solheim Cup in Spain in 2023

It will mark the first time that both the PING Junior Solheim Cup and the Solheim Cup have been played on the same course in the same week.

The 2026 event will also be the first time that a PING Junior Solheim Cup captain will also concurrently serve as a Solheim Cup vice-captain, with Van Dam being one of Anna Nordqvist’s vice-captains.

Van Dam’s former PING Junior Solheim Cup team-mate Bronte Law will act as the European skipper’s vice-captain.

Morgan Pressel is Team USA’s captain, and her side are the favourites coming into the event. They are out to defend their title after they claimed victory at the Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia in 2024.

Despite Team USA’s strength, Van Dam is optimistic about her side’s chances.

“My team are all fighters,” Van Dam said. “One thing they have in common is they all have big personalities and very feisty attitudes.

“I know they will fight hard to the last putt. That’s sometimes a very hard thing to teach someone. You either have that, or you don’t. Everyone on our team has that.

“I’m very excited to see that come out and have them fight for it. I know Europe is a little bit behind, maybe in the total standings, and I would love for them to catch up.”

Image:
Team USA are out to defend their title, after winning the PING Junior Solheim Cup in 2024

Team USA leads Team Europe with an all-time record 8-4-1 at the PING Junior Solheim Cup, but the last time these two sides met on European soil in 2023, Team Europe emerged victorious, beating Team USA 15-9 in Spain.

“I’m very excited for the next couple of days and to follow them throughout the rest of their careers. There’s a lot of superstars on the team,” Van Dam added.

“I can tell from the moment I started talking to my players how much they are looking forward to the opportunity to hopefully learn a lot from me and Bronte [Law].

“For them, playing on the same venue as the Solheim Cup is groundbreaking.”

Who are the European players to look out for?

Image:
England’s Lauren Crump qualified automatically to represent Team Europe

The top six European players in the PING Junior Solheim Cup rankings after the conclusion of the R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship in August automatically qualified for Team Europe.

Van Dam selected Spain’s Marta Muñoz as one of her six captain’s picks, after she beat her compatriot Adriana García Terol in the 36-hole final of the R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship in August.

García Terol qualified for Team Europe automatically via the PING Junior Solheim Cup rankings, alongside Switzerland’s Lana Guyot, who reached the semi-finals of the R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship.

England’s Lauren Crump, who won the Annika Invitational Europe in Sweden in June, also qualified via the Ping Junior Solheim Cup rankings, and is joined by her compatriot Annabel Peaford, who was selected as a captain’s pick.

Team Europe

Anna Ludvová, Czech Republic (Q)
Adriana García Terol, Spain (Q)
Lena Geier, Germany (Q)
Sofía Maier-Borst, Germany (Q)
Lauren Crump, England (Q)
Lana Guyot, Switzerland (Q)
Axelle Guillemard, France (CP)
Alice Kong, France (CP)
Carlota López Minguela, Spain (CP)
Marta Muñoz, Spain (CP)
Annabel Peaford, England (CP)
Carolina Pérez-Tasso, Spain (CP)
*(Q) denotes automatic qualifier; (CP) denotes captain’s pick

Who are the American players to look out for?

Image:
Asterisk Talley won the US Women’s Amateur Championship in August

Asterisk Talley, who played for Team USA in 2023 and 2024, headlines the list of names included in Pressel’s team. She is ranked No 1 in the Rolex American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) rankings and has had an excellent year, winning at the US Women’s Amateur Championship in August.

Amelie Zalsman has been in excellent form in 2026, recording top-five finishes at all of her AGJA starts this season, and placed as a runner-up in the US Girls’ Junior Championship in July.

Anna Fang helped guide Team USA to victory at the 2024 PING Junior Solheim Cup and has risen to 52nd in the Women’s World Amateur Golf Rankings after enjoying a brilliant 12 months, notably placing as a runner-up at the Rolex Tournament of Champions in 2025.

Team USA

Asterisk Talley, California (Q)
Amelie Zalsman, Florida (Q)
Eliana Saga, California (Q)
Lily Peng, California (Q)
Anna Fang, California (Q)
Honorine Ferry, Texas (Q)
Kelly Zhang, California (Q)
Grace Carter, Florida (Q)
Madeleine Conser, Oregon (CP)
Iris Lee, Florida (CP)
Amber Lee, California (CP)
Aubrey Hilgers, Arizona (CP)
*(Q) denotes automatic qualifier; (CP) denotes captain’s pick

Who has featured in the PING Junior Solheim Cup in the past?

European captain Van Dam and her vice-captain Law both featured in the 2013 PING Junior Solheim Cup and will bring plenty of experience to Team Europe.

Team USA stars Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson and Alison Lee have all played in the PING Junior Solheim Cup.

On the European side, players including Charley Hull, Georgia Hall and 2026 Solheim Cup captain Nordqvist have previously played.

What’s the schedule and format?

Monday September 7: Six four-ball matches and six foursomes matches

Tuesday September 8: 12 singles matches

Who will win the Solheim Cup? Watch Team Europe’s bid to regain the trophy exclusively live on Sky Sports, with all three days live from September 11-13 on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream golf and more with no contract.

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Lane Kiffin’s LSU Entrance Includes Livvy Dunne, Theo Von, Brooks Nader

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

If Lane Kiffin is going to be college football’s villain, he might as well have the entrance to match.

Ahead of his first game as LSU’s head coach, Kiffin walked the Tiger’s traditional “Tiger Walk” next to former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, comedian Theo Von and model Brooks Nader.

Because … of course.

Kiffin, who is set to take over at LSU after the team’s underwhelming finish to the 2025 season, has spent the better part of the past year building his case as college football’s most entertaining villain.

First, he left Ole Miss amid a historic season that included the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance to accept the head coaching job at LSU. Kiffin was forced to miss the CFP as Ole Miss’ head coach, with Pete Golding elevated to lead the Rebels in his absence.

Then came the offseason.

Kiffin recruited multiple players who had spent time in NFL training camps this summer back to college football, adding another layer to his already considerable villain résumé.

The first-year LSU head coach was asked about all the outside noise surrounding his program on Saturday morning, ahead of his team’s season opener against Clemson.

“A lot of times to do great things, you’re going to be hated,” Kiffin said.

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin recruited multiple players who had spent time in NFL training camps this summer back to college football. (Photo by Gus Stark/University Images via Getty Images}

It was announced Friday night that former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris — both of whom had brief stints in the NFL — were not added to LSU’s roster, but the moves only added to the intrigue surrounding Kiffin’s first season in Baton Rouge.

Then came Saturday’s entrance.

Kiffin arrived at Tiger Stadium in a sharply tailored suit and sunglasses, shaking hands and waving to fans as he made his way inside the stadium.

Not exactly your average stadium walk.

But then again, there isn’t much about Lane Kiffin that’s average.

Since arriving in Baton Rouge, the Tigers’ head coach has compiled the No. 1-ranked transfer portal class, per 247Sports. He added star quarterback Sam Leavitt, Colorado offensive lineman Jordan Seaton, and Ole Miss defensive standouts TJ Dottery and Princewill Umanmielen.

Kiffin also added former LSU coach Ed Orgeron, who led the Tigers to an undefeated 14-0 record and national title in 2019, to his staff. Orgeron will serve as special assistant to recruiting and defense.

Kiffin has spent years embracing the attention, and on Saturday, heading into his first game as LSU’s head coach in front of what should be a packed Tiger Stadium, he looked comfortable playing the part.

College football’s villain has officially arrived in Baton Rouge.

CFB Related Stories

Super League: Proving difference between Champions and challengers – Wigan Warriors show Leeds Rhinos how it is done | Rugby League News

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Under Brad Arthur, Leeds Rhinos have shown glimpses of being the force they once were. They have shown glimpses of being a side in contention for trophies once again.

However, Wigan reminded them on Friday that there is a difference between having signs of being a trophy team and consistently being one.

If there has been one criticism levelled at Arthur during his time at the Rhinos it has been that, in the big games, their star players do not step up and they falter.

Last year, they fell to St Helens in the play-offs when they were the clear favourites. Who can forget ‘Left to Wright’. They went out early in the Challenge Cup to Wakefield Trinity. They were dominated by Wigan on a night when they could have got one hand on a piece of silverware they have not had since 2015.

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Bevan French chases down Harry Smith’s grubber to score a brilliant try from seemingly nothing and put Wigan Warriors firmly in control against Leeds Rhinos.

Wigan now need one win, in Round 27 against Catalans, to make it two trophies out of two in 2026. Of course, Leeds are not yet mathematically out of the League Leaders’ Shield race. If Wigan lose and they win in the final round, their points difference should see them over the line.

If Wigan stand firm though and extend their trophy cabinet, there is one opportunity left for the Rhinos in 2026. It would mean the Rhinos, despite being in top spot for 15 weeks in a row, would only have the Grand Final left as an opportunity to claim silverware.

To win that, they still need to win a semi-final and then the big dance.

What happened on Saturday night is simple: One is a champion team. The other is trying to become one.

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Bevan French produces an outrageous pass to put Austin Daniel over for Wigan Warriors in their top-of-the-table Super League clash with Leeds Rhinos.

It was another big occasion that Leeds Rhinos let slip and for head coach Arthur, he said they simply “let the club down” on the night.

“We are disappointed, we did not put our best foot forward tonight,” Arthur said.

“It was a big occasion for the club, not through effort, but we just let ourselves down, we let the club down tonight.

“We spoke to the boys then, it’s certainly not over, but we’re going to have to dust ourselves off and we’ve got a big game next week and we need to regain some form.”

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Austin Daniel marks a huge opportunity in Wigan’s top-of-the-table clash with Leeds by producing a brilliant piece of play to create the Warriors’ opening try.

Like Arthur pointed out, it is important to note that this is not a nail in the coffin for Leeds. In a month’s time, we could be lauding the Yorkshire outfit for picking up their first Grand Final win in 11 years.

It would be a first major trophy since they had some legendary figures gracing the field.

Scrap that – they could be picking up the League Leaders’ Shield next week if Catalans do them a favour and they can get past Hull FC.

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Oliver Partington speaks after Wigan Warriors’ huge win over Leeds Leopards in their pursuit to win the League Leaders’ Shield.

However, Wigan have shown again this year that on their day, with their best on the field, they are a sight to behold.

“I think they’re too good a team to let this opportunity slip next week,” Arthur added.

“They were (the team to beat) before tonight and they just showed how much of a class outfit they are. They just outplayed us.”

Leeds were shown Wigan’s superiority on Saturday night. They will hope next time they meet, they will finally get to show theirs.

The regular Super League season concludes with Round 27 from Thursday September 10 live on Sky Sports.

2026 Heisman Trophy Odds: Mensah, Toney Surge After Historic Week 1 Performances

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza’s 2025 season could not have been more perfect.

He led his Hoosiers to an unblemished 16-0 season, captured the national championship in historic fashion and won the 2025 Heisman before being selected first in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Raiders.

Now that the path is clear for someone new to leave NYC in December holding the Heisman, who will it be?

Miami teammates Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney made their mark early with historic Week 1 performances Friday night, while a familiar pair of Buckeyes may had something to say about it on Saturday.

Let’s check out the latest Heisman trophy odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 5.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

2026 Heisman Trophy Odds

Darian Mensah: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
CJ Carr: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Arch Manning: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Jeremiah Smith: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Dante Moore: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)
Malachi Toney: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)
Julian Sayin: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Josh Hoover: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
Trinidad Chambliss: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
Jayden Maiava: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
Sam Leavitt: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Keelon Russell: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Gunner Stockton: +2400 (bet $10 to win $250 total)
John Mateer: +2800 (bet $10 to win $290 total)
Marcel Reed: +3800 (bet $10 to win $390 total)

Here’s what to know about the 2026 Heisman oddsboard:

Darian Mensah, QB: +550

Darian Mensah led Miami to a 45-6 win over Stanford to open its season. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Mensah’s Miami debut couldn’t have gone much better. He immediately proved the doubters wrong, throwing for 401 yards and five touchdowns on Friday night. In the process, Mensah became just the sixth quarterback since 2000 to complete at least 90% of his passes while throwing for 400+ yards and five touchdowns in a game. Following the historic performance, Mensah’s Heisman odds surged from +1150, the fourth-shortest entering the week, to +550 as the new favorite.

CJ Carr, QB: +800

CJ Carr will make his 2026 debut on Sunday against Wisconsin (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/ Getty Images).

Just a few days ago, Carr entered the college football season as the Heisman favorite. However, after Mensah’s dominant performance Friday night, Carr has dropped to the second choice, with his odds moving from +700 to +800. As a true freshman last season, Carr completed 66.6% of his passes for 2,741 yards, 24 touchdowns and just six interceptions. The Notre Dame quarterback will make his 2026 debut Sunday night against Wisconsin, looking to one-up Mensah’s Week 1 performance.

Arch Manning, QB: +1000

Arch Manning threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns on Saturday. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Arch Manning and Texas made easy work of Texas State to open the season. With a 40-point lead in the third quarter, Manning was pulled from the game after completing 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns against Texas State.

Jeremiah Smith, WR: +1000

Smith has his sights set on the Heisman, and he made that clear Saturday, striking the pose after hauling in his second touchdown of the game. He finished with eight catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns, with all of that production coming in the first half as the Buckeyes rested their stars for most of the second half. Smith’s 151 receiving yards were the second-most he’s recorded in a first half during his career. After Saturday’s performance, he also has six more receiving touchdowns than any other FBS player since 2024. He’ll need more performances like this if he wants to become the first wide receiver since DeVonta Smith to win the Heisman Trophy.

Dante Moore, QB: +1300

Dante Moore threw for a career-high 388 yards in Oregon’s win over Boise State. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

Moore set a career-high in passing yards with 378 yards to go with three touchdown passes. He helped Oregon narrowly escape Boise State 34-27.

Malachi Toney, WR: +1300

Malachi Toney broke the Miami Hurricanes all-time single game receiving record against Stanford (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images).

On Friday night, sophomore wide receiver Malachi Toney made history, setting Miami’s single-game receiving record with 234 yards while hauling in three touchdowns. Following his historic performance, Toney’s Heisman odds soared from +4000 to +1300, the biggest jump of any player this weekend.

Julian Sayin, QB: +1400

Julian Sayin threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns against Ball State on Saturday. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Sayin picked up right where he left off last season from an efficiency standpoint, completing 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns. Ohio State’s matchups against Group of Six opponents provide the perfect opportunity for him to pile up numbers and strengthen the statistical side of his Heisman case.

Josh Hoover, QB: +1900

Josh Hoover lifted Indiana to a win in his debut. Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Josh Hoover looked like the next great transfer quarterback in his Indiana debut. He tossed for 231 yards and four touchdowns as the Hoosiers won 52-16. He also became the first quarterback since 2000 to throw 4+ touchdown passes in an Indiana debut. His odds jumped from +3000 to +1900 on Saturday.

Katie Taylor wins final fight of boxing career after beating Flora Pili on emotional night at Dublin’s Croke Park | Boxing News

September 6, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Katie Taylor bid an emotional farewell to boxing as the Irish icon dominated Flora Pili in the final fight of her storied career at a packed out Croke Park on Saturday.

The 40-year-old stormed to a unanimous decision victory to clinch the vacant WBC super-lightweight belt and bow out as a three-time undisputed world champion with 83,000 fans in attendance at Dublin’s historic sporting home.

Taylor, an Olympic champion and two-weight undisputed champion, hangs up her gloves widely-recognised as the greatest female boxer in history and a game-changing pioneer for women’s sport.

It marked the first boxing event to be held at Croke Park since Muhammad Ali fought Al “Blue” Lewis on July 19, 1972.

Taylor’s win over Pili sees her retire with a professional record of 26-1 having suffered the only blemish of her career in defeat to Chantelle Cameron in May 2023.

Image:
Katie Taylor says goodbye to the Croke Park crowd

“Croke Park, we did it, we brought boxing back to Croke Park,” Taylor told DAZN after the fight.

“Every one of you here helped me win. You were with me in London 2012, you got me through the heartbreak of Rio, you stayed with me when I turned pro, you travelled around the world to watch me, now you’re here with me.

“I don’t know of any other country that would sell 80,000 tickets, Ireland is the only country.

“She was a very awkward opponent and a great opponent. Thank you very much to her for being involved in this epic night.”

Image:
Katie Taylor and Flora Pili during their fight at Croke Park

A night of celebration was capped by a typically-commanding Taylor display, one final clinic of blistering hand speed, elite footwork and ring IQ proving too much for Pili.

Time and time again Taylor unloaded with slick combinations to out-work and out-manoeuvre her French opponent, who struggled to find joy with her counter-shot approach.

As the final round arrived Taylor sought to deliver one closing show, filling the dying seconds with a relentless attack before embracing Pili at the final bell.

It was a fitting, perfect conclusion to a trailblazing career, Taylor not only transforming boxing but asserting herself as perhaps the greatest sportsperson in Irish history.

Image:
Katie Taylor, left, and Flora Pili during their undisputed super lightweight championship fight

The Bray Bomber has been instrumental in catapulting women’s boxing in prominence on the modern sporting landscape, paving the way for a thriving female fighting scene.

Taylor became Ireland’s first female Olympic boxing champion at London 2012 when she beat Russia’s Sofya Ochigava in the lightweight gold medal bout.

She turned professional in 2016 after compiling an amateur record of 176-12-1 before becoming the WBA lightweight world champion in just her seventh contest.

In June 2019 she became undisputed lightweight world champion after defeating Delfine Persoon by majority decision at Madison Square Garden.

Taylor returned to make history at the MSG three years later as she and Puerto Rican great Amanda Serrano staged the first ever women’s boxing fight to headline at the iconic New York venue. It would mark the beginning of a landmark trilogy between the pair, Taylor winning on all three occasions.

Her first career defeat arrived in May 2023 when she stepped up to super-lightweight to face Cameron, losing by majority decision before winning the rematch with the same outcome six months later to become a two-weight undisputed champion.

In the moments that followed her final hand-raise Taylor afforded herself a moment to look around and absorb the sight of a stunning sold-out Croke Park, before being serenaded again by a roar that barely faded all evening.

As is boxing tradition, she would then lay down her gloves in the middle of the ring before members of her team followed with each of her six championship belts, a lap of honour following as she said her final goodbye.

The Oregon Duck Found The Perfect Entrance To Ensure Its Head Didn’t Fall Off

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Oregon Duck is an agent of chaos. The Oregon football team sometimes lives up to that moniker — although Saturday’s season opener against Boise State offered less chaos and was more of a nail-biter — but we’re here to talk about the mascot itself.

The Duck is an incredible mascot, complete with creative, fun and beyond weird entrances onto the football field. Over the years, the entrances have ranged from ziplining into the stadium to “Mission Impossible” music to dressing up like Michael Jordan and dunking (and destroying) a children’s basketball hoop.

Amazing stuff. There is no mascot in college football quite like the Duck.

However, the Duck is also known to lose its head occasionally, whether it’s because it was trolling Deion Sanders too hard or, more recently, falling victim to a stampede of Oregon players running out on the field alongside it.

Well, Saturday for No. 2 Oregon’s home game against Boise State, the Duck found a solution to keeping its head on while taking the field — whether that was the intention or not.

Enter a cardboard Oregon Duck cutout, propped up by the actual Oregon Duck, before the Oregon Ducks kicked off the 2026 season.

Here’s a look back at times the Duck lost its head during unforgettable game entrances:

Expect the Oregon Duck mascot’s next memorable home-game entrance no sooner than Friday, September 18, when the Ducks host Portland State. The team’s Week 2 matchup is on the road at Oklahoma State next weekend.

‘Fear Arch Manning’ 👀 USC a CFP sleeper, can Indiana repeat as National Champions, Notre Dame | FTF

Swansea 0 – 0 Wrexham

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Championship leaders Swansea and visitors Wrexham fought out a 0-0 draw in a passionate all-Welsh affair.

Chances were hard to come by on a night when the sold out signs went up at the Swansea.com Stadium and there was more graft than craft on show.

Neither goalkeeper was tested until Zan Vipotnik slid Moussa Yeo’s cross into the arms of Anthony Patterson nine minutes from time, while Kieffer Moore tested Swansea’s Lawrence Vigouroux in stoppage time.

Red Dragons boss Phil Parkinson might have felt Swansea should have been reduced to 10 by then following Ben Cabango’s lunge on Callum O’Hare.

Celebrity investors had stayed away with no sign of Swansea pair Snoop Dogg and Luka Modric or Wrexham co-owners Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds.

The Pontarddulais Male Voice Choir were present, though, and a rousing pre-match rendition of Max Boyce’s ‘Hymns and Arias’ lifted the crowd.

Swansea sat top of the table at kick-off with 10 points from four games and head coach Vitor Matos suggesting in his programme notes that they were building something special.

Wrexham had experienced a trickier start, but travelled in good spirits after recording a first win of the season at Millwall on Wednesday.

Both camps ignored the old adage of never changing winning teams – Swansea making three and Wrexham five – with the visitors handing a debut to O’Hare, a £6.5million deadline day signing from Sheffield United.

There was a lively start befitting of a derby with Ryan Longman leaving a calling card on Josh Key, much to the displeasure of Swansea supporters.

Swansea started the better and there were loud shouts for a penalty, at least from the home crowd, after 18 minutes.

Melker Widell played the ball into a central area and it struck the hand of Longman, but referee Elliot Bell was not interested.

Wrexham slowly settled, enjoyed greater possession and found space with raking diagonal balls.

One such pass from Callum Doyle released Danny Imray down the right and the wing-back got past Josh Tymon.

Imray’s cross found O’Hare in the box but he was quickly surrounded by Swansea defenders and the opportunity was lost.

The first genuine chance came five minutes after the restart when Sam Smith nodded Ben Whiteman’s pass into the path of O’Hare.

He took a good touch to create shooting space but his effort went across the face of goal.

Wrexham went close again when Josh Windass, one of four substitutes introduced after 62 minutes by Parkinson, drove into a congested penalty area and struck Max Cleworth before drifting wide.

Referee Bell was surrounded by angry Wrexham players after Cabango took out O’Hare on the touchline. But the verdict was a yellow card, not red, as Swansea took a one-point lead at the top.

What the managers said

Swansea’s Vitor Matos speaking with Sky Sports:

“Happy with the clean sheet. Keeping clean sheets is quite important for building momentum. At the other end, of course I’m not happy because we could’ve won the game. We had the chances to do that. We knew it would be a quite physical one and our pitch didn’t help us as well. It was quite heavy so it was hard to keep the quality and speed we wanted.

On being a point clear at the top of the Championship: “It doesn’t mean a lot. There’s still a long way to go. It’s more important to keep the desire to fight for every game.

“We have a really tough trip to Southampton. If we keep that the desire then we have a good chance to compete.”

Wrexham’s Phil Parkinson speaking with Sky Sports:

“We’ll take the point. It was always going to be a tough game. I thought the lads stuck to the task at hand and grew in confidence, belief and quality as the game went on. In the end we probably had the best changes to win the game.”

On Ben Cabango not being sent off: “A couple of things. Firstly Cabango grabs Kieffer [Moore] around the neck on the halfway line. That’s a definite bookable offence that wasn’t given. Then he has the challenge which is a straight red. It’s a dangerous, out of control challenge. One which can really injure a player and the same referee sent off Callum Doyle against Oxford last year for a challenge that was nowhere near that level.

“I’ll be interested when he reviews that challenge and see how he sees them in the cold light of day. Those challenges that are out of control and can injure players are the ones that, in my book, they’re the ones that are reds.”

What the result means and next fixtures…

Kalshi Promo Code FOXSPORTS Unlocks $25 Bonus for Any College Football Week 1 Game Including Clemson vs. LSU

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

With the Battle of the Tigers just hours away, Kalshi is giving college football fans another reason to get involved. Use promo code FOXSPORTS to unlock a $25 bonus while trading on any College Football Week 1 game.

The spotlight is on Clemson and No. 11 LSU, with Dabo Swinney and Lane Kiffin set to square off in Baton Rogue. Christopher Vizzina will make his first start at quarterback for Clemson, while LSU turns to former Arizona State standout Sam Leavitt.

Elsewhere, No. 2 Oregon takes on Boise State in an early-season test, No. 5 Texas and Arch Manning face Texas State,

With ranked teams and high-profile players taking the field throughout the weekend, there are plenty of markets to follow on Kalshi. Use promo code FOXSPORTS to claim the $25 bonus and get in on the biggest games of College Football Week 1.

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Biggest Games of Week 1

*Probabilities are subject to change*

Saturday: No. 2 Oregon vs. Boise State

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Saturday: No. 11 LSU vs. Clemson

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Italian GP: Can Pierre Gasly win Monza race for Alpine just days after losing Monaco podium? | F1 News

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Pierre Gasly felt he was “robbed” on Friday after losing his podium from June’s Monaco Grand Prix but turned it around in the most remarkable fashion with pole position for the Italian Grand Prix.

Just one day after the FIA International Court of Appeal reinstated Gasly’s pit lane speeding penalties, the Alpine driver hit back with his maiden Formula 1 pole.

It is one of the biggest shocks in the history of F1 and, six years after winning his only race to date, also coming at Monza, Gasly has the opportunity to avenge, what he feels, was a wrong judgement call on Friday.

“It’s been nine years I’m in Formula 1, trying to, give my best absolutely every single weekend and it’s not every time we get a car to fight for pole position,” said Gasly.

“Today it was the case and, yeah, I’m really, really happy, really proud to have seized this chance and to make it work. It was a heck of a lap.”

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Mercedes driver George Russell reacts to narrowly missing out on pole position to Pierre Gasly during qualifying at the Italian Grand Prix

Did ‘extra motivation’ power Gasly to pole?

Gasly has always shown plenty of emotion in and out of the car but was furious after finding out McLaren and Red Bull’s appeals of the Monaco race result led to the return of his two five-second time penalties for speeding.

In June, Alpine had successfully won a right of review that saw the penalties removed as they proved Gasly was not speeding due to an incorrect measurement of the pit lane distance.

Gasly told Canal+ that “we’re being robbed” and “I don’t think this is going to end here” while Alpine chief Flavio Briatore questioned the relationship between the reigning constructors’ champions and a judge at the FIA’s International Court of Appeal (ICA).

The ICA responded to Briatore’s comments on Saturday and stated they are “confident in the soundness of the proceedings and the integrity of the judges”.

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McLaren’s Team Principal Andrea Stella was not happy with Flavio Briatore’s reaction to the ruling which meant Alpine’s Pierre Gasly lost his Monaco GP third place finish after his two time penalties were reapplied

Nevertheless it certainly fired Gasly up and he produced one of the best laps in his nine-year F1 career, admitting the situation regarding the appeal was “not nice” but something he tried to use.

“I try to use everything I can into something positive and, extra motivation, but I think I could have dealt without it this weekend. That’s all I’ll say,” he said.

Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen added to Sky Sports F1: “When you think what the mood was in the camp when we got the result from Monaco, which honestly is going to annoy me for the rest of my life, it’s a nice way to bounce back with pole position. It’s lovely.”

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Take a look at closing stages of the qualifying at Monza as Pierre Gasly took pole

Several drivers congratulated Gasly on his pole, including George Russell who will start on the front row in Sunday’s race.

Russell revealed he was playing chess with Gasly before qualifying and the Alpine driver also beat him in their game.

“We were actually finishing a game of chess about 15 minutes before qualifying and he beat me there, and I thought, ‘Well, I think I’ll beat you in qualifying,’ and here we are, he’s ahead of me again,” he said.

“So, yeah, huge congrats to him. Pierre and Alpine have been super-fast even from Q1.”

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Pierre Gasly reacts to a shock first pole position at Italian GP

Can Gasly convert pole into victory?

Gasly’s only win so far in F1 came at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix – one year after his close friend Anthoine Hubert died and now he has another unexpected chance for a second victory.

The Alpine has been very quick in the straights in Monza thanks to the benefit of a Mercedes power unit, but the team also have a low-drag car which is strong aerodynamically.

Monza is an energy-rich track, so there is expected to be different power unit deployment strategies at play which will lead to the yoyo style of racing we saw earlier this year.

It may give Gasly a chance to keep Russell behind, or stick with him if the Mercedes driver is ahead.

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Mercedes driver George Russell reacts to narrowly missing out on pole position to Pierre Gasly during qualifying at the Italian Grand Prix

Asked by Sky Sports F1 whether he could win, Gasly said: “Why not? I can be sure I’ll do everything I can tonight, coming prepared for tomorrow.

“The good thing is, I know what it looks like not having anyone in front of you on this track, so at least if there is a place to start on pole, I’m glad it’s here.”

With championship leader Kimi Antonelli starting at the back due to grid penalties, a win for Russell would see him make significant inroads into his 59-point deficit to his Mercedes team-mate.

“It’s going to be an interesting fight with Pierre as well. I think they’ve got a car that’s got some good straight-line speed, which will be nice for them in the race,” he said.

“I don’t really know where the fight is tomorrow, but, confident I’ve got the pace to go for the win.”

Sky Sports F1’s Italian GP live schedule

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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Italian Grand Prix

Sunday September 6
7.10am: F3 Feature Race
8.40am: F2 Feature Race
10.40am: Porsche Supercup Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Italian GP build-up
2pm: THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Italian GP reaction
5pm: Ted’s Notebook

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is at Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix with Sunday’s race live at 2pm on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

Polymarket Promo Code FOX Provides $50 Bonus for College Football Week 1

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

College football Week 1 is in full swing, and Polymarket is giving new users a chance to score a $50 bonus with promo code FOX. With ranked teams taking the field throughout the weekend, there are plenty of markets to follow as the college football season gets rolling.

No. 1 Ohio State faces Ball State and No. 3 Georgia takes on Tennessee State. Later, No. 2 Oregon battles Boise State, No. 5 Texas welcomes Texas State. For the biggest game of the day, No. 11 LSU welcomes Clemson to their Death Valley in Lane Kiffin’s first game in Baton Rogue.

The weekend continues Sunday with No. 4 Notre Dame facing Wisconsin and No. 9 Ole Miss taking on No. 24 Louisville, while No. 19 SMU visits Florida State on Monday.

From Arch Manning and the Longhorns to Sam Leavitt and LSU, there are plenty of stars and storylines to track across the Week 1 slate. Jump into the college football markets on Polymarket and use promo code FOX to claim the $50 bonus while following the biggest games of the weekend.

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Biggest Games of Week 1

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Italian GP Qualifying: Pierre Gasly claims shock first pole position to beat George Russell to head of Monza grid for Alpine | F1 News

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Pierre Gasly delivered a sensational performance to claim his first career pole position in F1 as the Alpine driver stunned the grid’s usual frontrunners at the Italian Grand Prix.

A day after losing his podium finish from June’s Monaco Grand Prix for a second time after a court ruling, Gasly was unexpectedly a threat at the front throughout qualifying at high-speed Monza.

The Frenchman was third on the timesheet heading into the final Q3 runs but saved his best until last to usurp McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and provisional polesitter George Russell to take the coveted pole spot with a surging final lap of 1:21.786.

Gasly’s first pole in F1, in his 190th race, comes six years after he claimed what stands as his sole career win, also at Monza, which was achieved in similarly unlikely circumstances for AlphaTauri.

It is the first pole position in F1 for the Alpine name and a first for the Renault-owned Enstone team since 2009.

Russell will start second for a race that championship-leading team-mate Kimi Antonelli will drop to the back row due to engine changes. Antonelli, who helped Russell with a tow during qualifying, took seventh but always knew he would drop to the back wherever he qualified.

Piastri is a provisional third but faces a post-session stewards’ investigation for allegedly blocking Red Bull’s Liam Lawson at the end of Q2. Piastri locked up at the start of his final Q3 lap to blow his own chances at pole.

Ferrari’s challenge never truly materialised and the home team were fortunate to even make Q3, with Lewis Hamilton just through to the top 10 by 0.001s.

Hamilton went on to qualify fifth with Charles Leclerc fourth on a weekend in which Ferrari, who have introduced an upgraded engine onto their fans, and their passionate fans had hoped for far more.

World champion Lando Norris, the winner of the last two grands prix, qualified ninth in the second McLaren but will start eighth due to Antonelli’s penalty. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will start sixth with Gasly’s Alpine team-mate Franco Colapinto seventh.

More to follow…

Sky Sports F1’s Italian GP live schedule

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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Italian Grand Prix

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is at Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix with Sunday’s race live at 2pm on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

How to Watch Yankees vs. Padres: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The New York Yankees visit the San Diego Padres on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 4:15 p.m. PT from Petco Park, San Diego, CA.

The Yankees enter at 80-61 (.567), while the Padres sit at 74-67 (.525). Robbie Ray (11-7, 3.14 ERA in 149 innings) takes the mound for the Padres, opposed by Carlos Rodón (4-3, 3.20 ERA). The Yankees’ 3.23 ERA is the lowest in the MLB in the 2026 regular season.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Yankees vs. Padres

When: Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 4:15 p.m. PT
Where: Petco Park, San Diego, CA
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players to Watch

With San Diego chasing a Wild Card spot and facing the American League’s top ERA staff, Tatis stands out as the Padres hitter most capable of changing the game with one swing or one burst on the bases. He leads the club among projected starters with a .282 average and 31 steals, and he is tied for second on the team with 70 RBI.

His recent form gives this matchup extra weight. Over his last 25 games, Tatis has hit .290 with a .345 on-base percentage and a .680 slugging percentage, piling up 11 home runs, five steals, 20 RBI and 21 runs. He also homered twice on Tuesday. If that hot stretch carries into this one, San Diego’s offense gets a real chance to crack a Yankees pitching group that has allowed a .225 opponent average and a .659 opponent OPS this season.

In a matchup where New York may need one big middle-of-the-order blow against Robbie Ray, Rice is the Yankees bat that jumps off the page. He leads the team with 36 home runs and 88 RBI, and he brings the kind of left-handed power that can flip a tight game in a hurry.

His season line backs up the impact. Rice is hitting .257 with a .349 on-base percentage and a .526 slugging percentage, giving the Yankees their most productive power source among projected starters. That matters against a Padres staff that has been solid overall but has still allowed 155 home runs and owns a 1.292 WHIP. If Rice gets a mistake in the zone, he is the hitter most likely to turn it into instant separation for New York.

Yankees vs. Padres Odds

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Italian GP: George Russell tops Lewis Hamilton in final practice as Mercedes appear to establish edge over Ferrari | F1 News

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

George Russell established himself as pole position favourite ahead of Italian Grand Prix qualifying as the Mercedes driver topped Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton in final practice.

Mercedes and Ferrari had appeared closely matched in Friday’s two practice sessions, and once more led the way on Saturday as Russell’s time of 1:22.219s put him just over two tenths of a second clear of Hamilton at Monza.

Russell is shouldering Mercedes’ hopes of claiming pole, with his team-mate Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, serving penalties for taking new engine parts that will leave him starting from the back of the grid regardless of where he qualifies.

Despite being more focused on his long-run setup for Sunday’s race, Antonelli, who leads both Russell and Hamilton by 59 points at the top of the standings, was fourth behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

McLaren’s Lando Norris, who has closed to within 83 points of Antonelli by winning the last two races, was fifth ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Mercedes tried out using Antonelli to give Russell a highly-beneficial tow around the high-speed circuit, but the Brit’s fastest laps came without the help of his team-mate.

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Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton braces for a tight Italian GP qualifying as Mercedes continue to find more pace

Ferrari appear to have reduced their straight-line speed deficit to Mercedes after bringing to Monza their second engine upgrade of the season, but it appears the Italian squad will need to find something extra to claim what would be an extremely popular pole at their home race.

There was drama in the closing moments of the session as Hamilton and Verstappen almost collided at the first corner after a squabble for track position ahead of what should have been their final attempts at flying laps.

Hamilton snuck ahead of Verstappen as they approached the final corner, which angered the Dutchman, prompting him to attempt to race the Ferrari over the start-finish line and then dive up the inside into the first corner.

Hamilton bailed out to prevent contact, avoiding a repeat of the pair’s famous collision at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix when they were battling for the drivers’ title. The stewards noted the incident but decided an investigation wasn’t necessary.

Image:
George Russell topped final practice at Monza

Russell has endured a difficult season having started the year of favourite before being outperformed by his far less experience team-mate.

However, the 28-year-old appears to have found a groove at Monza, with pole position having the potential to reignite his championship challenge.

Sky Sports F1’s Naomi Schiff said: “George will be very pleased with himself. This is such a psychological sport and with a team-mate leading the championship he does need to switch that momentum.

“This session has been the most positive for Mercedes. They aren’t losing much anywhere on deployment through the lap.”

Italian GP Practice Three Timesheet

Driver
Team
Time

1) George Russell
Mercedes
1:22.219

2) Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
+0.226

3) Max Verstappen
Red Bull
+0.350

4) Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
+0.361

5) Lando Norris
McLaren
+0.406

6) Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
+0.489

7) Arvid Lindblad
Racing Bulls
+0.505

8) Oscar Piastri
McLaren
+0.554

9) Pierre Gasly
Alpine
+0.679

10) Franco Colapinto
Alpine
+0.882

11) Nico Hulkenberg
Audi
+0.907

12) Liam Lawson
Red Bull
+0.984

13) Gabriel Bortoleto
Audi
+1.079

14) Oliver Bearman
Haas
+1.366

15) Yuki Tsunoda
Racing Bulls
+1.598

16) Carlos Sainz
Williams
+1.656

17) Esteban Ocon
Haas
+1.801

18) Alex Albon
Williams
+2.218

19) Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
+2.700

20) Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac
+2.785

21) Sergio Perez
Cadillac
+2.812

22) Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
+3.336

Sky Sports F1’s Italian GP live schedule

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Italian Grand Prix

Saturday September 5
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Italian Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
3pm: ITALIAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is at Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

How to Watch Boston College vs. Cincinnati: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Boston College Eagles visit the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. ET from Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH.

Boston College’s offense produced 17 passing plays of 20-plus yards in the fourth quarter last season, the second-most in the country, while Cincinnati’s defense had the fewest interceptions and passes defended in the FBS. Cincinnati is a 7.5-point favorite at DraftKings, with the total set at 49.5.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Boston College vs. Cincinnati

When: Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players to Watch

Cincinnati opens its 2026 season at home against Boston College. Gibson is locked in as a Week 1 starter at wideout for the Bearcats, giving Cincinnati a target to build around in the opener. Cincinnati is favored by 7.5 points, a modest number for a home opener against an ACC opponent.

Boston College opens its season on the road at Cincinnati, and the Eagles will lean on Moore at tight end to help settle a young offense in an unfamiliar building. Cincinnati enters off a defense that had the fewest interceptions and passes defended in the country a year ago, a gap that could open room for Boston College’s passing game if Moore and the receiving corps take advantage. How quickly Boston College adjusts on the road will shape the rest of this early-season test.

Boston College vs. Cincinnati Odds

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ONE Fight Night 47: Stamp Fairtex silences her doubts with defiant split-decision win over Selina Flores | MMA News

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Stamp Fairtex got her answer.

For months, she’d questioned whether her body – and more importantly, her mind – was ready. The meniscus tear that ravaged her knee in May 2024 had cast a shadow over every fight since. Hesitation had crept into her performances. Doubt had whispered in her ear.

However at ONE Fight Night 47, which aired live on Sky Sports in the early hours of Saturday morning from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, the Thai megastar silenced those voices with a defiant split-decision victory over two-time WBC Muay Thai world champion Selina ‘Teep Queen’ Flores, proving she’s ready to reclaim what she never stopped believing was hers.

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From the opening bell, Stamp was willing to engage. She launched body kicks at Flores, pressured in the clinch, and drove knees upstairs with the precision of a surgeon. The American struggled to find her range at first. Her trademark teeps – the weapons that have made her dangerous – failed to materialise early on.

Flores grew into the second frame. Her low kicks began to find their mark. A sharp right hand cracked cleanly. The signature teep landed, and she finally found her rhythm. But Stamp met fire with fire, her counters arriving with timing that suggests the rust had genuinely fallen away.

The third round reached a crescendo and exploded into chaos. Flores had taken the lead, putting the Thai star on the back foot and often throwing first. Stamp comfortably played the counter game, repeatedly carving her shin into the American’s body.

When the American threw a spinning back elbow that sailed past her rival, Stamp didn’t hesitate – she flung one back and hit the target. A cartwheel kick followed, drawing roars from the crowd and a nod of respect from her rival. Even the 28-year-old from Pattaya couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear.

Image:
Fairtex reintroduced herself in style in Bangkok

In the end, the judges split their scorecards – and two of them were swayed by the Thai’s output, giving her the win.

It may have been a razor-close victory, but for a fighter who was returning from a serious injury, had dropped a decision in her comeback fight last November, and admitted she had a poor showing in her last victory this past June, it was far more than that.

This was a performance that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The fighter herself was smiling and boldly taking risks on a previously injured leg that made her think twice over the past several months. It was vindication and proof that Stamp Fairtex was truly, finally, back.

Stamp – the first person to hold kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA gold in ONE Championship – improved her record to 66-18, and her winning streak extends to two. Whether she pursues the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA world title she relinquished in May 2025 or continues in Muay Thai next, one thing is for certain: she’s ready.

ONE Fight Night 47 – Full Results

Atomweight Muay Thai: Stamp Fairtex defeated Selina Flores via split decision
Featherweight Muay Thai: Ricardo Bravo defeated Mohamed Younes Rabah via knockout at 2:58 of round one
Strawweight MMA: Fabio Henrique defeated Ryohei Kurosawa via unanimous decision
Flyweight Muay Thai: Jordan Estupinan defeated Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi via unanimous decision
Middleweight Submission Grappling: Pawel Jaworski defeated Rafael Lovato Jr via submission (kneebar) at 1:51 of round one
Featherweight MMA: Pedro Dantas defeated Hector Almonacid via unanimous decision
Atomweight MMA: Macarena Aragon defeated Gabi Fujimoto via submission (scarf-hold Americana) at 2:06 of round three
Strawweight Muay Thai: Elmehdi El Jamari defeated Ngoc Phu Nguyen via TKO at 2:42 of round one

Penn State vs. Marshall Prediction, Odds, Pick For College Football Week 1

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The No. 18 Penn State Nittany Lions will host the Marshall Thundering Herd on Saturday in a Week 1 college football matchup on FS1.

It’s a new era in Happy Valley.

After 12 seasons under James Franklin, Penn State brought in Matt Campbell as its head coach this offseason. Campbell took Iowa State to new heights, posting a 72-55 (.567) record in 127 games, including a 19–7 mark over the past two seasons.

Along with Campbell comes quarterback Rocco Becht. Becht started all 39 games for the Cyclones from 2023 to 2025, posting a 26–13 record. He had a career year in 2024, throwing for 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading Iowa State to 11 wins for the first time in school history.

The Nittany Lions will have more than 50 new players from a season ago, including 18 defensive transfers under new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.

Meanwhile, Marshall enters 2026 in Year 2 of the Tony Gibson era. The Thundering Herd went just 5–7 last season but lost four games by a combined 11 points. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson returns at quarterback after leading the team in both passing (2,043 yards, 17 touchdowns, five interceptions) and rushing (660 yards, six touchdowns) in 2025.

Can the Thundering Herd shock the world and pull off a massive Week 1 upset? Or will Penn State get the Campbell era started with a win?

Let’s take a look at the odds for Penn State vs. Marshall at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 5.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Marshall @ No. 18 Penn State Odds

Moneyline

Penn State: -4000 (bet $10 to win $10.25 total)
Marshall: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)

Spread

Penn State -24.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Marshall +24.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Over/Under

Over 52.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Under 52.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Marshall @ No. 18 Penn State Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research:

Penn State’s defense should be dominant in 2026. In 2023, D’Anton Lynn transformed UCLA into a top-10 national unit in his lone season, improving from 87th to 10th in total defense (301.5 YPG) and from 90th to 14th in scoring defense (18.4 PPG). He then took over a USC defense that ranked 121st nationally and improved it to 51st in just two years. However, Penn State’s offense poses some causes for concern. Iowa State’s 2025 offense, which Penn State should closely resemble, finished 60th in total offense, 63rd in yards per play, 70th in scoring offense and 75th in passing offense. Meanwhile, Marshall was far better than its record showed last season, losing several close contests. This was a team that could have easily won nine games. The Thundering Herd also did a great job taking care of the football, throwing the ninth-fewest interceptions in the country, while their 21st-ranked rushing attack from a year ago should help them stay ahead of the chains in this hostile environment. Take Marshall to cover this big spread, with maybe even a little sprinkle on the moneyline.

The Pick: Marshall +24.5

How to Watch Penn State vs. Marshall

Date: Saturday, Sept. 5. 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA

Anthony Joshua: Heavyweight’s former trainer has his say on what happens next in Tyson Fury fight negotiations | Boxing News

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Anthony Joshua’s former trainer Robert McCracken insists it’s not “anybody else’s business” whether the former unified world champion wants to proceed with a heavyweight super-fight against Tyson Fury.

Frank Warren, who promotes Fury, told Sky Sports this week that terms were agreed and they were “waiting for AJ”, while Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has announced that talks have reopened to stage the fight at Wembley Stadium.

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Tyson Fury took to his Instagram to call out Anthony Joshua for stalling his fight, claiming that he will fight anywhere and that AJ doesn’t really want to fight. Credit: @tysonfury

But McCracken, who trained Joshua as an amateur and steered him to world heavyweight title glory as a professional, believes the two British stars should not pay any attention to the constant speculation about a long-awaited fight.

“I had a career as a fighter and you look back at what you maybe wished you should have done and what you shouldn’t have done,” McCracken exclusively told Sky Sports.

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Frank Warren insists Tyson Fury has done everything he can to make the showdown with Anthony Joshua happen

“I think it works out how it should work out most of the time, but it’s up to the fighters if they want to fight each other and try and get the better of each other.

“I don’t think it’s anybody else’s business whether they should fight or not – I think they both proved themselves.

“One thing I’d say is everyone’s talking about it – it puts boxing on the map and it’s great for boxing. While boxing’s in the forefront and in the news, I think it’s a really positive thing.”

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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has called for Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to fight in London

Fury expressed his frustration at the prolonged negotiations in a social media outburst, branding Joshua as a “coward”, but McCracken insists the Olympic gold medallist and former world champion would relish the chance to settle a fierce rivalry.

“With Anthony Joshua, in my experiences, he was happy to fight anybody,” said McCracken. “It was just about how it was packaged and what was best for him – that’s how the fighters look at things these days.

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Speaking on Toe2Toe last month, Joe Gallagher said he is backing the potential Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury fight to take place at Madison Square Garden

“I’ve not been involved for a long time with Joshua, but it looks like it’s going to happen. Hopefully it will and then obviously everyone can enjoy it.”

The fighters had differing fortunes in summer warm-up fights as Fury sealed a one-sided stoppage of Mariusz Wach, while Joshua had to climb off the canvas twice before halting Kristian Prenga.

But McCracken has suggested that Joshua will be fuelled by the criticism of his close scare.

He said: “Joshua is coming off the back of not a great performance, but obviously he got the knockout and that is all that really matters. He’ll be looking to prove people wrong, any of the doubters.

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Watch the moment Anthony Joshua sealed victory over Kristian Prenga with a huge second round knockout. Courtesy of DAZN

“Tyson [Fury] would be the favourite at the moment with his recent results and his form. It’s quite fascinating if you actually think about it, where it’s got to and the time it’s taken to actually get the fight on.”

‘A Night of Solidarity’ – Olympic-style night to celebrate power of sport

McCracken was speaking to Sky Sports ahead of ‘A Night of Solidarity’ on November 13, a night of Olympic-style boxing to celebrate the unifying power of sport and raise funds for firefighters’ charities, youth sport organisations and community groups in North Kensington.

The night has been created to recognise the actions of the local community in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, when local boxing and sports clubs came together to help the community rebuild, create safe spaces for young people and help everyone affected by this devastating event.

The London Fire Brigade Boxing Club (LFB) has worked with local communities across London to deploy the unifying power of sport to provide structure and purpose to the lives of young people, bringing them together with rank-and-file firefighters in boxing gyms in a show of solidarity and support.

‘A Night of Solidarity’ aims to celebrate both these endeavours and bring them together, recognising the important role played by both the LFB Boxing Club and those clubs in the areas most impacted by the Grenfell Tower fire.

The evening will raise funds for local sports charities, the Firefighter’s Charity and will include 12 bouts of boxing that will see an LFB Select team take on a North Kensington team, made-up of men, women and youth boxers from a variety of clubs in the local area and across London.

Ohio State vs. Ball State Prediction, Odds, Pick For College Football Week 1

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes will host the Ball State Cardinals on Saturday in a Week 1 college football matchup on Big Ten Network.

The Buckeyes are coming off a 12-2 season in 2025, losing their final two games against eventual national champion Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game and runner-up Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

Ohio State lost seven defensive starters from last season, including three top-11 picks in this spring’s NFL Draft. Those are significant losses from a 2025 defense that ranked No. 1 in the FBS in scoring defense (9.3 PPG), total defense (219.1 YPG) and pass defense (129.7 YPG), while allowing just seven passing touchdowns all season.

The good news is that quarterback and Heisman finalist Julian Sayin returns after a historic freshman season in which he completed 77.0% of his passes for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. He’ll be joined by arguably the best player in all college football in Jeremiah Smith.

Meanwhile, Ball State will look to bounce back from a 4-8 season a year ago. The Cardinals have completely overhauled their roster, bringing in more than 50 new players through the transfer portal. That includes starting quarterback Keldric Luster, who began his career at SMU before transferring to Texas State.

Let’s take a look at the odds for Ohio State vs. Ball State at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 5.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Ball State @ No. 1 Ohio State Odds

Spread

Ohio State -50.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Ball State +50.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Over/Under

Over 56.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Under 56.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Ball State @ No. 1 Ohio State Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research:

In six career games against MAC opponents, Ryan Day has won by an average of 51.5 points per game. The books did a great job setting this spread at 50.5, but there are plenty of reasons to believe the Buckeyes can still cover. Ball State quarterback Keldric Luster will make his first career college start at “The Shoe” on Saturday. That sounds like a recipe for disaster against the preseason No. 1 team in the country. Turnovers could be a major factor in his first start, potentially giving Ohio State’s defense opportunities to score or set up the offense with short fields. And this Buckeyes offense is loaded. Not only does it feature Smith, but five-star true freshman Chris Henry Jr. adds another explosive weapon. Ohio State has the talent throughout its depth chart to keep scoring even when the starters come out. Laying more than 50 points is never easy, but it feels like the play here.

The Pick: Ohio State -50.5

How to Watch Ohio State vs. Ball State

Date: Saturday, Sept. 5. 2026
Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
TV: BTN
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

US Open: Serena and Venus Williams suffer agonising defeat to Maya Joint and Chan Hao-Ching in a women’s doubles first-round epic | Tennis News

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Serena and Venus Williams turn back the clock to defeat Maya Joint and Chan Hao-Ching in a US Open women’s doubles first-round epic.

In a fight to the finish, the Williams sisters rallied to force a third set tie-breaker in which they blew a 5-0 lead before falling to Joint and Chan 6-3 6-7 (8-6) 7-6 (10-7) in three hours and two minutes.

The legendary sister act were playing their first Grand Slam together since the 2022 US Open and were bidding for their first win as a team since the second round of the 2018 French Open.

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It was quite a summer for Joint who defeated Serena on Centre Court at Wimbledon in the women’s singles before facing her on Arthur Ashe Stadium in front of another packed house.

Greek star seals a career-first trip to the fourth round

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Revitalised Stefanos Tsitsipas bounced back from a first-set loss to prevail over Czech 18th seed, Jiri Lehecka, with a 2-6 6-1 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 victory.

The Greek moved into the fourth round for ‌the first time in his career.

American 11th seed Frances Tiafoe eased past Valentin Vacherot from Monaco 6-4 6-2 6-4.

Before Facing Each Other, Marcus Freeman And Luke Fickell Coached Together

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Marcus Freeman began his college football career as a player under Luke Fickell. Now he gets to coach against him.

No. 4 Notre Dame and Wisconsin open their season facing off on Sunday night at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, bringing together two head coaches whose shared history spans more than two decades.

Freeman and Fickell enter the matchup with personal and professional ties that have helped shape both programs and the coaching staffs surrounding them.

A Foundational Relationship From Columbus To Cincinnati

The connection between the two head coaches began when Freeman played linebacker at Ohio State from 2004 to 2008, where Fickell served as his position coach.

Marcus Freeman played linebacker at Ohio State, where Luke Fickell served as his position coach from 2004-08. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

That player-coach relationship evolved nearly a decade later when Fickell hired Freeman as his linebackers coach and defensive coordinator at Cincinnati, a role Freeman held from 2017 through 2020.

Over those four seasons, Freeman helped build the Bearcats’ defense into a nationally-renowned unit, gaining his first extended experience leading a college defense before moving onto Notre Dame in 2021.

Mutual Respect And Shared Philosophies

Despite their shared past, both coaches established a distinctly different culture within their respective programs as head coach. Fickell noted that Freeman’s progression into one of college football’s top head coaches stems from his ability to chart his own course rather than strictly replicating the methods of his mentors.

“The ones who have the most success, like Marcus has, are ones who create an identity for themselves, not just where they’ve been, whether it’s his time with us at Cincinnati or his time at Ohio State or his time under Jim Tressel,” Fickell said.

Marcus Freeman on Cincinnati’s sideline, where he worked under Luke Fickell as linebackers coach and defensive coordinator from 2017-20. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Freeman has pointed to Fickell as a foundational figure in his coaching development, highlighting specific work habits and expectations that he carried forward into his head coaching career.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for him,” Freeman said. “I wouldn’t be in this position without the investment he made in me. There’s traits that every coach I’ve had a player, as a coach, that I have in me. When I think about Luke Fickell, I think about a tireless worker, I think about the demands that he has for his players, his coaches. And the mindset of, ‘This is the way we’re going to play. This is who we are. This is our identity, and we’re committed to it.'”

Prior Matchup And Staff Connections

Sunday will not mark the first time Freeman and Fickell have stood on opposite sidelines.

In 2021, Fickell led Cincinnati to a 24-13 victory at Notre Dame Stadium, a key win during the Bearcats’ run to the College Football Playoff. Freeman was Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator on Brian Kelly’s staff during that game before taking over the program as head coach when Kelly departed for LSU at the end of the regular season.

CFB Related Stories

The ties between the Badgers and Fighting Irish also extend beyond the two head coaches.

Notre Dame offensive line coach Joe Rudolph spent six seasons as Wisconsin’s offensive coordinator under former head coach Paul Chryst from 2015 to 2020, and remained on staff in 2021 as offensive line coach. Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli, and wide receivers coach Mike Brown all served on Fickell’s Cincinnati staff during that 2021 playoff season.

“It’s not just Marcus that we’ve got a long history with,” Fickell said. “There’s a lot of guys over there that in particular we’ve got great relationships with, and had great relationships with. Like I’ve always said, I wouldn’t be sitting here today if it wasn’t for not just Freeman, but a lot of those guys over on that staff.”

Different Trajectories Heading Into Lambeau Field

While the personal connections run deep, the two programs enter Sunday in completely different situations.

Notre Dame are three-touchdown favorite following a 24-4 run over the past two seasons, which included an appearance in the College Football Playoff championship game in 2024.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and quarterback CJ Carr, who threw for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns in his first-year as a starter in 2025.(Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Fighting Irish will be led on the field by quarterback CJ Carr, alongside three preseason Associated Press All-America defensive selections in first-team cornerback Leonard Moore, second-team linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, and safety Brauntae Johnson.

Wisconsin enters Fickell’s fourth year seeking stability after back-to-back losing campaigns. The Badgers finished 4-8 in 2025 and 5-7 in 2024, snapping a 22-year streak of winning seasons.

Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin is slated to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Amy Hunt: British sprinter runs season’s best 200m time to take third in Diamond League Athletics meet in Brussels | Athletics News

September 5, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Amy Hunt runs 22.16 in Brussels, her best 200m time of the season; Sweden’s pole vault world record-holder Armand Duplantis withdraws with back tightness, a week before the inaugural World ‌Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest; Noah Lyles ends season early due to injury

Last Updated: 04/09/26 11:39pm

Great Britain’s Amy Hunt ran a season’s best in the women’s 200m at the final Diamond League event of the year as she took third place in Brussels

Great Britain’s Amy Hunt ran a season’s best in the women’s 200m at the final Diamond League event of the year as she took third place in Brussels.

Hunt’s time of 22.16 was outstripped by race winner – and reigning Olympic 100m champion – Julien Alfred of St Lucia (21.79) and America’s Kayla White (22.00).

Another Brit, Success Eduan, came seventh of the eight runners after clocking 23.06 in Belgium.

Hunt won four gold medals at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham this summer

Hunt was the poster girl of the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham this summer with her four gold medals and bubbly personality winning her legions of fans.

The 24-year-old topped the podium individually in the 100m and 200m in the Midlands, while she won gold as part of the women’s and mixed 4x100m relays.

Elsewhere in Brussels on Friday night, European 400m men’s gold medalist Matthew Hudson-Smith, of Great Britain, finished fifth in his event.

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Duplantis in injury scare ahead of World Athletics Ultimate Championships

Sweden’s pole vault world record-holder Armand Duplantis was forced to pull out of the Diamond League final with back tightness, a week before the inaugural World ‌Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest.

Duplantis said: “The worst possible thing to do is having to pull out of a competition. The fans wanted to see a good show and I wish I could deliver that. Unfortunately, I can’t right now.

“My head is everywhere right now. It’s super difficult, but that’s life, that’s the life of an athlete. I try to stay calm and positive. We will see if I can make the Ultimate Championships. I don’t have the answer right now.”

The World Athletics Ultimate Championships is a new biennial event which sees world champions, Olympic champions, Diamond League winners and other leading athletes compete against each other for shares of a $10m (£7.87m) purse.

Armand Duplantis’ army of fans will hope he is fit for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest next weekend

Each individual champion will secure $150,000 (£110,865), the biggest winner’s cheque in track and field history.

Noah Lyles, the men’s 100m champion at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will not take part, having ended his season early due to injury – but he still plans to travel to Hungary.

“I am still going to be at Ultimate Championship. I still do have parties to throw and things to do behind the scenes to help support the athletes,” Lyles said.

“I still think that this is going to be an ⁠amazing competition, and I’m excited to watch that. And I’m even more excited to see what the future is going to bring.”

INDYCAR Silly Season Tracker: Mick Schumacher To Race For Meyer Shank In 2027

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Some of the biggest names in INDYCAR — including a past champion and Indianapolis 500 winners — are on the move after the 2026 season.

Six-time series champion and 2008 Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon and 2026 Indy 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist are headed to the same place, Arrow McLaren.

The team announced on July 6 their hirings — and the release of Christian Lundgaard and Nolan Siegel — effective the end of the season. That has been the biggest news of the silly season so far, while the latest news came on Sept. 4 as Meyer Shank Racing announced that former Formula 1 driver and current INDYCAR rookie Mick Schumacher would join the team in 2027.

Some teams will have the same lineup as this year, including Team Penske (which didn’t have any drivers in a contract year), Andretti Global (which re-signed free agent Marcus Ericsson) and ECR (which re-signed free agent Christian Rasmussen) will have the same lineup for 2027 as it has for 2026. That can’t be said for many teams, including Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, which last month sold one of its charters to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and left Schumacher looking for a ride.

It is the first charter sale since the system was implemented in 2025 and it means one driver in the RLL stable won’t return as the organization cuts from three to two cars.

Nolan Siegel (L) and Christian Lundgaard are on the hunt for new rides in 2027.

Another silly season move that people will be talking about the entire offseason will be the one of Dixon leaving his home at Ganassi.

Ganassi, in his statement July 2, thanked Dixon for driving for the team since 2002: “Scott has meant so much to CGR over the past 24 years. Together we’ve shared championships, many victories, and countless moments that have helped define this organization. Because of everything we’ve accomplished together, and the legacy Scott has built here, we believed it was important to give him the opportunity to finish his career at Chip Ganassi Racing, and we made him a multi-year offer to do just that. We respect that he’s chosen a different path.”

For Dixon, he told me and other reporters on July 3 that it was an emotional decision but time to move on to another team. In a statement on July 6, he said driving for McLaren would be special.

“As a New Zealander, being part of Bruce McLaren’s legacy will be special; his spirit and grit are still very much rooted in that team, and I’m excited to carry that on,” he said.

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown wants to win the triple crown of the Indianapolis 500, the Grand Prix of Monaco and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He hopes that having current driver Pato O’Ward plus for the Indy 500, former winner Ryan Hunter-Reay, along with Dixon and Rosenqvist gives him the best chance.

“Our INDYCAR team has shown fantastic momentum, and this lineup of Pato, Scott, Felix and Ryan will strengthen every aspect of our program,” Brown said in a July 6 statement. “We’ve got our eyes firmly set on the championship as well as winning the Indianapolis 500 to secure the triple crown in the Papaya era.”

McLaren has secured the services of 2026 Indy 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist.

One driver not on the move is Marcus Armstrong, who announced July 3 that he will remain at Michael Shank Racing, driving the MSR No. 60 instead of the No. 66.

“I feel that Meyer Shank Racing gives me one of the strongest cars on the grid every weekend,” Armstrong said in a July 3 news release. “Our goals are aligned, we want to win races and be consistently fighting at the front.”

Here’s a look at where INDYCAR organizations stand for 2027 with info collected from sources within the INDYCAR industry as it heads into its season finale Sept. 6 at Laguna Seca.

Chip Ganassi Racing

Series points leader Alex Palou, who signed a contract extension earlier this year, isn’t going anywhere and Kyffin Simpson’s progress — he’s 13th in the standings — let alone the funding he brings should allow him to remain for another season.

But obviously the big news is Dixon leaving.

Stars in all sports often leave their team, but to see Dixon (currently 12th in the standings) leave Ganassi after 24-plus seasons is wild.

Who will replace Dixon? Lundgaard, being pushed out of Arrow McLaren, emerged as the definitive favorite at the time of the announcement and nothing has changed in the last couple of months.

Scott Dixon is leaving Chip Ganassi Racing.

Team Penske

Scott McLaughlin (sixth in the standings) signed a contract extension last year and David Malukas (fifth) in the first year of a multiyear deal, so both appear solid. Josef Newgarden is seventh in the standings, and while there was a lot of buzz last year that he possibly wanted to leave no matter his contract status, he appears more happy this year with two victories in the first 12 races.

Andretti Global

Marcus Ericsson (eighth in the standings) was the one driver who was on the hot seat at this organization. But he has performed well enough this year that Andretti Global rewarded him with a contract for 2027. Kyle Kirkwood (third) isn’t going anywhere. Will Power certainly hasn’t had the results he wanted at 11th in the standings but has also led in more than half the races this year. So he wouldn’t be expected to get pushed out.

Ericsson started the season likely looking over his shoulder at Dennis Hauger (20th in the standings), an Andretti-signed driver on loan to Dale Coyne Racing. But Hauger indicated he is looking for a ride for next season while not commenting specifically on his status with Andretti Global.

“One of our priorities has been building consistency across our INDYCAR program, and bringing Marcus back is an important part of that,” Andretti Global President Jill Gregory said in a news release.

“He’s shown exactly what he’s capable of this season through the speed and results he’s delivered. Keeping our driver lineup together next season allows us to build on the chemistry and performance we’ve established as a team.”

Arrow McLaren

Christian Lundgaard (second in standings) and Nolan Siegel (18th) are both out. Pato O’Ward (fourth) is signed through next season but has been vocal when cars haven’t been up to standards. Ganassi is the most likely landing spot for Lundgaard in an essentially Dixon-for-Lundgaard swap. Siegel, meanwhile, could still have an affiliation with McLaren — if the team opts for a technical partnership with Juncos Hollinger Racing, where Siegel potentially could move to for 2027 with the funding he brings. Siegel, with his funding, is a likely candidate for rides at Foyt, JHR and Dale Coyne Racing next season.

Christian Lundgaard is out at McLaren.

Meyer Shank Racing

Rosenqvist, ninth in the standings, went from possibly being on the hot seat to having teams interested in him after winning the Indianapolis 500 and now is on the move. But Marcus Armstrong (14th in the standings) is staying and the team announced on Sept. 4 that Mick Schumacher would come from Rahal.

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

With the announcement that RLL will scale back from three to two cas, it is relatively assumed that Mick Schumacher (23rd in the standings) is out as Graham Rahal (15th in the standings) and Louis Foster (19th) have contracts for 2027. MSSR team co-owner Mike Shank: “He really impressed us in his first season of INDYCAR. It is not an easy series to come into and the competition is incredibly tight, but when you look at what he’s accomplished and the progress he’s made throughout the year, we see a lot of potential in him.”

Juncos Hollinger Racing

Rinus VeeKay (10th in the standings) most likely will return, but he certainly got some looks from other teams. Sting Ray Robb (25th) is on the hot seat. This could be the landing spot for Siegel, especially if the organization resumes having an alliance with McLaren. Caio Collet also has been mentioned as a candidate.

Rinus VeeKay is on solid footing at Juncos Hollinger Racing but could have his eyes on a move.

ECR

Alexander Rossi (16th) and Christian Rasmussen (21st) will be back. Rasmussen announced a contract extension earlier this year and Rossi appears to be the veteran anchor the team needed after Ed Carpenter retired from full-time racing. Rossi confirmed July 3 that he will be back next season and is not part of any silly season moves.

A.J. Foyt Racing

Santino Ferrucci (17th) and rookie Caio Collet (24th) both have potential to run better. Whether they get another year to show it remains to be seen. Sponsorship could be key to any of the decisions. Collet has been impressive despite his finishes and that performance, along with some funding, makes him an attractive candidate for open spots. Ferrucci most likely stays with the Collet seat potentially a little more fluid.

Dale Coyne Racing

Dennis Hauger (22n) appeared set move to Andretti Global at some point, but that won’t happen as Andretti informed Hauger earlier this summer that he can look and it has nothing for him beyond 2026. Romain Grosjean (20th) has had some respectable runs for the organization, an organization that often doesn’t determine drivers until the offseason. Hauger, the defending Indy NXT Series champion, potentially could generate some interest from other teams.

Has Romain Grosjean done enough to keep his seat at Dale Coyne Racing?

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Now that Dreyer & Reinbold has purchased a charter for a full-time car next year, Conor Daly is the heavy favorite to land this seat. Daly drove for the team in the Indianapolis 500 this past season.

The Job Seekers

Several drivers without full-time rides are looking for them and possibly could be players in silly season with the already mentioned Daly and Ilott leading that list.

Additionally, Devlin DeFrancesco is looking to return to the INDYCAR grid, and 2024 top rookie Linus Lundqvist is still seeking an opportunity. Among Indy NXT drivers, Enzo Fittipaldi’s recent surge is certainly opening some eyes and the performances of Tymek Kucharczyk and Nikita Johnson also have made INDYCAR team owners notice. Josh Pierson also has funding for a potential INDYCAR ride but whether he has the resume INDYCAR would like to approve him is questionable considering newly released driver standards released in September.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

Arrow McLaren is overhauling its 2027 full-time INDYCAR driver lineup, with a pair of Indy 500 winners set to join mainstay Pato O’Ward.

Chelsea transfer news: Blues offered chance to sign former Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma – Paper Talk | Football News

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Saturday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea were offered the chance to sign former Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma after missing out on an Enzo Fernandez replacement – The Sun

Mikel Arteta’s assistant manager Gabriel Heinze reached out to Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez regarding a potential move to Arsenal before Deadline Day – Daily Mail

Manchester City and Chelsea are believed to be among those who showed an interest in signing England midfielder Adam Wharton, 22, before Deadline Day, with Crystal Palace rejecting all bids – The Guardian

Manchester United are expected to trigger the one-year contract extension in Lisandro Martinez’s current deal – The Sun

There is a possibility of Tottenham ripping up Richarlison’s contract amid the ongoing transfer saga surrounding the forward – talkSPORT

Karim Benzema could attract interest from Premier League clubs after leaving Al Hilal but they will face competition from other clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey – talkSPORT

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

WORLD FOOTBALL

FIFA has accused UEFA of carrying out a “smear campaign” against its president, Gianni Infantino, in legal documents filed by the world governing body – The Times

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

Hibernian are tracking a move for free agent Danny Ings following his exit from West Ham – Hibs Observer

Kalshi Promo Code FOXSPORTS Provides a $25 Bonus for the First Big Slate of College Football This Weekend

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

College football Week 1 is in full swing, and the Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS gives new users a chance to unlock a $25 bonus while trading on the first big slate of the season. The sport’s biggest programs take the field this weekend, ready to make their run to the College Football Playoff.

The weekend features No. 7 Miami at Stanford, defending champions, No. 6 Indiana, hosting North Texas and No. 3 Georgia taking on Tennessee State. Arch Manning and No. 5 Texas face Texas State before the prime-time game between Lane Kiffin and No. 11 LSU battling Clemson.

Sunday brings another marquee matchup with No. 24 Louisville facing No. 9 Ole Miss. College football’s biggest weekend of the early season is here, and the Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS can help you get in on the action. Trade on your favorite games and future markets and get the $25 bonus.

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County Championship cricket: Surrey ease relegation fears with nerve-shredding win over Yorkshire at The Oval | Cricket News

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Surrey eased their County Championship relegation fears with a nerve-shredding one-wicket win over Yorkshire as last man Dan Worrall whipped away the winning four and Josh Blake battled to 43 not out off 183 deliveries after over four hours at the crease.

The London side, who won the Division One title three times in a row between 2022-2024 and finished runners-up to Nottinghamshire last season, began the 11th round of fixtures just outside the bottom two after only one victory to that point.

However, Surrey recorded a much-needed triumph in jittery fashion at The Kia Oval on Friday as they successfully chased down a fourth-innings target of 185 having been 115-7, with Worrall clipping Ben Coad (3-72) to the fence on the evening of day three.

Rory Burns’ men are 22 points clear of second-bottom Leicestershire, whose game versus title-chasing Notts will go to a fourth day with a draw perhaps the likeliest outcome, unless Notts are able to enforce the follow-on.

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Blake and former Yorkshire player Matthew Fisher added 55 for the eighth wicket before the latter edged George Hill (4-52) to third slip and Indian Auqib Nabi (8) then fell to Coad with two runs needed, one ball after slamming a six.

Worrall and Blake failed to score from the next 10 balls – including a brilliant maiden from Hill, in which he beat Blake’s outside edge five times – but Worrall had the final say.

Surrey, who were razed for just 83 before rolling Yorkshire for 82 on a remarkable 23-wicket day two, resumed on Friday morning on 27-0, needing a further 158 runs.

The exit of Dom Sibley (21) triggered an initial collapse of 3-10 – Burns (20) out to Hill (4-52) during that wobble – while when Ollie Pope (12) was lbw to Coad and the same bowler castled Ben Foakes (3) shortly before lunch, Surrey looked toast at 81-5.

The wickets of Adam Thomas (5) and Tom Lawes (17) after the resumption left Surrey reeling further before they dug in for a vital win.

Tight at the top – but Hampshire look doomed to relegation

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Somerset and Warwickshire piled pressure on title rivals Notts with routs of Glamorgan and Hampshire respectively on day three.

Somerset, seeking the first County Championship title in their history, top the table on 167 points, five clear of Warwickshire, after crushing Glamorgan by an innings and 64 runs to wrap up their fifth victory of the season

Jack Leach, Craig Overton and Lewis Gregory bagged three wickets each for the hosts at Taunton as fourth-placed Glamorgan, who are level on 124 points with Surrey, were bundled out for 183.

Warwickshire, meanwhile, annihilated relegation-doomed Hampshire by an innings and 129 runs in Southampton with the beleaguered home team following their first-innings 115 all out with a paltry 154 second time around.

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Ben Brown’s men are 32 points from safety with three games to go and could have their demotion confirmed against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge next week.

India spinner Manav Suthar finished with match figures of 7-94 for Warwickshire.

This was the fourth Championship match in a row that Hampshire had been bowled out for under 200 in the first innings, let alone the 250 they need for a bonus point.

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Looking back towards the top of the table, and Notts’ push for victory over Leicestershire was held up by nightwatchman Josh Hull’s 97 from 247 balls.

Hull’s knock was by far the highest of his career, eclipsing an unbeaten 35, with the one-cap England international reaching double figures in red-ball cricket for just the fourth time in 35 innings.

Leicestershire closed on 250-7 in reply to Notts’ 451-8 declared and trail by 201.

FanDuel Promo Code: Get $350 in Bet Reset Tokens When You Bet $5 for 7 Days

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

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How to: share link from the “Refer” section of the FanDuel app.
Your friend would get more bonus bet value by using a link on this page.

FanDuel Profit Boost Tokens

A profit boost token is a coupon you apply to a qualifying bet to increase your winnings by a set percentage (for example, 30%, 50%, or 100%). It does not change your stake, your odds on the slip, or your risk. They are similar to Odds Boosts, but Odds Boosts are pre-selected by FanDuel on specific bets, while profit boosts let you choose the wager within stated limits (eligible sports/markets, minimum odds, and a max stake cap). These tokens are usually tied to a particular event, league, or bet type and are time sensitive, so they expire if not used by the listed deadline.

Example: You receive a 50% profit boost for NFL straight bets. You place $25 at +200. Normally, profit would be $50. With the 50% boost, FanDuel adds $25 extra profit, so your total return is $25 stake + $75 profit = $100.

FanDuel Promo Comparison vs Other Sportsbooks

SportsbookOffer TypeWelcome BonusFanDuelBet Reset TokensBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysDraftKingsBet and GetBet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets InstantlyBetMGMFirst-Bet Safety NetGet a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if First Bet Loses with Promo Code FOXSPORTSbet365Bet and GetBet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose with Promo Code FOX365CaesarsProfit BoostsBet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code FOXDYWFanaticsBet and GetBet $20, Get $350 Bonus Bets with promo code FOX2026

How Does the FanDuel Sign-Up Offer Compare to the Competition?

To stay competitive, FanDuel is currently offering a Bet Reset bonus, diffeerent from sportsbooks like DraftKings and bet365. Like bet365, FanDuel requires one wager have odds of -500 or greater (still a pretty easy bet). The low $5 minimum bet makes it beginner-friendly.

Where is FanDuel Legal?

StateWelcome OfferRegulating BodyArizonaBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysArizona Department of GamingColoradoBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysColorado Division of GamingConnecticutBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysConnecticut State Department of Consumer ProtectionDCBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysDC Office of Lottery and GamingIllinoisBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysThe Illinois Gaming BoardIndianaBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysIndiana Gaming CommissionIowaBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysIowa Racing and Gaming CommissionKansasBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysKansas Racing and Gaming CommissionKentuckyBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysKentucky Horse Racing CommissionLouisianaBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysLouisiana Gaming Control BoardMarylandBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysMaryland Lottery and Gaming Control AgencyMassachusettsBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysMassachusetts Gaming CommissionMichiganBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysMichigan Gaming Control BoardMissouriBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysMissouri Gaming CommissionNew JerseyBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysNew Jersey Division of Gaming EnforcementNew YorkBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysNew York State Gaming CommissionNorth CarolinaBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysNorth Carolina Education LotteryOhioBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysOhio Casino Control CommissionPennsylvaniaBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysPennsylvania Gaming Control BoardTennesseeBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysTennessee Sports Wagering Advisory CouncilVermontBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysVermont Department of Liquor and LotteryVirginiaBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysVirginia LotteryWest VirginiaBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysWest Virginia LotteryWyomingBet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 DaysWyoming Gaming Commission

FanDuel Sportsbook Review 2026

FanDuel has set the standard for online sports betting in the U.S. Its combination of an easy-to-use platform, deep market coverage and innovative features makes it the go-to choice for millions of bettors. In this section, we’ll break down the key areas that matter most when evaluating a sportsbook.

Desktop User Experience & Interface – The web platform is clean, fast and intuitive, making it easy to find games, odds and promos.
Betslip – Simple, making single bets, parlays and SGPs easy, much better than a popup.
Mobile App – Gold standard for US Sportsbooks. Fast, reliable, well-designed. Biometric login (Face ID / Touch ID), dark mode and geolocation tools for legal state access.
Market Depth – Covers every major U.S. league and a wide range of international sports.
Betting Tools & Innovation – In March 2025, FanDuel launched the first AI sports betting chat experience. It also has Bet Back Tokens, Bet Your Bracket and Real Time Check-In.
Live Betting – One of the best in the industry, with advanced game tracking and visuals, live stats in the game tracker and play-by-play summaries
Promotions – Frequent boosts, parlay incentives, and seasonal offers keep existing users engaged, while new promotions, such as the ‘get $350 in Bonus Bets when you bet $5 for seven days,’ are perfect for first-time users looking to scratch the betting surface.
Banking & Withdrawals – Multiple deposit/withdrawal methods with fast processing times
Trust & Support – Licensed in every legal state, strong reputation for security, and responsive customer service via chat and email.

FanDuel Desktop User Experience & Interface

The UX & interface is truly one of FanDuel’s top selling points. It’s hard to quantify but they may be the best. Fast and intuitive are the two words that come to mind when describing the experience.

FanDuel Betslip

FanDuel’s betslip stands out thanks to its top-tier Same Game Parlay builder, which makes it easy to customize wagers. You can add markets from anywhere in the app, and they’ll automatically populate in the betslip—streamlining the process without relying on clunky popups. The design is widely praised for convenience and functionality, though some desktop users note that the betslip can take up a bit too much screen space.

FanDuel Mobile App Experience

PlatformApp Store RatingiOS4.9 / 5Android4.6 / 5

FanDuel is pretty much the gold standard for US Sportsbooks. Fast, reliable, well-designed.
Biometric login (Face ID / Touch ID), dark mode, and geolocation tools for legal state access.
Push notifications for odds boosts, bet tracking, and personalized promos.

Market Depth & Betting Options

FanDuel is recognized for its market depth, with betting options that stretch across every major sport as well as niche events. Standard spreads, moneylines, and totals are available for all games, complemented by a wide range of player props and creative specials. Bettors can explore both mainstream and alternative markets:

Sports You Can Bet On With FanDuel:

Key Events You Can Bet On With FanDuel:

Every game mentioned above has standard spread, moneyline, totals, and a wide variety of player props you can bet on. But the platform doesn’t stop with the major leagues, as it also features odds on entertainment and alternative markets such as the Oscars, eSports, lacrosse, and table tennis. This breadth of coverage helps explain why FanDuel frequently appears in roundups of the best NFL betting sites and top sportsbooks in the U.S.

Betting Features & Innovation

FanDuel is #1 for a reason; they’re constantly pushing the envelope. In March 2025, they launched the first AI sports betting chat experience.

Bet Back Tokens

FanDuel’s new Bet Back Token is a handy “bail-out” option when a wager starts going sideways. If a parlay leg tanks, a key player gets hurt, or your team is getting blown out late, you can apply the token right up to the final whistle and swap your stake for Bonus Bets on the spot. The refund arrives instantly in Bonus Bets, up to your offer’s cap, so you can jump back into the action.

Bet Your Bracket

For college hoops, FanDuel lets you Bet Your Bracket by bundling bracket-style predictions into a single parlay—think a team to reach the Sweet 16, win its region, and cut down the nets. Exclusive to FanDuel, this is the first time you can build parlays that span multiple rounds of the tournament, turning your bracket picks into one bet.

Real Time Check-In

If you try to deposit an amount that’s out of step with your usual pattern, Real-Time Check-In prompts a quick review. You’ll have the option to lower the deposit, set a limit, and use the My Spend tool to look over recent activity and keep things in control.

FanDuel Live Betting

FanDuel shines here, and it might be the best in the business. Its advanced game tracker pairs crisp visuals with real-time context, making it a perfect companion while you watch. You get live stats inside the tracker along with clear play-by-play summaries, so it’s easy to follow momentum and key moments. The result is a second-screen experience that actually helps you make smarter in-game decisions.

FanDuel Promotions

FanDuel’s current offer is Bet $5, Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 Days. It suits new users who want a low-risk way to start betting. A simple $5 daily wager unlocks Bet Reset Tokens that protect each bet’s downside. If the bet loses, they’re refunded in Bonus Bets up to $200; if it wins, they keep the profit. It’s a structured, repeatable entry point that limits exposure while building comfort with real-money wagering.

FanDuel runs daily odds boosts on major leagues and regularly issues profit boost tokens you can apply to eligible bets to increase winnings without increasing risk. You will also see featured Same Game Parlay and SGP+ promos, plus periodic “no-sweat” or parlay insurance style offers around marquee events.

Check the Promotions tab for current terms, minimum odds, max stake caps, and expiry.

FanDuel Banking: Deposit & Withdrawals

MethodDepositWithdrawalApple PayYesNoBank Wire TransferYesYesCash at CageYesYesCash at Retail StoresYesNoCredit CardYes (some states restricted)NoGift CardYesNoChecksNoYeseCheckYesYesDebit CardYesYesOnline BankingYesYesPayPalYesYesVenmoYesYes

Payouts are almost always instant, a big plus. They say up to 24 hours, but it always is fast for me.
One thing to note— you can’t cash out on a new payment method if you’ve never made a deposit with it before. If you want to withdraw using a method you haven’t deposited with before, you’ll need to make a deposit with that new method first before you can get paid out.

Trust & Safety

FanDuel Sportsbook is legally available online in 24 states plus Washington, D.C., with additional retail locations in Nevada, Washington, and Mississippi. Expansion is expected to continue, with Missouri being the latest to legalize sports betting. The platform also emphasizes player protection, offering responsible gaming tools such as real-time check-ins, deposit and loss limits, timeouts, and exclusion options. For customer support, users can access live chat or email assistance, while secure payment processing and multi-factor authentication ensure that both transactions and accounts remain protected.

FanDuel Sportsbook Pros & Cons

Pros:

Best in class app.
Clean, responsive live betting interface.
Intuitive SGP experience.
Fast Withdrawals.

Cons:

The welcome bonus only triggers if the first bet loses.
Promotions can be unpredictable.

FanDuel Players Club & FanDuel Points

The FanDuel Players Club is the sportsbook’s way of thanking you for being a loyal fan. All FanDuel players are automatically enrolled, and you’ll get special rewards based on the amount of FanDuel Points (FDP) you earn every month. So, for example, the amount of FDP you earn in September will determine your Players Club status for December.

How does it compare to other loyalty programs?

FanDuel Promo Code FAQ

What is the current FanDuel promo code, and how does it work?

FanDuel offers new users up to $350 in Bet Reset Tokens when they bet $5 for 7 straight days. After signing up, verifying their account, and depositing at least $5, users simply place one $5+ real-money wager each day to qualify. Each qualifying day unlocks a Bet Reset Token that protects their bet, and if it loses they receive up to $50 back in Bonus Bets per day.

Do I need to enter a promo code to get the FanDuel welcome bonus?

No, a promo code is not required. The offer is auto‐applied when you sign up through a promo link and meet the qualifying requirements.

How do you enter a promo code on FanDuel?

Since there is currently no required promo code, you don’t need to find a field and “enter a code.” Just use one of the official “CLAIM BONUS” or similar links, register, deposit, and place your first bet of at least $5.

What states allow FanDuel?

Click here to see where FanDuel is available online, and in retail.

Can I cash out FanDuel in another state?

If by “cash out” you mean withdraw winnings to your bank, yes — once winnings are settled, you can typically withdraw them regardless of travel, so long as your account and identity verification are in order. FanDuel has a shared wallet system across platforms.
If by “cash out” you mean using FanDuel’s “Early Cash Out” or “Cash Out” feature for active bets (settling a bet before its conclusion), you generally must be physically located in the same state where that bet was placed. In many states, the sportsbook needs to comply with geolocation laws.

How long does FanDuel withdrawal take?

For debit card, PayPal, or Venmo: typically up to 24 hours.
For online banking / bank transfer / ACH: 3-5 business days.

Who owns FanDuel?

FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment with additional ownership stakes.

Does FanDuel have a referral bonus?

Yes. FanDuel has a “Refer-a-Friend” program. When you refer someone, if they sign up and fulfill certain conditions (often placing a qualifying bet), you and the referred person each receive a bonus (for example, $50 in credit) once the referral is valid.
Note: The referral bonus itself is usually non-withdrawable, but winnings from that bonus can be withdrawn.

Gambling disclaimer: Only individuals aged 21 and over are permitted to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling is subject to local state regulation and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly – information relating to responsible gambling can be found here.

Italian GP: George Russell fastest in Practice Two as Mercedes edge ahead of fast-starting Ferrari at Monza | F1 News

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

George Russell beat Charles Leclerc to the fastest time of second practice at the Italian Grand Prix as Mercedes responded to Ferrari’s early pace at Monza.

At an event in which championship-leading team-mate Kimi Antonelli will start at the back of Sunday’s grid owing to engine-change penalties, Russell has a big chance to eat into the Italian’s 59-point advantage if he can deliver a strong race weekend.

Ferrari had finished first and second quickest in opening practice as they debuted an upgraded engine but Russell was the driver to beat in the second session amid continued sweltering temperatures in northern Italy.

The Briton set a quickest lap of 1:22.559 to outpace Leclerc – who had a late spin – by 0.120s and Antonelli by 0.141s.

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Charles Leclerc spins on the track during the second practice session at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

Lewis Hamilton, second fastest in the earlier running, slipped to fifth behind McLaren’s Lando Norris during a session which included the Ferrari running straight on at the first chicane.

Norris has won the last two races but McLaren are expecting Monza’s straights and slow chicanes to prove more challenging for their car.

Fourth-fastest Norris was 0.384s off the second-practice pace with Oscar Piastri a further tenth behind in sixth.

Max Verstappen returned after sitting out the first session for Red Bull rookie Ayumu Iwasa but the Dutchman was unhappy with his RB22’s balance and was only able to set the ninth-fastest time. Stand-in team-mate Liam Lawson was 12th.

Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad was the leading Red Bull-owned car in seventh place, with Haas’ Oliver Bearman eighth in an upgraded VF-26 car.

More to follow…

Sky Sports F1’s Italian GP live schedule

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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Italian Grand Prix.

Saturday September 5
8.25am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Italian Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 11:30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Italian Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
3pm: ITALIAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is at Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

USC vs. Fresno State Prediction, Odds, Pick For College Football Week 1

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The USC Trojans will host the Fresno State Bulldogs at the Coliseum on Friday night in a Week 1 college football matchup on FOX.

USC comes into this Week 1 tilt with a game already under its belt, after beating San Jose State 42-26 in Week 0.

Considering the Trojans entered the game as 38.5-point favorites, the final score doesn’t look all that impressive — but it also doesn’t tell the full story.

USC pulled its starters in the fourth quarter, and San Jose State proceeded to outscore the Trojans 23-7.

The bright side for USC was the play of Jayden Maiava, who completed 25 of 29 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. True freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley also showed out in his college debut, catching seven passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.

Meanwhile, Fresno State will make its 2026 debut after going 9-4 last season. Fourth-year junior Jayden Mandal has been named the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback and will make just his second collegiate start.

Fresno State also returns seven starters from one of the best defenses in the country last season. The Bulldogs ranked second in the FBS in passing defense (153.8 YPG allowed), fifth in interceptions (20), sixth in opponent completion percentage (53.8%), seventh in takeaways (26) and rushing touchdowns allowed (9), and 10th in total defense (285.7 YPG allowed). They also led the Mountain West in passing defense, interceptions, takeaways and total defense.

Can Fresno State stifle USC’s high-powered offense?

Let’s take a look at the odds for USC vs. Fresno State at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 4.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Fresno State @ No. 14 USC Odds

Moneyline

USC: -2500 (bet $10 to win $10.40 total)
Fresno State: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)

Spread

USC -21.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Fresno State +21.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Over/Under

Over 51.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Under 51.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Fresno St. @ No. 14 USC Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research:

This season feels like make or break for USC. The Trojans are still seeking their first College Football Playoff appearance under Lincoln Riley, and with Riley now entering his fifth season as head coach, the pressure is on. Maiava looked sharp in Week 0, after leading the Big Ten with 3,711 passing yards in 2025. USC also signed the No. 1 recruiting class in the country this offseason, and that young talent was on full display in the opener. The Trojans started five true freshmen, with several others seeing significant playing time. While Fresno State’s defense can pose a challenge, its impressive numbers from last season didn’t come against an offense with USC’s talent. And with Bulldogs starting quarterback Mandal making just his second career start in this type of environment, it’s difficult to see Fresno State keeping pace. Take the Trojans to win big.

The Pick: USC -21.5

How to Watch USC vs. Fresno State

Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 2026
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA

Italian GP: Charles Leclerc leads Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari seal one-two in first Monza practice after revealing upgrades | F1 News

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Charles Leclerc led a one-two from team-mate Lewis Hamilton in Italian Grand Prix first practice as Ferrari impressed after debuting an engine upgrade at Monza.

Leclerc’s time of 1:23.008s put him 0.173s clear of Hamilton, with Mercedes’ George Russell a further tenth back in third.

World championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who will start from the back of the grid in Sunday’s race after exceeding his allowance of engine parts for the season, was fifth for Mercedes.

McLaren’s Lando Norris, who has won the last two races to reignite his hopes of defending his title, was behind Antonelli in sixth.

Antonelli leads both Russell and Hamilton by 59 points at the top of the standings, with Norris 83 points behind the Italian in fourth.

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Tempers flare during Practice 1 at the Italian GP as Yuki Tsunoda rages over team radio as he comes up behind the weaving Alpine of Paul Aron.

Ferrari have chosen their home race to deploy the second of the two engine upgrades they’ve been permitted to use across the season, after the FIA’s measurements found their power unit to be inferior to those produced by Red Bull and Mercedes.

Ferrari have also brought a package of circuit-specific chassis upgrades to Monza in an attempt to boost the performance of the car at the high-speed track.

Their first showing of the weekend was made more impressive by the fact that the best times from Leclerc and Hamilton were both performed on the medium compound, while Russell’s best lap was on the theoretically faster soft tyre.

However, with Antonelli knowing one-lap pace isn’t important for him as he will start from the back of the grid regardless of where he qualifies, it’s possible Mercedes have more speed than they showed.

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Lewis Hamilton arrived at the Italian GP in a rare Ferrari F40 and revealed that the car’s engine bore the same number as his racing number.

Liam Lawson took an encouraging fourth for a Red Bull team fielding a line-up that included neither of their official 2026 drivers.

Lawson was driving in place of Isack Hadjar, who is missing a second race after injuring his wrist over the sport’s summer break, while Verstappen was one of four drivers to make way for rookies to feature in the session.

Ayumu Iwasa was 17th in Verstappen’s Red Bull, while Paul Aron was the best-performing rookie in 10th for Alpine.

Colton Herta’s chance to drive for Cadillac was cut short by a technical issue, and Britain’s Luke Browning was 15th for Williams.

Italian GP Practice One Timesheet

Driver
Team
Time

1) Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
1:23.008

2) Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
+0.173

3) George Russell
Mercedes
+0.304

4) Liam Lawson
Red Bull
+0.425

5) Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
+0.636

6) Lando Norris
McLaren
+0.711

7) Arvid Lindblad
Racing Bulls
+0.794

8) Gabriel Bortoleto
Audi
+0.998

9) Franco Colapinto
Alpine
+1.020

10) Paul Aron
Alpine
+1.169

11) Oscar Piastri
McLaren
+1.176

12) Yuki Tsunoda
Racing Bulls
+1.563

13) Nico Hulkenberg
Audi
+1.618

14) Oliver Bearman
Haas
+1.638

15) Luke Browning
Williams
+1.732

16) Carlos Sainz
Williams
+1.819

17) Ayumu Iwasa
Red Bull
+1.865

18) Esteban Ocon
Haas
+2.844

19) Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac
+2.976

20) Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
+3.058

21) Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
+3.064

22) Colton Herta
Cadillac
+6.914

Sky Sports F1’s Italian GP live schedule

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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Italian Grand Prix.

Friday September 4
12.55pm: F3 Qualifying
1.50pm: F2 Qualifying
2.35pm: Italian Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 3pm)
4.15pm: The F1 Show
5.20pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is at Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

How to Watch Fresno State vs. USC: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Fresno State Bulldogs visit the USC Trojans on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. PT from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA.

USC enters Friday off a 42-26 win over San Jose State to open the 2026 season, improving to 1-0 as the No. 14 team in the country. Fresno State is still 0-0 on the year, and its last trip to face USC ended in a 45-17 loss back in 2022. USC is a 21.5-point favorite at DraftKings, with the total set at 51.5.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Fresno State vs. USC

When: Friday, September 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. PT
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players to Watch

USC needed one week to answer questions about its passing game, and Maiava provided it. He threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns in the opener, added a rushing score, and finished with 18 points as the Trojans built the nation’s top third down offense right out of the gate. Lincoln Riley’s attack already ranks first in the country in third down conversion rate and total yards per game, and Maiava is the one steering it. Fresno State’s defense carried that program through a nine win season a year ago, but it has not faced a quarterback playing at this pace yet. If Maiava is as efficient in Week 2 as he was in Week 1, USC’s offense could turn this into a rout early.

Mosley did more than catch passes in USC’s opener. He led the Trojans with 118 receiving yards and a touchdown, then added 56 punt return yards to finish with a team high 174 all purpose yards. That versatility matters against a Fresno State team built around defense, since Mosley does not need a shootout to be effective. He can change field position on special teams even on a night when the passing game stalls. With Maiava spreading throws around a deep receiver room, Mosley’s ability to win after the catch gives USC a release valve, whether the Trojans are grinding through Fresno State’s toughest defensive series or trying to put the game away early.

Fresno State opens the season still sorting out its quarterback room, and Martin is one of two candidates coach Matt Entz has trusted with the job, along with Jayden Mandal. Whichever one starts against USC will lean on a defense that carried the Bulldogs to nine wins a year ago, since Fresno State’s only Power Four loss in 2025 came by 24 points to Kansas. Martin does not have to be spectacular for Fresno State to hang in this game. He needs to protect the ball, extend drives and let a defense that already outplays its own offense control the tempo. Against a USC team that scored at will in Week 1, that margin for error will be thin.

Fresno State vs. USC Odds

Learn more about the Fresno State Bulldogs vs. USC Trojans game and check the full schedule on FOX Sports!

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Keith Andrews exclusive: Brentford head coach on the improvements he hopes can help the Bees ‘break the ceiling’ and reach Europe | Football News

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Seconds before the curtain came down on the 2025/26 season, Brentford had a golden chance to do what they had never done before: qualify for Europe.

They were drawing 1-1 with Liverpool at Anfield and knew that one goal would be enough to finish seventh and secure Europa League football.

In the 10th minute of added time, Mikkel Damsgaard dropped the ball off to Vitaly Janelt on the left-hand side of the penalty area. The midfielder hit a cross first time that curled in the most inviting way to the centre of the box.

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Kevin Schade was waiting for it, but Dango Ouattara got there first – and steered it off target.

Keith Andrews put his head in his hands and sank to his knees. His first season as a head coach had nearly ended in the most perfect way.

“I felt that epitomised the journey we’d been on last season, with how we started the season, how we grew into the season,” he says, reflecting on that moment just over three months on.

“Everybody was so engrossed in our journey and gave absolutely everything. There was no shame at all from not getting into Europe, but it whetted the appetite pretty nicely for how we would do things going into pre-season.

“I sat on holiday and had a chance to think about things with immense pride at what we’d achieved. The next thought, very quickly, was how and where we go again.”

Image:
Andrews was visibly distraught when Dango Ouattara headed over the bar in the final seconds at Anfield

Speaking to Sky Sports that day, he promised improvement in 2026/27. “This is a baseline,” he said. “We’ll continue to push hard.”

Around a fortnight after that Sunday at Anfield, Andrews was back at base.

“There’s amazing thinking time you don’t normally get on a weekly basis to plan and look at things in a more forensic way,” he says.

“You look to improve how we train, how we prepare, what the squad feels like, what the dynamic feels like. Everything where you feel we can get a little bit better.

“I felt like we didn’t need huge meetings about what this season will be, I just felt it was there day-to-day. You could smell it, you could feel it.”

The first major change came on June 12 with the appointment of his former Republic of Ireland team-mate Damien Duff as his assistant.

Image:
Damien Duff spent four years as Shelbourne manager then worked as a FIFA technical advisor before arriving at Brentford

“He’s an unbelievable support for me on a daily basis. You’ve got to be very impactful in your role and whatever responsibilities you have and Damien is certainly that.”

The squad planning stage came next and, after an intense summer in 2025, this one was a lot less so.

Star players Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard were sold to Manchester United and Arsenal respectively, while Yoane Wissa’s eventual departure to Newcastle was protracted and disruptive.

There were no headline sales this year. In fact, the only first-team exits were those of Ethan Pinnock – who only played four times in the Premier League last season – and Frank Onyeka – who had spent the best part of two seasons away from west London – to Coventry for less than £12m.

Adding depth, instead, was a key factor in recruitment, which meant Brentford were the eighth-lowest spenders in the Premier League, spending £112.5m.

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Brentford head coach Keith Andrews speaks on the club’s transfer business and process after the summer transfer window closes.

“At certain stages last season, we just lacked that little bit at senior experience in the squad, different options within games to change it,” Andrews says.

“We always try to find a way of competing and our players gave absolutely everything last season, but at times they probably needed a little bit more help.

“The way we’ve gone about our transfers this summer has been very precise. Jannik [Schuster] is a centre-back with a younger age profile and has slotted into the club really well, Callum Wilson and Jaidon Anthony have proven Premier League quality with experience, so it’s not just on the pitch, it’s off it in terms of what they bring.

“Mamadou Sangare was an eye-catching signing and he’s started really well in our shirt. And the latest one is Malick [Diouf] from West Ham, who we were delighted to be able to get into the building.

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Keith Andrews says El Hadji Malick Diouf ‘fits what we are about’ as he joins Brentford for 40 million from West Ham.

“We’ve added to an already really good squad, we’ve added very well and we’ve kept hold of exactly who we wanted to keep hold of. I’m really, really happy with the deals we’ve got done.”

Andrews often speaks about getting better – and is open about the fact that getting better than last season means reaching Europe: “Naturally, the next step for us is to try and break that ceiling.”

He will, no doubt, field questions on that topic in press conferences for many months to come.

But what does that look like in action?

“The next level of development of individuals,” he says.

“Pick a player… Michael Kayode. He had an amazing season, let’s get him better. You make all your players better, you feed them that confidence, you create that environment, which we do create. It’s inevitable if someone is as humble and hungry as Michael, they will get better.

Image:
Michael Kayode (left) has been a key player for Brentford since arriving from Fiorentina in January 2025

“Players getting better naturally improves the team. Then you look at each phase of the game.

“At set-pieces we look a real threat, we look really dominant at the moment and we want to continue that.

“How do we create chances? The game is about scoring at one end and keeping goals out at the other, so how do you create opportunities? We want to create opportunities in different ways and not just be a predictable team that can only do it one way.

“And how do we become better without the ball? Are we pressing aggressively high? Can we sit in deep and absorb pressure and be a transition threat, but defend our box with aggression and collective spirit?

“They are just some examples about how we want to take the next step.”

So far, that next step is beginning to take shape.

On the opening weekend, they welcomed Tottenham to the Gtech Community Stadium – and blew Roberto De Zerbi’s side away.

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Highlights from the Premier League match between Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur.

They won 3-0, but it would have been four had Igor Thiago not rolled his penalty onto the base of the left-hand post.

Analysing the game afterwards, Sky Sports‘ Jamie Redknapp was impressed by what he saw.

“When somebody was out of position, they just found a way to fill the right areas. They are incredibly brave at the back, the two centre-backs play so high and press you, stop you getting out,” he said.

“What Roberto De Zerbi said beforehand was that they were going to deal with a lot of long balls today, but what they actually dealt with was total football.

“It can mean different things when I hear that said,” Andrews responds.

“When I think about that in terms of how we play the game, we can play in different ways. We can control games now with the ability we have as a team, the quality we have technically as a team.

“The individuals are flourishing within the squad and how we’re playing, then if teams want to have a fight, we’ll have a fight.

“We’ve got so many different attributes within the squad where we can cause the opposition problems in an unpredictable way, but we always respect every phase of the game and try and respect the opposition where we try to nullify their strengths and see if we can outdo them.”

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It was an evening to remember for Andrews.

“Firstly, we need to start with the fans. I thought the flags [organised by fan group TW8 Casuals] and the energy as the players came in from their warm-up and pre-game was pretty special.

“It felt energetic, it felt edgy. I loved the intentions of our fans straightaway in that game. I felt they could sense us producing a performance.

“I was confident the players would. You never truly know. I thought the connection between the players and the fans was really special and we maintained it throughout.”

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Callum Wilson scored six minutes into his first competitive Brentford start and Nathan Collins struck twice as the Bees thrashed Birmingham City 6-1 at St Andrew’s.

A 6-1 thumping of Birmingham in the Carabao Cup followed, before a 1-1 draw against Leeds at Elland Road last weekend, during which he felt Schade should have been awarded a penalty after a trip by Jayden Bogle in the box.

Sunderland’s visit to the capital is up next on Saturday afternoon.

“We’re in a good place, there’s no denying that. The players are playing freely, with a lot of verve and personality, which I really like.

Brentford’s next five Premier League fixtures

September 5: Sunderland (H)
September 12: Bournemouth (A)
September 18: Chelsea (H) – Live on Sky Sports
October 10: Aston Villa (A)
October 17: Liverpool (H)

“The only way you keep that going is keeping striving, keeping pushing each other, being very demanding of each other. It’s a good place to be demanding of each other when you play so well and with such an edge.

“Nothing is given in this league, but we can push the group more, they can push each other to see how far we can go.”

They came within one goal of Europe at Anfield. Andrews wants to make sure Brentford get even closer this time.

AFC South Predictions: Can The Texans Reclaim The Division From The Jaguars?

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The AFC South is shaping up to be one of the NFL’s most unpredictable divisions this season. The Houston Texans have held the crown for years, but can they reclaim the division with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ young core not going away any time soon?

With a healthy Daniel Jones back for the Indianapolis Colts and veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen now in the fold, the Colts could make some real noise. Over in Tennessee, the arrival of Robert Saleh puts a rebuilding Titans team in a prime position to play spoiler down the stretch.

If you want to know how the AFC South will unfold, the “First Things First” group of co-hosts were all over it. On Thursday’s show, Nick Wright, Danny Parkins, and Chris Broussard broke down the AFC South. They didn’t stop at general commentary, either. The trio made their definitive predictions for how the division will shake out.

Nick Wright’s AFC South Prediction

The Titans are entering a full rebuild under head coach Robert Saleh, but Nick Wright still sees potential for growth. With offensive additions like Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson, Wright believes a six-win season is well within reach.

“I do have them getting six wins … here’s the case for them,” Wright said. “Carnell Tate, Cam Ward take a year or two jump, and maybe Robert Saleh is actually a good head coach.”

When it comes to the expectations for the Colts, all eyes shift towards Jones and his recovery from the season-ending Achilles injury. Wright’s concerns aren’t about Jones specifically, but they’re focused squarely on head coach Shane Steichen.

After failing to meet expectations, Wright believes Steichen should be firmly on the hot seat.

“Daniel Jones [is] quickly coming back from the Achilles injury, but how mobile is he actually going to be,” Wright said. Also, I worry about Shane Steichen, and I worry about the instant hot seat.”

When it comes to the Jaguars, they’re not so easy to predict. After winning 13 games last season and winning the division, they could be a team that’s not just on the rise, but could be competitive for years to come.

Wright made sure to highlight the Jaguars’ young core in quarterback Trevor Lawrence and two-way standout Travis Hunter.

“13 wins like last year,” Wright said. “There’s no way they don’t get at least a little more out of Travis Hunter this year. They’re not going to get less. Year two of Trevor Lawrence and [Liam] Coen…I like that. They have, far away, the best quarterback in that division.”

The Houston Texans topped Wright’s predictions. He highlighted that the performance of quarterback C.J. Stroud will be a large factor in Houston’s success this season.

“I think they will be fighting for the No. 1 seed all year,” Wright said. “I think they go 12-5. If CJ Stroud is average, they can win 11 games. If he’s above average, they can win 12 games. If he’s good, you can argue they’re the best team in the league.”

Chris Broussard’s AFC South Prediction

Broussard followed Wright’s lead in his AFC South predictions, with the Texans standing at No. 1 and the Titans at the bottom. With new head coach Robert Saleh, Broussard is hoping for good things to come out of Saleh’s first year and Ward’s second starting season.

“I hope I’m wrong. I like Cam Ward. I would really like to see him do something this year,” Broussard said. “I’d like to see Saleh get a real chance … We’ll see, I’m pulling for him.”

For the Colts’ third-place prediction, Broussard has a hard time believing that Indianapolis won’t follow the same pattern this season as it did last season.

“We all remember the 8-2 start, and then one of the worst collapses in NFL history. They lost their last seven. They lost their last three when Jones was healthy. Why? Because they started playing good teams,” Broussard said.

For the Jaguars at second, their run to the playoffs was impressive, but Broussard does not see back-to-back appearances.

“At No. 2, the Jags, but missing the playoffs,” Broussard said. “He was very good last year. Is that who he finally is? Or is he going to go back down the roller coaster? I’m not betting on a bad year, but I’m not expecting a good year.”

As the Texans top Broussard’s list, the talented defense is a large factor in its success. However, the talent that Stroud brings to the offense will be another point of focus for Broussard.

“The Houston Texans [are] winning this division. Contrary to popular opinion, C.J. was average last year … obviously he was banged up for a few games. I expect a bounce back,” Broussard said. “I don’t know if I’m ever expecting him to be that great top-five quarterback that we thought he was going to be.”

Danny Parkins’ AFC South Prediction

Like Wright and Broussard, Danny Parkins placed the Titans in last. Parkins did not hold back when it came to what the Titans season could look like under quarterback Cam Ward.

“I’d be really worried if I was a Titans fan. I love Carnell Tate, I loved it leading up to the NFL Draft,” Parkins said. “I didn’t see much of anything to believe in Cam Ward. I think they are in contention, with the Dolphins, for the worst team in the NFL.”

Parkins switched things up and placed the Jaguars third. While Lawrence has been through ups and downs in his NFL career, Parkins is not expecting Lawrence to hold the same standard he did in last year’s 13-4 season.

“A huge regression for the Jacksonville Jaguars,” Parkins said. “I think Trevor Lawrence cannot be trusted. Is it possible that Liam Coen unlocked it? Absolutely. … He did it with Baker, he did it with Trevor. But his whole career has been a roller-coaster. Seems like we might be ready for a big dip.”

As for Parkins’ second-place team, the Texans, the defense should not be an issue for Houston. However, the concern lies within Stroud at the helm of the offense.

“You have the best defense in the NFL, but defensive production year over year does fluctuate,” Parkins said. They had remarkable defensive health last year … I don’t have evidence that C.J. Stroud is good.”

And sitting atop his AFC South predictions, Parkins believes the Colts will take home the AFC South title. Parkins emphasized the Colts could be a dangerous team in the division if Jones is back in full force.

“They return four of five starters on their offensive line. … I really like their offense this year … they need to win by scoring,” Parkins said. “So if you see the best version of Daniel Jones for a full year, I think the Colts can win the AFC South.”

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Ascot, Bangor-on-Dee and Worcester | Racing News

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We have a busy day’s racing on Friday with action from Ascot, Bangor-on-Dee and Worcester, live on Sky Sports Racing.

4.48 Ascot – Classic, Arctic Thunder and Moonfall contest feature handicap

A deep field has assembled for this Ascot Hospitality Handicap where Classic, Arctic Thunder and Moonfall feature among 13 runners.

George Boughey’s Moonfall claimed the Britannia Stakes under Billy Loughnane here on his penultimate start before finishing fourth of eight at Newmarket. He remains on the same mark and could do better at a track that suits.

Arctic Thunder seeks a hat-trick after victories at Salisbury and Haydock and, given the manner of his latest success, he must be respected on this rise in class.

The Richard Hannon-trained Classic is a regular in top mile handicaps and again performed with credit at Goodwood, while Hickory, Spanish Voice and Ozat are others to note.

2.50 Bangor-on-Dee – Prolific Thickthorn Tom takes on five rivals

Prolific Thickthorn Tom takes on five rivals in this excellent Goffs Yorton Sale 10th September Handicap Chase at Bangor-on-Dee.

Dan Skelton’s six-year-old has enjoyed a fruitful summer winning his last three starts with aplomb. He is three pound well-in on these terms and ought to be hard to beat.

Tamarind Bay is a danger for Mickey and James Bowen. Impressive when winning his first two starts over fences, he unseated when favourite at Perth and is given another chance.

Of the remainder, Sure Touch tops the weights for Olly Murphy, while Regal Renaissance has claims on the pick of her form.

6.36 Worcester – Last-time winners Tilehurst and Emerald Time clash

Last-time winners Tilehurst and Emerald Time clash in this Step Into Luxury With Purple Granite Handicap Hurdle at Worcester.

Ryan Hatch saddles his second runner as Emerald Time makes his debut for his new yard. A good winner at Uttoxeter on his final start for Dom Elsworth and himself, he returns to a track he likes, and a four-pound rise might not stop him going close.

Tilehurst got off the mark over hurdles at this course and distance 44 days ago, showing the benefit of fist-time cheekpieces under Sean Bowen. A similar effort would see him in the frame.

Zafaan and Sun Art complete the shortlist.

Best of the rest

2.30 Ascot – Fascinating maiden that Raaheeb won last year. Chymbulak among the fancied runners for Varian.

3.05 Ascot – Fillies maiden with Clarity and Claudette catching the eye. Divide And Conquer another to note.

3.40 Ascot – Novice with Soldier Of The Sea and Pure Mint headlining.

4.15 Ascot – Bunbury Cup hero Aalto heads eight runners.

5.25 Ascot – Star Of Commala makes appeal on handicap debut.

3.25 Bangor – Class Three with Secret Trix and Kiwi de Cotte declared.

7.06 Worcester – Handlethekettle bids for a treble.

UMass Delivers Shocking Week 1 Upset Over Rutgers On The Road

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Week 1 of college football has already delivered its first major upset, with UMass stunning Rutgers on the road 37-21 on Thursday night.

The win marked UMass’s first victory since October 2024 and their first over an FBS opponent since 1978, when they beat Boston College. Now, the Minutemen — who finished last year 0-12 — have secured their first season-opening win since 2023.

The Scarlet Knights opened up as 29.5 point favorites entering the matchup, but the Minutemen did not hold back.

After a 7-7 tie entering the second quarter, the Minutemen found their footing quickly. UMass held Rutgers to a scoreless second quarter and put up 17 to enter halftime with a 24-7 lead.

Entering the third quarter, UMass added another score while Rutgers struggled. While the Scarlet Knights had a late fourth quarter push with two touchdowns, it was not enough to top the Minutemen. Notably, UMass did not score more than 21 points against a single FBS opponent last year. Against Rutgers, they scored 37.

Quarterback William “Pop” Watson III ended the night going 19-for-22 passing with 197 yards and three touchdowns.

Running back Curtis Kimmons IV rushed for 78 yards and one touchdown, while wide receiver Elijah Faulkner added two scores and Joseph Griffin Jr. added one.

After Rutgers’ first touchdown in the first quarter, the offense struggled to put points on the board. Quarterback Dylan Longeran ended with 16-for-40 passing, 240 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. Additionally, KJ Duff finished with three touchdowns and 196 receiving yards.

UMass paid Rutgers $1.55 million to play on their home turf. Now, the Scarlet Knights open the season 0-1 for the first time since 2016, when Rutgers fell to Washington in Week 1.

While Rutgers finished 5-7 overall last season, its season-opening loss is a poor start just two weeks away from Big Ten competition.

The Scarlet Knights now turn to Boston College on the road for Week 2, before opening up Big Ten play with a home match against No. 14 USC.

CFB Related Stories

Nick Kyrgios: Former Wimbledon finalist accepts one-month suspension from International Tennis Integrity Association for testing positive for cocaine | Tennis News

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Nick Kyrgios has accepted ‌and served a reduced, one-month suspension under anti-doping rules after testing positive ‌for cocaine at an ATP Tour event in Mallorca.

Kyrgios, who had been provisionally suspended since August 4, had ‌entered into a treatment programme approved by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) to reduce the three-month default suspension under WADA rules.

The Australian gave a sample at an ATP tournament in Majorca in June which tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

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Gigi Salmon is joined by Annabel Croft and Ryan Harrison to react to the news that Kyrgios tested positive for cocaine and been suspended from the sport

The drug is banned in competition and the former Wimbledon finalist has been provisionally suspended since August 4, meaning he cannot play or attend tournaments.

During an interview with ITIA investigators, the 31-year-old ⁠explained that his use ⁠of cocaine had “occurred socially” during a night out before he was due ‌to play in Mallorca, the statement said.

The ITIA consulted an independent scientific expert at a ‌World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory, who stated that the explanation was consistent with the level of cocaine found in his sample.

“As a result, the ITIA accepted ⁠that Kyrgios’ use of cocaine was outside of competition,” it added.

The ITIA said Kyrgios’ suspension ends on Thursday, subject to completion of the programme.

Prize money and ⁠ranking points from the Mallorca event will be forfeited.

Cocaine is prohibited in-competition and carries a ⁠provisional suspension.

Kyrgios apologised last month on social media for the failed drug test, saying he had made a “huge mistake” and took full responsibility for ‌it.

“I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it,” Kyrgios said in a post on Instagram.

“I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me. Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself.”

His first-round loss to fellow Australian Adam Walton in Majorca was his last competitive singles outing and one of only four singles matches he has played this season.

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Highlights of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match between Aryna Sabalenka and Kyrgios

‘Tormented soul’ Kyrgios in firing line

Sky Sports Tennis’ Annabel Croft described Kyrgios as a “tormented soul” who could now find himself on the receiving end of the very criticism he dished out when Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek were involved in high-profile doping cases.

“He has always struck me as a tormented soul out there, and he is never far from creating headlines,” Croft said. “He seems to do that effortlessly.

“There is a lot of criticism being thrown at him right now because he was the one firing arrows at other players who had been banned for a certain amount of time. It is now being directed right back at him.”

‘Kyrgios needs to find balance’

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Take a look at some of Kyrgios’ best points of his ATP career

Former world No 40 Ryan Harrison believes Kyrgios must strike the right balance between his responsibilities on the court and his downtime off it.

“It is disappointing,” Harrison added. “Kyrgios has been such an electric player for so long.

“He is one of those guys. You talk about the ‘Big Four’, and he was the next in line that the casual fan and observer would talk about because of the way he played, his talent, fearlessness and energy.

“The persona would come out sometimes in the way he handled pressure. Sometimes it wasn’t always positive.

“When you are an athlete and training on a regular basis, your life is very structured and regimented.

“When you stop playing and you are not doing that on a week-to-week basis, some players can find it difficult to strike a balance and know, ‘When can I go out?’

“I think Nick needs to find that balance and, while it is disappointing, hopefully for his sake, as he takes time away, he can find happiness off the court and be the best he can be.”

Controversial Kyrgios’ career timeline

Image:
Kyrgios has earned a reputation as the ‘bad boy’ of this generation of players

2013: Turns professional after winning the Australian Open boys’ singles title in January of that year
2014: Announces himself to the world on his Wimbledon debut by upsetting world No 1 Rafael Nadal in the fourth round when just 19 years old.
July 2015: Criticised for his behaviour and comments at Wimbledon, including accusations of ‘tanking’ in fourth-round loss to Richard Gasquet.
August 2015: Fined and given 28-day suspended ban for controversial comments about Stan Wawrinka’s then-girlfriend, women’s player Donna Vekic.
October 2016: Criticised for his effort during a defeat to Mischa Zverev at Shanghai Masters. Receives an eight-week suspension, which was later reduced.
October 2016: Reaches his career-high singles ranking of 13th in the world in October after claiming his first three of seven career ATP titles in the same year – wins in Marseille, Atlanta, and Tokyo.
June 2018: Fined for inappropriate behaviour during Queen’s semi-final match against Marin Cilic after TV cameras caught him using his water bottle to simulate a lewd act during a changeover.
May 2019: Throws a chair onto the court during the Rome Masters and is defaulted from his match against Casper Ruud.
January 2022: Wins the Australian Open men’s doubles title with fellow Australian and good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis.
July 2022: Reaches his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon, which he loses in four sets to Novak Djokovic. His run is not without controversy as he is twice fined for his behaviour, for spitting towards a spectator in his first-round match with Paul Jubb and for an audible obscenity during a fiery third-round encounter with Stefanos Tsitsipas.
January 2023: Undergoes knee surgery, beginning a prolonged period of injury problems that has limited him to only one Grand Slam appearance since.
February 2023: Has an assault charge dismissed by a magistrate after pleading guilty to shoving over his ex-girlfriend in 2021.
July 2023: Withdraws from Wimbledon because of a wrist injury, having hoped to match or even improve on his run to the final the prior year.
August 2026: Provisionally suspended after a sample given at an ATP tournament in Majorca in June tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

NFC South Predictions: Can The Panthers Win The Division Again?

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

After four years of dominance by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Carolina Panthers surprisingly took the division crown in 2025. Will the Bucs regain it, or will we see another shock in 2026?

With Week 1 approaching, the “First Things First” crew of Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Danny Parkins predicted how the NFC South standings would shake out. And in a division that seems unpredictable entering the year, all three reached a consensus on who they think will finish in first place.

Here’s how all three see the NFC South unfolding in 2026.

Nick Wright’s NFC South Prediction

Wright wasn’t convinced he would see a leap forward from the Panthers, pointing to quarterback Bryce Young as the reason.

“I don’t think there’s a lot of evidence that Bryce turned a corner,” Wright said. “He had a nice stretch, but overall, the course of the season, it was a hell of a lot like Year 2.”

Wright added he expects Carolina to finish at or around six wins.

Wright was more bullish on the Falcons, landing on them as his deep sleeper to sneak into the playoffs at nine wins. He pointed to running back Bijan Robinson and a potential step forward from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as reasons for optimism.

“I think Bijan might be number one on the NFL 100 next year,” Wright said. He also credited new head coach Kevin Stefanski, pointing to Stefanski’s track record of getting the most out of his quarterbacks in Cleveland.

Wright surprised many and had two teams in the South making the playoffs as he picked the Buccaneers to finish 11-6 atop the division. Wright said the additions of rookie pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and the return of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey up front. He was skeptical Tampa Bay would miss Mike Evans as much as some expect after his departure in free agency.

Chris Broussard’s NFC South Prediction

Broussard agreed with Wright on the Panthers finishing last, questioning whether Bryce Young has taken the step many expect.

“I thought Bryce was better last year, but he still wasn’t good,” Broussard said. He was more optimistic about Carolina’s defense with the addition of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, but placed the Panthers behind both the Saints and Falcons in his prediction.

On the Falcons, Broussard credited the talented players at other positions on the roster while raising concerns about durability at quarterback. “They have no idea who’s getting away with it,” Broussard said of Atlanta’s quarterback competition, adding that both options have been particularly injury-prone.

Broussard had the Buccaneers on top, pointing to quarterback Baker Mayfield’s contract situation as extra motivation heading into the year. “Baker’s got a chip on his shoulder, lots approved, money on the line,” Broussard said

Danny Parkins’ NFC South Prediction

All three hosts agreed the Buccaneers are the team to beat, pointing to the return of quarterback Baker Mayfield, an improved offensive line and a retooled defensive front as reasons for confidence heading into the season.

“The Bucs, to me, are the clear-cut team,” Parkins said.

Parkins broke from his co-hosts by ranking the Panthers second, pointing to rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan and the Jaelan Phillips signing as reasons for belief in a jump.

“I think Tetairoa McMillan could be a top 10 receiver by the end of the year,” Parkins said. He also said the Phillips addition should provide a boost for a Carolina pass rush that struggled a season ago.

Parkins ranked the Falcons last in the division, citing concern about the quarterback situation undercutting a talented supporting cast.

“It’s a team with great skill position players and not much else,” Parkins said, adding that Atlanta invested heavily in its pass rush this offseason only to be hit by off-field issues affecting that group.

WSL 2026/27 transfer window winners and losers: Ecstatic Arsenal, but have Man City and Chelsea done enough? | Football News

September 4, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Arsenal are looking to win their first Women’s Super League title since 2019 after signing eight new players, while can London City Lionesses’ big-spending summer – including the purchase of Alexia Putellas, “the biggest signing the league has seen” – lead them to an unlikely title challenge?

Manchester City managed to keep hold of FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year Bunny Shaw, but have the champions done enough business to retain their title?

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Manchester United head into the new campaign with questions over whether they have strengthened enough to be challenging for the title, in contrast to West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur, who have both enjoyed eye-catching summers.

Keeping hold of Bunny Shaw makes Man City title favourites

Former England international Jill Scott

So, as the WSL transfer window finally slams shut for business, we look at the winners and losers from the summer with the new season set to get under way on Friday Night when London City host Man Utd live on Sky Sports.

Friday 4th September 6:00pm

Kick off 7:00pm

Arsenal & London City winners of the window

Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui:

If the answer to the question ‘Who has improved most this window?’ isn’t Arsenal or London City, then they need to have a word with their recruitment teams.

Elisa De Almeida is Arsenal’s eighth new signing and most of the players brought in are at a point in their career they’re supposed to be at their peak.

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Anton Toloui is joined by Charlotte Marsh and Rachel Corsie to discuss what is in store for London City Lionesses in the 26/27 season.

Big things are expected of Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, Geraldine Reuteler and others as the club looks to win their first WSL title since 2019.

As for London City – another sixth-placed finish after their star-studded signing drive won’t be tolerated.

Arsenal can take on any one

Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui:

Arsenal are ecstatic with their window, they feel as though they have a squad ready to take on all comers.

Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, Misa Rodriguez, Selina Cerci and Elisa De Almeida are expected to raise standards and help Arsenal get over the hump, and Renee Slegers is already chuffed with the impact they’re making at London Colney.

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The club’s really high on Lisa Baum’s potential, she’s been turning heads in training.

They also have Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang to come back before the end of the year, which means the future’s bright.

Summer signings have quality to make London City contenders

Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui:

It should pay off [London City’s summer spending]. They’ve signed the favourite for this year’s Ballon d’Or (Alexia Putellas), a Champions League-winning centre-back (Mapi Leon) and a goalkeeper once named the best in the world (Mary Earps).

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Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas explains why she has decided to join London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona.

Regardless of age, these players have the quality and character to make London City contenders.

You can argue it’s an old squad, you can argue there’s a lot of pressure to click quickly and you can argue whether the coach has the big-game and big-name experience, but talent-wise, it’s one heck of a squad.

Some pundits have them as title challengers, some as top-three entrants and some as major disappointments.

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Alexia Putellas sits down with Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui for an exclusive interview alongside London City Lionesses owner Michele Kang, discussing why she chose to join the WSL club and outlining her ambitions for the future.

The fun is in seeing how this plays out.

Former England international Jill Scott:

Whenever we speak about the big teams, we always say how important it is to have a good goalkeeper.

And having Mary Earps back in the WSL, she’s going to be great for them.

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London City Lionesses’ Freya Godfrey speaks about playing alongside Alexia Putellas and Mary Earps, revealing what she has learned from the experienced duo and the lessons she is hoping to take into her own game.

There’s a lot of experience in that team and you speak about Alexia Putellas in that team – they’ll definitely be up there.

Questions being asked about whether Man City have done enough business

Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui:

Manchester City are not starting the season how they want to.

They’re dealing with some injuries to some key players, including Vivianne Miedema, Jade Rose, Grace Clinton and Sydney Lohmann.

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Speaking on Essential Football, Sky Sports’ Anton Touloui, Laura Hunter and Charlotte Marsh dissect the WSL’s top three, looking at how they’ve strengthened this transfer window and who would come out on top.

It’s why they made a move for Joe Echegini and signed Carlotta Wamser late in the window.

Signing two players in Beth Mead and Niamh Charles adds to their pool of experience, but with the return of Champions League football, questions are being asked about whether enough has been done this summer.

Former England international Jill Scott:

For me, Man City are still title favourites and a big reason for that is by keeping hold of Bunny Shaw.

Her goal record speaks for itself and having Beth Mead in the squad now supplying her with more goals, I’d still go for City.

United fans must brace themselves for a new reality

Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui:

Manchester United fans need to brace themselves for a new reality.

The club has changed its ethos, as well as its head coach. Eva Olid has been brought in to usher a new generation of players at United, which means they may have different short-term aims compared to previous seasons.

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Eva Olid says big things are going to happen at Manchester United after being announced as the new head coach! Credit: Manchester United.

Saying that, they did shell out around £700k at the end of the window to sign Sweden winger Monica Jusu Bah and Rebecca Bernal, with the former bringing pace and excitement and the latter experience and grit.

It’s what happens next that’s the big test of their ambitions. Ella Toone is in the last year of her contract.

Chelsea were expected to go bigger this summer after looking flat last season

Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui:

We all expected Chelsea to go bigger this summer and it’s not as though they didn’t try.

A league-leading contract was offered to Bunny Shaw, who opted to stay at Manchester City at the last moment.

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Pitch to Pod’s Nikita Parris and Jordan Nobbs give their predictions for the WSL 2026/27 season!

A potential world-record fee was offered for Sweden striker Felicity Schroder, but she decided to move to Real Madrid.

Bringing Katie McCabe and Melvine Malard’s experience and dynamism is a positive to a side that looked flat last season.

The club’s really high on the signings of youngsters Giulia Dragoni and Manaka Matsukubo, who could have a bigger impact than expected.

Spurs and West Ham’s eye-catching off-season?

Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui:

How can you not be impressed with Spurs? Caitlin Dijkstra brings UWCL experience, Kirsty Hanson had a brilliant season at Aston Villa, Shekiera Martinez should add more goals and Alice Sombath won Europe’s biggest competition at Lyon.

They’ll be eyeing up at least fourth place this season.

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Senior Football Journalist Charlotte Marsh talks through the five things you need to know ahead of the new WSL season.

West Ham are another club that’s really happy with their off-season. Kelly Gago never got going at Everton, but she’s an exciting striker that could light up East London.

Ebony Salmon’s looking to live up to her early promise at a new club and Laia Codina brings a World Cup-winners’ medal to the changing room.

Can they make the leap? A good test is Spurs away in Week One.

Putellas is the biggest signing the league has seen

Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui:

Alexia Putellas is the biggest signing the league has seen and the results will be felt in many ways.

London City have sold out their home stadium in Bromley for the first time as people are desperate to see her debut.

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Charlotte Marsh and Rachel Corsie join Anton Toloui to discuss the pressures that Alexia Putellas will face at the London City Lionesses.

Major brands are more likely to see LCL and the WSL as an attractive prospect as Putellas is one of the few global faces of women’s football.

Putellas’ experience as a four-time UWCL winner and World Cup winner, as well as her veracious attitude for success, has already had an impact at London City training. But on the pitch is where it matters.

Putellas is confident she can bring her world-class talent to the WSL week after week, which is an exciting prospect.

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Speaking on Pitch to Pod, Nikita Parris and Jordan Nobbs discuss Alexia Putellas joining London City Lionesses and how long it’ll take for the new signings to gel into the squad.

No WSL player has ever won the Ballon d’Or – Putellas hopes her start of season form with her new club will cement her case to end that drought.

Watch London City vs Man Utd live on Sky Sports Football from 6pm on Friday, kick-off 8pm. Follow across Sky Sports digital platforms and watch in-game clips and free match highlights shortly after full time.

Kalshi Promo Code FOXSPORTS: Trade $25 Get Up To $25

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

What is the Latest Kalshi Promo code for September 2026?

The current Kalshi promo code for September 2026 is FOXSPORTS. New users who sign up with code FOXSPORTS, deposit at least $10, and trade $25 in event contracts can receive up to $25 in trading credit.

Week 1 of the college football season is kicking off today. Colorado looks to avenge last season’s loss against Georgia Tech in a compelling road test. No. 21 Utah also begins its season against Idaho, while Illinois faces UAB.

Kalshi operates as a federally regulated prediction market exchange where users trade contracts based on real-world outcomes. These markets cover a wide range of topics, including:

Sports games and championships
Elections and political outcomes
Economic indicators
Weather events
Pop culture predictions

Unlike traditional sportsbooks, Kalshi allows users to buy and sell event contracts tied to probabilities, with prices ranging from $0 to $1 depending on how likely an outcome is to happen. When you sign up and use the Kalshi bonus code FOXSPORTS, you can start trading these markets and qualify for the new-user bonus after completing your first $25 in trades.

Current Kalshi Promo Code FOXSPORTS Details: Trade $25 Get Up To $25

Enter the Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS, trade $25 in prediction markets, and you’ll get up to $25 in trading credit.

Welcome OfferTrade $25, Get up to $25Kalshi Promo CodeFOXSPORTSBonus TypeTrade & GetBonus AmountUp to $25Minimum Deposit$10+Minimum Trade Requirement$25 in event contractsDeposit MethodsDebit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, wire transfer, USDCPlatform TypePrediction market exchangeRegulationCommodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)Eligible StatesEligible States 42 States (Not in AZ, IL, MA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, and OH)

Kalshi Promo Code FOXSPORTS Terms & Conditions

The Kalshi FOXSPORTS welcome bonus is only available to new accounts.
Users must trade at least $25 in event contracts to get up to $25 in bonuses
The reward is issued as bonus trading credit, not withdrawable cash.
The Kalshi platform is currently unavailable in Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, and Ohio.
Users must complete KYC verification before depositing or trading.
Kalshi operates under regulation from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone.
Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

How to Claim the Kalshi Welcome Bonus

Click one of the Claim Now buttons on this page (or click here) to visit Kalshi and start the signup process.
Create a new Kalshi account using your email address and basic registration details.
Enter Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS during signup so the welcome offer is attached to your account.
Complete identity verification, which Kalshi requires before users can deposit and trade.
Deposit funds and trade at least $25 in prediction markets to receive up to $25 in trading credit.

What Is Kalshi?

Kalshi is a regulated prediction market platform where users trade contracts based on the outcomes of real-world events. Instead of placing traditional bets like you would at a sportsbook, Kalshi allows users to buy and sell “Yes” or “No” contracts tied to specific questions.

These questions can cover a wide range of topics, including:

Sports games and championships
Elections and political outcomes
Economic data releases
Weather events
Entertainment and pop culture

Each contract is priced between $0 and $1, which represents the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring.

For example, if a contract is priced at $0.65, the market is implying a 65% chance that the event will happen. If the prediction is correct, the contract settles at $1. If the outcome is incorrect, it settles at $0.

Unlike traditional sportsbooks, where bettors wager against the house, Kalshi functions more like a financial exchange where users trade against other participants in the market.

The platform operates under oversight from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), making it one of the only federally regulated prediction markets available to U.S. users.

What Can You Trade on Kalshi?

Kalshi offers a wide range of prediction markets that allow users to trade contracts tied to real-world outcomes. These markets go far beyond sports and cover events across politics, economics, weather, and pop culture.

Because Kalshi is structured as a prediction market exchange, users can also sell their contracts before an event is finalized if prices move in their favor. This allows traders to lock in profits or reduce losses based on changing market probabilities.

Some of the most common types of markets available on Kalshi include:

Sports markets

Users can trade contracts on outcomes in leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and major college sports. A typical market might ask which team will win a game or championship.

Political markets

Kalshi became widely known for its election prediction markets. Users can trade contracts related to election outcomes, control of Congress, and other political developments.

Economic markets

Many traders use Kalshi to speculate on economic indicators such as inflation, unemployment reports, interest rate decisions, and other government data releases.

Weather markets

Kalshi also lists contracts based on measurable weather events, such as temperature levels, snowfall totals, and hurricane activity.

Entertainment and pop culture markets

The platform occasionally offers markets tied to major cultural events like award shows, movie releases, or trending news topics.

How Kalshi Prediction Markets Work

Kalshi markets are built around simple yes-or-no questions about real-world events. Each possible outcome is represented by a contract that traders can buy or sell.

Contracts are priced between $0 and $1, which reflects the market’s estimated probability of the event occurring.

For example:

If a contract trades at $0.70, the market believes there is a 70% chance the event will happen.
If the event occurs, the contract settles at $1.
If the event does not occur, the contract settles at $0.

Your profit depends on the difference between the price you paid and the final $1 settlement value.

For example, buying a contract at $0.60 would return $1 if correct, creating a profit of $0.40 per share.

Another key difference from traditional sports betting is that contracts can be sold before the event finishes. If the probability of your prediction increases, you may be able to sell your contract early for a profit rather than waiting for final settlement.

Because the market is driven by buyers and sellers, prices can move throughout the day as new information becomes available. This is why Kalshi markets often behave more like financial exchanges than sportsbooks.

Where is Kalshi Legal in the United States?

Kalshi operates under federal oversight from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which means the platform is available to users across most of the United States.

Because Kalshi is classified as a prediction market exchange rather than a traditional sportsbook, it is not regulated under state gambling laws the same way sports betting apps are. This allows Kalshi to operate nationally in many jurisdictions where sports betting is still illegal.

As of September 2026, Kalshi is available in most U.S. states, but the platform is currently restricted in several jurisdictions.

States Where Kalshi Is Legal

Alabama
Alaska
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Washington, D.C.

States Where Kalshi is Not Available

Kalshi Fees and Payment Methods

Before trading prediction markets on Kalshi, users need to fund their account. The platform supports several common banking options, including traditional bank transfers and crypto deposits.

Kalshi’s fee structure is relatively simple compared to many betting or trading platforms. Most deposits are free, though some payment methods may include small processing fees.

Kalshi Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

Payment MethodDepositsWithdrawalsFeesProcessing TimeDebit CardYesYes~2% processing feeUsually within 30 minutesApple PayYesYes~2% processing feeUsually within 30 minutesBank Transfer (ACH)YesYesNo fee2–4 business daysWire TransferYesLimitedBank fees may applySame or next business dayCrypto (USDC)YesYesNetwork fees varyUsually within 30 minutes

Kalshi may also charge small trading fees on matched orders, which are calculated based on the price and size of the contracts being traded.

Withdrawals may include a flat processing fee, depending on the method selected.

Kalshi vs Traditional Sportsbooks

Kalshi may feel similar to sports betting apps at first, but the platform actually operates very differently from traditional sportsbooks like DraftKings or FanDuel.

Instead of betting against a sportsbook that sets the odds, Kalshi operates as a prediction market exchange where users trade contracts against other market participants. Prices move based on supply and demand, and contracts settle at $1 if the predicted outcome occurs.

This structure makes Kalshi function more like a financial exchange than a traditional betting platform.

FeatureKalshiTraditional SportsbooksPlatform TypePrediction market exchangeSports betting platformWho You Trade AgainstOther usersThe sportsbookPricing FormatProbability-based ($0–$1 contracts)American odds (-110, +200, etc.)House EdgeTransparent trading feesBuilt-in sportsbook vigEarly ExitSell contracts anytimeCash-out option controlled by sportsbookRegulationFederal (CFTC)State gaming regulatorsMarket TypesSports, politics, economics, weather, entertainmentPrimarily sports betting

Kalshi Combos

Kalshi also offers combos, which allow users to combine multiple event contracts into a single position. This works similarly to a parlay in traditional sports betting, where several predictions are linked together into one trade.

When using combos on Kalshi, the probability of all outcomes occurring is combined into a single price. Because multiple events must be correct, the potential return is higher than trading a single contract.

For example, a combo might include:

An NBA team to win a game
An NFL team to win a matchup
A college basketball team to advance in a tournament

If all of the predictions in the combo are correct, the position settles at $1 per contract, just like any other Kalshi market.

Combos are most commonly available for major professional sports leagues, including the NBA and NFL. They allow traders to build higher-risk, higher-reward positions using multiple events within the same trade.

However, it’s important to remember that because several outcomes must be correct, combos also carry greater risk than single-event contracts.

Kalshi Pros and Cons

Like any trading platform, Kalshi has advantages and limitations. Understanding how the prediction market works can help users decide whether it fits their trading style.

Pros

Available in most U.S. states: Because Kalshi is regulated at the federal level, it is accessible in many states where traditional sports betting apps are not available.
Unique prediction markets: Kalshi offers markets on sports, elections, economic data, weather, and pop culture events that you won’t find at traditional sportsbooks.
Transparent pricing model: Contracts are priced between $0 and $1, which directly reflects the market’s probability of an event occurring.
Ability to exit trades early: Users can sell contracts before the event settles, allowing them to lock in profits or cut losses as probabilities change.
Low trading costs: Kalshi uses small transaction fees rather than the built-in sportsbook vig typically found in betting odds.

Cons

Smaller welcome bonus than sportsbooks: The typical Kalshi promotion is a Trade $25, Get up to $25, which is smaller than many sportsbook sign-up bonuses.
Learning curve for new users: Prediction markets use probability pricing rather than traditional betting odds, which may take time for some users to understand.
Some markets have limited liquidity: Less popular markets may have wider spreads or fewer traders compared to high-volume sports events or economic markets.

Kalshi Promo Code FAQ

What is the current Kalshi promo code?

The current Kalshi promo code is FOXSPORTS. New users who sign up with this code can receive up to $25 after completing $25 in trades on the platform.

How do you get the Kalshi $25 bonus?

To receive the Kalshi welcome bonus, create a new account using promo code FOXSPORTS, deposit funds, and complete at least $25 in event contract trades. Once the requirement is met, Kalshi will credit your account with up to $25 in trading credit.

Is Kalshi legal in the United States?

Yes. Kalshi operates as a federally regulated prediction market exchange under oversight from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The platform is available in most U.S. states, though it is currently restricted in Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, and Ohio.

How do Kalshi contracts work?

Kalshi contracts are priced between $0 and $1, which represents the market’s estimated probability of an event occurring. If the predicted outcome happens, the contract settles at $1. If it does not occur, the contract settles at $0.

What payment methods does Kalshi accept?

Kalshi supports several funding options, including debit cards, bank transfers (ACH), Apple Pay, wire transfers, and USDC crypto deposits.

Fury vs Joshua: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan issues plea to Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren to ‘get fight to London’ | Boxing News

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has urged Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua’s promoters to “get the fight to London” amid speculation the clash between the British boxers could take place at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Fury and Joshua had just days ago appeared closer than ever to agreeing a super-fight long-in-the-making, only for Saudi organisers Sela’s wish to hold the event in the USA to emerge as a major stumbling block.

While Joshua’s side have maintained their desire for the fight to take place in the UK, Fury branded his potential opponent a “coward” on social media earlier this week, questioning the hold up in agreeing final terms to the fight, with his promoter Frank Warren asserting Fury had signed his side of the deal.

Khan, though, has issued a plea for organisers to satisfy the desires of the fighters themselves and stage the fight in London.

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Tyson Fury took to his Instagram to call out Anthony Joshua for stalling his fight, claiming that he will fight anywhere and that AJ doesn’t really want to fight. Credit: @tysonfury

“I understand the temptation of going to Madison Square Gardens,” Khan told Sky Sports News. “I understand the temptation of the money and offer, but the fans are here.

“We’ve been loyal to Tyson and to Anthony. We love them both, and we’d love to see them boxing here in London.

“I’m positive Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua know how much we love both of them. I’m not sure how much the promoters know how much we love both of them, but my message to the promoters is why don’t you do what Tyson and Anthony want, which is get the fight in London.

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Frank Warren insists Tyson Fury has done everything he can to make the showdown with Anthony Joshua happen but the fight is being held up by AJ

“We’ll get 100,000 people watching them live, plus millions watching across the globe fighting amongst the fans who’ve loved them from the beginning.”

Khan also revealed he had been in direct contact with Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, saying the Matchroom chairman had approached him for help with organising the fight:

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Eddie Hearn claimed Anthony Joshua feels a responsibility to UK fight fans that AJ vs Fury should happen in the UK

“We’ve hosted some of the biggest boxing events in history in London during my mayoralty.

“Many British fans are fans of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Many Londoners love both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua recognise the importance of British boxing fans.

Image:
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan urged promoters to “get the fight to London”

“The promoters know we’re here to help. We’ve approached those in the know to say we’re here to help.

“Eddie Hearn has approached us and we’re keen to work with Eddie and the team.”

Sky Sports has approached Queensbury Boxing and Matchroom Promotions for comment.

Dylan Raiola Has Never Been A Backup — Now He’s Embracing The Wait At Oregon

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The question posed to quarterback Dylan Raiola, Oregon’s splashy offseason transfer from Nebraska, during the Ducks’ on-campus media day in early August was fairly simple: “When was the last time you entered a football season not the starter?” a reporter asked. “Uhhhmm,” Raiola replied, dragging out the sound and tilting his head to one side while pondering exactly how he should respond. “I don’t want to — yeah — I don’t think it’s ever happened. It’s something new, but I know change is good. And especially at a place like this, I’m more than willing to sacrifice for the greater good.” The reason Raiola has to sacrifice is because Oregon’s starting quarterback from the 2025 campaign, Dante Moore, shocked many across the college football landscape by turning down the chance to enter the NFL Draft — he was widely projected as a top-10 pick — to stay in school and chase a national championship. Moore announced his decision during a live television appearance on Jan. 14, after which head coach Dan Lanning stormed into the room and jumped on a desk in celebration. Raiola had committed to Oregon via the transfer portal two days earlier, uncertain in that moment what Moore’s final decision would be. Still, Raiola and his family were keenly aware that the scenario Oregon now faces — with Moore as the unquestioned starter entering Saturday’s opener against Boise State and Raiola poised to spend the season in a backup role — was well within the realm of possibility. Part of what made Raiola’s camp feel comfortable with that arrangement was seeing how much Moore benefited from a similar set of circumstances two years ago when he joined the Ducks after spending his freshman season at UCLA. Now, Moore is a bonafide Heisman Trophy candidate this fall and will almost certainly become a first-round pick in next spring’s NFL Draft. “I think everybody wants everything now,” Raiola said during that same interview. “You asked the question about when’s the last time I haven’t started. I processed that over the last six months that I’ve had [at Oregon], and I just think that when everything is thrown at you and you’re always in the microscope, you can kind of lose sight of the process and the journey and enjoying it. So to be able to sit back and watch and learn from a guy that does it at a high level [is awesome].” The similarities between their respective journeys run deep. Moore was a five-star prospect from Detroit who peaked as the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle. He earned scholarship offers from seemingly every blue-blood program in the country — including one from former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh when Moore was still in seventh grade — and originally committed to Oregon in the summer before his senior year of high school. Moore eventually decommitted from the Ducks on Dec. 19, 2022, and signed with UCLA two days later, stunning the college football world and giving then-Bruins head coach Chip Kelly a trajectory-changing quarterback. Raiola, meanwhile, spent more than a calendar year as the top overall prospect in the 2024 class before finishing at No. 21 overall and the No. 3 signal-caller behind current Ohio State starter Julian Sayin and current Baylor starter DJ Lagway. He spent chunks of his recruitment committed to Ohio State (seven months) and Georgia (seven months) before making a stunning flip to Nebraska, which is his father’s alma mater. In that moment, he became the second highest-rated high school prospect to ever sign with the Cornhuskers in the recruiting rankings era. “I challenged him,” Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said during his signing day news conference in December 2023, “like ‘Hey, make sure you’re serious about this. I don’t want this to be something that isn’t right for you.’ And he said, ‘My life has greater purpose than just being the top recruit. I know what Nebraska means to my family, I know what it has meant to me and I’d like to come there.’ “I think in the end, to have a player of Dylan’s caliber — not of his recruiting, but of his caliber — his arm talent, his ability to see the field, but probably more than anything, his work ethic and how much he cares about the game, we obviously took that.” From the moment that both players set foot on college campuses, their respective paths toward seeing the field as true freshmen came into focus. Moore split time with fellow quarterback Ethan Garbers during UCLA’s season opener and then started five consecutive games for a team that ultimately finished 8-5 overall. Individually, though, Moore’s performance was relatively uneven: three games with multiple touchdown passes offset by three games with multiple interceptions; four games with at least 234 passing yards undercut by two games with a completion rate below 43%. He entered the transfer portal less than a week removed from the Bruins’ regular season finale. But at Oregon, where Moore spent the 2024 season learning behind first-team All-American and eventual third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, his reset doubled as a rebirth. A year to steady himself without much on-field pressure ignited Moore’s growth rate under then-offensive coordinator Will Stein, now the head coach at Kentucky. When Moore finally assumed the starting role last fall, he went on to throw for 3,565 yards with 30 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and the fourth-best completion percentage (71.8%) in the country. “It helped me out a lot being able to sit one year,” Moore told me at Big Ten Media Days in July. “You get to learn so much. All your practice reps, you get to just learn from a vet and ask all the questions you could ask. And then if the person in front of you makes mistakes, you just learn from it. It’s like you’re the little brother. It’s like the big brother goes up there and does something stupid, you learn from it and you’re like, ‘OK, I don’t do that.’ So it’s just that type of relationship that we have, and it’s huge — especially in this generation.” Raiola spent nearly two full seasons as Nebraska’s starter before suffering a broken ankle last November that effectively ended his Cornhusker career. His numbers across 22 appearances during the 2024 and 2025 campaigns — nearly 5,000 total yards with 31 touchdowns and a 69.1% completion rate — were significantly more prolific than what Moore had produced in his lone season with the Bruins. Raiola’s on-field production for two teams that reached bowl games — a legitimate achievement for a downtrodden program like Nebraska — signaled to coaches across the country that there was still plenty of talent to be molded from the rough clay. One of the primary challenges for new Oregon offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer will be coaching away Raiola’s ball-security issues in the wake of 17 interceptions and 12 fumbles over the previous two seasons combined. Thus far, Raiola believes he’s making good on his pledge to do everything he can to help the Ducks in a supporting role. He capitalized on extra walkthroughs and meetings during the summer to shore up what he described as a “shaky” spring season. He’s worked diligently to reshape his body by eating healthier and dropping weight in response to a winter full of injury rehab that limited his ability to train. He described his current physical condition as “probably the best I’ve ever felt,” while Moore said he’s noticed an uptick in Raiola’s running speed — something that delighted the protégé. But there is plenty of work still to be done. And if all goes well — if Moore stays healthy and has the Heisman Trophy-caliber season many around the country are expecting — then the majority of Raiola’s progress will happen behind closed doors while this year’s team chases a national championship. Just the way he and the Ducks planned it. “My job is to push the room, push the team and help support Dante achieve his goal,” Raiola said at Oregon’s media day. “Because I know in the long run, that’s my goal [too]. So if we can get him there, and [then] I can get myself there, it would be accomplished for sure.”

Gianni Infantino latest: FIFA accuses UEFA of launching a ‘smear campaign’ after legal cases filed in American courts | Football News

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

FIFA has accused European football’s governing body of launching a “smear campaign” against Gianni Infantino in a challenge to legal action over the aborted attempt to sell part of the World Cup to private investors.

UEFA has filed legal cases in American courts seeking evidence relating to the controversial venture and warned it is considering launching criminal proceedings against Mr Infantino in Switzerland where FIFA has its headquarters.

FIFA has now filed a response in a New York court, saying: “While these applications are styled as legal pleadings with captions and docket numbers, they are little more than press releases in further support of UEFA’s smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership.”

UEFA is trying to oust Mr Infantino from power with a resignation or in the FIFA presidential election in March.

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Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol gives the latest on Gianni Infantino and whether he can continue as the president of FIFA

FIFA’s lawyers say: “UEFA’s application suffers from a fundamental defect: UEFA seeks discovery in aid of a foreign criminal proceeding that does not exist and that UEFA admittedly lacks the authority to initiate.”

There is a defence of the attempt to launch the $20bn World Cup subsidiary, which Mr Infantino’s senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, called a “bad deal” for football when quitting the role in a statement to Sky News.

Sky News previously revealed there were already plans in June to start to receive up to $4.2bn from private investors in October.

But FIFA’s legal filing claims it was “only a proposal” that had to be approved by member associations and the ruling council.

FIFA claims UEFA was acting out of self-interest to protect its own competitions and that any disputes should be handled within football not the courts.

“Rather than participate in that democratic process, UEFA issued a press release – the beginning of a weeks-long smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership,” the document filed in the Southern District of New York court states.

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Sky News put questions to FIFA’s president in the Dominican Republic after his World Cup sell-off plan was abandoned following a backlash from a number of confederations, including UEFA

“UEFA’s economic motivation was to prevent smaller countries from having the financial strength to compete with the European elite.

“If soccer is strengthened in the developing world, global competition increases, which ultimately reduces UEFA’s market power and provides more competition for its flagship tournaments.

“By raising funds to allow some of FIFA’s smaller member associations to better develop soccer, FIFA Forward Enterprice (FFE) would lead to more players from those nations choosing to represent their countries of origin and playing in their home leagues rather than playing abroad.”

Sky Sports News has been told the feeling at UEFA is that if there is nothing to worry about, then why not disclose the documents. It is understood the process could be shortened by disclosing documents relating to FFE plans.

Luke Fickell Is 1 Win From A Wisconsin Breakthrough, But Notre Dame’s In The Way

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Luke Fickell has a chance to flip his fortunes in Madison, Wisconsin, quicker than LSU can say, Joey Freshwater was a mistake on Saturday.

Fickell — who otherwise might be looking at his fourth and final season as head coach at Wisconsin — is just one win a way from having the Badgers faithful chant his name in exuberance. To do that, though, he has to beat his mentee and one of the best programs in the sport — Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman and his No. 4 Fighting Irish.

Perhaps, though, Fickell has done the work necessary to expect to win at Lambeau Field. He’d have you know he’s reached the fifth stage of grief: acceptance.

“I’m not naive. I don’t want to be naive. I think for a couple years, at least for a year and a half, I was pretty naive,” he told me and other reporters at Big Ten media days.

Pressure is on Luke Fickell and Wisconsin to turn things around this season. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Wisconsin fans might think that’s an understatement, that they’re not even playing for anything this year, but that’s because they participated in the other four stages of grief too: denial, anger, bargaining and depression.

They probably agree, too. Fickell was naive.

He knows he was naive to believe he could continue to coach as he had before accepting the job in Madison. He knows he was late to adapt to NIL, to the volatility of the transfer portal, to how difficult it was and will be to return Wisconsin to the top of the Big Ten again.

Naive about what it takes to return Wisconsin to respectability? Perhaps. The Badgers haven’t won more than 10 games since 2019, and Fickell has overseen two losing seasons since the Big Ten extended to 18 teams.

And now, the Badgers are 20.5-point underdogs against Notre Dame on Sunday in their season opener and haven’t themselves been ranked in the preseason AP or final AP poll since 2019.

The last time Wisconsin and Notre Dame faced off, it was a 2021 Fighting Irish victory, 41-13. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It’s easy to forget Fickell was one of the best coaches in the country before accepting the job at Wisconsin. He’d won 53 games in five seasons at Cincinnati and is the first head coach to lead a Group of Six team to the College Football Playoff and the only head coach in the four-team CFP era.

It’s also easy to forget that Wisconsin has won 99 games in the age of the CFP and has never received an invitation to participate. Only six teams have won more games and never made the playoff, and only three of them are Power Four programs (BYU, Utah and Iowa).

But, to put it kindly, Wisconsin is slipping. It’s been slipping since former Badgers coach Paul Chryst was fired in the middle of the 2022 season, and that’s, in part, due to Fickell.

In July, he admitted he missed the essential meaning behind a phrase former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer used to remind coaches just how important the task of staying locked into their jobs is for their futures.

“If you sleep on the game, you’ll wake up one day, and you’ll be passed by,” Fickell said. “You’ll forget what to do. I always thought that was scheme to me. Like right, you are continuing to evolve in the scheme of things. The truth of the matter is it’s not recognizing what’s going on within the landscape of things.”

After missing the CFP last season, Notre Dame and Marcus Freeman aim to get back into national championship contention. (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Fickell is an old-school ball coach. He thinks of Wisconsin football like a family business that’s been around since 1889. Not like a startup — a project led by a visionary entrepreneur with a commitment to developing a scalable business model that makes the company grow at 10 times the valuation every five years out of necessity to feed profits and the hunger of investors.

On Saturday, Fickell will shake hands with and coach against Freeman, a man he helped teach to become not just head coach but also one who has never slept on the game.

Freeman’s team is one of the best in the game, and that’s because, along with being a great coach, he understands the importance the transfer portal, eligibility rules and name, image and likeness play in the Fighting Irish’s pursuit of their first national championship since 1988.

Given the success Freeman has had since becoming head coach in South Bend, Indiana — notably reaching the CFP national championship game in 2025 and posting a 43-12 record since taking over as head coach — it’s no surprise that Fickell has forced himself and his staff to answer difficult questions about what’s stopping the Badgers from competing on the same plane as the Notre Dame team they’ll face in Week 1.

Wisconsin and Notre Dame kick off their 2026 seasons Sunday, September 6 at Lambeau Field. (Photo by Ross Harried/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Fickell is the first to admit there are no shortcuts to success on that level. It’s a slower process than fans, his investors, would like.

And Fickell knows the absence of results this season could lead to him being out as head coach at Wisconsin. His seat is hot.

“There are easy ways to go about it,” Fickell said. “And I think there are people out there that do take some easy ways. You sure as hell aren’t going to do that here. Whether that means you’re on a hotter seat than you were before, I don’t know if it can get much [hotter].”

It could also get cool. Fickell is a win away from rewriting his and the Badgers’ future. A win against this Notre Dame team could do just that.

Lewis Hamilton shares thoughts about possibility of becoming first black Ferrari driver to win in Italy ahead of Italian GP | F1 News

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Lewis Hamilton says he has been considering the magnitude of potentially becoming the first black Ferrari Formula 1 driver to win a home race for the team, ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion has enjoyed a much improved second campaign in red, with a maiden Grand Prix victory for the team in Barcelona in June helping to keep him in title contention, as he trails Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli by 59 points with 11 rounds remaining.

Hamilton’s hopes of claiming victory in Monza have been boosted by the fact Antonelli will start from the back of the grid as he serves a penalty for exceeding his engine-part allowance.

Asked what a prospective 107th career Grand Prix win would mean to him, Hamilton said: “I’ve really thought coming into this weekend, as I pondered, just thinking of the sheer magnitude of the concept that I’m coming to this Grand Prix, I didn’t even know that I had I was equal with Michael [Schumacher] on [five Monza] wins, for example.

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Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton claimed his first win in red at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

“But the thought that there’s a first ahead of me, in the sense that potentially, if I was to win, you go into new territory.

“Winning in Monza for the first time with Ferrari is something I’ve witnessed Charles [Leclerc] win in 2019, when I was on the podium with him. But to do it while I’m here would be phenomenal.

“And the thought of if I did do that, probably I would be the only black driver to ever do that for Ferrari in Italy probably in history, maybe, and so just like a lot of those thoughts have been through my mind.

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Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were greeted with a big reception as Ferrari fans gathered in Milan to cheer on the F1 stars at a House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% event.

“The pressure is high. You also want to deliver for the team. There’s all those people at the factory, many of them will get to come to this race, the Tifosi, who come in huge numbers and the passion is unmatched, and you want to deliver for them as well.

“And my mum’s here this weekend because I don’t think she’s been to Monza, but also particularly on a Ferrari weekend. I wanted her to experience that and you know bring any of the lucky dust she can bring.”

Engine upgrade won’t recover ‘whole gap’

Hamilton’s hopes of victory should be boosted by the arrival of Ferrari’s second engine upgrade of the season.

The team confirmed on Wednesday that they have taken up the second of two opportunities they’ve been granted to improve their engine during their 2026 campaign.

Perhaps Ferrari’s biggest weakness this season has been having a weaker power unit than Mercedes, who also supply McLaren with their engines.

Hamilton said: “Every little helps, and I think up until this point of the year we’ve been losing, even in the last race on such a short circuit we were losing four tenths a lap through the race. That’s a huge deficit and we’ve carried that through the year to this point.

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Speaking on the F1 Show podcast, Harry Benjamin believes Lewis Hamilton can take positives away from the Dutch Grand Prix, despite a frustrating result.

“What I can say is I’m really proud when I go back to the factory and see how hard everyone is working. They’re really just heads down, and everyone’s so enthusiastic.

“I see a different focus this year to last year. Last year, I felt like there wasn’t really a north star. We were doing the best we could, but not really knowing exactly what we were trying to aim for. Now we have a north star, and we know where we need to work towards.

“I think they’ve done a tremendous job to really pull together and deliver. This is a step forward, it’s not the whole gap that we need but we knew that would be the case.

“But to see bits coming each weekend, adding to the car, it’s exciting to see that we are pushing and I strongly still believe that we’ve got what it takes to win.”

Sky Sports F1’s Italian GP live schedule

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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Italian Grand Prix.

Friday September 4
7.30am: F3 Practice
8.55am: F2 Practice
11am: Italian Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 11.30pm)*
12.55pm: F3 Qualifying
1.50pm: F2 Qualifying
2.35pm: Italian Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 3pm)
4.15pm: The F1 Show
5.20pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is at Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

The 20 Best Positions Groups This Season In The NFL, Headlined By The Rams’ D-Line

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

If you were building an NFL team from the ground up, where would you start?

The obvious answer is “quarterback.” This is a QB-driven league, and the quickest path to a championship is finding a franchise passer.

That’s typically the case, at least. But the 2025 season showed other ways to build a contender. Teams quarterbacked by Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Dak Prescott missed the postseason entirely. Josh Allen couldn’t make it past the divisional round, and Justin Herbert was one-and-done. Meanwhile, teams quarterbacked by mid-level guys dominated the postseason.

It’s difficult to win in the NFL without a great quarterback, but teams are learning that it’s equally difficult to win without a dominant unit elsewhere on the depth chart. The Super Bowl champion Seahawks were led, first and foremost, by a dominant defensive line. The play of the Patriots’ secondary offset Drake Maye’s putrid playoff run. And the Broncos rode their elite offensive line to an AFC title berth.

With the 2026 season just a week away, let’s look at the units that could be building blocks for a championship team. We’ll rank the 20 best based on value.

A few notes before we start: These units were ranked based on both depth of talent and positional value. Receivers, tight ends and running backs are grouped together as “skill players.” The “total cost” figures are based on 2026 cap hits and were pulled from Spotrac. With that out of the way, let’s get to the list.

20.

Players: LT Bernhard Raimann, LG Quenton Nelson, C Tanor Bortolini, RG Matt Goncalves, RT Jalen Travis
Total cost: $40.9 million

Quarterback Daniel Jones’ redemption arc and running back Jonathan Taylor’s all-around brilliance stole the spotlight from the engine that powered the Colts’ shockingly good offense in 2025. The right side of the line is a little iffy in pass protection, but Raimann and Nelson form one of the best tackle-guard pairs in the NFL, and Bortolini is a road grader in the run game.

I’m optimistic Indy’s offensive success last season will carry over to 2026 if this line stays healthy.

19.

Players: CB Pat Surtain II, CB Riley Moss, S Talanoa Hufanga, S Brandon Jones, CB Ja’Quan McMillan, CB Jahdae Barron
Total cost: $54.2 million

Ranking the Broncos’ secondary this low may be insulting to Surtain, who’s emerged as the best corner in the NFL. I just don’t trust the rest of the unit.

Moss is better than his numbers show, but playing across from Surtain is a thankless task that comes with a constant barrage of targets. If Moss could be less handsy and draw fewer flags, his coverage stats would look a lot better.

Pat Surtain II won Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

18.

Players: RB D’Andre Swift, WR Rome Odunze, WR Luther Burden III, TE Colston Loveland, TE Cole Kmet
Total cost: $43 million

At this time next year, we could be talking about Loveland as the best tight end in the NFL. He was unguardable down the stretch last season and emerged as one of quarterback Caleb Williams’ most trusted targets.

Swift is a flawed running back with suspect vision, but head coach Ben Johnson’s running game gets him into open space where he’s awfully hard to corral. Odunze and Burden are a perfect pair at receiver, with the former offering contested catching ability and the latter providing the big-play threat.

17.

Players: Edge T.J. Watt, Edge Alex Highsmith, Edge Nick Herbig, DT Keeanu Benton, DT Cam Heyward
Total cost: $98.6 million

The Steelers’ defensive line can take over games. Benton and Heyward are immovable objects in the interior, and Watt, Highsmith and Herbig form one of the more productive pass-rushing groups in the NFL. Getting Watt back to his Defensive Player of the Year form would elevate this unit even higher.

16.

Players: LT Alaric Jackson, LG Steve Avila, C Coleman Shelton, RG Kevin Dotson, RT Warren McClendon Jr.
Total cost: $64.7 million

The Rams quietly put together one of the most efficient run games in league history last season, and the offensive line led the way. This unit just mashes defensive fronts and keeps L.A.’s offense moving along four or five yards at a time. Injury is a concern across the front, but McVay and GM Les Snead have fortified the unit with solid depth.

15.

Players: CB Christian Gonzalez, CB Carlton Davis, S Craig Woodson, S Kevin Byard, CB Marcus Jones
Total cost: $52.3 million

The Patriots secondary has a “best in the league” ceiling. Gonzalez can blanket most WR1s and will hold his own with the very best. Woodson, a second-year safety, was one of the best players on the defense throughout the postseason run.

If Davis returns to form and gives New England a second man-to-man corner next to Gonzalez (I’m skeptical), and Byard keeps up his ball-hawking after nabbing seven picks last season (skeptical!), this group will outplay this ranking.

Kevin Byard joined the Patriots this offseason after recording a league-leading seven interceptions with the Bears last offseason. (Photo by Summer Lamont/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

14.

Players: CB Quinyon Mitchell, CB Cooper DeJean, S Andrew Mukuba, CB Riq Woolen, S Marcus Epps
Total cost: $20.6 million

The Eagles placing this high is a bet on two things:

1. Mukuba taking a step forward as a deep safety who can drop down and play man coverage when needed. He flashed that ability last season but was inconsistent in the role, as most rookies are.

2. Riq Woolen can fill the hole at the second cornerback spot. He doesn’t have to be a lockdown cover guy to clear that bar. If he makes enough plays when the ball goes his way—which will happen a lot with Mitchell and DeJean on the field – the Eagles will be happy with their offseason addition.

If both of those boxes are checked, Philly’s defense will be even better than it was a year ago.

13.

Players: WR Puka Nacua, WR Davante Adams, RB Kyren Williams, and too many tight ends to count
Total cost: $72.4 million

Let’s put a Myles Garrett-sized asterisk on this one with Nacua facing possible discipline from the league due to off-the-field issues.

On paper, though, the Rams have so many options for Sean McVay to mix and match thanks to his committee of useful tight ends and receivers who are willing to block. Los Angeles had four tight ends go for at least 200 yards last season, and all of them have different skill sets.

For instance, Terrance Ferguson is more of a receiver who just happens to play tight end. The Rams played more 13 personnel (1 RB, 3 TEs) than any team, but when Ferguson was out there, it was essentially 12.5 personnel. McVay could split him out wide and create mismatches against a linebacker if teams put their base defense on the field. If defenses put an extra defensive back out there, L.A. would just bludgeon them with the run.

Puka Nacua was second in the league in receiving yards this past season. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

12..

Players: CB Derek Stingley Jr., CB Kamari Lassiter, CB Jalen Pitre, S Calen Bullock, S Reed Blakenship
Total cost: $35.1 million

Every player in Houston’s secondary can cover, but it’s their desire to hit anything that moves that makes them special. Lassiter and Pitre would take a speeding bus head-on, which helps the Texans play lighter bodies even on run downs. Stingley is an eraser on the outside, and Bullock owns the deep middle.

11.

Players: WR Justin Jefferson, WR Jordan Addison, TE T.J. Hockenson, RB Aaron Jones, WR Jauan Jennings
Total cost: $85.2 million

Jennings was the missing piece for the Vikings receiving corps. Jefferson and Addison can strike for an explosive play at any time, but Minnesota was missing a pass catcher who could do the dirty work over the middle of the field when Jefferson is doubled. Jennings mastered that role in San Francisco.

10.

Players: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR Jameson Williams, TE Sam LaPorta
Total cost: $70.5 million

Gibbs and Williams are the fastest pair of teammates in the NFL. If they touch open grass with the ball in their hands, it’s six for Detroit. In St. Brown and LaPorta, Goff has two reliable chain movers who keep the offense on schedule in between the Gibbs and Williams fireworks.

Players: LT Dion Dawkins, RG O’Cyrus Torrence, RT Spencer Brown, C Connor McGovern, LG Alec Anderson
Total cost: $50.7 million

The Bills offensive line is solid in pass protection, but it’s their work in the run game that lands them on this list. These guys are bulldozers in human form.

New head coach Joe Brady, who served as offensive coordinator before getting a promotion this offseason, has built Buffalo’s offensive identity around his offensive line’s ability to move bodies. The powerful run game keeps Josh Allen out of too many obvious passing situations.

Players: WR CeeDee Lamb, WR George Pickens, RB Javonte Williams, TE Jake Ferguson, WR Ryan Flournoy
Total cost: $75.1 million

Pickens was everything the Cowboys needed him to be: a playmaker in the deep and intermediate areas of the field and a ball-winner on the outside. His presence made it harder to throw extra bodies at Lamb, who’s become one of the league’s elite possession receivers. Ferguson has become Dak Prescott’s go-to guy for his trademark throws up the seam.

Players: RT Lane Johnson, LT Jordan Mailata, LG Landon Dickerson, C Cam Jurgens, RG Tyler Steen
Total cost: $60.8 million

This ranking is either too high or too low. The best version of the Eagles offensive line – the version that led Philly to a Super Bowl in 2024 – would land significantly higher on this list. But that’s not the version we saw last season, with injuries affecting Dickerson, Jurgens and Johnson. Steen was a liability, as expected. Mailata is still one of the best left tackles in the sport, but he’s getting up there in age.

Still, this is a very strong unit. It will have to prove it’s still elite after a down year – and do so without Hall-of-Fame offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.

Players: LT Tristan Wirfs, RT Luke Goedeke, C Graham Barton, RG Cody Mauch, LG Ben Bredeson
Total cost: $66.4 million

The value of the Bucs offensive line was apparent last season. Eight offensive linemen played at least 250 snaps in 2025, per FTN’s Football Almanac 2026. Barton, arguably the weakest member of the group, was the only starter to play the full slate. With the offensive line in shambles, the offense imploded. But with everyone back and healthy for 2026, this unit will show why it’s one of the best in the NFL.

Players: DT/DE Leonard Williams, DT Byron Murphy II, Edge Demarcus Lawrence, Edge Jarran Reed, Edge Dante Fowler Jr.
Total cost: $79.5 million

Mike Macdonald put Seattle’s defensive success in simple terms: “If you can defend the run [with two safeties deep], that’s high-powered stuff. It’s not easy to do. There’s a lot of stress on the interior of your defense and on your edge … if you can do it, it just gives you such an advantage.”

Thanks to this defensive line, MacDonald gets free access to that high-powered stuff. Williams, Murphy, and Williams can blow up run games on their own, so Seattle rarely has to load the box on early downs. That takes stress off the players responsible for pass coverage and makes their jobs a lot easier.

Players: WR Ja’Marr Chase, WR Tee Higgins, RB Chase Brown, WR Andrei Iosivas, TE Mike Gesicki
Total cost: $78.9 million

Chase is the best receiver in the game, and Higgins might be the NFL’s best No. 2. There’s a reason why Burrow was begging his front office to pay both of them. Both receivers can dictate coverages and pull attention away from their less talented colleagues, giving Burrow plenty of options on every single dropback. Throw in Brown, who’s become one of the league’s most consistent backs, and you get a skill group worth nearly $80 million in cap hits this season.

Players: LT Garett Bolles, RG Quinn Meinerz, LG Ben Powers, RT Mike McGlinchey, C Luke Wattenberg
Total cost: $65.5 million

With the Eagles taking a step back last season, it’s time we pass the “best OL in the league” title off to a new line. The Broncos are my pick for the honor.

These guys can move bodies in the run game, and they keep quarterback Bo Nix in pristine pockets. Bolles and Meinerz are the stars, but there are no weak links.

Players: Edge Will Anderson Jr., Edge Danielle Hunter, DT Tommy Togiai, DT Sheldon Rankins
Total cost: $49.8 million

Playing against the Texans’ defense just looks painful, and the first wave of punishment comes from the front four.

Anderson and Hunter don’t defend the edges; they demolish them, like two Kaiju thrashing through a city. They will eventually blow up a run play on early downs, put the offense in a passing situation, and let their two pass-rushing monsters go to town.

Players: Edge Myles Garrett, DT Aaron Donald, Edge Byron Young, DT Braden Fiske, DT Kobie Turner, DT Poona Ford
Total cost: $61.8 million

The Rams may have topped this list before Donald came out of retirement and ruined every offensive line coach’s weekend.

Even if Darnold is a non-factor, there’s plenty of depth behind Garrett with Fiske, Turner and Ford clogging up interior run gaps on early downs, and Young providing more pass rush juice on third down. This unit will be a nightmare to contend with in any scenario.

Czech Darts Open: Latest draw, schedule, results as Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Beau Greaves feature in Prague | Darts News

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Beau Greaves faces a showdown with world No 2 and reigning champion Luke Humphries if she beats Daryl Gurney in the opening round of the European Tour’s Czech Darts Open.

Humphries beat Kim Huybrechts in the 2024 final and successfully defended his title by defeating Josh Rock last year, with the Englishman now chasing a third consecutive win at the PVA EXPO from September 4-6.

Friday’s opening round will see 16 matches take place across an action-packed double session, as Gurney and Greaves renew their rivalry on the big stage in a repeat of last year’s World Darts Championship clash.

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Daryl Gurney narrowly beat Beau Greaves 3-2 as he progressed to round two at the World Darts Championship

Greaves averaged 104.88 in defeat to Rob Cross on her European Tour debut last week and eyes a landmark win against Gurney, who prevailed in a five-set thriller when the pair met at the Alexandra Palace, with the winner progressing to face Humphries on Saturday evening.

The top 16 players on the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder will enter the tournament in round two, with world No 1 Luke Littler makes his first European Tour appearance since March’s Belgian Darts Open.

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Chris Murphy and Laura Turner debate whether Luke Littler has already surpassed Phil Taylor as the greatest ever darts player

The reigning two-time world champion will take on either Niko Springer or Slovakian youngster Martin Homola in his opener, while Dutch No 1 Gian van Veen will await either Niels Zonneveld or Jeffrey de Graaf.

Michael van Gerwen faces a potential all-Dutch tie against Dirk van Duijvenbode, who plays Mario Vandenbogaerde in round one, as Callan Rydz and Cristo Reyes collide for the right to meet sixth seed Gerwyn Price.

Hungarian Darts Trophy champion Ross Smith begins his bid for back-to-back European Tour titles against Joe Cullen or Stephen Burton, with Gary Anderson either taking on World Cup partner Cameron Menzies or Sweden’s Johan Engstrom.

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Ross Smith defeats Gary Anderson at the Hungarian Darts Trophy and celebrated in heart-warming fashion with his son

Following the conclusion of Saturday’s play, the last 16 will play out on Sunday afternoon, before the tournament concludes with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in a blockbuster evening session.

Czech Darts Open: Full schedule

Friday September 4

Round One
Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)

Cameron Menzies v Johan Engstrom
Andrew Gilding v Host Nation Qualifier 2
Ryan Joyce v Kim Huybrechts
William O’Connor v Host Nation Qualifier 4
Niko Springer v Martin Homola
Kevin Doets v Ricky Evans
Joe Cullen v Stephen Burton
Callan Rydz v Cristo Reyes

Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)

Luke Woodhouse v Connor Scutt
Krzysztof Ratajski v Host Nation Qualifier 3
Dirk van Duijvenbode v Mario Vandenbogaerde
Martin Schindler v Rob Owen
Daryl Gurney v Beau Greaves
Rob Cross v Keane Barry
Damon Heta v Host Nation Qualifier 1
Niels Zonneveld v Jeffrey de Graaf

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Chris Murphy suggests Beau Greaves should be given more opportunities to play against the men after she once again won the Women’s World Matchplay

Saturday September 5

Round Two
Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)

Jermaine Wattimena v Ratajski/HNQ3
Ryan Searle v O’Connor/HNQ4
Danny Noppert v Doets/Evans
Gary Anderson v Menzies/Engstrom
Wessel Nijman v Schindler/Owen
Chris Dobey v Cross/Barry
Ross Smith v Cullen/Burton
Nathan Aspinall v Gilding/HNQ2

Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)

Gian van Veen v Zonneveld/De Graaf
Jonny Clayton v Heta/HNQ1
Gerwyn Price v Rydz/Reyes
Luke Littler v Springer/Homola
Luke Humphries v Gurney/Greaves
Michael van Gerwen v Van Duijvenbode/Vandenbogaerde
Josh Rock v Joyce/Huybrechts
Stephen Bunting v Woodhouse/Scutt

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Highlights of the World Matchplay final between Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price, where ‘The Nuke’ dominated to successfully defend his title

Sunday September 6

Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)
Round Three (Best of 11 legs)

Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)
Quarter-Finals (Best of 11 legs)
Semi-Finals (Best of 13 legs)
Final (Best of 15 legs)

Czech Darts Open: Full second round draw

Players seeded based on PDC Ranking position

(6) Gerwyn Price v Callan Rydz/Cristo Reyes
(11) Gary Anderson v Cameron Menzies/Johan Engstrom
(3) Gian van Veen v Niels Zonneveld/Jeffrey de Graaf
(14) Ross Smith v Joe Cullen/Stephen Burton
(7) Josh Rock v Ryan Joyce/Kim Huybrechts
(10) Ryan Searle v William O’Connor/Host Nation Qualifier 4
(2) Luke Humphries v Daryl Gurney/Beau Greaves
(15) Nathan Aspinall v Andrew Gilding/Host Nation Qualifier 2
(5) Jonny Clayton v Damon Heta/Host Nation Qualifier 1
(12) Chris Dobey v Rob Cross/Keane Barry
(4) Michael van Gerwen v Dirk van Duijvenbode/Mario Vandenbogaerde
(13) Wessel Nijman v Martin Schindler/Rob Owen
(8) Stephen Bunting v Luke Woodhouse/Connor Scutt
(9) Danny Noppert v Kevin Doets/Ricky Evans
(1) Luke Littler v Niko Springer/Martin Homola
(16) Jermaine Wattimena v Krzysztof Ratajski/Host Nation Qualifier 3

Sky Sports remains the home of darts in 2026, with the World Grand Prix (September 28 to October 4, Grand Slam of Darts (November 14 to November 22) and the World Darts Championship (December 10 to January 3) all live. Stream darts and more top sport with no contract.

AFC North Predictions: Who Takes The Steelers Spot As The Top AFC North Team?

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Steelers reign as the AFC North title winners, but two teams are emerging as stronger candidates to win one of the most competitive divisions in football this season, at least according to “First Things First.”

From the questions surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers and the Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson, and the healthy talent returning on both the Baltimore Ravens’ and Cincinnati Bengals’ rosters, the AFC North seems to be unpredictable this season. However, Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Danny Parkins were in unison on who the top two teams in the division will be.

Here are their picks for the AFC North.

Nick Wright’s AFC North Prediction

Nick Wright put the Cleveland Browns at the bottom and the Ravens at the top, leaving last year’s AFC North winners at third.

Wright did not hold back when it came to the Browns, emphasizing that its quarterback situation does not benefit them or its record.

“I think they’re going to be 4-13. I think it’s the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. … I’d be very surprised if they win six games,” Wright said on Wednesday’s edition of First Things First.

In terms of the Steelers, the return of Rodgers could go South for new head coach Mike McCarthy, especially with Rodgers turning 43 years old this year.

“I think they finish 6-11, but what is Aaron Rodgers going to look like once the weather turns cold? … He turns 43 this year,” Wright said. “I would be surprised if, during that stretch that Drew Allar doesn’t start a game or two … I do not think Aaron Rodgers will be the starting quarterback all year.”

Wright believes that Cincinnati will fall into the same cycle as last year: win nine games and miss the playoffs. Even with quarterback Joe Burrow back in full force with wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, Wright is not buying any of the hype surrounding its offense.

“Winning only nine games and missing the playoffs. It’s basically what they do every year… I think they will have the ninth-best offense in the NFL.”

For Wright’s No. 1 team, the Ravens, he sets the bar high for quarterback Lamar Jackson and new head coach Jesse Minter. Wright predicts that Baltimore will also land the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

“I would be shocked if they don’t start 6-0. If they don’t just sweep this conference. I am predicting that the Baltimore Ravens will be the No. 1 seed in the AFC,” Wright continued. “I think Minter is a breath of fresh air this year. I think Lamar might win his third NFL MVP. They might be a regular season juggernaut.”

Chris Broussard’s AFC North Prediction

Chris Broussard and Wright shared the same predictions from top to bottom. However, there’s a twist that came with the Bengals.

For Broussard, the Browns were the clear choice for fourth place, especially with their offseason decision on starting quarterback Deshaun Watson.

“I’m stunned that Deshaun Watson has won the job. He hasn’t played well… He better go out and win those first two road games,” Broussard said.

Broussard also turned heads when he made his prediction about the Steelers season, noting it could be their first losing season in over two decades.

“This will be the first losing season for the Steelers since 2003. We’re going to find out that Mike Tomlin was really holding that thing together…I think Mike McCarthy is a good coach, but the last two years he was with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay…they went 8-10-1…with a team that had the potential to win 13 games,” Broussard said.

Rodgers left every NFL fan waiting for his offseason decision to return to Pittsburgh, retire or sign with someone new. However, joining forces with McCarthy adds a new element to the Steelers’ success this season.

Broussard’s prediction for the Bengals is that they do make the playoffs, but won’t win the division.

“They get to the playoffs. I’m expecting a nice year from them, I’m expecting Burrow to be healthy,” Broussard said. “The defense is just going to be solid… I think the offense is going to be one of the best in the league.”

And none other than Broussard’s favorite NFL team, the Ravens, took place as the AFC North winners.

“I am EXCITED about this season,” Broussard said.

Danny Parkins’ AFC North Prediction

Parkins followed suit with the Browns in last place, thanks to their lack of talent at quarterback.

“Very obvious. They’re going to play three quarterbacks this season… They’re going to move to Shedeur Sanders early, and then they’re going to have no other move, and they’ll be in trouble,” Parkins said. “I think that they’re one quarterback away from making things interesting.”

The Steelers placed third, noting that their regular season ended with eight wins and Rodgers will be ‘fine’ this season.

“I think they’re going to be fine. I think Aaron Rodgers is going to go out with a whimper, they’ll be an eight-win team,” Parkins said.

However, Parkins split off from Broussard and Wright’s predictions and placed the Ravens second, but still making the playoffs. Parkins detailed that Minter could be a good hire on paper, but won’t know much until the season rolls around.

“I think it’s going to take 12 wins to win this division. … My thing with Baltimore is, I think Jesse Minter is a good hire, but we don’t know,” Parkins said. “We have a head coach who’s never been a head coach, you have an offensive coordinator who’s never been a playcaller.”

Parkins labeled the Bengals as his team to win the division. However, even with the talented offense Cincinnati has, the Bengals top the Ravens by a very small amount.

“As for Cincinnati, when Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase play, they’re 12-6 over the last two seasons and averaging 29 points per game, and they added a ton to their defense. So, on the thinnest of margins, I have the Bengals over the Ravens,” Parkins said.

Good Good Golf chief executive and president leave roles after backlash over controversial deleted Callaway advert | Golf News

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Two senior executives from Good Good Golf have both left their roles, following backlash over a golf advert which showed a woman being pushed to the ground.

Good Good Golf CEO Matt Kendrick and president Joe Flannery have both left the company as fallout continues around the video, which was published last month to advertise a new Callaway driver but before being subsequently deleted.

The popular content creators drew widespread criticism that the video portrayed violence against women, with Good Good Golf apologising in a social media statement and Callaway Golf admitting ‘mistakes were made’ over their handling of the incident.

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An internal memo from their head of finance and operations Alex Puchala, shared with Business Insider, confirmed that Nahid Giga – a board member and investor in Good Good – has been installed as interim CEO.

“This is a difficult day for the entire Good Good family,” Puchala said in the statement. “Matt [Kendrick] helped build something extraordinary that exceeded all expectations and continues to bring countless new fans to the sport. What began as a small group of friends playing golf is now a growing global community.

“To ensure stability through this transition, Nahid Giga, Good Good co-founder and one of our first investors, will step in as interim CEO, effective immediately.

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“Garrett [Clark] and the creator team will keep doing what they do best, making great content and engaging our fans who are eager to see and hear from us. I will remain COO and CF and will continue to oversee day-to-day operations.

“We’re encouraged by the continued support of the Good Good community, and we remain focused on moving forward and building the next chapter of the company.”

Good Good was launched as a YouTube channel in 2020 and now is among the largest content creators in the sport, featuring eight men and four women competing in golf and various challenges. It has made-for-TV shows, apparel and other merchandise.

The company had said the controversial advert was meant to parody the horror movie “Obsession”, but the criticism was relentless and video was deleted on the same day it was posted on August 20.

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Watch the most memorable moments from every PGA Tour winner in 2026

“We were disappointed with what we saw,” PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said last week of the response from Good Good. “The PGA Tour believes in golf’s ability to bring people together and create a welcoming environment for all.”

Garrett Clark, a Good Good founder and the man who shoves the woman in the video, posted an eight-minute video in which he called the commercial in question “the worst ad known to man” and “not what we stand for.”

Good Good were due to title sponsor a new PGA Tour event in Austin in November but have now pulled out of doing so, while Callaway have since ended their relationship with Good Good. Retailers including Golf Galaxy and its parent company, Dick’s Sporting Goods, removed the company’s merchandise from their shelves.

Harshest Punishments In Sports History: How Does The Clippers Ruling Compare?

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer just learned that circumventing the salary cap carries a steep price tag. After concluding its investigation into Kawhi Leonard’s side deals, the NBA delivered a decisive ruling that proves no franchise is above the league’s rulebook.

According to ESPN, the NBA is stripping the Clippers of five first-round picks and slapping owner Ballmer with a $30 million fine. Ballmer will also serve a one-year suspension, leaving the Clippers without control over a first-round pick until 2034.

Leonard escaped the harshest discipline, but he was still ordered to pay $700,000 in restitution over improper benefits received by his uncle, Dennis Robertson. The NBA has also banned Robertson from conducting any future business within the league.

This isn’t just a slap on the wrist as it’s one of the steepest penalties ever handed down in pro sports. For a young Clippers team on the brink of rebuilding, losing half a decade’s worth of first-round draft capital is an absolute death blow.

With the hammer officially dropped on the Clippers, let’s dive into the history books. These are the most memorable and impactful sports punishments handed out in history.

Saints Bounty Gate (2009)

Winning Super Bowl XLIV gave Saints head coach Sean Payton the breakout moment he needed to earn respect around the league. But that reputation took a hit when an investigation revealed a scandal brewing behind their magical season.

The victory was soon tarnished when an investigation exposed a bounty program led by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to intentionally injure opponents. Payton covered it up, resulting in a $500,000 fine and the Saints being stripped of two second-round picks.

However, the league’s hammer didn’t stop swinging at the top.

The league hit Payton with a full, unpaid one-year suspension for 2012 and suspended Williams indefinitely. General manager Mickey Loomis was also held accountable, serving an eight-game suspension without pay.

Timberwolves Secret Contract (2002)

With the Clippers’ latest punishment now out there, it’s worth going back to the Minnesota Timberwolves scandal involving Joe Smith.

Starting in 1999, Smith signed three consecutive low-salary, one-year contracts with the Timberwolves. This raised concerns, which eventually led to the discovery of an under-the-table agreement to circumvent salary cap rules.

Once the investigation concluded, the Timberwolves were fined $3.5 million, owner Glen Taylor and general manager Kevin McHale were suspended. The Timberwolves, similarly to the Clippers, were stripped of five first-round draft picks.

Astros Sign Stealing (2020)

After winning the 2017 World Series, the Houston Astros seemed like the talk of the league and baseball’s next dynasty. However, after an MLB investigation revealed they illegally stole signs from opposing teams, public scrutiny and backlash only intensified.

The Astros were fined the maximum of $5 million and stripped of their first- and second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 MLB Drafts. On top of that, general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch were also suspended for one year, prior to their firings.

Despite widespread backlash across the sport, the Astros went on to win the World Series again in 2022. They may have cheated in the past, but winning it all without stealing signs proved just how talented and well-built the Astros roster truly was.

Patriots Spy Gate (2007)

To no one’s surprise, the New England Patriots were a lock for this list. Head coach Bill Belichick was no stranger to league discipline, but his involvement in Spygate remains the most notorious stain on the Patriots historic dynasty.

Early in the season, a Patriots video assistant was caught illegally filming the New York Jets’ defensive signals from an unauthorized location on the sideline. Because this violated NFL rules, Belichick and the organization faced league discipline.

Belichick was fined $500,000 and the Patriots organization was fined $250,000. Not only were the fines massive, but the team was also stripped of their 2008 first-round pick.

Red Sox Sign Stealing (2020)

Following the Astros, the Boston Red Sox were also caught stealing signs during their 2018 World Series winning season. The punishment was far lighter compared to the Astros, but still impactful.

Replay operator J.T. Watkins received a one-year suspension, and the team forfeited its 2020 second-round draft pick. Following the investigation, manager Alex Cora was also suspended for one year, but his penalty was from his role in the Astros scandal.

Since the scandal, the Red Sox have made the playoffs only three times, struggling to regain their former league dominance that fans have come to get accustomed to watching.

SMU “Death Penalty” (1987)

One of the most impactful punishments involved the SMU Mustangs. Investigators discovered that administrators and boosters were paying football players under the table and this came even while they were already on probation for previous recruiting violations.

The “death penalty” label comes from the sheer severity of the punishment. The NCAA canceled the Mustangs 1987 season, and the heavy restrictions on scholarships and recruiting forced the school to cancel the 1988 season as well.

The severity of the punishment effectively silenced the program for two consecutive seasons. With 55 scholarships stripped over four years, the roster was systematically gutted, triggering a collapse that took them more than two decades to recover from.

Braves International Signing Infractions (2017)

As well-respected as the Atlanta Braves are in baseball today, they aren’t without their fair share of controversy. From 2015 to 2017, MLB investigators caught the Braves circumventing international signing rules and bonus caps.

For a Braves franchise built on international scouting, the penalty could not have been more damaging. The Braves lost 13 top international prospects, including prized shortstop Kevin Maitan, setting back their international pipeline for years.

From top to bottom, the fallout for the Braves organization extended far beyond the field.

General manager John Coppolella received a lifetime ban from MLB and the Braves were forced to forfeit a 2018 third-round draft pick. It only got worse as the strict bonus limits effectively shut the team out of the international market through the 2021 season.

USC NCAA Sanctions (2010)

Pete Carroll departed USC for the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, executing a perfectly timed exit. This came just months before the NCAA hit the Trojans football program with severe ‘lack of institutional control’ sanctions.

The investigation centered on star running back Reggie Bush receiving improper benefits from sports marketers. Following the probe, the football program was hit with a two-year bowl ban and the loss of 30 football scholarships over three years.

The Trojans were also placed on four years of probation and forced to vacate 14 wins from the 2004 and 2005 seasons, including their national title win. Bush faced severe fallout as well, forfeiting his 2005 Heisman Trophy.

Jerry Sandusky Sanctions

College football has undergone major reforms regarding athlete protection and mandatory reporting policies. This was largely driven by the fallout from former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

Penn State was hit with historic sanctions after university and athletic department leaders conspired to cover up Sandusky’s crimes rather than report him to law enforcement. This resulted in one of the most severe punishments in college football history.

The punishment included a $60 million fine, a four-year postseason bowl ban and the loss of 40 scholarships. The Nittany Lions football program was also forced to vacate 112 victories from 1998 through 2011.

Sandusky is currently serving time in prison for his crimes at Penn State. He is serving a 30-to-60-year sentence in a Pennsylvania state prison following his 2012 conviction on 45 counts of child sexual abuse.

Dolphins Tampering Violations (2022)

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was at the center of a six-month, league-wide NFL investigation for tampering. The start of the investigation was actually sparked by a lawsuit from former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores.

The lawsuit revealed that the Dolphins had illegal contact with quarterback Tom Brady and Sean Payton while both were under contract with other teams. Given how high-profile the story was, it came as no surprise when the league handed down harsh penalties.

The Dolphins were stripped of a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick, while Ross was suspended and fined $1.5 million. While it remains unclear whether Brady or Payton was planning a team-up, the punishment is one of the most severe in history.

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Francis-Henri Graffard’s Drazinda faces Armor Supreme | Racing News

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Lingfield, Southwell, Newcastle and ParisLongchamp are the venues for today’s action – live on Sky Sports Racing.

2.40 ParisLongchamp – Listed winners Drazinda and Armor Supreme lock horns

Listed winners Drazinda and Armor Supreme lock horns in the Group three Prix d’Arenberg.

The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Drazinda has improved with each run this season after a nice debut win. After chasing down Victorious and Senorita Bonita in the Queen Mary when drawn on the wrong side, she placed second in a Listed race before going one better last month.

A quality-looking edition of the Group 1 Prix Morny was a step too far, but this Sioux Nation filly still ran creditably and can continue her progression down in grade.

She just about sets the standard, although Diego Dias’ progressive filly Armor Supreme beat the former in the Queen Mary when drawn on the quicker side. She then franked the form when scoring at Listed level impressively over at the Curragh last time out. She should be primed for a big run and these two should be closely matched.

Grayrobin won two on the bounce since moving to Kate McGivern before finishing just over a length behind the aforementioned Armor Supreme. She should go close again, albeit the winner was well on top at the line that day.

Archie Watson’s Vollering and Valentina Bella round off the field of five, but both will need to improve a fair bit to feature at the front end.

4.55 Lingfield – Highly tried Kamaal drops in class against Mouj Albuhoor

On home soil, the highly-tried Kamaal drops in class against Arqana Series fifth Mouj Albuhoor in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 / EBF Novice Stakes.

Jack Jones’ son of Minzaal sets a solid standard with an eye-catching 10th in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. He then took a step backwards when eighth in the Rose Bowl but the ground may have been a touch too quick that day for a sharp six furlongs at Newbury. He shaped as if seven furlongs could suit when staying on at the Royal meeting and as a half-brother to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf third North Coast, who ran his best at two over a mile, this lad can get back on track down in grade and up in trip.

The opposition is not without potential, with the Richard Hughes-trained Mouj Albuhoor clearly well thought of having gone off a short-priced favourite in the valuable Arqana Series Stakes at Deauville last month. He raced too freely to win that day but ran creditably in fifth and could be quite a nice type going forward.

The fourth-placed Munch came out and ran well in another novice, with seventh-placed Catch My Eye very much franking the form when improving markedly to beat promising juveniles Charged and Katon.

Ralph Beckett fields 125,000gns two-year-old Saturn Star, who contains more of a middle-distance-based pedigree. Any market clues will be informative for this debutant.

6.10 Southwell – Godolphin’s Castlemont returns following striking debut success

Godolphin’s Castlemont returns in the bettingsites.co.uk Novice Stakes following striking debut success.

A full-brother to Bay Bridge, Charlie Appleby’s gelding put up a taking display when winning a fair novice at Windsor in July. He overcame inexperience when looking green a few furlongs out, but did his best work late to win with plenty in hand.

The step up in trip should only be an advantage judging by both pedigree and his debut performance, and he should prove tough to beat.

Walking On Stars is going the right way for Sir Mark Prescott and gets 12lbs from Billy Loughnane’s aforementioned mount, whilst Maestro Del Mar and Liam Mera Kai set a fair standard with creditable runs this season. However, they will have to improve quite markedly to reach the level of Castlemont as long as the Godolphin contender runs to form.

Best of the rest…

At Lingfield, Hamdania bids to make it two from two Download The At The Races App Fillies’ Restricted Novice Stakes but may need the run returning from a break. Andrew Balding’s Mystic Music looks to be the best of the opposition, having chased home Moonswept at 50/1 the last day. Later on the card, Wyle Cop aims for a course and distance hat-trick in the Free Tips On attheraces.com Handicap (4.20pm).

At Newcastle, Norfolk Stakes third Mussab looks to bounce back in the 3.59pm Admiral Race To Riches Novice Stakes having disappointed in the Gimcrack the last day. A step into calmer waters down in class should suit. Southwell’s 5.05pm bettingsites.co.uk Novice Stakes sees the Amo-owned Black Orchid attempt to turn three seconds into a first success.

Back in France…

Impressive the last day at Dieppe, Daryoura seeks to back up that debut win against Juddmonte’s Maintain and Prix de Diane fifth Evita in the Prix de Liancourt at ParisLongchamp. In the following Prix Joubert, Charlie Appleby’s Ribbon Of Sea steps up in class, with stablemate Tribal Queen also in situ.

Godspeed, Braida and Fortuna Diamond clash in the Prix de la Cochere (4.25pm), with representatives from the Jack Channon and James Fanshawe yards also present.

NFL Catchup: Raiders Name Kirk Cousins Starting QB, Cowboys Bring Back Joe Milton

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The countdown to the start of the NFL season has moved from weeks to days, which means we’re seeing some teams make some final tweaks to their rosters before the regular season begins.

That includes naming winners of quarterback competitions. The Las Vegas Raiders officially named Kirk Cousins the starter on Wednesday, giving him the job over Fernando Menoza. The Dallas Cowboys brought back Joe Milton to the practice squad. Sticking with quarterbacks, Minnesota Vikings General Manager Nolan Teasley spoke about J.J. McCarthy’s role with the team.

Despite dealing with so many injuries, the San Francisco 49ers received positive updates regarding All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa and tight end George Kittle’s recovery. There’s a chance for both to suit up in Week 1.

Here’s the latest NFL news from around the league on Wednesday.

As the Las Vegas Raiders enter their first season under head coach Klint Kubiak, he and the team stated throughout the offseason that they’d like Kirk Cousins to be the team’s starting quarterback for much of the year. Wednesday afternoon, Kubiak made it official, naming Kirk Cousins as the Raiders’ Week 1 starter over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.

Cousins has bounced around the league, but his history with Kubiak in Minnesota likely played a big role in the coach’s comfort level with him. Over his decade-plus as a starter, Cousins has taken snaps for the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons.

Kubiak spoke to reporters about his plan for developing Mendoza now that the young signal-caller is officially starting the season as the backup on Wednesday.

“There’s always early work, late work, more meetings, plenty of time on the field between drills with Coach Sullivan and Coach Janocko,” Kubiak said. “Every player that is not starting the first game, they’re helping us on the look team. We’re just trying to find every edge we can find to continue to get him better and his teammates better.”

Mendoza becomes the first quarterback taken with the No. 1 overall pick not to be named the starter in Week 1 of his rookie season since Baker Mayfield in 2018. The Raiders will host the Miami Dolphins next Sunday afternoon.

Quarterback Joe Milton rejoined the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, signing to the team’s practice squad after clearing waivers. Milton was released earlier this week to accommodate a roster spot for running back Emari Demercado, a move that officially solidified Sam Howell as the primary backup to starting quarterback Dak Prescott.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed the quarterback decision on Wednesday, pointing to Howell’s execution during camp and preseason action as the deciding factor.

“We looked at the whole body of work,” Schottenheimer said. “We just felt like Sam had done a little bit more just in terms of executing the offense in certain areas.”

Milton served as Prescott’s backup in 2025 after being acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots. Despite a productive preseason where he threw for 378 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, Milton was ultimately edged out by Howell, who holds 18 career regular-season starts and signed a one-year deal with Dallas in free agency.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa participated in a full practice on Wednesday for the first time since tearing his right ACL in Week 3 of last season. Bosa took part in individual drills and team periods after overcoming a training camp setback involving knee tendinitis.

Both Bosa and tight end George Kittle are traveling on the team’s flight to Melbourne, Australia, for the Sept. 10 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Kittle, who is recovering from a torn right Achilles sustained in January’s playoff win, completed multiple positive practice sessions this week prior to departure.

“I’ve just been trying to get it as strong and myself as confident as I can to where I could rip the Band-Aid off and go to team stuff today,” Bosa told reporters following Wednesday’s session. “You hope that your body is going to respond the way that you prepared it to, and there were a couple moments today where that happened.”

When asked if he was going to play against the Rams in Australia, Bosa did not confirm whether or not he would play, but he did respond “after today, yeah, that was pretty good.”

In addition to Bosa and Kittle, San Francisco welcomed wide receiver Mike Evans (adductor), fullback Kyle Juszczyk (finger), and cornerback Ephesians Prysock (shoulder) back to practice Wednesday. Bosa noted his recovery routine for the 16-hour flight includes compression machines and ice as the 49ers prepare for four scheduled practices in Australia ahead of kickoff.

After weeks of speculation, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to keep third-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy on the active roster.

General manager Nolan Teasley spoke to reporters Wednesday afternoon, detailing the team’s long-term vision for McCarthy after he lost the starting job to Kyler Murray. Teasley offered nothing but praise for the former first-round pick.

“McCarthy’s role is to continue to develop, improve and support his teammates,” Teasley said. “He’s done an excellent job of that from the moment I’ve been here and from my understanding since he walked through the front door.”

Asked whether he expects McCarthy to remain on the roster this season, Teasley gave a definitive answer. He declined to comment on depth chart specifics, leaving open the question whether McCarthy will serve as the backup or if that will go to Carson Wentz.

“I do,” Teaseley said. “I wouldn’t necessarily comment on depth immediately, but I’m pleased he’s part of our present version of the Minnesota Vikings and we’re excited about his future.”

The Vikings are set to host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday afternoon, with Murray scheduled to make his first start at U.S. Bank Stadium.

US Open: Spanish wonderkid Rafael Jodar involved in testy exchange with journalist following shock exit at Flushing Meadows | Tennis News

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Spanish wonderkid Rafael Jodar was involved in testy exchange with journalist following stunning exit to Chinese lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete at the US Open on Wednesday.

Jodar was tripped up at the first hurdle of his maiden ‌campaign in New York, as the Spanish 12th seed failed to find his rhythm and fell 6-2 6-1 ‌6-1 to Bu.

Back at the site of his junior triumph two years ago, the 19-year-old Jodar looked unusually out of sorts after his first-round clash was delayed by a day due to rain, with a flurry of unforced errors in defeat.

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Jodar, one of the fastest-rising talents in the ‌men’s game after going from 362nd in the world to 13th over the past year, continued to struggle for answers and even sent several of his rackets to be re-strung in a bid to change his fortunes.

But it proved futile, with ⁠the 24-year-old Bu refusing to loosen his grip on the contest as he took the first set before sealing the second set after another unforced error from Jodar to silence a vocal contingent of Spanish supporters on Court 17.

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Jannik Sinner said he knew he was in for a tough match against Jodar when they played in Madrid earlier this year

World No 124 Bu completed the upset after an hour-long rain ⁠delay, securing his maiden Grand Slam main-draw victory on his seventh attempt.

“I’m a really lucky loser,” Bu said.

“After I lost in qualifying, ⁠I took a day off but I ⁠saw a few guys pull out, so I took the decision to come back and tried to do some ‌work in case I could play. Yesterday, they told me I could… when I heard that, I was super excited.”

Jodar responds to question about his shoelaces

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Watch Jodar celebrate his Madrid Open win against Jesper De Jong with Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham!

Jodar was asked about people discussing his shoelaces breaking during matches on social media and if he’s more aware now of how he might be perceived online.

Journalist: “Tough one. I’m sure you’ve probably seen online throughout the year some people talking about how your shoelaces break and things like that. I’m just wondering, are you more aware now of how you’ll just be perceived online depending on what you said?”

Jodar: “What’s the question?”

Moderator: “It had to do with delays during matches.”

Jodar: “The shoelaces didn’t break today. So the question? What is the question? I don’t know. I don’t know the question.”

Journalist: “Sorry, I’m sure like when your shoelaces were breaking… I’m sure you noticed a lot of people were talking about it online. I’m wondering, are you worried that if you talk about your physical condition… if people might think you’re making excuses, basically?

Jodar: “Doesn’t make sense.” Moderator: “We can go to the next question.”

FanDuel CFB Week 1 Special: Bet $1 Get $100 In Bonus Bets If 1+ Point Is Scored, Clemson vs. LSU

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

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One of the biggest catchups in college football Week 1 is No. 11 LSU welcoming Clemson to LSU’s own Death Valley, and FanDuel is giving new users a chance to win $100 in Bonus Bets with this prime-time battle.

Clemson and LSU meet again after LSU defeated the Tigers 17-10 in last season’s opener, but both teams look very different this time around. Clemson turns to Christopher Vizzina at quarterback following Cade Klubnik’s departure.

LSU enters the Lane Kiffin era with more than 40 transfers, led by former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt. Kiffin has high expectations in Year 1 as LSU looks to make an immediate push toward the national elite.

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Clemson Tigers Team Overview

Clemson’s 2025 season was defined by unmet expectations and an uncharacteristic slide, culminating in a frustrating bowl loss to Virginia Tech. For a program that defined ACC dominance for nearly a decade, missing out on both the conference title and the College Football Playoff signaled that the Tigers had hit a crossroad.

To regain their footing atop the ACC, Clemson must modernize its approach. That path starts under center with newly named starter Christopher Vizzina, a former four-star prospect who has patiently waited as a backup and now takes over following Cade Klubnik’s departure.

LSU Tigers Team Overview

Lots of attention and news around LSU and head coach Lane Kiffin in his first-year. Bringing his high-tempo, explosive offense from Ole Miss to Baton Rouge.

To revamp an offense that lost Garrett Nussmeier to graduation, Kiffin went all-in on the transfer portal, bringing in over 40 transfer additions to overhaul the roster almost overnight.

Key LSU Portal Additions:

Sam Leavitt (QB): The former Arizona State dual-threat star who led the Sun Devils to a Big 12 title in 2024; he steps in as the projected starting quarterback.

Jordan Seaton (OT): The 5-star tackle transferred from Colorado after two seasons with the Buffalo. Seaton is projected as a top-10 pick in next year’s draft.

Skill Position Retooling: Added explosive speed on the outside with high-yardage wideout transfers and Pitt tight end Malachi Thomas to give Kiffin’s offense immediate mismatch weapons.

Here are the official team statistics for Clemson and Ole Miss from the 2025 college football season:

Clemson Tigers 2025 Team Stats

Record: 7–6 (4–4 ACC)

Offensive Stats

Points Per Game: 27.2
Total Offense: 392.2 yards per game
Passing Yards: 267.8 yards per game
Rushing Yards: 124.5 yards per game

Defensive Stats

Points Allowed Per Game: 20.5
Total Defense Allowed: 356.7 yards per game
Passing Allowed: 251.2 yards per game
Rushing Allowed: 105.5 yards per game
Turnovers Forced: 17 total (8 fumbles, 9 interceptions)

Lane Kiffin 2025 Season With Ole Miss

Record: 13–2 (7–1 SEC)

Offensive Stats

Points Per Game: 38.9
Total Offense: 489.7 yards per game
Passing Yards: 313.3 yards per game
Rushing Yards: 176.3 yards per game

Defensive Stats

Points Allowed Per Game: 21.1
Total Defense Allowed: 348 yards per game
Passing Allowed: 198.9 yards per game
Rushing Allowed: 149.1 yards per game
Turnovers Forced: 23 total (12 fumbles, 11 interceptions)

Richarlison transfer news: Tottenham striker agrees terms with Trabzonspor – Paper Talk | Football News

September 3, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Richarlison has agreed terms with Trabzonspor as the wantaway Tottenham forward looks to secure a move ahead of the Turkish transfer deadline – Daily Mail

Everton are not ready to take the emergency step of exploring the free-agent market after their farcical finish to the transfer window – The Telegraph

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Sky Sports’ Nick Wright takes a deep dive into which club was the best buyer and which club was the worst seller during this transfer window

Monaco striker Folarin Balogun could be forced to consider a move to a Turkey or Saudi Pro League club this week – ESPN

The agent of Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr and Monaco’s Lamine Camara has astonishingly accused football clubs of failing to respect African players after his two clients missed out on deadline day transfers – Daily Mail

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

EFL

New Burnley signing Reo Hatate was travelling to join Blackburn Rovers when the Clarets hijacked the deadline day deal – talkSPORT

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP

Celtic’s move for Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis looks to have collapsed just hours before the Europa League squad deadline – Daily Record

Nicolas Raskin’s representatives are reportedly “optimistic” a move from Rangers to Besiktas can be worked out in the final hours of the window – Daily Record

CRICKET

Warwickshire have increased prices by 43 per cent to sit in Edgbaston’s famous Hollies Stand for next year’s third Ashes Test – The Telegraph

GOLF

LIV employees on freelance contracts are resigned to their last few months of work going unpaid, with the breakaway circuit expected to go into voluntary bankruptcy next week – The Telegraph

RUGBY UNION

Henry Pollock’s ambitions of becoming a £1m player are receding after Northampton Saints said they will not break the bank to keep him, while a rival Prem boss said his “Marmite” nature would put off some fans – The Telegraph

College Football Week 1 Betting Report: Bettors Hoping Hoosiers Stay Hot

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Last season’s College Football Playoff ended with Indiana lifting the trophy after a 27-21 victory over Miami. So it’s no surprise this season to see the Hoosiers featured in FOX’s opening Big Noon Kickoff.

Equally unsurprising in College Football Week 1 odds: Curt Cignetti’s squad is quite popular, even though it’s nearly a six-touchdown home favorite vs. North Texas.

“Action is one way. They’re laying the 40 points with Indiana,” Caesars Sports head of football trading Joey Feazel said.

Bookmakers and sharp bettors offer their Week 1 college football betting insights on a handful of the most notable matchups.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

High On The Hoosiers

Indiana was great on the field all of last season, then late in the year became a betting-window behemoth. In their last five games, the Hoosiers went 5-0 straight up (SU) and 4-1 against the spread (ATS).

That included an impressive three-game win-and-cover streak:

A 13-10 victory over Ohio State as a 3.5-point underdog in the Big Ten title game
A 38-3 blowout of Alabama as a 7.5-point favorite in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals
A 56-22 beatdown of Oregon as a 3.5-point favorite in the CFP semis.

Indiana then capped its 16-0 SU season with that victory over Miami in the CFP championship game, falling just short of covering as a 7.5-point favorite.

The public betting masses often remember what they last saw and react to it. That’s the case at Caesars with North Texas vs. Indiana, in a noon ET Saturday kickoff on FOX.

Caesars opened the Hoosiers as massive 40.5-point favorites, briefly went to Indiana -41.5, then actually backed up to -39.5. As of Wednesday afternoon, it’s Hoosiers -40.

North Texas was great to bettors throughout last season, going 12-2 SU/10-4 ATS. But things have greatly changed since then.

“North Texas is not the same team as last year. Coach Eric Morris and the majority of the team moved on to Oklahoma State,” Feazel said, while noting the Hoosiers are 19-10 ATS over the last two seasons. “Indiana has been very good to bettors the past couple years.

“We anticipate a lot more bets coming in on Indiana by kickoff.”

Lane Leads LSU

Lane Kiffin enters his first season as head coach for the Tigers (Getty Images).

Clemson vs. LSU is arguably the biggest Saturday game in college football Week 1 odds. Dabo Swinney is trying to put Clemson back on the CFP map, while a new era begins at LSU under Lane Kiffin.

Caesars opened LSU as a 9.5-point home favorite and stretched to -10.5 on Aug. 19. The line has been at LSU -10 since Monday.

“There was a little pushback at 10.5,” Feazel said, alluding to Clemson interest. “It’s two-way action, but I anticipate that changing once we get closer to game time. I expect more action on LSU, especially on parlays and moneyline parlays.”

Feazel also noted early sharp money on Under 51.5, with the total dipping to 50.5.

Top-25 Tilt

No. 24 Louisville vs. No. 9 Ole Miss is the lone Week 1 meeting of Top 25 teams. The Rebels, behind QB Trinidad Chambliss, are coming off a stellar 13-2 SU campaign (9-6 ATS).

Kiffin led that charge in the regular season, before darting to LSU. Pete Golding then guided Ole Miss all the way to the CFP semifinals, where the Rebels lost a thriller to Miami, 31-27, as 3.5-point underdogs.

Golding then went from interim to full-time Ole Miss coach. And with Chambliss returning this year, bettors are high on the Rebels in college football Week 1 odds.

Ole Miss opened -6.5 at Caesars and is up to -7 as of Wednesday afternoon, for a 7:30 p.m. ET Sunday neutral-site game in Nashville.

“No surprise, we’re seeing more Ole Miss action coming in. I wouldn’t expect that to change, with the depth and talent of this team,” Feazel said. “The Rebels have one of the better quarterbacks in this draft class, and Chambliss is getting action on Heisman Trophy odds, too.”

On-Campus Sharp Side

Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin is also at 7:30 p.m. ET Sunday, going up against Louisville-Ole Miss. It’s a quasi-neutral-site game at Lambeau Field, 2.5 hours from the Badgers’ campus.

College football betting expert Paul Stone picked Notre Dame to win the national title. However, he’s not on the Fighting Irish in Week 1, at least on the spread as a 20.5-point favorite.

Stone believes Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph could keep the Badgers within the lofty number. Stone recommends taking the points, and he actually got Wisconsin at +21.

Joseph played last season at Old Dominion, where he threw for 2,624 yards and ran for another 1,007, accounting for a total of 34 touchdowns.

“In Old Dominion’s season-opening 27-14 loss at Indiana last year, Joseph broke free for long touchdown runs of 75 and 78 yards,” Stone said. “If Joseph can use his legs to generate some offense, I think the Badgers can keep it within the generous number.”

On the flip side, the public masses — as expected — are on Notre Dame this week.

“Notre Dame has been one of the championship futures darlings, and that’s gonna translate into action on Week 1,” Feazel said. “Right now, we’re seeing heavy, heavy action on Notre Dame.

“Although 20.5 is a lot of points, that’s not stopping bettors from laying that number here, even for a game in Wisconsin’s backyard.”

Oh Say Can You ACC

College football Week 1 odds wrap up with a Monday night ACC clash. SMU travels to Florida State for a 7:30 p.m. ET kick.

The Seminoles are coming off two straight sub-.500 seasons. Then in last week’s season opener, the ‘Noles (1-0 SU/0-1 ATS) were unimpressive in a 34-17 win as hefty 31.5-point home favorites vs. New Mexico State.

With those elements in mind, the Mustangs are a growing road favorite this week at Caesars.

“Florida State played last week and struggled against the number,” Feazel said. “So we saw some line movement as a result, from SMU -1.5 through -2 and -2.5, up to -3.

“There’s pressure pushing back on the 3. It’s gonna be a highly bet game, and so far, bettors are backing SMU. I expect action to be one-sided on SMU leading up to game day.”

Falkirk 1 – 2 Rangers

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Lawrence Shankland’s stunning double secured back-to-back Scottish Premiership wins for Rangers with a 2-1 victory at Falkirk on Wednesday night.

Manager Derek McInnes was forced to watch from the stand at a rainy Falkirk Stadium as he began his touchline ban for comments made last season while in charge of Hearts.

It was his former Jambos captain who gave them the lead in style, collecting Djeidi Gassama’s ball and smashing it into the net after eight minutes.

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Lawrence Shankland’s superb strike saw Rangers take an early lead at Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership

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Kosta Nedeljkovic scored an own goal as Falkirk equalised against Rangers shortly before half-time

They were far from convincing and Kosta Nedeljkovic inexplicably knocked the ball into his own net to pull the Bairns level before half-time.

Falkirk then had the better of the chances and Jacob Murrell should have put them ahead on his home debut.

Aodhan Doherty wasted a brilliant chance after a mix-up between Gers keeper Ivor Pandur and Ross McCrorie, with the substitute then setting up his captain to sweep in the winner late on.

John McGlynn’s remain without a league win and are only above pointless Kilmarnock, while Rangers are fifth on seven points from their four matches.

The key moments from the Falkirk Stadium

8: GOAL! Brilliant from the Rangers captain. Gassama sends the ball into Shankland, he switches onto his left before firing into the net.

16: CHANCE! Ross feeds the ball through to Fodrey in the box, but he can’t get his feet sorted.

19: OFF THE POST! Kim denied by the woodwork.

24: SAVE! Kim close again! Bain reacts quickly to deny the Rangers newcomer, Raskin hits the side netting with the rebound.

44: GOAL! Falkirk are level. Ross sends in a cross, Nedeljkovic slides in to try and clear but instead puts it past Pandur.

48: SAVE! Fodrey gets his head to a cross but it’s plucked out the air by Pandur.

51: CHANCE! Ross with a brilliant cross to the feet of Murrell but his effort lacks power and Pandur saves.

52: WIDE! What a chance for Shankland. Curtis lays it on a plate for the Rangers skipper but he somehow puts it past.

61: OVER! A brilliant chance for the Bairns. Murrell’s header is deflected over the bar.

62: CHANCE! Falkirk should be in front! Murrell is one-on-one with Pandur after an awful pass from Fernandez, but his shot lacks power and the opportunity is gone.

78: WHAT A MISS! Doherty should have the ball in the after a mix up between Pandur and Curtis, but he gets it all wrong.

79: GOAL! A huge goal from the captain. Shankland collects McCrorie’s pass, takes a touch then fires into the bottom corner.

Shankland: ‘Winning breeds confidence’

Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland speaking to Sky Sports:

“Delighted to follow up from the weekend with another good result.

“We had quite a lot of moments around their box and I think we just snatched at a couple of things and made the wrong decisions.

“We knew we had to tidy up in the final third. I’ll just keep shooting with my left foot!

“The scrutiny is up there at the moment, but I just had to stay confident and another chance would come.

“There’s been a lot to sort out and take in. When you start winning games, it breeds confidence and everything feels a bit easier.

“We know we’ve got a lot to improve on with our performances, but we had some good moments and we’ll take those positives.”

What the result means and next fixtures…

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Will Aaron Donald Play At Hall Of Fame Level Again After Return? Scouts Differ

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The odds-on favorite to win the Super Bowl got even better on Sunday, with Aaron Donald rejoining the Los Angeles Rams as he ended his retirement after two years. But should we expect Donald to play at the level that won him three Defensive Player of the Year awards this season?

We asked several scouts around the NFL if they think Donald will have a tremendous impact for the Rams this season and what we should expect from the 10-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle. The answers we got varied, with some expressing confidence that he’ll play at a high level again while others believe we should lower our expectations for Donald.

Here’s more about what we learned from our conversations with scouts and people around the league about what to expect from Donald this season.

Eric D. Williams: Yes, he’s 35 years old and hasn’t struck a man in anger with pads on in two seasons. Still, according to scouts I spoke to, they expect Aaron Donald to have the same type of impact the three-time Defensive Player of the Year had when he left the game after the 2023 season.

“If one man can do it – it’s AD,” one longtime scout told me. “He still trains like a player. He’s got a strong appetite for Ball! He will be a rotational player, but the snaps will be significant!”

Another scout noted the amount of time Donald spent working out before returning to the field last week. Donald said he spent 14 weeks of intense workouts with personal trainers before determining he was in good enough shape to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams.

“I thought this would be the time he would return,” the scout told me. “It looks like they kept tabs on his conditioning too, with several workouts. I’d say he’s a sub-package, plug-and-play guy the first two weeks and then can be an every-down guy after that.

“There will probably be some rust, and the wear and tear may show some. But he’s still a difference maker and leader.”

However, not everyone I spoke with offered a glowing perspective on Donald’s return.

“My guess is he is a good player, but not great anymore,” a league source told me. “I think he plays around 35 to 40% of the defensive snaps for the Rams this year.

“To me, it’s more about his age than missing time. How many great 35-year-old defensive players are there in the NFL right now?”

Aaron Donald earned his eighth first-team All-Pro nod in his last season in 2023. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

Donald has played at least 67% of his team’s defensive snaps in each season of his NFL career, including 81% of the Rams’ defensive snaps in his last season, per Pro Football Reference. But some older defensive linemen turn into one-down players as they reach the later portions of their career. Von Miller, for instance, played just 37% of the Washington Commanders’ defensive snaps last season at age 36.

Ralph Vacchiano: The rich got a little richer when Aaron Donald returned to the Los Angeles Rams this week. But not everyone is convinced that the addition of the future Hall of Famer is the luxury that it seems.

“Look, he’s an all-time great player,” an NFL scout told me. “He’s probably still great. I wouldn’t bet against him. But he’s not immune to reality. He’s 35. He retired three years ago. It’s not easy to play at that age. It’s even harder being away for so long.”

“Wait and see,” another NFL scout told me via text. “The guy was a monster. Is he still? I need to see it first.”

Donald last played in 2023 when he had a respectable eight sacks in 16 games, and his last double-digit sack season was 2021 when he had 12.5. But it certainly seems like he has a chance to reach those numbers again playing on a defensive line with Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year who set an NFL record with 23 sacks last season.

“If he’s healthy, you can’t block them both. It’s a problem for everybody,” the first scout told me. “But it’s the health I’m worried about. He’ll say he’s in phenomenal shape. I’m sure he looks it. But working out for a few years is different than playing football for a few years. It just is.

“And he’s going to feel it.”

Lando Norris: F1 world champion launches new junior single-seater team LN4 Fusion ahead of 2027 racing debut | F1 News

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Lando Norris has launched a new junior single-seater team, LN4 Fusion, which will race in multiple championships in 2027.

LN4 Fusion has acquired selected assets of Formula 3 team AIX Racing to race in the championship next year and is undertaking the relevant application procedure to compete in Formula 2 in the future.

The group, developed by a high-profile investment group led by Dan Richards, will also have teams in Italian F4 and Formula Regional in 2027 with plans to enter British F4 in the future

“I’m very excited. This is one of my biggest things I’ve ever been part of that’s not just within my own stuff of Formula 1. Norris told Sky Sports F1 ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.

“[It’s] my very own race team that I co-founded. So I’ll be having my own race team in all the junior series.

“Obviously, we want it to be the best. We want it to be the leading single-seater race team. But it’s just very cool to be part of something new, create something, and for me to be part of something for such a long period of time as well.”

Image:
LN4 Fusion will compete in Formula 3 next year – one of Formula 1’s support series (Image: LN4 Fusion)

Alongside LN4 Fusion, Norris is also launching the LN4 Legacy Programme – an independent, fully funded driver development programme, operated by ADD Management and led by experienced programme director Julian Rouse.

The programme aims to identify and support future talent for those who do not have the finances to move up the motorsport ladder.

“The main objective of this is simply to help younger drivers who have talent and have the ability to get to Formula 1, but probably not financially [the ability], and help them in all those other areas reach their end goal,” said Norris.

“Basically my little way of trying to give back, again, using my team, using the people that I’m with, my partners, and give other people, give young drivers a chance. So that’s my more personal side of things, which is pretty cool too.”

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Lando Norris sits down with Sky Sports’ Rob Jones to discuss extending his stay with McLaren in a multi-year contract extension

LN4 Fusion’s principal European headquarters will be based in Veneto in Italy where a new facility is being built with a British operation in Cambridgeshire.

Norris added: “I was very lucky growing up that my dad could support me all the way through to Formula 2.

“But I know that there are a lot of other drivers out there who probably can get to Formula 1, but don’t have the financial backing or the ability to know how to go through the whole programme, which is where the team comes into place too.

“This is my way, and we’re talking hundreds of thousands, we’re talking millions, in fact, of how I can bring my whole infrastructure together, my support, my knowledge, and try to give as many other people and certain other drivers opportunities to reach their goal too.”

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Watch Lando Norris’ roller-coaster season so far, which has seen several DNFs and race wins, putting him in the mix to challenge for the title

Sky Sports F1’s Italian GP live schedule

Thursday September 3
1pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
4pm: Paddock Uncut

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 heads to Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

Raiders Name Kirk Cousins Starting Quarterback Over Fernando Mendoza

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Las Vegas Raiders are choosing the veteran over the rookie.

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced on Wednesday morning that Kirk Cousins will be the team’s starting quarterback to open the 2026 regular season, beating out No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza for the starting job.

“He played really good football,” Kubiak said about naming Cousins the starter. “I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very good camp and he’s earned it.”

Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, started the Raiders’ Week 1 and 3 preseason games, with Mendoza starting their Week 2 preseason tilt and playing in each of their three games.

Cousins combined to throw 101 passing yards, one passing touchdown and zero interceptions over two games, while completing 76.4% of his passes (13 of 17). Over the three games Mendoza appeared in, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner totaled 240 passing yards, one passing touchdown and two interceptions, while completing 55.5% of his passes (25 of 45).

The 38-year-old Cousins signed a two-year, $12.6 million deal with the Raiders in April after spending the last two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons (2024-25). After being benched for the final three games of 2024, Cousins became Atlanta’s starting quarterback again when starter Michael Penix Jr. suffered a torn ACL in November of last season.

Across the eight starts and 10 appearances altogether that Cousins made in 2025, he totaled 1,721 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, five interceptions and an 84.8 passer rating, while completing 61.7% of his passes.

The Raiders open the regular season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13.

England vs Pakistan: Brydon Carse left out for third and final Test at Edgbaston as Joe Root’s 15-man squad revealed | Cricket News

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Brydon Carse and Matthew Fisher have both been left out of England’s 15-man squad for the third and final Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston.

England are chasing a 3-0 series sweep, live from September 9-13 on Sky Sports, having thrashed the tourists by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley before claiming a 194-run victory at Lord’s.

Carse was withdrawn from the squad for the second Test, after the Cricket Regulator initiated a probe into an incident that saw the Durham player briefly arrested outside a Derby nightclub on August 22.

Derbyshire Police are looking into “allegations of assault” against the 31-year-old, with left-armer Sonny Baker retaining his place in Joe Root’s squad as Carse’s replacement.

England squad: Joe Root (Yorkshire, captain), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Shoaib Bashir (Derbyshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Cook (Essex), Jordan Cox (Essex), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Emilio Gay (Durham), Dan Lawrence (Surrey), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)

More to follow…

This is a breaking news story that is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh this page for the latest updates.

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Three Things Texas QB Arch Manning Must Prove Before The 2027 NFL Draft

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Texas quarterback Arch Manning enters his redshirt junior season as the most celebrated and scrutinized quarterback in the country and thus is the most intriguing NFL prospect. But he’s not a shoo-in to be the No. 1 overall pick of the 2027 NFL Draft.

There is no denying Manning’s appeal. He’s supremely talented, boasting an ideal blend of size, arm talent and mobility with the Hall of Fame bloodlines every QB-needy NFL franchise would seemingly love to build its team around.

But is it as simple as Manning, whose 2026 season kicks off Saturday against Texas State, “just staying healthy” before earning the distinction of being the top pick next spring?

Arch Manning is aiming to become the third member of his family to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. (Photo by Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images)

To put it bluntly, no. In a class this gifted, no one can afford to simply rest on their résumé. Not Manning nor Ohio State phenom receiver Jeremiah Smith nor any of the top QBs.

But, if Manning can improve in three particular areas, I believe he will follow in his famous uncles’ footsteps and hear his name called first on draft day.

1. Improve In The Quick Game

Like most quarterbacks drawing attention from NFL scouts, Manning will ultimately get drafted because of his ability to accurately throw the football long distances. It is easy to assume that if a quarterback is accurate on longer passes, he’ll also be precise on shorter throws.

That was not the case with Manning last year, however. In fact, he was arguably at his worst on the shortest throws — a flaw that simply must be corrected if he is to earn an early first-round selection next spring.

The so-called quick game — i.e. slants, bubble screens, pop passes — is as fundamental to the modern era of football as shooting 3-pointers is to modern basketball.

These routes have gained importance in recent years with today’s elite pass-rushers and all the exotic scheming and blitzing done to pressure quarterbacks immediately. Signal-callers absolutely must be able to get the ball in and out of their hands efficiently.

Manning was surprisingly inaccurate on several short throws last year, espeically early in the season. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

When operating out of the shotgun — as Manning typically did in 2025 — quarterbacks are taught to first secure the snap and then simultaneously turn their feet in the direction of the intended receiver while spinning the ball to allow their fingers to grip the laces. Once the ball is comfortably in their grasp, a quick, strong throw should be out long before the pass rush has any chance to get home.

Experienced quarterbacks can make these throws seem like little more than extended handoffs, collecting and distributing in one fluid motion.

Manning is as quick as you’ll see in this regard. In fact, he’s quicker than most. However, his technique was off and therefore so was his accuracy. Manning didn’t consistently pair his upper and lower body last season, failing to either grip the laces or turn his feet properly (or both), resulting in the ball spraying erratically. These issues were further exacerbated by a sloppy sidearm release that left potential pass-catchers struggling to pick up the ball in flight. With less distance for the ball to cover, receivers had a hard time locating and corralling throws that came in at the head or knee level just as often as they did near the chest, as intended.

Manning’s inconsistent accuracy forced receivers to adjust, contributing to a whopping 22 charted drops by Texas receivers, per PFF. It also disrupted opportunities to create yards after the catch.

Fortunately, this is a coachable skill that a lot of young quarterbacks struggle with. Manning did improve in this area over the course of last season, eventually showing both greater poise and precision. I expect he will be even better in his second year as the Longhorns’ starter.

2. Work Through His Progressions Better

Too often last year, Manning stared down his primary target and either tried to throw him open or resorted to scrambling. While he was fairly successful at improvising, the competition will be much better in the NFL.

It is difficult to convey Manning’s struggles in this area with statistics, but consider this: Per Pro Football Focus, Manning had 10 passes batted down at the line of scrimmage last year. Of all the quarterbacks selected in the NFL Draft in April, only fellow first-year starter Ty Simpson had this many throws knocked down — and that’s with the 6-foot-1 Simpson attempting 69 more passes at Alabama last year than the 6-foot-4 Manning did for Texas.

Arch Manning in Joel Klatt’s top 10 players for 2026 🏈 Joel Klatt Show

It is the same story if we compare Manning to the rest of this year’s loaded quarterback class.

There were four other quarterbacks to make the first round in my way-too-early 2027 mock draft from April, and none of them cracked double-digits in this category.

The same goes for Notre Dame’s CJ Carr (four), Miami’s Darian Mensah (seven) and Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker (eight), who are also receiving first-round buzz heading into this season.

Now, just as Manning’s receivers deserve some of the criticism for the aforementioned drops, at least partial blame for batted down passes belongs to his blockers.

But Manning greatly contributed to these deflections at the line of scrimmage by too often telegraphing his throws. This allowed rushers to time their leaps and, sometimes, tip his passes for their teammates to potentially intercept.

Manning sometimes had way too many passes batted down for someone his size. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Part of Manning’s appeal to NFL teams is his prototypical height and lightning-quick release. Frankly, there is only one excuse for a quarterback of Manning’s size and arm talent to have this many passes knocked down in Steve Sarkisian’s shotgun-based offense, and that is inexperience.

NFL teams will forgive Manning’s “rookie mistakes” if they were, indeed, just that. But to be the No. 1 overall pick next spring, Manning must prove he can scan the entire field, efficiently moving from his primary target to second or third options while protecting the ball.

3. Just Win, Baby (Including On The Road)

Fans would be amazed at how much value NFL teams place on wins as a starting QB.

It isn’t that professional scouts fail to recognize the impact that a leaky defense, turnovers by others or a porous offensive line might play in determining the outcome of a game. They know that football is the ultimate team sport and, while quarterback is the most important position on the field, he’s still just one of 22 players in a given play.

But a QB meriting strong consideration for a first-round pick — especially No. 1 overall — must demonstrate the ability to uplift his teammates. Never mind the Heisman hype; he simply needs to be great when the lights shine brightest. Manning will surely be under that spotlight (and microscope) while trying to lead a Texas program to its first national title in 21 years.

‘Fear Arch Manning’ 👀 | FTF

A lot of Fernando Mendoza’s skeptics quieted down last year once he guided the Indiana Hoosiers past Ohio State in the Big Ten title game, much less past Alabama, Oregon (for a second time) and Miami in the College Football Playoff. Mendoza completed 70.0% of his passes with 10 touchdowns against just two interceptions in those five games. For the year, he completed 72.0% of his throws with 41 touchdowns against six interceptions. In other words, his performance was largely the same all year long, regardless of opponent.

Now contrast that with Manning, who was picked off in all three of Texas’ losses last year and completed 58.8% of his passes against Oregon, Florida and Georgia with a 4:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. (It is worth noting that each of those losses came on the road.) He threw 22 touchdowns with just three interceptions while completing 62.2% of his passes in his 10 other starts.

Manning will face many of the best teams in college football this year, though most of those games will be in Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Manning won’t have many opportunities this fall to slay any perceived road demons, at least not during the regular season, making his performance in a select few contests that much more important. Only three games on the Longhorns’ schedule — at Tennessee, at Missouri and at LSU — are outside the state of Texas. That’s not to say UT’s schedule will be comfortable, however. Matchups against fellow preseason top-10 teams such as Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Ole Miss are sure to challenge Manning and Co.

How he responds will not only define the 2026 Longhorns but very likely the top of the 2027 NFL Draft.

World Series of Darts Finals: Michael van Gerwen faces Lourence Ilagan to start title defence as Luke Littler takes on Danny Noppert | Darts News

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Michael van Gerwen will open his World Series of Darts Finals title defence against Lourence Ilagan, as Luke Littler goes head-to-head with Danny Noppert in Amsterdam.

The PDC Premier event will see 32 stars from around the globe in action at AFAS Live from September 17-20, with the draw and schedule now confirmed for this month’s showpiece

Reigning champion Van Gerwen celebrated his sixth World Series Finals crown 12 months ago, and the top seed will mark his return to the Dutch capital against two-time PDC Asian Champion Ilagan.

The opening round will take place across two sessions on September 17-18, as 2024 champion Littler kicks off his campaign against former UK Open champion Noppert as he continues his quest for a major clean sweep.

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Luke Littler smashed in six brilliant 100+ checkouts as he reclaimed the World Matchplay title in Blackpool, beating Gerwyn Price 18-9

World number two Luke Humphries also faces Dutch opposition in Jermaine Wattimena, while Gerwyn Price opens his bid for a third World Series Finals title against Australian Darts Masters runner-up Brody Klinge.

Dutch number one Gian van Veen meets former Masters champion Chris Dobey in another eye-catching affair, while Stephen Bunting and Josh Rock lock horns for a place in round two.

2021 champion Jonny Clayton takes on Philippines’ World Cup star Alexis Toylo in his opener, as ten-time TV title winner James Wade begins his title challenge against Australian number one Damon Heta.

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Luke Littler has given his reaction to the huge mural that has gone up of him in Warrington

Dutch duo Wessel Nijman and Kevin Doets have been pitted against Simon Whitlock and Ross Smith respectively, while Rob Cross will play World Championship semi-finalist Ryan Searle.

Van Gerwen, Humphries and Van Veen will headline Thursday’s opening night, with Littler, Price and Clayton among the star attractions on Friday evening.

Following the conclusion of round one, the remaining 16 players will battle it out for a place at Finals Day across two sessions on Saturday September 19.

The tournament will then reach its climax on Sunday September 20, with the quarter-finals in the afternoon, followed by the semi-finals and final in a bumper evening session.

Draw Bracket

(1) Michael van Gerwen v Lourence Ilagan
Kevin Doets v Ross Smith
(8) Stephen Bunting v Josh Rock
Rob Cross v Ryan Searle
(4) Luke Humphries v Jermaine Wattimena
Viktor Tingstrom v Man Lok Leung
(5) Gian van Veen v Chris Dobey
Karel Sedlacek v Ben Robb
(2) Gerwyn Price v Brody Klinge
Adam Leek v Jim Long
(7) James Wade v Damon Heta
Wessel Nijman v Simon Whitlock
(3) Luke Littler v Danny Noppert
Nathan Aspinall v Raymond Smith
(6) Jonny Clayton v Alexis Toylo
Motomu Sakai v Callan Rydz

Schedule of Play

Thursday September 17 (6pm BST)
Round One x8
Viktor Tingstrom v Man Lok Leung
Rob Cross v Ryan Searle
Karel Sedlacek v Ben Robb
Kevin Doets v Ross Smith
Stephen Bunting v Josh Rock
Luke Humphries v Jermaine Wattimena
Michael van Gerwen v Lourence Ilagan
Gian van Veen v Chris Dobey

Friday September 18 (6pm BST)
Round One x8
Adam Leek v Jim Long
Motomu Sakai v Callan Rydz
Wessel Nijman v Simon Whitlock
Nathan Aspinall v Raymond Smith
James Wade v Damon Heta
Gerwyn Price v Brody Klinge
Luke Littler v Danny Noppert
Jonny Clayton v Alexis Toylo

Saturday September 19
Afternoon Session (6pm BST)
Round Two x4
Van Gerwen/Ilagan v Doets/Ross Smith
Bunting/Rock v Cross/Searle
Humphries/Wattimena v Tingstrom/Leung
Van Veen/Dobey v Sedlacek/Robb
Order of play to be confirmed.

Evening Session (6pm BST)
Round Two x4
Price/Klinge v Leek/Long
Wade/Heta v Nijman/Whitlock
Littler/Noppert v Aspinall/Raymond Smith
Clayton/Toylo v Sakai/Rydz
Order of play to be confirmed.

Sunday September 20
Afternoon Session (12pm BST)
Quarter-Finals

Evening Session (6pm BST)
Semi-Finals
Final

AFC West Predictions: Can Patrick Mahomes Reclaim The Division From Bo Nix?

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The NFL kickoff is officially one week out, triggering the annual wave of hot takes, hot seats, and high expectations. From chaotic division battles to dark-horse contenders, no outcome is off the table for this season.

With two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes returning from a season-ending injury, all eyes shift to a wide-open AFC West. The Denver Broncos came within a game of the Super Bowl, but was their breakout season a real power shift in the division or was it just fool’s gold?

During Tuesday’s segment on FOX Sports’ show First Things First, hosts Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Danny Parkins made their predictions. Here’s how they see the division unfolding.

Nick Wright’s AFC West Prediction

To no one’s surprise, Wright has the Chiefs reclaiming the AFC West title, with the Broncos hot on their heels. However, his Chargers’ third-place analysis stood out, as he predicted them for third place, largely due to a brutal Week 3 through 10 schedule.

“I don’t think they’re gonna be terrible,” Wright said. “Weeks three through 10…how’s this work for you? Bills, Seahawks, Broncos, Chiefs, Rams, Texans, Ravens. Around week nine is when we’re gonna start hearing, guys year eight is the year Justin Herbert pops.”

Wright’s doubt regarding Herbert is nothing new, but his Broncos take relies on simple regression. Denver and Chicago were incredibly clutch in the fourth quarter last year, but Wright foresees those close-game bounces leveling off this season.

“They played 17 games in the regular season last like everyone, but they trailed in 15 of them,” Wright said. “They had a historically good record in one-score games. John Franklin Meyers is gone and Jonathan Cooper’s on the exempt list.”

Despite the adversity facing the Broncos this season, Wright still sees them as a playoff team. He projected them to finish 11-6 and finish second in the AFC West, driven largely by his confidence in head coach Sean Payton.

As a self-proclaimed Chiefs fan, Wright’s division pick comes as no surprise, but his logic is sound. The Chiefs have dominated the AFC West with nine titles in the last decade, and their defense looks noticeably stronger heading into this season.

“My pick for defensive player of the year was going to be Chris Jones because all of a sudden he has someone next to him,” Wright said. “Yeah, Peter Woods, who was projected to go top-five in the draft 14 months ago.”

Wright’s praise of the young Chiefs defense didn’t slow down.

“They’ve got R. Mason Thomas as another edge coming around and then Mansoor Delane, a top-six pick at cornerback,” Wright said. “So you’re going to have three months for this young defense, young secondary to learn [Steve] Spagnuolo’s scheme.”

Chris Broussard’s AFC West Prediction

Broussard saw things entirely differently, dropping Kansas City to third place in his division standings. Unlike Wright, Broussard is buying into Los Angeles, picking the Chargers to dethrone the Chiefs and take the AFC West title.

“The schedule is kind of light for them [Chiefs],” Broussard said. “So I got them sneaking in [the playoffs]. I really am high on the Chargers. I think [Jim] Harbaugh is excellent. [Jesse] Minter is a big loss, but Harbaugh has always had good defenses in the NFL himself.”

Not only is Broussard picking the Chargers to win the AFC West, but he is fully sold on the new pairing of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and quarterback Justin Herbert. In fact, he even expects Herbert to finish as an MVP finalist this season.

“So look, [Mike] McDaniel, maybe I’m giving him too much credit,” Broussard said. “But Tua [Tagovailoa] led the league in passing with Mike McDaniel. Herbert’s got talent. I think McDaniel and Herbert are going to be great together. I expect Herbert to be in the MVP conversation.”

Danny Parkins’ AFC West Prediction

Unlike Wright and Broussard, Parkins has the Chiefs missing the playoffs as they finish in third place in his AFC West predictions.

“Lotta questions for the Chiefs,” Parkins said before unveiling 10 reasons why they won’t make the playoffs, including their young roster, stars like Travis Kelce and Chris Jones aging and he believes that they’re no longer invincible. Parkins added that Kansas City’s schedule is tough (it ranks fifth in opponents’ winning percentage from last season) and that wide receiver Rashee Rice isn’t trustworthy.

As for the rest of the division, Parkins said that the Raiders have a “pretty solid foundation for a last-place team” before calling on them to trade star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. For the Broncos, Parkins said that he thinks this year’s team is better than the squad that went 14-3 a year ago and likes their addition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. However, he doesn’t think they’ll have the same luck they had in one-score games last season.

Finally, Parkins picked the Chargers to finish in first for a “simple” reason.

“You have Justin Herbert. You have Jim Harbaugh. You have Mike McDaniel. You have the inevitability of Herbert’s talents,” Parkins said.

AFC and NFC West Predictions: Rams ‘got greedy’ in offseason, Will the Chiefs be back on top? | FTF

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Bath and Newcastle | Racing News

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We have a busy day’s racing on Wednesday with flat action from Bath and Newcastle, live on Sky Sports Racing…

2.00 Bath – Promising Etienne returns following Super Sprint fourth

Promising Etienne returns following Super Sprint fourth in the EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes.

Richard Spencer-trained Etienne was touched off by a short head on debut before improving further when finishing fourth in the Weatherbys Super Sprint.

He shaped best that day, conceding first run and running on to finish with the highest finishing speed of the front four.

The winner, Angel’s Lane has since bolted up to win a good edition of the St Hugh’s Stakes, and the level of form that Etienne brings to the race, looks a class apart from his rivals.

He contains Group One and Group Two entries this autumn, and the slight step up in trip should see him to best effect, and extremely tough to beat.

Tree Wizard and Anna Belardo contain one piece of form each which could see them run creditably against Etienne, but both need to bounce back to their best if they’re to threaten Richard Spencer’s runner.

5.02 Bath – Quebella headlines trappy fillies’ handicap

Quebella headlines a trappy contest in the British EBF Fillies’ Handicap.

Quebella has strung together two creditable third-placed finishes since moving to Owen Burrows.

She was very well backed last time out at Chester but a wide trip and drop in trip both did not see her to best effect. Back up a furlong and a half should suit, and she should go well.

Pierian looked promising when winning by nine lengths at Yarmouth in May, but has since disappointed. She was put into listed company before a handicap at Glorious Goodwood, so she is definitely thought better of, and she can prove competitive if progressing from her earlier season efforts.

The in-form duo, Mythical Bird and Aravalli both scored last time out, with the latter succeeding in four of her last five starts.

They should both go well in a wide-open fillies’ handicap.

2.45 Newcastle – Intriguing 3yo Yordan bids to back up facile success

Intriguing three-yearold Yordan bids to back up facile success in the EBF Novice Stakes.

Yordan was purchased for 160,000gns as a yearling in October 2024, but had to wait until July 2026 to make his belated debut. He has made a promising start at three, finishing a close second on debut, before winning by nearly three lengths, going away when dropped to six furlongs last month at Southwell.

Harry Vigors has been booked to ride which offsets the winning penalty he shoulders, and with a clear class edge on paper, he could take all the beating when attempting to make it two wins from three.

Ennoble was previously trained by Joseph O’Brien and contains solid two-year-old form. However, Antony Brittain would need to revitalise this horse as it seems like he may not have trained on.

Brash has held a consistent level of form to date and can again run creditably; however, he is much more exposed and would need to make a miraculous improvement to even threaten Yordan.

Best of the rest

4.30 Bath – Course specialist, Blue Hero aims for 12th course win vs in-form Buckland Belle.

4.45 Newcastle – Let’s Go Hugo bids for a hat-trick.

Eight-race Lyon-Parilly and Toulouse cards.

Angels Get Much-Needed ‘Fresh Start’ As Arte Moreno Plans Sale To Stan Kroenke

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

ANGEL STADIUM (Anaheim, Calif.) — The only direction from here is up, Angels fans.

Amid an 11th straight losing season, after a decade of destitution, owner Arte Moreno is finally heeding his fans’ advice and selling the team.

Stan Kroenke, the owner of the Los Angeles Rams, is acquiring a controlling interest in the Angels for a reported $4 billion, a Major League Baseball record. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to MLB approval, according to the Angels and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. Moreno, who bought the Angels in 2003 for $183.5 million, will retain a minority stake in the club.

But it’s the dawn of a new day in Anaheim.

“Fresh start,” said Mike Trout. “You kinda felt that was needed. No hard feelings against Arte, but we’re super excited. The guys are excited. There’s a good vibe around the clubhouse, vibe around the stadium.”

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 25: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels against the Cleveland Guardians during a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 25, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Scott Strazzante/Getty Images)

Trout was among the many Angels players and executives stunned by the news but encouraged by what it could mean.

The Rams have made the playoffs seven times in the last nine years. In 2016, Kroenke moved the team from St. Louis to Los Angeles. The Rams hired Sean McVay as their head coach in 2017, went to the Super Bowl in 2018 and won it in 2021, a year after moving into their brand-new SoFi Stadium. (For what it’s worth, the Angels’ lease at Angel Stadium runs through 2032.)

KSE, Kroenke’s holding company, also owns the Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Arsenal F.C. (Premier League) and the Colorado Rapids (MLS), among its vast sports portfolio. The Rams, Nuggets, Avalanche and Arsenal have all won championships since 2022 under KSE’s ownership.

“What a track record,” Trout said. “Wherever he buys, he wins.”

(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Trout, who has never won a playoff game in 16 years with the Angels, and teammate Zach Neto both reached out to Rams players shortly after hearing the news of the sale.

The feedback they received about Kroenke was encouraging.

“Most important thing that they said is he just wants what’s important for us,” Neto said. “That’s to make the clubhouse better, in the sense of whatever we need, we get — whether that’s amenity-wise, speakers, whatever it is. He’ll make sure we get those.”

That has not always been the case under Moreno, whose tumultuous tenure started promisingly and ended hopelessly, with the owner unwilling to invest in the resources or put the infrastructure in place to return the Angels to relevance.

Moreno bought the team in 2003, a year after the Angels won the World Series. The next year, he brought in Vladimir Guerrero and watched him win MVP. The Angels made the playoffs five times from 2004-09.

Since 2010, however, they’ve made the postseason just once, in 2013, when they were swept in the American League Division Series. They wasted the primes of Shohei Ohtani and Trout, unable to get them to the postseason over their six years together or acknowledge the reality of their plight. The Angels sought quick fixes, routinely rushing prospects through the system. Moreno’s unwillingness to make the difficult choice to rebuild prevented the kind of change necessary to chart a prosperous path forward.

(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

In July 2023, instead of trading Ohtani to get the requisite pieces to reshape the farm system, the Angels dealt more prospects away and finished the year 73-89. Ohtani left in free agency and won the World Series in each of his first two seasons with the Dodgers.

This year has marked a season of change in Anaheim. The announcement of the ownership sale comes months after team president Molly Jolly dismissed general manager Perry Minasian in June.

John Mozeliak, who spent 18 years running baseball operations for the Cardinals — a stretch that included 10 postseason appearances, six division titles and a World Series championship — took over as the interim GM and began charting a new path forward. In an effort to revive a rudderless franchise, he started making the wholesale changes the team refused to do for years, including a deadline fire-sale that injected the Angels’ lagging farm system with needed talent.

(Photo by Mindy Schauer/MediaNewsGroup/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

He has also started making changes to the coaching staff — pitching coach Mike Maddux, bullpen coach Dom Chiti and assistant pitching coach Darryl Scott were fired in August — and reshaping the front office. Just a day before the announcement of the ownership sale, Mozeliak promoted Matt Swanson and Michael Lord as assistant general managers while restructuring the scouting department.

Then, on Tuesday morning, Jolly dropped a folder down on his desk and let him know his day was going to change.

“Obviously, this was news to me,” Mozeliak said of the ownership change. “When I first came here, I spoke with Arte, and he had mentioned that this was a possibility. But to learn it this morning from Molly, I was definitely surprised. But it wasn’t a shocker. I think it’s exciting news for everybody. I think change is what I came in to try to start doing.”

Mozeliak plans to continue to do that with an eye toward the future, until he’s told otherwise.

“Obviously, the new ownership is going to have to give us some direction on what they want to see that to look like,” Mozeliak said. “But I do think they should be part of that calculus.”

(Photo by Ross Turteltaub/Getty Images)

Moreno explored a sale in 2022 before ultimately remaining in place, much to the chagrin of fans whose chants to “sell the team” have reverberated throughout Angel Stadium in recent years.

If a change was going to be made, many expected it would come after the next collective bargaining agreement. The timing took most by surprise. Jolly was one of the few who did not sound shocked. She didn’t divulge exactly how long Moreno had been in talks with Kroenke, other than to say it did not come together quickly.

“I knew he was contemplating it as far as, what is your legacy and your exit strategy?” Jolly said. “So, that didn’t surprise me at all that, at some point, he was going to transfer to the right next person.”

(Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

How long Mozeliak and the current Angels regime remain in place is to be determined.

Kroenke could start with a clean slate, should he choose to do so. Mozeliak’s contract goes through December. Kurt Suzuki is managing on a one-year deal. The only players under contract beyond this year are Trout and Yusei Kikuchi.

(Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)

For many years, the Angels under Moreno maintained a top-10 payroll in the sport. That has since changed in recent seasons.

But under Kroenke, who now becomes MLB’s richest owner, there is hope for a brighter future.

“We’re excited for the new guy to come in and hopefully change things around and get some new life in here,” Neto said.

It couldn’t be much worse.

“You look at the track record, I know the No. 1 thing on his mind is going to be to get to the World Series and win a championship,” Trout said. “As a player, it makes you feel good to have that and to feel that.”

Rowan Kavner is an MLB writer for FOX Sports. He previously covered the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers and Dallas Cowboys. An LSU grad, Rowan was born in California, grew up in Texas, then moved back to the West Coast in 2014. Follow him on X at @RowanKavner.

F1 fans will ‘crucify’ teams if team orders are used in 2026 title battle, says former world champion Mika Hakkinen | F1 News

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen has warned that Formula 1 teams risk ‘being crucified’ by the sport’s fans if they implement team orders in an attempt to influence this year’s title battle.

Kimi Antonelli leads his Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton by 59 points at the top of the standings, with McLaren’s Lando Norris 83 points back in fourth after belatedly igniting his title defence with victories at the last two races.

With 11 rounds remaining, Hamilton is 28 points clear of his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, while Norris has moved 55 points ahead of his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Given the significant margins by which the British duo each trail Antonelli, it has been a topic of speculation as to whether either Ferrari or McLaren would consider implementing team orders sooner rather than later to aid their better-positioned driver in the title fight.

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Highlights from the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix

Hakkinen, who spoke to Sky Sports News in his role as a Laureus Academy Member, said: “Which team is going to do this kind of change and what are the arguments they are going to give and tell the fans? This is going to be an important factor.

“All these drivers have a huge fanbase these days in the world, and if the team are going to decide one day that this driver is going to be number two, the fans are going to crucify this team.

“So, you have to be very careful these days how you are activating these kinds of team orders.”

Image:
Two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen believes team orders could be a crucial factor in the title battle

‘Hamilton’s Dutch GP emotion absolutely normal’

The issue of team orders became a talking point at the Dutch Grand Prix when Hamilton became infuriated with his Ferrari team after he was held by Leclerc.

After the race, Hamilton pointed out the contrast between the approaches of Ferrari and Mercedes, who were decisive in ordering Russell to let Antonelli past him having adjusted the Italian’s strategy to fend off the threat coming from the seven-time world champion.

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Lewis Hamilton outlined his frustrations after a fourth-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix

Hamilton later posted on social media expressing regret for the tone of his comments to the media and over the radio during the Zandvoort race, but Hakkinen says his reaction was “absolutely normal”.

“I think what Lewis experienced in Zandvoort, it was explained from the team why it happened,” Hakkinen said.

“Emotions with Lewis’ experience was absolutely normal. Maybe it wasn’t only emotion, just also common sense. ‘We can score more points if you let me overtake!’

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Speaking on The Fast And The Curious podcast, Betty Glover, Christian Hewgill and Greg James reflect on their favourite radio messages from the Dutch GP

“But nowadays when I look at Grand Prix racing from the outside, when I’m in the paddock, it’s different. You see much more, you get much more information on what’s happening.

“The drivers are getting only a very tiny percentage of the information we get on TV, so when they are following another car and it doesn’t let them overtake, they don’t have the information and the calculations that the team have, so then very often you get these kind of reactions from the drivers, which is very normal.”

‘Schumacher would get team orders in first race of season’

Hakkinen reflected on his own experience of team orders during title races, with the Finnish driver having come up against Michael Schumacher when the seven-time world champion had clear number-one status at Ferrari.

Hakkinen won successive drivers’ titles in 1998 and 1999 before finishing second to Schumacher in 2000 as the German won the first of five successive championships at Ferrari.

“The fanbase has changed in Formula 1; the generation is different than in my time,” Hakkinen said.

“When I was racing against Michael Schumacher when he was at Ferrari, they started doing team orders already at the first race of the season.

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Ferrari has unveiled its one-off livery, paying tribute to Michael Schumacher, for the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza

“It was very obvious that if one driver is very strong in a team and started to win races and score points, the team is very much aware that if they want to win the world championship, they need to support this one driver 100 per cent.

“That’s what Michael Schumacher was able to manage to do with Ferrari when he was racing there.

“We had a little bit of a different philosophy at McLaren. We wanted to give both drivers the same opportunity until the points were at a point that one couldn’t catch the other; then the team-mate has to start supporting the leading driver. That was a common-sense operation.

“Now the teams want to win the Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship, they want to win both. So. it’s important that both drivers are getting maximum performance all the time in every race.”

Hakkinen was speaking to Sky Sports in his role as a Laureus Academy Member ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix at Madring from September 11-13. Madrid, a global city of sport, is becoming the new home of the Spanish GP, after hosting the Laureus World Sports Awards in April.

Sky Sports F1’s Italian GP live schedule

Thursday September 3
1pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
4pm: Paddock Uncut

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 heads to Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

NFL Catchup: Christian McCaffrey Back At Practice; Bears Unsure On DB Kyler Gordon

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Teams across the league continue managing injuries and fine-tuning rosters as the regular season inches closer.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was back at practice Tuesday, while Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles addressed ongoing uncertainty surrounding cornerback Kyler Gordon’s return.

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson remains sidelined while rehabilitating an ankle injury and when Pittsburgh Steelers Joey Porter Jr. was asked about whether or not he will play for the Steelers in Week 1, he responded, “I don’t know.”

Keep up with the latest news from around the league on Tuesday.

After weeks of speculation, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is back on the field practicing. He was seen on a Tuesday afternoon making cuts and looking explosive during team drills, showing he’s ready for the Week 1 opener.

McCaffrey missed more than two weeks of training camp while dealing with what was described as general “tightness.” It’s unclear if the issue was related to the Achilles tendinitis that sidelined him in 2024 or simply a precaution for other injuries he’s dealt with over his career.

However, this should be an encouraging sign as he looks fully healthy heading into Australia, when the 49ers take on the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1.

McCaffrey is coming off the heaviest workload season of his career, accumulating a career-high 413 total touches. He logged 311 rushes for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns, while adding 102 receptions for 924 yards and seven touchdowns in the passing game.

If McCaffrey stays healthy, the 49ers offense could make serious noise in a competitive NFC West. The additions of Mike Evans and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling, alongside a healthy McCaffrey and Brock Purdy, make this offense one of the most intriguing units in the league.

Bears GM Unsure When Kyler Gordon Will Return

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles expressed uncertainty Tuesday regarding when defensive back Kyler Gordon will return to action as he continues to recover from a lingering calf injury. Gordon, who signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension in April 2025, has appeared in just five games since signing the deal and has been sidelined throughout the entire offseason.

When asked Tuesday if he envisions Gordon playing for Chicago during the upcoming 2026 season, Poles offered a guarded response.

“I don’t know. I would hope so,” Poles said to reporters Tuesday. “I still have hope there. He’s going to have to continue to work hard and get back to playing.”

Poles declined to provide specifics on Gordon’s recovery process, confirming that the defensive back is working with team trainers while also consulting outside medical personnel.

“When people come back from injuries, there’s different things that happen,” Poles said. “Sometimes they return fast, sometimes they’re slow. So it’s really a timing thing and a healing thing and a confidence thing. Anytime you have an injury and you’re coming back from something, there’s discomfort that you have to push through, and that’s what it comes down to. So we haven’t been able to get over that hump, and we’re not progressing as fast as we would like.”

As Gordon remains on the reserve list, the Bears made additional roster moves Tuesday.

Chicago placed safety Coby Bryant and tight end Hayden Large on injured reserve, leaving open the flexibility to designate both for return later in the season. To fill those roster spots, the Bears signed defensive tackle James Lynch and linebacker Jack Sanborn to the active 53-man roster.

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. returned to practice on Tuesday after dealing with a back injury, but remained noncommittal about whether he will play in the season opener without a new contract.

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Porter addressed his Week 1 availability when asked if he would suit up against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 13.

“I don’t know,” Porter said. “I’ve got to talk to the front office and my agents about that one.”

Joey Porter Jr. is also entering the final year of his rookie deal. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

General manager Omar Khan stated Monday that the team wants Porter to remain with the franchise long-term, but Pittsburgh holds a long-standing policy of ceasing all contract negotiations once the regular season begins. While Porter acknowledged that navigating the business side has been difficult, he noted that teammates and coaches have offered support as he continues preparing.

“I could hope and think all day, but it’s really up to the front office and what they want to do with this team,” Porter said. “So all I can do is just show up every day to work and be prepared.”

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson hasn’t practiced in over a week due to an ankle injury suffered in training camp. It’s an injury that has flown under the radar, especially with Ashton Jeanty also grabbing headlines after suffering a scary ankle injury of his own.

Henderson returned to Patriots practice on Tuesday afternoon but has not yet been cleared for full participation, ESPN first reported. While he continues to rehab a right ankle injury on the side, he was seen walking normally in the locker room, but his Week 1 status is unclear.

He is coming off a productive rookie season in the Patriots offense. On just 180 carries, Henderson racked up 911 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 35 receptions for 221 receiving yards and a score in the pass game.

If Henderson can’t suit up next Wednesday night against the Seattle Seahawks, Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to see a full workload. Even though Stevenson is already the featured back, he could turn into a true three-down workhorse early in the season.

Injury News & Notes

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Keenan Allen, Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren were all back on the practice field Tuesday. General manager Chris Ballard said Allen is expected to play in the team’s Week 1 opener, while Pierce continues to ramp up his practice workload following offseason ankle surgery. Downs returned to practice Tuesday after being sidelined with a minor calf strain.
Quarterback Max Brosmer cleared waivers and reportedly re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a practice squad agreement Tuesday, one day after being waived from the initial 53-man roster.
The Detroit Lions reportedly placed running back Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve Tuesday due to a back injury. The designation rules Pacheco out for at least the first four games of the regular season.
Quarterback Joe Milton officially went unclaimed on waivers Tuesday following his release from the Dallas Cowboys on Monday. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters the Cowboys would “absolutely” like to have him back on the roster.

US Open: Coco Gauff makes storming start while Serena and Venus Williams are drawn to face Maya Joint and Chan Hao-Ching in women’s doubles | Tennis News

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Coco Gauff opened her US Open campaign with a straight-sets win over Zeynep Sonmez, while two-time women’s doubles champions Serena and Venus Williams are set to face Maya Joint and Chan Hao-Ching after the draw on Tuesday.

Home favourite Gauff arrived ‌fresh from winning the Cincinnati Open and is chasing a third Grand Slam title after her breakthrough triumph in New York in 2023.

The American, who has reached the fourth round or better here in each of the last four years, will face either Daria Kasatkina or Paula Badosa in the second ‌round.

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Highlights of the Cincinnati Open final between Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula

“I wasn’t that nervous today, which was a shock,” Gauff said on court. “When I walked back out on this court, ‌I was trying to hold back a smile.”

Gauff was in control early as she took the only break of serve in the first set and wrapping up the opener in just over half an hour.

World No 53 Sonmez showed flashes of ⁠her talent and produced a string ⁠of impressive winners, including a blistering backhand that drew applause from the crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium and even Gauff herself.

Sonmez, 24, ‌settled in the second set, trading breaks, and began testing the American with deep ‌groundstrokes and forays to the net.

Gauff came under pressure trailing 3-2 but fought off three break points to hold and level the set before breaking Sonmez to reassert control at 4-3.

The 22-year-old pulled away from there as Sonmez ⁠struggled to sustain the level that had briefly unsettled the fourth seed, leaving Gauff to close out a comfortable win.

“I know that I can raise my level if I need to,” said Gauff. “I like to challenge my opponent to ⁠keep up that level the whole match, and if they do, I clap my hands and walk off the court with my head held high. But ⁠I was able to settle down.”

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Serena to face Wimbledon rematch with Maya Joint – but in women’s doubles!

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Serena Williams will be heading back on the court against Maya Joint – this time with sister Venus by her side

Serena and Venus Williams will compete together in the women’s doubles againstthe team of Hao-Ching Chan and Maya Joint – who beat Serena at Wimbledon this summer.

The Americans, who won the US Open doubles title in 1999 and 2009, last played together at a Grand Slam in New York in 2022, losing in the first round.

The sisters planned to reunite at Wimbledon following Serena’s return to competition during the grass-court season in June, but she withdrew after suffering a knee injury in her first-round singles match against Maya Joint.

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Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams walked out to an incredible atmosphere at the US Open in the mixed doubles

Serena, 44, returned this year after four years out of action and lost to Joint, a 20-year-old from Australia.

She injured her knee in the match and had to pull out of her planned doubles match at the All England Club with Venus, 46.

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Highlights of Serena and Venus Williams against Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns at the Cincinnati Open

The teamed up at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, where they lost in the first round to Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns.

Joint and Chan are the No 14-seeded team.

The first round of the women’s doubles tournament begins Thursday.

No Hollywood ending for body double Frodin

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Teenager Thea Frodin congratulates second seed Elena Rybakina

Second seed Elena Rybakina also advanced after beating teenage American wild card Thea Frodin 6-3 6-2.

Frodin once played Serena Williams’ double in the tennis scenes during the Oscar-winning film about the lives of Serena and her sister Venus, King Richard, starring Will Smith.

She said: “I actually have not met her yet. But hopefully I can get the chance soon to get the opportunity to meet her.
“I saw that Will Smith reposted one of my posts, so that was pretty cool and a cool experience.”

In the men’s draw, fifth seed Flavio Cobolli needed five sets to see off Argentinian Francisco Comesana, while ninth seed Taylor Fritz – one of the big hopes for a home success in New York this year – beat fellow American Darwin Blanch in three.

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Frenchman Gael Monfils, who retires at the end of the year, celebrated his 40th birthday in style with a 2-6 6-2 6-1 6-0 victory over Adolfo Alvarez.

Bears’ Early Season Injury Concerns Test Ben Johnson’s Demanding Culture

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

After trading 2023 second-round draft pick Gervon Dexter and going through a training camp with injuries to key players, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles still views his team as capable of defending the NFC North title.

The major reason is quarterback Caleb Williams’ development in his second season under coach Ben Johnson and third year overall.

“I think the first year, he was white-knuckling the whole time, trying to figure it out, trying to do it right,” Poles said Tuesday. “He continues to do that, wanting to do it right, but I think you see that joy back in his game where he’s playing free.”

Johnson backed that thought about Williams, who threw only five passes in preseason.

“I’ve seen a very composed person every time he steps into the building,” Johnson said. “This guy, you know, might have had a little bit of goofy to him a year ago. And I use that term with love.

“And now you just see a more serious player and intent every time I’m around him. And I think his teammates feel that as well.”

The Bears may need an explosive offense and more focused QB because their secondary is still in question coming out of training camp despite being an area Poles sees as loaded with versatile players.

Nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon’s injury situation is an issue. He suffered an offseason calf injury and hasn’t practiced all training camp, after missing 14 regular-season games last season with a groin injury.

Poles said he’s still hopeful of Gordon’s return.

“Any time you have an injury and you’re coming back from something, there’s discomfort that you have to push through and that’s what it comes down to,” Poles said. “So we haven’t been able to get over that hump and we’re not progressing as fast as we’d like. That’s really all I have to say about that.”

Up front on defense, the trade of Dexter for a fifth-round pick and cornerback Clark Phillips III allowed the Bears to set up budding young defensive tackles Jordan van den Berg and Jayden Loving with more potential playing time. They avoided a big pay day next year for a veteran player who hasn’t fit well into defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme.

“Those young guys started making a push when we got through camp, and along with obviously Grady (Jarrett), (Kentavius) Street and Neville Gallimore),” Poles said. “And we felt like the timing made sense for us. So really, it was about the shape in the room and really how well those young guys were doing, too. So, we feel really good and confident in our talent level at that position.”

Phillips could eventually fit their plans to replace Gordon, but he hasn’t played much slot cornerback in the NFL. For now, they’ll use fourth-round rookie Malik Muhammad in the slot. They’ve also considered Josh Blackwell, Xavier Woods, and even first-round rookie safety Dillon Thieneman.

Injuries hit the secondary during camp, starting with Gordon. Safety Coby Bryant is out until at least December. In addition, cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson were hurt during a joint practice last week against the Titans, but both returned Tuesday from minor issues to practice.

The injuries were less severe on offense, with only running back Kyle Monangai a real question for the Sept. 13 opener against the Panthers.

The Bears fought through injury and consistency issues at left tackle to settle on Braxton Jones protecting Williams’ blind side, possibly until starter Ozzy Trapilo returns from knee surgery. It now appears Trapilo is well ahead of schedule and made it onto the 53-man roster.

“We’re going to be able to operate as an offense and I think we’ll be able to score points,” Johnson said. “It’s going to take all 11 of those guys out there in order to get that done.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Folarin Balogun: Monaco striker’s move to Everton falls through after deal scuppered Chelsea’s chances of signing Lamine Camara | Football News

September 2, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Everton’s move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun has fallen through after a change of heart from the player – after the deal scuppered Chelsea’s chances of signing Lamine Camara.

Balogun arrived on Merseyside at lunchtime to complete the £40m Deadline Day transfer, but doubts then started to emerge about the deal being completed during the afternoon as the medical threw up an issue.

As a result of this issue, Monaco then proceeded with a move to sell midfielder Camara. But in another twist, Everton renegotiated the terms of the deal for Balogun – which forced a dramatic move from Monaco.

With a full agreement to sell Camara to Chelsea in place, Monaco withdrew from the deal as the 11pm transfer deadline passed, which left the Blues furious.

Chelsea also had the chance to withdraw from the £125m move to sell Enzo Fernandez to Man City, but chose not to out of good faith.

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Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol explains why Chelsea sold Enzo Fernandez to rivals Manchester City despite the last-minute collapse of their deal to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco.

But just after midnight on Wednesday, it was revealed Balogun had a change of heart about moving to Everton and walked away from the deal – which will only infuriate Monaco and Chelsea even more.

It also means Balogun’s dramatic 2026 continues – after the American international was at the centre of the World Cup red card storm involving Donald Trump.

The Balogun drama in chronological order

Everton agree fee with Monaco for Folarin Balogun.
Balogun arrives on Merseyside for medical and to complete formalities of the move.
Chelsea have multiple bids rejected by Monaco for Lamine Camara. They consider other targets.
Chelsea agree deal to sell Enzo Fernandez to Man City for £125m. Comfortable with the options in their squad if no one comes in.
Doubts emerge around Everton’s deal for Balogun.
Everton make an offer to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United on loan with an option to buy.
Chelsea agree deal with Monaco for Lamine Camara, due to the doubts about the Balogun deal.
Manchester United reject Everton’s loan offer for Zirkzee.
Everton grow in confidence that they can get Balogun over the line after renegotiating with Monaco.
Chelsea’s deal to sign Camara collapses after Monaco withdraw from the deal. The Balogun deal being back on satisfied their need for a sale.
Balogun had a change of heart and walked away from the deal after a deal sheet was submitted.

‘Chelsea are really unhappy’

Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol on Chelsea’s Lamine Camara’s Chelsea move breaking down:

“Chelsea have not been able to sign a replacement for Enzo Fernandez. Chelsea are really unhappy with the way Monaco behaved.

“My information is everything was done – written, agreed, signed. He was flying into London [on Wednesday].

“At the same time, Monaco have been negotiating with Everton to sell Folarin Balogun. Once they have agreed a deal with Everton, they have come back to Chelsea and gone back on their agreement.

“Chelsea don’t believe this is the way clubs should conduct business. I suppose this is one of the risks you take when you leave things so late.”

Beer Swords, Tachos, and Brisket Dogs: Look At The New CFB Stadium Foods For 2026

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

College football will bring a wide range of emotions to fans across the nation this fall, but those attending games in person will certainly not go home hungry.

Programs across the country are expanding concession menus and souvenir offerings for 2026, blending regional food culture with traditional college football experiences.

New food offerings are already gaining attention online, like Wisconsin’s offerings at home games this fall.

Badger Bakers lead this season’s lineup in Madison, offering classic, sweet corn, and poutine loaded potatoes alongside Takis-crusted sweet corn.

Cal is also featuring distinct corn dishes with street corn ribs, while adding edamame dumplings and a chicken Philly cheesesteak to its stadium menu.

Fans heading to games this season are also walking away with much more than a cup with a university’s logo on it. Stadiums across the country are providing upgraded collectible items or food that could be shaped like anything ranging from team mascots, to university symbols and landmarks.

Take a look at some of the built-in souvenirs fans will be able to bring home.

USC is selling beer in a Trojan sword-shaped vessel at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, along with a carne asada fries drum bucket, beverage jugs, and popcorn buckets.

Michigan is introducing a nacho container shaped like Michigan Stadium.

Meanwhile, Boise State is celebrating 40 years of the blue turf as fans who order a food item that comes in a basket will receive it in a souvenir stadium bowl that features orange bleachers surrounding the blue turf.

Among the featured food additions this fall, the University of Houston is serving “tachos”, tater tot nachos, inside a Cougar paw bowl.

UCF has added a sword-shaped pretzel to its menu, a snack fit for a knight.

Specialty foods tailored to regional cuisine are also being introduced, particularly in Texas.

The University of Texas is offering a footlong hot dog topped with smoked brisket and nachos at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Staying in the lone star state, Baylor will offer a “Baylor line dog,” consisting of a Nathan’s hot dog topped with Texas chow chow, cheese and chicharrones, deep-fried pork skin. The Bears will also offer a “bear claw”, a Texas-sized pastry topped with cinnamon and a green-and-gold glaze.

Settling for a bag of peanuts is quickly becoming a thing of the past as stadiums and campuses offer dishes tailored to local tastes, collectible containers and more. For fans heading to games this season, the food on the concourse is now ingrained in the college football experience.

Birmingham 1 – 1 Southampton

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

August Priske earned Birmingham a 1-1 draw against Southampton in a breathless Sky Bet Championship encounter.

The Danish striker’s neat header in the 55th minute cancelled out new signing Keven Schlotterbeck’s towering aerial effort in the third minute of time added on at the end of the first half.

Birmingham should have had more for their efforts having had the lion’s share of a glut of chances, with Jay Stansfield missing two sitters, including hitting the post.

In an end-to-end start, there were openings for both teams.

Saints striker Cyle Larin was put through by Finn Azaz only to finish poorly with a low drive straight at James Beadle.

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August Priske Flyer levels the score for Birmingham City against Southampton.

Blues, who signed Hull winger Liam Millar on a season-long loan on deadline day, forced Daniel Peretz into a falling save from Priske’s low drive.

Beadle’s clearance was charged down by Azaz only for the ball to trickle wide as the visitors threatened.

Stansfield rattled the inside of the post after racing 40 yards following Schlotterbeck’s mis-hit backpass.

Then, unmarked, the £10m striker headed inches wide from Alex Cochrane’s cross.

Blues threatened again when Jhon Solis advanced only to fire just wide from 20 yards.

Larin lashed over the bar after Azaz’s pass split the defence as the chances kept coming.

Cochrane’s deep free kick gave Tomoki Iwata a sniff of goal at the far post but he sliced wide unmarked.

Priske’s twisting header dropped just wide from Patrick Roberts’ cross in another Blues raid.

But centre back Schlotterbeck made Blues pay for those missed opportunities by heading powerfully home from Leo Scienza’s corner for his first goal since January 2025.

Roberts wriggled his way through for what home fans thought was the equaliser on 49 minutes only for Peretz to smother his shot.

But they did not have to wait much longer as Roberts crossed for Priske to guide home a header. It was the Danish striker’s first league goal of the season.

Saints missed a double chance to regain the lead when substitute James Ward-Prowse’s deflected shot was palmed upwards by Beadle and Larin looped the rebound wide.

Blues breathed a sigh of relief as Kuryu Matsuki’s volley was ruled offside before Priske’s rising shot flew just over.

Beadle palmed away Ward-Prowse’s 25-yard free kick, James Bree firing the rebound into the sidenetting.

Phil Neumann headed straight at Peretz from Demarai Gray’s free kick as Blues pressed for the winner.

The managers

Birmingham’s Chris Davies:

To follow…

Southampton’s Tonda Eckert:

To follow…

What the result means and next fixtures…

INDYCAR Power Rankings: Pato O’Ward Surges After Sweeping Milwaukee

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The doubleheader at The Milwaukee Mile was certainly unique.

INDYCAR started a race on Saturday but then had to suspend it because of rain. It then conducted an entire race early Sunday afternoon before finishing the Saturday race in the early evening … on Sunday.

And also unique — Pato O’Ward won both races. That vaulted him back into these power rankings, an indication of how much his season has been a disappointment.

Alex Palou clinched the INDYCAR title to add to his collection of four titles he had earned in 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025. So you can imagine where he remains in these power rankings.

Here are my power rankings going into the season finale Sunday at Laguna Seca, a road course in Monterey, Calif.

Dropped out: Kyffin Simpson (Last Week: 8)

On the verge: Scott Dixon, Louis Foster, Kyffin Simpson

10.

Power did not have a good day at Milwaukee, as he had a pit-road speeding penalty in the Sunday race and then wrecked when trying to get by Nolan Siegel in the finale Sunday night.

Newgarden wrecked in the Sunday race and then rebounded to finish seventh in the finale Sunday evening. He had hoped for more at a short oval but he was never all that happy with the car.

Ericsson, who had a win and a fourth in his last two starts, had a ninth and an eighth in the two Milwaukee races. It wasn’t great, but it was a pair of respectable days. It also helps that he was the best Andretti Global car in the finale.

VeeKay enjoyed his first podium on an oval. He finished third on Sunday evening, which was a great result and not a total surprise after he finished seventh — and led 25 laps — in the race Sunday afternoon.

What a weekend for O’Ward. He swept Milwaukee and became the first driver to win two races in one day since 1981. That was back when the series had some regularly scheduled “twin” sprint races. He had four finishes outside the top 10 in his last seven starts before Milwaukee.

Following his victory at Washington, Kirkwood’s weekend got off to a sour start with a wreck with Christian Rasmussen in practice Friday. He was sixth and 15th, dropping to third in the standings.

Malukas had a solid weekend with a fourth and a second, but the second was a disappointment when he lost the lead in the finale on the last restart. But that gives him eight top-five finishes in the 17 races this year.

McLaughlin also had a second and a fourth in the two Milwaukee events. For a driver who hasn’t won in two years, it’s good to know you are knocking on the door. He has six top-five finishes this year.

Lundgaard had a third and a sixth in the Milwaukee races. Quite good for someone who has had his oval performance questioned.

Does it matter where he finished at Milwaukee? A fifth and 10th were high enough for him to clinch his fourth consecutive crown and his fifth in the last six years. One day, he won’t be No. 1 at the end of a season, but it’s hard to see when that day will come.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

Àlex Palou has officially secured the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship, locking up the Astor Challenge Cup in the final leg of a Sunday doubleheader at the Milwaukee Mile.

Moses Itauma preparations questioned after defeat to Filip Hrgovic but heavyweight star is backed to become world champion | Boxing News

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Moses Itauma’s preparations have been questioned following his devastating ninth-round TKO defeat to Filip Hrgovic.

Itauma was the overwhelming favourite heading into the bout but having dominated the opening eight rounds dramatically ran out of gas as he was stopped in the ninth.

Delicious Orie admits he was surprised by Itauma’s pre-fight admission that he had not before sparred 12 rounds.

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“It was experience. If I was getting a ring and knowing I’ve got 12 rounds ahead of me, I’m doing 15 rounds. For me, not doing 12 rounds going into a 12-round fight is crazy,” he told Sky Sports.

“I guess it’s each to their own. Moses boxed so perfectly but it was gradual rather than sudden. It goes back to experience. Hrgovic won that night because of it.

“He blew a gasket. This reminded me of new boxers in a new era taking strength and conditioning so seriously. You’ve got to find out about yourself before you get into the ring. You cannot learn on the job when it comes to professional boxing.

“I think he should have beaten Hrgovic. I wasn’t in his training camps, but we’ve all heard it. He didn’t spar enough; it’s as simple as that. Just because you can lift weights or run fast does not mean you can sustain a 12-round fight. It’s a completely different beast.”

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Like Itauma, lightweight contender Sam Noakes hails from Kent and has world title ambitions.

He agreed with Orie that inexperience contributed to Itauma’s first career defeat, with the 21-year-old having to be taken to hospital following the fight.

“I think it was more Itauma beating himself. With all the success he was having, I think he might have just gone a little too fast out of the blocks. He wasn’t out of his depth at all. It was more that he got tired and obviously Hrgovic capitalised on it,” said Noakes.

“If he’d done a 12-rounder before maybe it might have helped. It’s all well and good in hindsight but he was blasting out serious level opponents. That was the next step for him. He just came up short in a world title fight at 21. That’s boxing unfortunately.”

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Highlights of the IBF heavyweight world title fight between Itauma and Hrgovic. Video credit: Courtesy of DAZN

Itauma was bidding to become the second youngest man behind Mike Tyson to become world heavyweight champion.

However, having stopped all his opponents inside six rounds before facing Hrgovic, some have questioned whether the rising prospect was rushed into world title contention.

Orie disagrees with that notion and believes his promoter Frank Warren is the perfect man to help rebuild his career.

“I don’t think he was being rushed. I think that was a good step up with Hrgovic. I do think there was a lot of hype. I don’t think it would have had a massive impact on the fight. Itauma doesn’t strike me as someone who loves all that hype. He’s just a normal guy from Kent,” he stated.

“Frank will more than anybody else know what the best thing is to do. I think his mindset is the question here. In his mind, his world’s fallen apart. What he does in the next one or two years will be the deciding factor in my opinion for the rest of his boxing career.”

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Despite the setback, both Orie and Noakes are confident Itauma will recover and become world heavyweight champion in the future.

“One thing Itauma does have is the greatest asset known to man: time. 21 years old, he has a lot of time in front of him and depending on his mindset, this is just the beginning. This is part of becoming a world champion,” Orie said.

“We’ve seen it time and time again with the likes of David Haye and [Wladimir] Klitschko losing in their early to mid-20s. It’s the standard process.

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Itauma pushed Hrgovic off stage at their weigh-in before the Croatian heavyweight responded by slapping him in the face. Coverage courtesy of DAZN

“People just think it’s smooth sailing, you turn professional, you beat Mike Tyson’s record, you become world champion and retire into the sunset. Boxing doesn’t work like that unfortunately and we’ve seen it here.”

Meanwhile, Noakes added: “The experience everyone was saying he lacked, he has now gained. When he comes back, he’ll be even better. As a fighter, the loss is terrible. It’s like the end of the world.

“My advice to him would be just get back in the mix as quick as you can and back onto that world title chase. I have no doubt the ending will still be the same; he’ll still be undisputed heavyweight champion.”

Kentucky Sports Betting: Best KY Sportsbook Promos & Apps

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Sports betting has been legal in Kentucky since March 31, 2023, and the first sportsbook launched on Sept. 28, 2023, both online and in person. Today, Kentucky has eight licensed online sportsbooks, offering mobile apps, retail sportsbooks, and ongoing promos.

In this guide, we’ll cover top sportsbooks, best promos, and key legal information.

Kentucky Sports Betting Overview

📆 Online Launch Date: September 28, 2023
📱Online Sportsbooks Available: 8
🏬 Retail Sports Betting: ✅Legal (racetracks, licensed retail locations)
🎂 Legal Betting Age: 18+
🏈 College Sports Betting: ✅No restrictions
🎰 Online Casinos: ❌ Not Legal

Is Kentucky Sports Betting Legal?

Yes. Kentucky legalized sports betting in March 2023 when HB 551 was signed into law. Retail sportsbooks opened on September 7, 2023, and online betting launched on September 28, 2023. Sports betting is regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. You can bet online or on mobile with licensed operators, and in person at approved venues such as racetracks and authorized retail locations.

College Sports Betting in KY: No Restrictions

Bettors can wager freely on in-state college teams like the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville, including player props.

Top Kentucky Sportsbook Apps Ranked & Reviewed

Kentucky’s online market is competitive, with several major national operators live statewide. While more sportsbooks may enter over time, this section focuses on the top five based on market share, app quality, promotions, and betting features.

DraftKings Kentucky

Best known for: deep market depth, fast live pricing, and one of the most polished apps.
DraftKings launched in Kentucky on September 28, 2023, and is a national market leader known for deep markets and fast live pricing
Welcome offer: Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly. No Code Required.
App experience & notable features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (847K+ ratings); live betting hub, SGPs, wide prop catalog
Final take: choose DraftKings if you want the broadest menu and fast, reliable live markets on KY teams.

FanDuel Kentucky

Best known for: the most intuitive Same Game Parlay builder and strong live markets.
FanDuel went live in Kentucky on September 28, 2023, and is widely regarded as a top national operator with an intuitive app and strong same-game parlay tools.
Welcome offer: Bet $5 daily, unlock up to $350 in Bet Reset Tokens over 7 days. No code required.
App experience & notable features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (847K+ ratings); live betting hub, SGPs, wide prop catalog
Final take: pick FanDuel if you value a slick app and elite parlay tools with instant payout previews.

BetMGM Kentucky

Best known for: Frequent profit boosts and broad SGP options and MGM Rewards integration for hotel and resort perks.
BetMGM launched its mobile sportsbook in Kentucky on September 28, 2023, and is a nationally recognized brand backed by MGM Resorts with broad market coverage
Welcome offer: Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + $1500 Back in Bonus Bets, If Your First Bet Doesn’t Win with Code ‘FOXSPORTS’.
App experience & notable features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (~240K ratings); live betting, cash-out, wide sport coverage.
Final take: if you value boosts and MGM Rewards status, BetMGM is a strong secondary book in KY even when a first-time promo isn’t running.

Fanatics Sportsbook Kentucky

Best known for: FanCash rewards that convert to bonus bets or merchandise and steady football-season promos.
Fanatics Sportsbook launched in Kentucky on September 28, 2023, and is quickly growing nationwide thanks to its FanCash rewards ecosystem.
Welcome offer: Bet $20, Get $350 Bonus Bets using promo code FOX2026.
App experience & notable features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (138K+ ratings); clean UI, live betting, responsible gaming tooling.
Final take: a great add for rewards hunters, especially during football season, with daily FanCash value.

Caesars Kentucky

Best known for: daily “Super Boosts” and frequent promos and Caesars Rewards credits on eligible wagers.
Caesars went live online in Kentucky on September 28, 2023, and is a prominent national book known for Caesars Rewards and frequent odds boosts.
Welcome offer: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code ‘FOXDYW’
App experience & notable features: iOS rating 4.7/5 (89K+ ratings); SGPs, live betting, simplified navigation.
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bet365 Kentucky

Best known for: elite in-play betting, early-payout features, vast global menus, and very robust alternate totals/spreads.
bet365 launched in Kentucky on September 28, 2023, and is globally respected for best-in-class live betting, streaming, and robust alternate lines.
Welcome offer: Bet $10 and Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose with Code ‘FOX365’
App experience & notable features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (189K+ ratings); strong live betting hub with rapid markets and useful in-game stats.
Final take: stands out for best-in-class live betting with fast odds updates, deep markets, and integrated live streaming that makes in-game wagering seamless.

All Legal KY Sportsbooks

Bally Bet Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
theScoreBet (formerly ESPN Bet)
Fanatics Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook

Best KY Sportsbook Promos & Welcome Offers (September 2026)

New users in Kentucky can grab roughly $500–$650+ in combined value right now by stacking top deals. Claim the welcome promos first, then decide which app you like best for live betting, parlays, and props. Always check the in-app terms for eligibility, odds requirements, settlement timing, and expiry before placing your qualifying bet.

DraftKings KY Promo – Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

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Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account.
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BetMGM KY Promo – Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + $1500 Back in Bonus Bets, If Your First Bet Doesn’t Win with Code ‘FOXSPORTS’

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Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.

Caesars KY Promo – Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code ‘FOXDYW’

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How to Start Betting on Sports in Kentucky

1. Choose a Legal KY Sportsbook

Compare welcome bonuses, odds quality, and app UX. Check for region-specific promos.

2. Register Online

Kentucky allows remote sign-up. You’ll typically enter: full name, email, date of birth, last 4 of SSN, and physical address. Verify location and age (21+).

3. Claim a Welcome Bonus

Click the “claim” button on this page to opt in. Read the terms and conditions for minimum odds, qualifying bet, and expiry.

4. Deposit Funds

Common KY methods: credit and debit card, online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Play+ prepaid.

5. Place Your First Bet

Example: bet $5 on Kentucky to win at DraftKings to unlock bonus bets. You can also try a simple total or moneyline.

6. Withdraw Winnings

Payout options usually include online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, and Play+. E-wallets often pay fastest, while bank transfers can take longer. Check processing times in the app’s cashier.

Kentucky Sports Betting Handle

The betting handle is the total amount of money wagered with legal sportsbooks over a given period. It counts every dollar staked before any winnings are paid out. Handle is not the sportsbook’s revenue. Revenue equals handle minus payouts, and the hold (or win rate) is revenue divided by handle.

Quick example: if bettors place $200 million in wagers and sportsbooks pay out $188 million, revenue is $12 million and the hold is 6%.

YearHandleRevenueHoldTaxes2023$885M$111M12.61%$15.4M2024$2.6B$278M10.57%$38.6M

Responsible Gaming in Kentucky

Sports betting should be enjoyable and fit your budget. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, confidential help is available in Kentucky and nationwide. Most sportsbooks also offer deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion to help you stay in control.

Help and resources:

Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling – kygamblinghelp.org – 📞 1-800-GAMBLER
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – ncpgambling.org | 📞 1-800-522-4700 | 📱 Text “HELP” to 800-522-4700 | 💬 Live Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat
Gamblers Anonymous – gamblersanonymous.org | 📞 1-855-222-5542

Matias Fernandez-Pardo transfer news: Newcastle sign Lille forward ahead of transfer deadline in deal worth £51m | Football News

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Newcastle United have signed Matias Fernandez-Pardo from French club Lille in a deal worth £51m.

Fernandez-Pardo has penned a long-term contract and will wear the No 20 shirt at St James’ Park. The deal brings Newcastle’s summer spending to £262m.

Newcastle see the signing of forward Fernandez-Pardo as on a par with that of Nico Gonzalez, who joined the club last week from Man City for £50m.

He scored eight goals in 41 appearances for Lille last season and was named in Belgium’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. His call-up came after he had initially switched his international allegiance to Spain, where he featured in youth-team training camps but never made a competitive appearance.

His arrival will allow Nick Woltemade to leave on loan, with Juventus in direct talks with Newcastle over the German striker.

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United

Speaking to the club’s official channels, Fernandez-Pardo said: “I spoke to the head coach and he really showed how much he wanted me to be here. In terms of my own career progression, it made complete sense to come, so I didn’t hesitate at all.

“I know the club, I know about the stadium, I know it’s a fantastic atmosphere. I’ve followed the team. What I’ve seen is a very ambitious team, wants to attack, get forward, really chase teams and go after them, and that’s really something I want to take part in as well.”

Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle added: “Matias is a highly technical player with explosiveness in his game. He can score and assist, he has courage, and he has the ability to take players on. We’re sure our supporters will enjoy watching him play.”

‘A smart signing for Newcastle’

European football expert Julien Laurens on Sky Sports News:

I think it’s a really smart signing by Newcastle. To have replaced Woltemade with someone like him who fits the Jaissle system.

“That verticality, that running and the pace. Fernandez-Pardo will be perfect for that. He’s a winger at heart but with all the skills that are required, he moved into a No 9 because of the smart runs that he can make and that he presses so well.

“He’s just relentless in what he does on the pitch and that’s perfect. If he and Yoane Wissa can partner well together with Will Osula, who’s a slightly different profile, certainly in terms of height and physicality. Then I think you’ve got a great core there for Jaissle.

‘I expected Woltemade to stay and fight for his spot at Newcastle’

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg:

“I expected Nick Woltemade to stay to fight because I expected him to gain more match practice under the new coach. It’s a German connection, but aside from that, he wanted to stay and fight.

“But we have to talk about the fact that Newcastle increased the pressure with a new signing from France for €60m (£51m), so there was no space for Nick Woltemade. Let’s see what will happen in Italy.

“It’s a loan move. As I understand it, it’s also without an option or obligation to buy.

“The package is around €4m (£3.4m). Let’s see. I’m not a big fan of these big loan moves before the deadline. I have seen that with Randal Kolo Muani. Fingers crossed, because we need a very strong Nick Woltemade for the national team.”

Newcastle turn down Forest bids for Murphy

Meanwhile, Newcastle have turned down multiple Deadline Day offers from Nottingham Forest for Jacob Murphy, with the latest being £15m.

Newcastle have told the winger he has a future at the club and new boss Matthias Jaissle sees him as key experience in the dressing room.

Forest had an opening offer of £10m rejected by Newcastle last week.

Newcastle’s key summer business

Bazoumana Toure – Hoffenheim, £42m

Aladji Bamba – Monaco, £35.5m

Amar Dedic – Benfica, £29.5m

Lukas Hornicek – Braga, £25.7m

Sean Steur – Ajax, £23m

Ewen Jaouen – Reims, £18.5m

Nico Gonzalez – Man City, £50m

Out

Sandro Tonali – Tottenham, £100m

Bruno Guimaraes – Arsenal, £75m

Anthony Gordon – Barcelona, £69.3m

Matt Targett – Hull, free

Kieran Trippier – Wolves, free

Odysseas Vlachodimos – Sevilla, loan

Emil Krafth – released

John Ruddy – released

Ranking The 10 Best 2027 NFL Draft Prospects — Who Aren’t Quarterbacks

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

No one knows for sure how things might change during the upcoming college football season, but early indications are that the 2027 NFL Draft will be the strongest in years.

Quarterbacks — such as Texas’ Arch Manning, Oregon’s Dante Moore and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin — have dominated the early buzz because, well, they’re quarterbacks brimming with talent and potential. But the beauty of next year’s draft class is that it could offer several franchise-altering prospects at other positions, as well.

I’ve ranked the top 10 non-QBs heading into the season and, as you’d expect, all of them have a realistic chance at being a first-round pick next spring. Frankly, the top seven players would have been selected on Day 1 this year. As a bonus, I’ve included a pro comparison for each prospect.

10. Cayden Green, OT, Missouri

Grading offensive linemen is more about fit and grit than analytics, but Green checks in with the numbers that even a stat geek can appreciate. The 6-foot-5, 324-pounder is a three-year starter dating back to his true freshman season at Oklahoma. He allowed just two sacks in 751 pass drops last year, his first at the premium left tackle position after spending his first two seasons inside at left guard, where he routinely delivered pancake blocks.

Green is a talented pass blocker, as well as a spark plug in the running game. He gains impressive depth in his kick-slide and has the lateral agility and core strength to handle counters. I’m eager to see if he is even smoother in Year 2 at tackle. Between his girth, grip-strength, competitiveness and previous experience at guard, Green should offer his future NFL team plenty of roster flexibility.

Pro comp: Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills

9. Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss

Lacy went from a backup at Missouri to leading the entire country with 24 rushing touchdowns at Ole Miss last year. He is sudden and slippery, consistently zipping around and past would-be tacklers. His elusiveness generates plenty of highlight-reel worthy plays, but Lacy is also quite effective in short yardage, showing impressive leg drive, balance through contact and sheer determination to grind out the tough yards, too.

Kewan Lacy could be the first running back drafted in 2027. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Along with his frequent trips to the end zone, the 5-foot-11, 205-pounder led the nation with 335 touches in 2025. There is no denying that Lacy was aided by the creative playcalling of former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. With Kiffin now in Baton Rouge, scouts are curious to see if Lacy can duplicate his remarkable sophomore campaign.

Pro comp: TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots

8. Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia

Robinson wasn’t quite as flashy as the aforementioned Lacy last year, but he was close, earning FWAA Freshman Defensive Player of the Year honors with four interceptions, tying for tops in the talent-rich SEC. Robinson is every bit the athletic phenom you’d expect as a former five-star recruit out of IMG Academy. He has a tight, low backpedal and easy hip turn to track receivers downfield, showing impressive balance and burst out of his breaks and legitimate recovery speed when necessary. He’s also a surprisingly scrappy tackler.

A rarity for a young cornerback, Robinson’s hands might be even better than his feet. Robinson can get a bit grabby downfield, but refs often let him compete because he locates the ball well, showing impressive hand-eye coordination to either catch it himself or rake it out of the hands of the intended receiver at the final moment. Interceptions against state rival Georgia Tech and this one versus Charlotte show Robinson’s rare body control and extension to make tough grabs look easy.

Pro comp: Trent McDuffie, Los Angeles Rams

7. A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon

With all due respect to star quarterback Dante Moore, Washington is both literally and figuratively the biggest reason why Oregon has a chance to match Indiana from a year ago and win its first national championship in program history. He is the centerpiece of arguably the best defensive line in college football.

A’Mauri Washington was good enough to be a Day 1 pick in the 2026 draft. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Washington would have been a first-round pick last year but was one of several Ducks who chose to stay north for one more winter rather than migrate to the NFL. He is surprisingly quick and agile for someone listed at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, and he already possesses NFL power, stacking and discarding would-be blockers like paper plates at a summer barbeque. And just ask No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza about Washington’s bull rush.

Pro comp: Kenny Clark, Dallas Cowboys

6. Cam Coleman, WR, Texas

If you thought the hype built up around Arch Manning last year was intense, just wait until this season, with the Longhorns set to stampede for a national title and dominate the first round of the 2027 draft.

Coleman — the first of three Longhorns in this article — was lured to Austin from Auburn, where he caught a combined 93 receptions for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns over his first two seasons, despite a limited supporting cast. The stats on Coleman are good, but the tape is even better. He is already an established playmaker whose film screams first-round pick. His star could shine from another galaxy, however, now that he’s working with Manning and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, one of the best offensive minds in the sport at any level.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Coleman has the size and athleticism of a future No. 1 NFL receiver. He is an effortless mover who accelerates in a flash and changes directions fluidly. Better yet, he offers exceptional body control and sticky hands to make acrobatic catches even with defenders draped over him.

Pro comp: George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys

5. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame

Cornerback is not universally regarded as one of the premium positions by NFL teams. Otherwise, Moore might rank even higher on this list, as his profile is spectacular. He is coming off of a unanimous All-American campaign as a true sophomore in which he recorded five interceptions and was a finalist for not only the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, but the Bronko Nagurski Award as the best overall defender in college football.

Leonard Moore was one of the best players at any position in college football last year. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Listed at 6-foot-2, 197 pounds, Moore has intimidating size for a cornerback. He has a smooth turning motion, seamlessly transitioning out of his backpedal into full gallop. He locates the ball well for a young player, instantly reading underneath routes and showing impressive downhill quickness to trigger back toward the quarterback. Moore has broken up and/or intercepted more passes (25) than he has allowed first downs (23) over his first two seasons of college football, and he’s also a physical hitter, having forced three fumbles. These numbers are all the more impressive when considering Notre Dame often asked him to travel with the opponents’ top receiver, including playing out of the nickel.

Pro comp: Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots

4. Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas

No disrespect to former Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr. — the No. 9 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2025 — but the Longhorns might have upgraded with the 6-foot-7, 325-pound Goosby succeeding Banks at left tackle.

Pro Football Focus pinned three sacks (out of 492 reps in pass protection) on Goosby last year, but I don’t know that he was truly at fault for any of them. His tape was as clean as any blocker in the 2026 draft, and remember, there were nine blockers drafted in the first round this past spring.

Goosby is still just growing into his body, but he already moves with such an exciting combination of grace and force that it is easy to project him as a future Pro Bowler, if not All-Pro. He eases off the snap in pass protection, sliding laterally and keeping himself square to the rusher. Goosby surges low and hard as a run blocker, as well, showing impressive bend, balance and power to move defenders in the running game.

Pro comp: Laremy Tunsil, Washington Commanders

3. Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina

Stewart promises to be one of the most scrutinized non-quarterbacks of this draft class because he is remarkably gifted yet has not generated the eye-popping production his talent portends. He checks in at a prototypical 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, with long arms, which he already effectively uses to lock out and shed would-be blockers, as well as lasso ballcarriers from behind. As a pass-rusher, Stewart is sudden off the snap and has excellent core flexibility to dip under the reach of offensive tackles, greasing the edge and closing in a flash. He’s recorded 11.5 sacks over his first two seasons of SEC football, but his frequent pressures suggest his production could be twice that.

Dylan Stewart’s stats don’t tell the true story of how good he is. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Stewart’s blend of size and athleticism are exciting build blocks. He’s already quite strong and is technically sound with some refined pass rush techniques. He’s just growing into his frame and game, projecting as a future All-Pro caliber edge.

Pro comp: Robert Quinn (retired)

2. Collin Simmons, Edge, Texas

Similar in many ways to 2026 No. 5 overall selection Arvel Reese, Simmons is a malleable monster capable of starring off the edge or as an off-ball linebacker. He is as swift on the perimeter as any rusher in this class, accelerating off the ball like a receiver getting into his route. He isn’t just explosive, he’s flexible, slithering his way through waves of blockers. Watch his anticipation on this snap. The quarterback (and left tackle) had no chance.

Moreover, Simmons is shockingly strong at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds. Like all great speed rushers, Simmons generates impressive power with the momentum he gains off his rush, often bulldozing through blockers nearly 100 pounds larger. He has recorded 21 sacks over his first two seasons — despite starting just 13 games.

Simmons’ physical gifts are undeniable and will almost certainly earn him a top-five selection whenever he chooses to enter the draft. He isn’t a prospect without flaws, however. He’s been penalized a dozen times in just two collegiate seasons, with most of his penalties coming from mental errors, such as lining up in the neutral zone or unnecessary late hits on the quarterback. Even with the occasional hiccup, Simmons has the look of a future franchise cornerstone.

Pro comp: Von Miller, Dallas Cowboys

1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

It is difficult to discuss Smith and not venture into hyperbole. Ohio State’s track record for producing superstar NFL wide receivers has been well documented and Smith’s production over his first two years in Columbus is unprecedented even among them. His 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns during his first two seasons on campus aren’t just records for an Ohio State receiver; they top all pass-catchers in Big Ten history. Along with current and future Hall of Famers Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, Derrick Henry, Myles Garrett and Penei Sewell, Smith is one of a handful of players I’ve evaluated over my career who I believe were capable of playing in the NFL as true freshmen.

At a rocked up 6-foot-3, 223 pounds, Smith can simply bully most defensive backs at the college level. His size and strength make him an ideal weapon in the red zone, where he shows good timing and hand-eye coordination to play above the rim. And he’s a legitimate vertical threat who accelerates smoothly and tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Smith is also excellent on slants and crossing routes, utilizing his frame to keep himself between the defender and the ball and showing good vision to rack up yardage after the catch. It is remarkable how many times he outruns pursuit angles or slips between defenders seemingly in position to stop him. We’ve often heard the expression “runaway freight train” used to describe running backs, but the characterization also applies to Smith at receiver.

Jeremiah Smith looks to be one of the best receiving prospects in years. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)

Comparisons to past size-speed phenoms such as the aforementioned Johnson, Jones and DK Metcalf will be common throughout the draft process. The scary part about Smith is that he’s already further along as a route-runner than any of these receivers were coming out of college.

Pro comp: Julio Jones (retired)

Pakistan’s wholesale changes for final England Test called ‘most shocking selection decision ever’ by Shahid Afridi | Cricket News

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called the selectors’ decision to make sweeping changes to the squad and remove head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and final Test against England as the “most shocking ever”.

Selectors have axed seven players, including wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, batter Imam-ul-Haq and spinner Ali Usman, after the tourists’ 194-run defeat at Lord’s left them 2-0 down with just one match to play, at Edgbaston from September 9.

Of the seven players to have been drafted in, five are uncapped at Test level, in Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.

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White-ball coach Mike Hesson will take charge following Sarfaraz’s axing, while Ashley Noffke is now assistant coach after Umar Gul was also relieved of his duties.

Writing on social media platform X, Afridi said: “Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision!”

“Even the replacements make no sense – T20 players have been included for a Test match in England?

“What is this thinking and approach? Why has the coach been axed after five Test matches?

“This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors.”

Pakistan squad for third Test vs England at Edgbaston

Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper) Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah

Cricinfo has reported that Misbah-ul-Haq has offered to resign from the selection committee, but the Pakistan Cricket Board has yet to accept his resignation

Pakistan, who have now lost 15 of their last 20 Test matches, have been bowled out for less than 200 in all four of their innings in the series so far, skittled for 171 and 135 in Leeds and then for 110 and 194 at Lord’s.

Image:
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is one of the big names to have been axed by Pakistan

Watch day one of England’s third Test against Pakistan, from Edgbaston, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10am on Wednesday September 9 (11am first ball). Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream contract-free with NOW.

England vs Pakistan – results and schedule

All games live on Sky Sports

NASCAR Sweet 16: Why Every Driver In Chase Could — Or Could Not — Win It All

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The revamped Chase has 16 drivers in a 10-race mini-season after the points reset following the regular season.

There are no eliminations. It all comes down to who has the most points after these 10 races. That driver will be the champion.

There are just 100 points separating the top-16 drivers.

The Chase tracks: Darlington, St. Louis, Bristol, Kansas, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Phoenix, Talladega, Martinsville and Homestead.

Here are the 16 drivers who will compete for the 2026 championship:

Points: First with 2,100 (+25 ahead of second)
2026 Wins: Las Vegas, Nashville, Michigan, Pocono

Why He Will Win Title: Hamlin has the experience of competing for a title and has won at all 10 Chase tracks at some point in his career. And if it comes down to Homestead, he has the third-best average finish there of any driver, including seven top fives in 21 starts.

Why He Won’t Win Title: He’s Denny Hamlin. He’s not supposed to win the title. And when he gets to Homestead, he’ll be older than every champion in NASCAR history.

Points: Second with 2,075 (-25 behind leader)
2026 Wins: Phoenix, Atlanta, New Hampshire

Why He Will Win Title: This could come down to stage points, and he and Ty Gibbs have earned the most this year. Plus, he should be good at Phoenix and Martinsville, two of the final four races.

Why He Won’t Win Title: The Penske intermediate program is just not strong enough for Blaney to compete with the Toyotas.

Points: Third with 2,065 (-35 behind leader)
2026 Wins: Daytona, Atlanta (1), Austin, Darlington, Kansas

Why He Will Win Title: He’s been known to go on a roll. And both Darlington and Kansas are in The Chase and those are tracks where he’s won.

Why He Won’t Win Title: After an incredible start to the season, he’s lost momentum. Does anyone even remember that he had more than a 100-point lead in the standings earlier this year?

Points: Fourth with 2,060 (-40)
2026 Wins: Bristol, Iowa

Why He Will Win Title: He earns lots of stage points so he should be in the hunt. And he now knows how to win Cup races.

Why He Won’t Win Title: He’s just a little too young. He’d be the youngest champ ever. And can he really beat Denny Hamlin — his teammate — straight up over 10 races?

Points: Fifth with 2,055 (-55)
2026 Wins: Chicagoland

Why He Will Win Title: Briscoe and the JGR No. 19 team tend to hang within striking distance. He has won the last two Southern 500s so he very well could open the race strong.

Why He Won’t Win Title: Inconsistency could plague this team.

Points: Sixth with 2,050 (-5)
2026 Wins: None

Why He Will Win Title: He’s had the most top-five finishes than in any season in his career. That should continue and will be key in this new format.

Why He Won’t Win Title: He most likely will have to win a race. There’s no doubt he can. But many doubt he will.

Points: Seventh with 2,045 (-55)
2026 Wins: None

Why He Will Win Title: Larson won the 2025 title without a win in The Chase. So why not? Granted, it’s a different system, but he could rack up the points.

Why He Won’t Win Title: He just hasn’t had as consistent speed as he has in the past. And he needs to have that speed to compensate for the occasional mistake that results from his aggressive driving style.

Points: Eighth with 2,040 (-60)
2026 Wins: Martinsville, Texas

Why He Will Win Title: Never count out Elliott, who can sneakily put together solid finishes.

Why He Won’t Win Title: Like Larson, he just hasn’t had consistent speed.

Points: Ninth with 2,035 (-65)
2026 Wins: North Wilkesboro, Richmond

Why He Will Win Title: It’s an even year, and Logano seems to perform when he needs it the most.

Why He Won’t Win Title: It’s going to take a much better performance on the intermediates for him to have a shot.

Points: 10th with 2,030 (-70)
2026 Wins: None

Why He Will Win Title: The guy rarely gets rattled and rarely makes mistakes.

Why He Won’t Win Title: He and his team haven’t had the speed to overcome any mistakes or misfortunes.

Points: 11th with 2,025 (-75)
2026 Wins: Charlotte

Why He Will Win Title: This is his best regular-season points position of the last four years, and he has confidence.

Why He Won’t Win Title: He has rattled off top 10s and won Charlotte, but he hasn’t been up front enough to challenge.

Points: 12th with 2,020 (-80)
2026 Wins: Talladega

Why He Will Win Title: He seems to have an attitude that he’s going to take it from the field.

Why He Won’t Win Title: The field is determined not to let him take it.

Points: 13th with 2,015 (-85)
2026 Wins; None

Why He Will Win Title: For the most part, Byron appears unflappable. But this certainly has been a trying year.

Why He Won’t Win Title: He has led only 31 laps this season. That isn’t going to get it done.

Points: 14th with 2,010 (-90)
2026 Wins: None

Why He Will Win Title: He has a Toyota in his hands and will be strong at most tracks.

Why He Won’t Win Title: He just hasn’t put together consistent solid results for much of the year, and The Chase will reward consistency.

Points: 15th with 2,005 (-95)
2026 Wins: None

Why He Will Win Title: He is relatively good at staying out of trouble and if others have misfortune, he could capitalize.

Why He Won’t Win Title: He didn’t clinch a spot in The Chase until Daytona, a clear sign that he doesn’t have the week-in, week-out speed to win the title.

Points: 16th with 2,000 (-100)
2026 Wins: Daytona

Why He Will Win Title: After Daytona, he probably feels he can do anything, and there’s something to be said for that confidence.

Why He Won’t Win Title: He was a bubble driver because, until Daytona, Preece has been good and not great. Drivers typically don’t make that big of a jump in the final 10 races.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

In the 11th hour, Ryan Preece’s walk-off win at Daytona secured his spot in The Chase.

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Brighton, Lingfield, Ripon and Wolverhampton feature live on Tuesday | Racing News

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We have a busy day’s racing on Tuesday with Flat action from Brighton, Lingfield, Ripon and Wolverhampton, live on Sky Sports Racing…

5.12 Wolverhampton – Jessica seeks first win

Pierre Bonnard’s half-sister Jessica will look for her first win on her third start in the second race at Wolverhampton, the Free Digital Racecard At raceday-ready.com EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

The €200,000 yearling shares the same dam as the Ballydoyle Group One winner, as well as also being a half-sister to the Group Two-placed Crepe Suzette. Of the two Amo Racing runners, it is interesting David Egan is on her as she comes here off the back of a second-placed finish at Newmarket last month which reads well as the winner, Beguiled, is entered in the Fillies’ Mile.

Phalanx Nation represents Archie Watson and is entered in the Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy in October. This filly arrives here after finishing third on both starts and the form reads very well, but she has been off since May and will need to overcome that break if she is to make it third-time lucky.

Iris Olivia took a good step forward for her first run and looks potentially progressive with Rossa Ryan in the saddle.

2.50 Lingfield – Storm Force takes on three rivals

James Doyle travels to Lingfield to take the ride on Wathnan Racing’s Storm Force who takes on three rivals in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Novice Stakes.

Richard and Peter Fahey send just their third runner in five years to Lingfield as Storm Force arrives off the back of a success at Southwell. The son of Starspangledbanner travelled like a dream in the hands of Doyle and was able to come home as he pleased. Another bold show is expected under the penalty.

Best of the rest is likely to be Gold Star Gazing who is chasing a first win on his fifth start. He has a rating of 77 but could need a bit extra to beat the Fahey horse.

Blazing Gaden has raced seven times over hurdles but was behind Storm Force on his Flat debut last time out, a first attempt over six furlongs. He should know more now.

3.10 Ripon – Lexington Boom and Roman Crystal feature

The third contest on a seven-race card at Ripon sees two previous winners Lexington Boom and Roman Crystal lock horns in the 21 Engineer Regiment Sapper Nursery Handicap.

Lexington Boom drops into nursery company for the first time on his fourth career start after winning well at Beverley last month and has gone up four pounds for that success, but there is scope for plenty more to come.

Last-time-out-winner Roman Crystal has seen the track five times, scoring just the once, but there is some substance to his form, having been behind Gimcrack winner Arapaho Gold on his second start at Thirsk. He led from pillar to post last time out at Ayr, knuckling down to win nicely in the end and another bold bid is expected.

Lady Dublin comes here top-rated, having won two of her last three starts, but after a below-par performance at Newmarket, she will need to resume her progress if she is to have a say here.

Best of the rest

Deauville – Fair eight-race card.

2.10 Ripon – Five-time course winner Cosmos Raj seeks sixth course win.

4.20 Lingfield – Hope Rising chases four-timer.

4.48 Ripon – Catton Lady looks to defy four-pound rise.

4.55 Lingfield – Musical Soldier seeks four-timer.

8.45 Brighton – Serenity Dream attempts to bring up a hat-trick.

8.30 Wolverhampton – Sansanetti looks to follow up.

Lane Kiffin Defends NFL Transfers While Steve Sarkisian Calls Moves ‘Morally Wrong’

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

A Louisiana court ruling permitting NFL players to return to campus has ignited immediate pushback from college football’s top powerhouses. Despite heavy penalties from the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12, head coaches remain sharply divided over how to handle the roster chaos.

To no one’s surprise, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin is leaning right into the storm. Rather than diffusing the backlash over his latest roster additions, Kiffin doubled down during his Monday press conference, seemingly embracing the heat.

“I feel like my decision should always be made in the best interest of the players that sit in this team room and not for my reputation and how the decisions play in the national media or other fanbases,” Kiffin said. “I’ve never been that way and that could be wrong.”

Rather than backing down, Kiffin leaned directly into the chaos as he normally does. Kiffin framed college football and the NFL as two sides of the same coin, positioning the shift not as a temporary phase, but as the sport’s inevitable future.

“Those players and the people that hire me always know he’s constantly trying to do the best thing for them,” Kiffin said. “So I struggle too. Even though that’s what you do in the NFL and there’s an argument that these players are paid like that and it’s what happened yesterday.”

Kiffin might back it, but Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian isn’t buying in. In fact, he’s questioning the very ethics of bringing former NFL players into the college game.

“The fact that somebody out there is going to take a player off of an NFL roster and tell somebody who’s been doing it for nine months to go kick rocks, that doesn’t sit well with me” Sarkisian said. “I think that’s wrong. That morally is wrong.”

Even with the brutally honest response from Sarkisian, Kiffin took the matter to LSU’s player leadership committee before making any moves. Even if Kiffin isn’t solely to blame, he’s clearly shielding his decision behind the green light from his team.

“I met with our leadership committee and every one of them was emphatic about, ‘If they can help us win, bring them,'” Kiffin said. “We understand that we have a team that’s practiced together all offseason, but this is how it works at the next level and this is how the real world works.”

Whether you side with Kiffin’s cold pragmatism or Sarkisian’s ethical stand, this debate is just getting started. Expect every late-season roster addition to be judged under this exact spotlight.

Kimi Antonelli: Why is Mercedes driver taking grid penalties at Italian Grand Prix in Monza on home soil? | F1 News

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli is highly unlikely to be in contention for victory on home soil at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.

Antonelli will start at the back of the grid as he will exceed the limit of four power units that can be used in a season before incurring grid penalties.

It means the Mercedes driver could see his 59-point lead over team-mate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton cut significantly, while a third consecutive win for McLaren’s Lando Norris could enable the reigning world champion to make major inroads into his 83-point deficit to Antonelli.

With Mercedes having confirmed that Antonelli is taking a grid penalty for changing his engine at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, Sky Sports F1 explain why the world championship leader has opted to do so at his home race.

Why does Antonelli need to take a penalty?

Mercedes have generally had the car to beat for most of this year, particularly earlier in the season, but the W17 has suffered from reliability issues.

In Antonelli’s case, he suffered an electrical shutdown when running in second at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June, which damaged one engine.

Then Mercedes discovered an issue with his engine after July’s British Grand Prix, which led the team to fit Antonelli with a fourth engine at the Belgian Grand Prix three races ago, meaning he was already on the limit of the number of power units that can be used before suffering from grid penalties.

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Kimi Antonelli goes past Mercedes team-mate George Russell before retiring from the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix with an engine failure

Why is Antonelli starting at the back?

F1 power units are split into different components. Had Mercedes only changed the internal combustion engine, which would be Antonelli’s fifth of the season, the Italian would only have a 10-grid place penalty.

But Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Antonelli will “take the full thing”, meaning they will change other components that will take him above their respective limits, including the energy store and control electronics. They will both be worth five-grid places each, thus taking Antonelli to 20 grid places.

Once a driver has a 15-grid place penalty or more, the FIA automatically puts you at “the back of the grid”, which will happen to Antonelli in Monza.

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Speaking on The F1 Show podcast, Bernie Collins believes Lando Norris is still in the title fight after his recent improvement with two back-to-back wins

Why have Mercedes chosen Monza?

Monza is known for its long straights, so overtaking is relatively easy compared to other upcoming tracks such as Madrid and Baku, which are street circuits.

At the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas powered through from the back to the podium after an engine change, while Max Verstappen won from 14th at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix.

“Monza is an energy-starved circuit with four overtaking zones. A driver cannot defend all of them, so a faster car should be able to make progress relatively straightforwardly,” said Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin on the team’s Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show.

“The primary factor is when the hardware is needed. We have lost internal combustion engines at relatively low mileage, so we know we must introduce new components by a certain point. If that falls at a circuit where starting at the back would be particularly costly, we may choose to bring the change forward.”

Formula 1 2026 remaining races

Italy
September 4-6
Mexico
Oct 30-Nov 1

Madrid
September 11-13
Brazil
November 6-8

Azerbaijan
September 24-26
Las Vegas
November 20-22

Malaysia
October 2-4
Qatar
November 27-29

Singapore*
October 9-11
Abu Dhabi
December 4-6

USA
October 23-25
*denotes Sprint weekend

Currently, 12 more rounds remain of the 2026 F1 season – although that could be reduced to 11 depending on whether the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix take place.

Shovlin also hinted Mercedes would rather take grid penalties with Antonelli now, compared to later in the year when the title race could be closer.

“We also lead both championships, so there is logic in taking the pain now rather than adding pressure if the margins tighten later in the season,” he continued.

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Mercedes team-mates Kimi Antonelli and George Russell reflect on their Dutch Grand Prix race

What about Russell’s engine situation?

Russell is in a similar position to Antonelli and will also have grid penalties for exceeding his engine allocation later this season.

Sky Sports News understand that Russell will definitely not join Antonelli at the back of the grid this weekend, as Mercedes continue to assess the British driver’s situation.

“We must manage the remaining events so that both cars reach the end of the season with the freshest and best-performing hardware possible,” said deputy team principal Bradley Lord.

“It is a constant trade-off between the risk of running high-mileage components and the points cost of taking a grid penalty and recovering through the field.”

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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Italian Grand Prix

Sky Sports F1’s Italian GP live schedule

Thursday September 3
1pm: Drivers’ Press Conference
4pm: Paddock Uncut

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 heads to Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

NFL Catchup: Cowboys Release Milton, Tunsil Goes on IR And Nabers Injury Update

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Following initial 53-man roster cutdowns, NFL teams continued adjusting their active rosters through waiver claims, injury designations and more Monday.

The Dallas Cowboys made a surprise roster move in their quarterback room by waiving Joe Milton, leaving Sam Howell as the backup to Dak Prescott despite Milton’s preseason performances. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders placed left tackle Laremy Tunsil on injured reserve Monday.

More NFC East news dropped as New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers stayed noncommittal about his Week 1 availability. And the Los Angeles Chargers made headlines by reuniting the Herbert brothers.

Here is the latest from around the league on Monday:

With Week 1 right around the corner, the Dallas Cowboys made a surprising roster move on Monday morning.

The Cowboys are waiving quarterback Joe Milton to make room for running back Emari Demercado, according to ESPN. The decision clears the path for Sam Howell to serve as Dak Prescott’s backup quarterback to start the season.

Milton was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots out of Tennessee.

Milton spent six years in college playing for both Michigan and Tennessee, but only started one full season during his redshirt senior year. With the Volunteers, Milton completed 64.5% of his passes for 2,813 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Now with Milton’s NFL future up in the air, it will be worth keeping an eye on whether another team claims him off waivers. A player with his physical tools might not stay a free agent long and could find his way into a quarterback competition sooner rather than later.

The Washington Commanders took a major roster hit on Monday afternoon. They’re placing five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton on injured reserve, according to ESPN.

Both players could return later this season, but Tunsil faces a long recovery after tearing his triceps early in training camp. Newton faces a similar uphill battle after suffering a torn pectoral muscle during a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.

Tunsil played in 14 games last season for the Commanders after an offseason trade with the Houston Texans that brought in a true pass protector for quarterback Jayden Daniels. For a team repeatedly plagued by injuries, this season doesn’t appear to be any different.

Missing Tunsil and Newton for most or even all of the 2026 season puts head coach Dan Quinn in a tough spot in a crowded and competitive NFC East. The Commanders are set to kick off their season on the road in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers progressed from individual drills to full-contact team sessions at practice on Monday, shedding his no-contact jersey.

However, with New York set to open its regular season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13, the wideout remains uncertain if he will be cleared in time as he recovers from a torn ACL in his right knee.

“My mind is focused on playing the regular season: playing whenever that is,” Nabers said after practice Monday. “There’s still some things that you still have to check off the box for you to participate. I’m still going through that, still listening to the trainers, still listening to doctors and sharing everything with them.”

Nabers added that he feels “real good” physically, but emphasized that final clearance remains a process between himself, doctors, and the coaching staff.

“That’ll be a decision that will be made when that time comes,” Nabers said regarding Week 1. “There’s certain things that, as a football player, you’ve got to mentally prepare (for) before you go into a game… I want to be able to come out there and make no mistakes and just be able to fly around and do what I do. I’m getting there, for sure.”

The Los Angeles Chargers signed tight end Patrick Herbert to their practice squad Monday, joining his brother, starting quarterback Justin Herbert, according to NFL Network.

Patrick Herbert was waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of Sunday’s 53-man roster deadline and chose Los Angeles after receiving interest from multiple teams.

The Herbert brothers previously played together at Oregon during the 2019 season, helping lead the Ducks to a Rose Bowl victory.

Patrick, who recorded two catches for 12 yards during Jacksonville’s 2026 preseason action, joins a Chargers tight end group featuring Charlie Kolar, Oronde Gadsden, and David Njoku.

The Chargers open the regular season on Sept. 13 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Injury News & Notes

The Minnesota Vikings release quarterback Max Brosmer, first reported by NFL Network.
Odell Beckham Jr. told reporters that he was in tears when he found out he made the New York Giants 53-man roster.
New York Jets head coach announced that Cade Klubnik will be the backup quarterback behind Geno Smith. Klubnik was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Clemson.
ESPN reported that Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell is expected to start the season on injured reserve as he continues working his way back from his knee injury.

US Open: Aryna Sabalenka ‘tired of the miserable haters’ as she hits back at critics after first-round win | Tennis News

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Aryna Sabalenka hit back at her critics, saying “haters can go and get on with their own lives” after she made a winning start in her quest for a ‌third successive US Open title.

Sabalenka is attempting to regain her usual dominance after a frustrating last six months, having failed to reach a final since she completed the Sunshine Double in March, but she made a confident start to her quest for a ‌rare ‘three-peat’ at the year’s final major.

The world No 1 launched 32 winners to defeat Camila Osorio 6-2 6-4 in the first match of the day ‌on Arthur Ashe Stadium to set up a meeting with Russia’s Polina Iatcenko in the second round.

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Highlights of the US Open first-round match between Sabalenka and Camila Osorio

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Sabalenka, who was pictured at a pre-US Open event, has defended her stance saying “people love you or hate you”.

“It took me a little while to shut down those noises,” the four-time Grand Slam winner told Sky Sports Tennis. “There will always be people who support your choices, people who go against you, people who love you or hate you.

“I’m so tired of the miserable haters. I decided to stay strong with myself and trust the process, trust with my choices and taste.

“Whoever loves me will be there no matter what. Haters can go and get on with their own lives.”

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‘Why do you think I wasn’t focused on tennis?’

During her press conference, Sabalenka was involved in a spicy exchange with a journalist.

Journalist: “I’m curious, with the week leading up to the Open, there are so many events and everything, it can be kind of physically draining. On top of being the top seed here and among the favourites, how do you balance the energy, especially with the energy that New York brings into your tennis? And then looking over the next two weeks, how do you kind of maintain a steady level with your energy?”

Sabalenka: “What is the question there?”

Journalist: “I’m curious, you had so much going on last week. Now it’s just focus on tennis and there’s a bit of pressure.”

Sabalenka: “Why do you think the week before I wasn’t focused on tennis?”

Journalist: “Oh I think you were. I just think you were busy with a lot of events.”

Sabalenka: “It’s like my hobby outside of tennis. The whole schedule we plan is all around tennis. So all of those events are not drawing me away in any way.”

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Sabalenka was joined by her dog on court after victory over Elena Rybakina to seal the Indian Wells title

Sabalenka is also defending her position at the top of the rankings with three other players in the women’s main draw in a position to overtake ‌her.

UCLA Replaces Athletic Director Martin Jarmond With Former Lakers Executive Tim Harris

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

UCLA fired athletic director Martin Jarmond on Monday and replaced him with Tim Harris, the former longtime president of business operations for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The shake-up was announced in a letter from Chancellor Julio Frenk to the university community. Frank described it as a “new path forward for UCLA Athletics.”

Jarmond, who had the job for six years, leaves immediately. The Bruins won three NCAA championships last season, including the first by the women’s basketball team.

Harris, 64, will have the title of CEO and athletic director and work on a pro bono basis, Frenk wrote. Harris graduated from UCLA in 1989 with a sociology degree and played goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team while in Westwood.

Harris spent over 35 years with the Lakers and left the NBA franchise in February, four months after the Buss family sold it to Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter. Harris was among Lakers governor Jeanie Buss’ inner circle who received a major financial bonus after the sale. The team was recently sold again.

Jarmond, 46, replaced Dan Guerrero as AD in 2020. He signed a five-year contract extension in May 2024. During his tenure, the athletic department has run yearly deficits for seven consecutive years, totaling $241 million in shortfalls.

UCLA joined the Big Ten Conference two years ago, raking in millions of dollars in media rights fees while also facing increased travel expenses. Its deficit was reduced to $21.6 million for the 2025 fiscal year. The university has repeatedly bailed out the athletic department to keep it afloat.

Frenk cited the financial situation as a reason for the change.

“UCLA Athletics currently carries a significant financial debt, and its current path is not sustainable,” Frenk wrote. “Now is the moment to build a model for Athletics that protects the breadth of our program, creates new opportunities for student-athletes and coaches, and supports itself through the revenue it generates.”

Frenk mentioned the rapid transformation of college sports in recent years, propelled by name, image and likeness deals that allow athletes to earn money.

“UCLA must have an athletics model that leads — not just keeps pace,” he wrote.

Jarmond won’t be around to see the debut of his last major coaching hire. Bob Chesney arrived in early December from James Madison to reinvigorate UCLA’s moribund football program. The Bruins open the season at California on Saturday.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Man Utd transfer news: Bruno Fernandes in contract talks as club look to tie down captain – Paper Talk | Football News

September 1, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Tuesday’s Deadline Day back pages…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United have opened talks with Bruno Fernandes over a new contract for their inspirational captain – Daily Mail

Harry Maguire believes Marcus Rashford can star for Manchester United this season, provided he maintains his hunger and focus throughout the campaign – The Times

TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY

Jadon Sancho would be forced to accept two contract conditions if he is to secure a return to Borussia Dortmund this summer – a heavily performance-based deal, without a signing bonus – Daily Mail

Tottenham have turned down an approach for Archie Gray from a mystery club – insisting he is not for sale – The Sun

Celtic have reportedly stepped up efforts in the hunt for a left-back by making a move for Torino’s former Everton defender Niels Nkounkou – Scottish Sun

Manchester United have been told Victor Osimhen is willing to join the club this summer – Daily Express

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

FOOTBALL

Virgil van Dijk is to hold talks with new Netherlands coach Xavi before deciding whether to retire from international football – The Times

Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre could lose his role at FIFA by speaking about a range of reasons why its president Gianni Infantino can no longer be trusted – The Times

Infantino was elected FIFA president on February 26, 2016 but by June that year senior officials at football’s world governing body had made serious complaints about his conduct that, if upheld, could have made the Swiss lawyer’s position untenable – Daily Telegraph

CRICKET

Pakistan’s Test team are embroiled in chaos after sacking their head coach and assistant coach, and sending home seven of their squad having suffered two big losses to surrender the series to England – The Times

2026 CFP Title Odds: Ohio State Favored Entering Week 1

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The wait is over. Fall is upon us, and college football is here.

Over the last three years, a Big Ten team has won the National Championship, with Michigan winning in 2023, Ohio State in 2024 and Indiana shocking the sport in 2025. So, will the Big Ten make it four straight, or will a new conference emerge on top in 2026?

Let’s check out the odds for who will win the College Football Playoff, at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Aug. 31.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Indiana is +900 to repeat as National Champions in 2026 (Erick W. Rasco/Getty Images).

2026 CFP Championship Winner Odds

Ohio State: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Notre Dame: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Oregon: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Georgia: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Texas: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Indiana: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Miami: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Texas Tech: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
LSU: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Oklahoma: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Ole Miss: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Texas A&M: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Alabama: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
USC: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Michigan: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)

Ohio State ais +550 favorite to win the National Championship heading into Week 1 of the college football season (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images).

Here is what to know about the oddsboard:

The Favorite(s): The two teams that faced off in the 2024 national title game are favored to win it all in 2026: Ohio State and Notre Dame. Ohio State has made the CFP in 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2025, most recently winning the national championship in 2024. The Buckeyes return quarterback Julian Sayin, who threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns as a freshman. He will once again have one of the best receivers in the country in Jeremiah Smith, who recorded 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns last season after posting 1,315 yards (the most by a true freshman since 2000) and 15 touchdowns the year before. Smith will lead a talented receiving corps that also features five-star freshman Chris Henry Jr. and veteran Brandon Inniss. The Irish, meanwhile, have not won a national championship since 1988. Notre Dame was the last team left out of the Playoff in 2025 and will enter this season with a chip on its shoulder, a loaded roster and preseason Heisman favorite CJ Carr under center. The Buckeyes host Ball State in Week 1 while the Irish play Wisconsin at Lambeau Field.

Ones To Watch: Miami came oh-so-close to spoiling the Hoosiers’ perfect season a year ago, falling just short in the national title game. Heading into 2026, the Hurricanes sit seventh on the oddsboard at +1200. Two teams just behind Ohio State and Notre Dame are Texas and Oregon, with the Ducks at +750 and the Longhorns at +800. The Longhorns opened last season as the favorites to win it all behind the arm of Arch Manning, but their title hopes faded quickly after losing two of their first five games. Manning is back, though, and will once again be expected to have the Burnt Orange in title contention after finishing 2025 on a high note. From Week 9 on, Manning ranked seventh in the country in touchdown passes (12) and 10th in passing yards (1,493), leading the SEC in both categories over that span. Meanwhile, Dante Moore will return for Oregon after completing 71.8% of his passes for 3,565 yards and 30 TDs last season. FOX Sports’ lead CFB analyst Joel Klatt believes the Ducks are the best team in the country heading into the season.

Aston Villa 0 – 1 Arsenal

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Bukayo Saka’s goal just before the hour mark was enough for champions Arsenal to maintain their perfect start with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park.

This fixture was one of the few matches that the Gunners lost in winning the Premier League title last season but Saka’s close-range effort decided what was a tight game despite an improved showing from Unai Emery’s much-changed Aston Villa line-up.

Villa were four down after 31 minutes in that astonishing capitulation at Brighton on the opening weekend but they showed far more resilience against the Gunners from the outset. Emiliano Buendia crashed the ball against David Raya’s crossbar on 12 minutes.

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Saka breaks the deadlock

Mikel Arteta’s men, unchanged from the win over Coventry, were their usual probing selves, asking searching questions from set pieces and controlling possession for long periods. But Gabriel’s mistimed header was as close as they came in the first half.

Christos Tzolis was substituted at half-time having been booked and running the risk of a red card after that, but the introduction of Eberechi Eze worked out well. Arsenal ramped up the pressure in the second half with the ever-impressive Saka to the fore.

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Emi Buendia’s 20-yard effort smashes the bar – but was there a foul just before?

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VAR overturns an Arsenal penalty as contact is ruled to be outside the box

Arsenal’s talisman thought he had won a penalty early in the second half but Ian Maatsen’s foul was ruled to be outside the box following a VAR review. It mattered not because he forced in Riccardo Calafiori’s centre from close range soon afterwards.

The home side, who included debutants Zion Suzuki and Nicolas Jackson in their starting line-up, pushed for an equaliser but Arsenal, who brought on former Villa man Ezri Konsa late on, stayed strong to claim the win. A show of strength by the champions.

Still no shot on target for Villa

Aston Villa are not only without a point from their opening two games but they are yet to register a shot on target.

The key moments from Villa Park

12 – BAR! Buendia lashes the ball against Raya’s crossbar

56 – VAR! Saka denied penalty as Maatsen’s foul is outside box

59 – GOAL! Calafiori’s low cross is forced into the net by Saka

75 – MISS! Suzuki saves one-on-one from Havertz but he is off

Arsenal’s depth stands out

Tzolis has made a promising start to his Arsenal career but this was a more difficult evening for him. The response from Arteta? Bring on Eze. He helped open it up for Arsenal to win. When Villa pushed, the Arsenal boss turned to Bruno Guimaraes and Mikel Merino to battle it out.

“Guimaraes demonstrated already with a couple of passes he’s going to be something very different to what they’ve already got,” said Gary Neville on co-commentary for Sky Sports.

“He cuts through with his passing; he always looks for that furthest forward pass. Arsenal sometimes are guilty of recycling it too much – he won’t do that.”

But just as significant was how robust Arsenal looked in seeing this out. As well as the physical midfield trio, Konsa came on for Cristhian Mosquera. Villa did not even manage a shot on target. Rock solid.

With different players for different situations and back-to-back wins, the Gunners have already shown why they are still the team to beat in the Premier League. And they might just have got better.

Suzuki impresses on debut

As Premier League debuts go, replacing World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for a game against the champions Arsenal right in front of the Holte End must be among the more daunting. Suzuki acquitted himself impressively for Aston Villa.

The Japan goalkeeper failed to claim one early cross but when he tipped over a near-post header soon after, the Villa fans were chanting ‘the world’s number one’ – a playful reference to the popular chant that was traditionally directed at Martinez at Villa Park.

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Gary Neville hails Ederson-esque pass from Zion Suzuki for Aston Villa

There was a little more lustre to the chant later in the first half when Suzuki pinged a pass out to George Hemmings on the left wing – arrowing the ball with extraordinary power. His distribution with both feet already looks likely to be a weapon for the team.

Suzuki did spill one fiercely struck shot in the second half but he denied Kai Havertz when one-on-one – not knowing that the offside flag would go up. Even in defeat, it was an encouraging showing by the new Villa goalkeeper.

What the result means and next fixtures…

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Running for Something Bigger: Nate Frazier Pours His Soul Into Every Yard For Georgia

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Even though junior Nate Frazier has two years of eligibility remaining, he already feels time passing too quickly as he seeks to claim his place on No. 3 Georgia’s rich legacy of running backs.

Frazier returns as the leader of Georgia’s ground game as the Bulldogs prepare for Saturday’s season opener against Tennessee State. He says he is determined to make sure he continues the momentum gained from a strong finish to his 2025 season to capitalize on every opportunity this season.

Frazier just missed 1,000 rushing yards last season, leading the team with 947 yards and six touchdowns. He showed his star potential when he rushed for 181 yards on only 12 carries in a 41-21 win at Mississippi State. It was the most yards for a Georgia running back since D’Andre Swift ran for 186 yards in a 2018 win at Auburn.

Frazier wants to earn his spot beside such recent Georgia rushing leaders as Swift, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and Todd Gurley. Frazier seems to feel his time is running out as he approaches his junior season.

Before the start of preseason practice, Georgia posted a video of an emotional Frazier standing on the steps of Sanford Stadium, wearing his uniform with his red No. 3 jersey. Frazier raised his hands and then clinched his fists as he loudly proclaimed “I don’t want to leave this place, bro! I love this place, bro! I love it here! I don’t want to go!”

Frazier returns as the leader of Georgia’s ground game as the Bulldogs prepare for Saturday’s season opener against Tennessee State.

Frazier said Monday his sentiments, which seemed to be delivered in an anguished tone, were real.

“Oh man, it’s just a blessing, man,” Frazier said. “We come and we put work in at this place, you know, Monday through Sunday, and then coming to the game on Saturday, it’s all worth it.”

Frazier said when he is playing for Georgia “I feel like it is no greater feeling than that that moment right there.”

Frazier said he cherishes such Georgia traditions as the Dawg Walk with fans before the game.

“The tradition of this place is crazy and it’s like something that’s unlike any other,” he said. “So it’s like it’s a special feeling, right? So when I said I don’t want to leave this place, it’s actually a true feeling, but I can only be here for so long.”

Georgia also returns running backs Chauncey Bowens, who rushed for 526 yards and six touchdowns, Bo Walker and Dwight Phillips Jr. Other key returning players on offense include quarterback Gunner Stockton and tight end Lawson Luckie.

Georgia linebacker Justin Williams said Frazier has “always been that twitchy guy” as a running back.

This year, Williams said he has seen Frazier “taking the extra mile to do the extra things, the little things after practice. I’ve seen that from him. He’s been doing that consistently. So he knows that his time is very limited, just like the rest of us. So he’s been taking that role very seriously.”

Coach Kirby Smart said Frazier has taken a lead role of the running back room even though Bowens and Phillips also are juniors.

“Leadership in that room, I think he takes personal ownership and energy,” Smart said of Frazier. “Those three guys are all came in together. He takes a lot of pride in having positive energy, stamina carrying the ball further downfield.”

After having 16 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown in 2025, Frazier has worked to become more of a factor as a target for Stockton.

“Pass (protection) and pass receiving becoming a weapon,” Smart said when asked how Frazier has improved. “Weapon catching the ball out of the backfield has been a big focus for him. All in all, he’s worked really hard in his game.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Enzo Fernandez transfer news: Man City open talks with Chelsea to sign Argentina midfielder | Football News

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Manchester City have opened direct club-to-club talks with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernandez, according to Sky in Italy.

Sky Sports News reported that Chelsea were prepared to sell Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for the right price – and if they can improve their squad before the window closes.

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Man City’s interest in Fernandez remains despite missing Chelsea’s August 14 deadline to bid for him.

Chelsea had agreed with Fernandez’s representatives that he could be sold for £120m by that deadline, but an offer never arrived.

Reinforcing central midfield has become an even bigger priority for City following Rodri’s departure to Barcelona earlier this month.

Nico Gonzalez has also left to join Newcastle in a transfer worth up to £50m, with Tijjani Reijnders recently departing for Al Qadsiah for £51m. Bernardo Silva left City following the expiry of his contract and has since joined Real Madrid.

City have completed the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille with the midfielder moving to the Etihad Stadium for £86m in a world-record deal for a teenager.

England international Elliot Anderson joined City in a £116m deal from Nottingham Forest in July.

More to follow…

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Why Aaron Donald Makes Sean McVay’s Job Harder, And Why The Chiefs Are Way Too Quiet

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Preseason is over, thankfully.

Next stop: Week 1.

There will be so many things to preview for the first week of the season, especially the 2026 NFL opener — a Super Bowl rematch between the Patriots and Seahawks on Sept. 9. But I want to take this last week of the offseason to write about the vibes and the processes around the league — just to honor training camp and its conclusion.

Let’s talk Chiefs. Let’s talk Rams and Aaron Donald. Let’s talk choice routes. Let’s talk Myles Garrett vs. Micah Parsons.

This is Sound Smart, where I try to spin forward, dive deeper, think outside the box and read between the lines.

The Los Angeles Rams are a Dream Team. And no, not in the same way that the 2011 Eagles were Vince Young’s “dream team.” That team was talented. But this Rams team is something we haven’t seen since the ‘07 Patriots, the ‘92 Cowboys and the ‘72 Dolphins.

It’s really not hyperbolic. Matthew Stafford is fresh off an MVP season. Puka Nacua led the league in receptions and finished second in receiving yards. Davante Adams is the best WR2 in football. Myles Garrett is the best defensive player in the NFL and, debatably, the best football player on the planet. Sean McVay is the best coach in the NFL.

And the team just welcomed back defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who’s returning at age 35 after two years in retirement. He is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

It’s an L.A. team, so let’s make a Hollywood comparison. This is a cast so stacked that only “The Odyssey” can compare. And that’s why this might be McVay’s most difficult task to date.

He must win a Super Bowl.

This isn’t like the Lions or the Bills or the Ravens — who feel it’s their time. No, this is different. The Rams basically have no choice but to win.

If they start the season with, say, three victories, we’ll start talking about a perfect season. And the chatter won’t be premature, even in the NFC West, with the defending Super Bowl champions. If the Rams make the Super Bowl, it will be a question of how badly they beat their opponent — not if they can. And the Rams might have three candidates at the top of the Super Bowl MVP odds — Stafford, Nacua and Garrett — before the opponent’s top option.

I think that’s why McVay deflected every question about the partnership between Garrett and Donald in the press conference on Sunday to announce Donald’s return. I think the pressure to win — everything — is why McVay said this. He’s handling his Dream Team with care.

“Just because we have great individuals, it doesn’t do s— for us,” McVay said. “We’ve got to be able to put it together. [Donald] understands that as much as anybody.”

I spent the weekend at a friend’s wedding. It was special to see the way the ceremony brought the bride and groom so much happiness. And why shouldn’t they be exuberant: They’re perfect for each other. The happy couple decided not to do a honeymoon. The bride is headed right back to school to teach middle schoolers, and the groom will probably be painting boats by Tuesday. And later this week, they’ll be exhausted and they’ll make that pasta dish that they both love so much, in part because they can do it with their eyes closed. And it’ll be business — and work, work, work — as usual.

In some ways, that’s what comes next for McVay and Donald. We saw the union on Sunday. We can see there will be no honeymoon. We can see what comes next: work — and the expectation of success.

Count me as someone skeptical about the construction of the 2026 Kansas City Chiefs. When the NFL schedule came out, I didn’t think they’d make the playoffs.

These days … I don’t know what to think.

Of course, I know that it’s dangerous to doubt Patrick Mahomes, even as he makes his way back from an ACL injury. The same is true of Andy Reid, even as he faces criticism for his playcalling growing stale. It’ll burn you to doubt the Chiefs, even in the wake of a season when their offense sputtered and their defense lacked flash.

This summer, there haven’t been many hopeful headlines around Kansas City. But for the most part, there has been a real silence around the Chiefs. It’s quiet.

This is the silence in a horror movie, right before the villain strikes. You know it’s coming. Still, you jump out of your chair.

Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in mid-December but expects to start the season under center for the Chiefs. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

With the Chiefs, there has been this prevailing thought that their 2024 season, with all its narrow victories, was a bit of a fluke (particularly after the Eagles routed K.C. in the Super Bowl). And so it was a similarly popular idea that the 2025 season was the year when the Chiefs’ luck ran out — and it was also fluky, with bad breaks that made them seem worse than they were.

If this were Goldilocks, this season would be just right.

But come on — the NFL is not a children’s book. And the small amount of headlines that are coming out of camp are, generally, negative. Veteran tight end Travis Kelce does not look younger. Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons has a back injury. Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III, their big splash from free agency, has a foot injury.

And receiver Rashee Rice, who is supposed to be the WR1 despite his knee surgery and suspension last season, isn’t exactly getting rave reviews.

“His overall résumé speaks for itself. The thing I’m still working on is getting to know the person — seeing the things that make him click. What are the things that inspire him?” Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said last week. “The thing that I love about Rashee is that he’s tough. The other thing that is — and I’m not saying this in a bad way — he’s hardheaded. You know what I mean? And he’s stubborn. Because he feels that he’s good enough at certain things. … Now, it’s just about making sure we can get the continuous reps to get him back on track, to get him in game shape.”

Holy red flags, Batman! Whether Bieniemy meant to or not, the OC dropped more than a few backhanded compliments about Rice. Bieniemy clarified that “stubbornness” really isn’t a bad thing for players. He said Walker is also stubborn.

“He doesn’t like to be wrong,” Bieniemy said of Walker. “You don’t mind that for player, because it presents a challenge.”

Still not exactly a fawning description. But there’s more.

“You’ve got to get them to see it from a different point of view,” Bieniemy said. “And when they can see it from a coach’s point of view, now it just opens them up and gets them to realize: ‘There is a better way of doing this.’”

Rashee Rice had right knee surgery in May that sidelined him for two months. Last year, he served a six-game suspension at the start of the season for an off-the-field incident. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Bieniemy was asked if there’s another level for Rice.

“I believe there is another level,” he said. “And, of course, he would tell you there’s plenty of levels for him to get to.”

Here’s a coach pushing a player’s buttons. Here’s a coach who senses the team isn’t getting enough from a player who should be a star. And so here’s a team that has a disquieting number of questions surrounding its roster.

Everything is logically telling me the Chiefs won’t make the playoffs. They can’t possibly!

Really, I’m telling you to not be afr—.

*jump scare*

In the early phase of my career covering football, I was on the New England Patriots’ beat, covering Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

That’s when I learned all about the “option route.” The receiver and quarterback look at what the defense is giving them and let that determine which route the WR will run. Sometimes the receiver will decide a full second into the play. It requires exceptional rapport between QB and WR.

It is, essentially, the route that the Patriots used to beat the Rams in Super Bowl LIII. It was Julian Edelman’s route. He racked up 10 catches, 141 yards and eight first downs, largely by running the option route to find slivers of space in a defense that refused to allow any.

Tom Brady and Julian Edleman of the Patriots celebrate after winning Super Bowl LIII over the Rams in 2019. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)

So it feels somehow fitting that Jared Goff is one of the caretakers of that route in today’s NFL. Back then, he was a young Rams quarterback (on the losing team in that Super Bowl). But he’s now entering his intellectual prime as a veteran Lions QB with many of the same answers Brady had. And star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is the guy who runs Edelman’s option route.

In Detroit, they gave it a different name, “the choice route.” And according to St. Brown, it’s the route that has produced the most receptions for him and Goff since they joined the Lions in 2021.

“It gets us out of a lot of situations,” St. Brown told me. “I can break a lot of different ways. I can do a lot of different things. So it gives us a lot of options.”

Break it down in depth?

“It’s like around a five-yard route. You can either break in, you can break out, or you can just hook it up. So, depending on the defense — whether it’s man, if it’s inside of you, you can release out and you can break out. If [the defender is] already sitting inside, you want to break out, get the ball on a quick out-route. If it’s zone, any cover-2 type, you sit right in between the flat player [covering the quarter of the field nearest the sideline] and the hook defender [covering the inside quarter of the field over the offensive and defensive line]. The QB can dart you right there, and you can catch a knife for about 10 or so yards. Get lucky, maybe get 15.

“If [the defensive back is] playing any type of other man and they blitz, the home run shot is usually the in-breaking route. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does come, it usually goes for like 15-, 20-yards, if not a touchdown. But you got to be patient for that one.”

Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrate a touchdown against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field last season. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

This route isn’t for everyone.

It’s reserved for an outstanding slot receiver and pocket passer — with a rare connection, like Goff and St. Brown have.

“I think we’ve built the chemistry to where, when we snap the ball, like a second into the play, he already knows what I’m doing. I know what I’m gonna do. It’s timing and rhythm. He’s not even thinking about what I’m going to do. He already knows what I’m going to do.”

You’d think that this was St. Brown’s favorite route. But — no.

“My favorite route is the one that’s going to work,” St. Brown told me.

The Buffalo Bills are transparently not the same team as last year. But how much have the new pieces made an impact on the culture? And how much will those new pieces make an impact on the field?

Josh Allen is still Josh Allen. Joe Brady is still Joe Brady. And they’re the key pillars that GM Brandon Beane is intent upon building around. They’re more of the same from last year.

That’s the old. The new?

Beane and Brady traded for Bears receiver DJ Moore, a deal that hasn’t gotten much fanfare when compared to the trades for Jaylen Waddle and A.J. Brown. For all the criticism surrounding Moore’s value on the trade market (and I was one of those skeptical voices), the receiver has been a really good fit with Allen and in Brady’s offense. The schematic fit, of course, is no surprise given that Moore broke out in Brady’s offense in Carolina. But the fit with the quarterback — that’s a new and noteworthy development. Moore’s contributions were regular and immediate in training camp and preseason.

His first catch? 33 yards.

That’s new. But it’s also a conglomeration of old.

The truly new element for Buffalo is on defense.

Brady hired defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who was on the Denver Broncos’ staff last season. He’s of the Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine schools of defense, running a 3-4 base. That’ll keep all of the Bills’ best players on the field, from pass-rusher Gregory Rousseau to defensive tackle Ed Oliver to cornerback Christian Benford. But it’ll be a change from former head coach Sean McDermott’s 4-3 defense (that largely scrapped that third LB for a nickel corner, Taron Johnson, who left this offseason).

It can be hard to make that transition.

I also have some questions about how edge Bradley Chubb (viewed as a free-agency overpay) and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson will hold up — now that they appear to be past their primes. But if this unit looks anything remotely close to the Broncos’ defense from last year, then there will be a lot to like.

Edge rusher Bradley Chubb played a full season last year and had 8.5 sacks after missing 2024 with an ACL tear. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

I’m just not sure the roster looks quite as impressive from a talent standpoint when compared to Denver’s. And Leonhard remains relatively unproven, rising quickly in the pros. Though he’s a former 10-year NFL safety, his first job in the league was as a defensive backs coach and pass-game specialist — in 2024!

The Bills landed in the middle of the road at 20 turnovers in 2025. They were 19th in sacks. They’re hoping to see both numbers go up.

“We’re going to attack the football,” Leonhard said. “The biggest stat in football is turnovers, so we’re going to be aggressive, we’re going to fly around, we’re going to communicate, we’re going to play well together, but we’re going to cause issues for offense, and we’re going to force them to react to us.”

It’s a nice concept. And maybe the defensive leadership shift — and the schematic shift that comes with it — will be enough to put this team over the top.

But I’m still not sure about the question I wondered when the team promoted Brady and retained Beane. Did they change enough? Will these alterations land Buffalo in the Super Bowl? That’s really all that matters to the Bills — and to Allen.

5. Peeling Back The Curtain: Micah Parsons And Myles Garrett Argue Like Brothers About Who Gets More Double Teams.

Two of the league’s biggest game-wreckers, Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett, spent the offseason together. And that made for some pretty fun conversations — including: Who gets more double teams on defense?

In the video below, you can see their friendly but tense exchange.

Here are the numbers:

Double teams, per Next Gen Stats:

Parsons: 88 (21.9% of rushes)
Garrett: 60 (12.8%)

Offensive attention (doubles and chips), per NGS:

Garrett: 39.5%
Parsons: 37.4%

It’s not easy being either guy — even if they make it look easy. But Garrett should have a more pleasant experience in 2026 now that Aaron Donald has come out of retirement.

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Matias Fernandez-Pardo transfer news: Newcastle closing in on deal to sign Lille forward ahead of transfer deadline | Football News

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Newcastle United are closing in on a deal to sign Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

The Magpies are set pay Lille in the region of £55m for the 21-year-old Belgium international.

Final details are being discussed but there is hope and belief Newcastle have got their man. Fernandez-Pardo is set to travel to Newcastle on Monday evening to finalise his move.

Newcastle see the signing of forward Fernandez-Pardo as on a par with that of Nico Gonzalez, who joined the club last week from Man City for £50m.

He scored eight goals in 41 games for Lille last season and was included in Belgium’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. His call-up came after he initially switched his international allegiance to Spain, and featured in youth-team training camps, but never made a competitive appearance.

His arrival will allow Nick Woltemade to leave on loan, with Juventus in direct talks with Newcastle over the German striker.

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Forest interested in late move for Murphy

Latest from Sky Sports News’ Anton Toloui, Keith Downie and Mark McAdam:

Nottingham Forest could make a late move for Newcastle forward Jacob Murphy.

Forest are keen on Murphy and are in the market for forwards amid the departure of Omari Hutchinson to AC Milan.

Newcastle have not formally been made aware yet but there is believed to have been interest from Forest earlier in the window, as well as Everton.

Newcastle’s key summer business

Bazoumana Toure – Hoffenheim, £42m

Aladji Bamba – Monaco, £35.5m

Amar Dedic – Benfica, £29.5m

Lukas Hornicek – Braga, £25.7m

Sean Steur – Ajax, £23m

Ewen Jaouen – Reims, £18.5m

Nico Gonzalez – Man City, £50m

Out

Sandro Tonali – Tottenham, £100m

Bruno Guimaraes – Arsenal, £75m

Anthony Gordon – Barcelona, £69.3m

Matt Targett – Hull, free

Kieran Trippier – Wolves, free

Odysseas Vlachodimos – Sevilla, loan

Emil Krafth – released

John Ruddy – released

2026 MLB Power Rankings: How Tough Is Every Team’s September Schedule?

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

September is nearly here, which means it’s a good time to examine the road ahead for every playoff hopeful.

While the Brewers, Dodgers and Braves hold comfortable leads atop their divisions in the National League, the American League races are much tighter. The Astros hold a two-game lead on the Rangers in the AL West, the White Sox are up 3.5 games on the Guardians in the AL Central, and the Rays have a 4.5-game advantage on the Yankees in the AL East.

In the wild-card race, the Diamondbacks and Padres are currently jockeying for the final spot in the NL, with the Marlins a few games behind them. In the AL, meanwhile, four teams — the Guardians, Orioles, Blue Jays and Rangers — are separated by just two games for the final playoff spot.

At this time of year, strength of schedule can make all the difference in who gets in and who’s left out. So in this week’s Power Rankings, we focus on every team’s September schedule.

The Angels could end the season on a high note, finishing the year against the Nationals, Mariners, Twins, A’s and the Mariners again. If they steal one of those series against Seattle, that could end the Mariners’ hopes.

The Rockies finish the season with series against the Padres, Mariners, Diamondbacks and White Sox, all teams fighting for either a playoff spot or division title.

The A’s face the Mariners six more times, the Astros four times and the Rangers three times. With each of those teams vying for the division title, the A’s performance down the stretch could go a long way in shaping the AL West playoff picture.

There’s still a world in which the Giants finish behind the Rockies in the NL West (they’re four games ahead right now), which would be an especially ignominious way for manager Tony Vitello’s first season to end. Nine of the Giants’ final 15 games are against the Padres and Dodgers. As long as they don’t get trampled during that stretch, they should avoid finishing last.

The Mets have a chance to play spoiler in a host of playoff races, with matchups still ahead against the Rays, Yankees, Orioles, Phillies and Rangers before ending the year in Washington.

They just upset the Cubs at Wrigley Field, but there’s no time to rest. The Reds have the hardest strength of schedule remaining in the league: seven games against the Dodgers, six against the Brewers and three apiece against the Padres, Cubs, Braves and Blue Jays. Best of luck.

They’ve won 12 of their past 14 games, but unfortunately for Kansas City the first four months of the season still count. They have one of the tougher roads ahead among the AL Central clubs, so it’ll be interesting to see if they can keep this up in September and be a thorn in some contenders’ sides.

The Tigers have an easy road ahead — a stretch that includes six games against the Twins and three apiece against the Rockies, Blue Jays, Nationals and Pirates — but it also probably doesn’t matter after they dropped 12 of their past 15 games to fall further out of contention.

The Twins have dropped 17 of their past 26 games and yet, remarkably, still have a fighter’s chance of sneaking into a final wild-card spot. Each of their next 12 games come against AL Central competitors (six vs. Detroit, three apiece vs. White Sox and Guardians), so they’ll need to turn things around soon. They do get to face the Angels four times and Giants three times before season’s end.

The Mariners are struggling to score again, but they have the easiest road ahead of any team in baseball, including 14 games against the A’s and Angels and three against the Rockies. So, as bad as it has been, they should remain relevant in the AL West race until the end.

A surprise playoff run now looks out of reach, but if James Wood returns soon, the Nationals could still make life tough in September for the Dodgers, Padres and Phillies over the next couple of weeks. Washington then has a chance to end the season on a high note, finishing up against the Cardinals, Tigers and Mets.

Nationals All-Star James Wood, who has been out with an oblique strain since early August, has started a minor-league rehab assignment. (Photo by JC Ruiz/Getty Images)

After dropping both of their series at the White Sox and Brewers last week, the Rangers could really use a turnaround this week against the A’s when they return home. After that, they face the Rays, Mariners, Diamondbacks and Red Sox before the September slate eases up at the end against the Blue Jays, Mets and Twins.

The Cardinals still have two series against the Giants as well as matchups against the Rockies and Nationals before season’s end, but they missed a huge opportunity to jump over .500 and back into the wild-card race when they lost series to the Orioles and Pirates this week.

The Pirates might be able to work their way back to .500 soon. They host the Giants and Angels this week after winning back-to-back series last week in San Diego and St. Louis. Still, it’s probably too little, too late. If they can somehow find their way back into the race late, though, they end the season with winnable matchups against the Royals, Cardinals and Tigers.

The O’s are just one game back of a wild-card spot, but FanGraphs gives them only a 21.2% chance to make the playoffs. The road ahead is not particularly easy. They have six more games against a Blue Jays team also vying for the final AL playoff spot, plus matchups against the Red Sox, Guardians, Brewers and Yankees. They’ll need to take care of business in Colorado and Queens in September.

The Blue Jays have a real shot here. They’re only 1.5 games out of a wild-card spot after sweeping the Mariners this weekend. And after starting this week in Cleveland, every other team the Jays face the rest of the way has a losing record.

The Marlins are trending in the wrong direction at the wrong time. If they somehow bounce back and find a way to capture the final wild-card spot — they’re 3.5 games back right now — they’ll have earned it. They still have to play the Dodgers, Padres, D-backs and Braves, plus six games against the Cubs.

Firing their general manager and then winning the division would maybe be the only appropriate way for the AL West race to end. The Astros had a big week in New York and are now in the driver’s seat in the division, but the road ahead is more treacherous for them than the division rivals they’re trying to hold off. Their next four series are against the White Sox, D-backs, Phillies and Rays, and they still see the Braves later on. The Royals are no longer a pushover, either.

Yordan Alvarez and the Astros are in the driver’s seat in their division, and he still has a great shot at winning the triple crown in the American League. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)

The Guardians had been taking care of business against the teams they should beat until dropping a series this weekend to the suddenly red-hot Royals. Luckily for Cleveland, the schedule doesn’t get much more challenging in September. The only teams over .500 the Guardians will see are the White Sox and Red Sox.

After dropping five of six games last week, the Padres wouldn’t make the playoffs if the season ended today. They’re, of course, still right there in the race, and they have one of the easiest schedules ahead among National League teams. But they need to take care of business against the Reds, Nationals, Giants and Rockies before they end the season with a huge week against the Dodgers and D-backs.

Fernando Tatis Jr. and the Padres have struggled lately, but they have one of the NL’s easiest schedules in September. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The D-backs and Padres will be battling the rest of the way for the final wild-card spot. Arizona has the harder road ahead of the two teams, with matchups to come this week against the Phillies and Astros and another against the Yankees before season’s end. They’ll need to rack up wins against the Royals, Rangers, Marlins and Rockies before what should be a consequential and captivating final series of the year in San Diego.

The Red Sox are struggling to score again, but Roman Anthony and Trevor Story each had two hits in their return to action Sunday. A division title is highly unlikely — FanGraphs gives them a less than 1% chance of winning the AL East — but they’re in good shape to secure a wild-card spot. They have a winnable stretch ahead against the Mariners, Orioles, Angels, Royals and Rangers before a tough finish against the Rays, Guardians and Cubs.

Roman Anthony had two hits on Sunday in his return to action from a finger injury that kept him out since early May. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The White Sox have a 3.5-game lead on the Guardians, which is important considering both teams have easy roads ahead. The White Sox still get to play the Rockies, Royals, Tigers, Twins, Pirates and Cardinals before season’s end. A three-game series at Cleveland starting Sept. 14 will be one to watch.

It would take a sizable collapse for the Phillies to miss the playoffs at this point, though winning the division is also a long shot. They’ll have a chance to chip into the Braves’ five-game lead, facing Atlanta seven times over a 10-day span starting this weekend. It’s a tough road ahead for the Phillies, who also have to face the D-backs, Brewers and Rays.

A division title is looking further out of reach, as the Cubs are now eight games back of the Brewers after dropping series to the D-backs and Reds last week. They still hold the top wild-card spot, but they have a difficult road ahead, starting with seven games against Milwaukee over the next 10 days. They do get to face the Pirates and Reds in September, but matchups against the Braves and Red Sox also await.

After winning the series this weekend against the Red Sox, the schedule eases up from here for the Yankees, who have a chance in early September to start putting pressure on the first-place Rays. The Yankees go to Anaheim and San Diego next before facing the Rockies, Mets, Twins and D-backs. If they’ve gained ground by then, it could set up a pivotal four-game series with Tampa Bay to start the final week of the regular season.

The Dodgers still aren’t playing great baseball, especially against good opponents, yet they have the biggest division lead in baseball (9.5 games) and one of the easiest September schedules in the sport. The only teams currently over .500 that they’ll see the rest of the way are the Marlins and Padres.

The Rays have built a cushion atop the AL East after sweeping the Padres over the weekend, but they’ll need to keep it going this week against the Mets and Rangers if they want to feel comfortable. They still have to face the Braves, Astros, Red Sox, Yankees and Phillies before season’s end.

Sweeping the Dodgers was important for a multitude of reasons. It gave the Braves the tiebreaker over L.A., moved them closer to securing a first-round bye, bought them more cushion ahead of the surging Phillies in the NL East race and provided some momentum entering a much more difficult stretch of baseball ahead. The Braves still have to play the Phillies seven times and the Rays, Cubs and Astros three times apiece.

It would take a colossal collapse for the Brewers to lose the division at this point. They have seven more games against the Cubs, but they also have six against the Reds, and four of the last five teams they face to end the year have a losing record. The Brewers could be headed toward their first ever 100-win season in addition to their fourth straight division title.

MLB Related Stories

England take on Ireland in ODIs, live on Sky Sports, with Alice Capsey keeping wicket and Charlie Dean captaining again | Cricket News

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

England Women’s ODI side will have a different look to it against Ireland, with senior figures rested and new or fringe players handed opportunities.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge are absent as they focus on fitness and injury recovery, while spinner Sophie Ecclestone, seamer Lauren Bell and wicketkeeper Amy Jones are missing for the three-game series, live on Sky Sports.

When the squad was announced earlier this month, the England press release stated the breather given to senior players was also aimed at “widening and deepening the talent pool” and so some newbies and returnees now have a chance to impress.

England squad for Ireland ODIs

Charlie Dean (captain), Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, ⁠⁠Kira Chathli, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Freya Kemp, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Charis Pavely, Grace Potts, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong

The series starts in Derby on Tuesday (1pm) before the Midlands roadshow continues in Leicester on Thursday (1pm) and then concludes in Worcester on Sunday (10.30am).

One intriguing element will be seeing how Alice Capsey does as wicketkeeper, with the 22-year-old poised to take the gloves despite the presence of uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kira Chathli in the 15-player party.

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Jones had a poor T20 World Cup but then scored two Test fifties against India

Capsey was the designated back-up wicketkeeper to Jones in England’s T20 World Cup squad this summer but now gets a gig as senior glovewoman, one that could potentially turn into a long-term role, particularly with Jones now 33 years of age.

Jones notched twin fifties in England’s Test defeat to India at Lord’s in July, yet toiled in the T20 World Cup before that, making double figures only once in her last six knocks after starting the competition with a half-century against Sri Lanka.

If Capsey can impress with the gloves – a facet Jones still excels in – and keep scoring runs, too, then Jones’ rest could perhaps turn into a more permanent absence.

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Charlie Dean captains England in the absence of Nat Sciver-Brunt

Should Dean be permanent England captain?

Another look into the future comes as Charlie Dean captains once again, having done that job admirably during Sciver-Brunt’s injury issues this summer, steering the side to T20I series wins over New Zealand and India.

The off-spinning all-rounder has impressed Sky Sports pundit Simon Doull with her “cricket nous” and leadership ability – Doull has even suggested Dean should become permanent skipper now so Sciver-Brunt can focus on her batting.

Dean will be without some key weapons against Ireland – Bell and Ecclestone’s omissions leave big voids – but there are some exciting players to keep an eye on.

Ecclestone’s fellow left-arm spinner, 19-year-old Tilly Corteen-Coleman, should add to her two ODIs and one T20I so far. She was the joint-leading wicket-taker in the recent Hundred competition, with 13.

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Left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman (left) is an exciting prospect

Off-spinner Mady Villiers is rewarded for her punchy outing in the Test versus India by earning a white-ball recall – she brings spark with bat, ball and in the field.

Accurate seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay and spin-bowling all-rounder Charis Pavely also return having played a limited amount of international cricket before, including against Ireland in 2024, while left-handed batter Jodi Grewcock is selected again.

Grewcock made scores of three and 10 against New Zealand in June but is a real talent and, as a southpaw, will offer a point of difference if named in the XI.

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Jodi Grewcock made her England debut against New Zealand earlier this summer

Uncapped seamer Grace Potts will also hope to star, off the back of an 11-wicket Hundred for Welsh Fire, 12 strikes in the One Day Cup for Lancashire so far this season and a further 11 in just six games for her county in the Vitality Blast.

This Ireland series may not be the most high-profile end to the summer for England Women. However there are plenty of intriguing storylines at play.

Watch the first ODI between England and Ireland, from Derby, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix from 12.30pm on Tuesday (1pm first ball). Latest Sky Sports deals or stream contract-free.

England vs Ireland – ODI series schedule

All games live on Sky Sports; all times UK and Ireland

Tuesday September 1: First ODI (Leicester) – 1pm
Thursday September 3: Second ODI (Derby) – 1pm
Sunday September 6: Third ODI (Worcester) – 10.30am

5 Takeaways From NFL Cutdown Day, Preseason Week 3: Aaron Donald And OBJ Are Back

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

You probably heard about Aaron Donald’s return to the Los Angeles Rams, but much more than that happened around the NFL this weekend.

Donald grabbed headlines with his return to the Rams, but another former star returned to the team where he experienced his brightest days. Elsewhere, teams weren’t afraid to stash quarterbacks.

In the final week of preseason action, a couple of contenders unlocked intriguing quarterbacks, including the reigning champions and their potential secret weapon behind Sam Darnold.

Here are our takeaways from the weekend in the NFL:

Eric D. Williams: Sean McVay’s wait is finally over, as game wrecker Aaron Donald officially ended his two-year retirement by joining the Los Angeles Rams during the team’s final roster cuts on Sunday. Donald signed a one-year deal that could be worth up to $30 million.

Donald participated in individual drills on Sunday as he reacclimates to playing football. McVay said he has not decided if Donald will play in his team’s first regular-season game in Australia against the San Francisco 49ers.

“It’s going to be a day at a time for us,” McVay told reporters on Sunday. “What does that mean for Australia? The first step was, ‘Are you coming back?’ If so, let’s do that. Let’s get you on the practice field. Let’s get you acclimated to your teammates, to your coaches. And then we’ll see what the ramp-up period looks like, whether he’s available, or whether we think it’s best to be able to play him in Australia.”

For his part, Donald said he’s thankful to be a part of this team that is a heavy favorite to win the Super Bowl.

“This is a complete team with me here or without me here,” Donald said in his first press conference following his decision to unretire. “For me to even have an opportunity to be a part of this team, I take nothing for granted. It’s a blessing to be retired from the game for two years and have the opportunity to come back and be a part of something special.”

Ralph Vacchiano: It seemed like a favor for an old friend at first, the Giants giving Odell Beckham Jr. a chance to come to camp at age 33 after having not played football for two years.

Instead, it turned into a Cinderella story.

Beckham rose from the bottom of the New York Giants’ roster and made the team that he never wanted to leave in the first place. He did it through hard work, proving he still had something left in his battered body, which he did through some highlight-reel moves at practice and decent play in the preseason (including a three-catch, 53-yard performance against the Jets on Friday night).

Odell Beckham Jr. is back with the Giants in his familiar No. 3. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Also helping his case was that the Giants lost slot WR Calvin Austin to a torn ACL last week, which probably opened up a spot for Beckham.

Beckham is probably the fourth or fifth receiver on the roster, behind Malik Nabers, rookie Malachi Fields, veteran Darnell Mooney and maybe even Darius Slayton. It’s hard to imagine he’ll have much of a role when the regular season begins, but he’s brought energy to the team and to the fanbase.

And he insists his Cinderella story isn’t over yet.

Greg Auman: If you weren’t aware of the extreme value placed on quarterbacks in the NFL, consider that four teams – the Eagles, Falcons, Steelers and Vikings – carried four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster, at least one more than normal.

The most famous case of this was the 2000 Patriots, and it’s unlikely that any of this year’s rookie QB4s will go on to, say, win seven Super Bowls. But last year, the Browns carried four, waited a day, then got a fifth-round pick from the Raiders for Kenny Pickett. The Eagles have made several trades of their backups for draft picks, as well.

Getting a quarterback – even a backup – on the cheap is a huge value for an NFL team, so even as a quick flip to a needy team is a good use of your 53rd spot if you instead cut a marginal veteran you know you can get back in a few days. (The Browns were close to keeping four quarterbacks, placing second-year QB Dillon Gabriel on injured reserve for a month while keeping three others.)

Tennessee cut Will Levis loose, and he’ll almost certainly be claimed on waivers, but the teams that miss out on him and others they can get for free might give up a future draft pick to add a QB4 who can be their QB3 or, in some cases, even QB2.

Will Levis walked off the Nissan Stadium field for the last time with the Titans on Saturday night. (Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

Williams: When Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider selected Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in the third round of the 2025 draft, the organization understood he needed seasoning to produce on an NFL stage.

However, entering Seattle’s preseason finale, Milroe had not shown a command of Seattle’s offense, with turnovers, pre-snap penalties and missed throws proving the norm when he was on the field.

But on Friday night on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs, Milroe showed the potential the Seahawks saw in him in college. He finished 16-of-26 for 223 yards, with a touchdown pass to tight end Nick Vannett and no interceptions. He was sacked once and posted a 101.9 passer rating.

Milroe looked comfortable in the pocket, completing passes to 10 different pass catchers and creating three chunk plays of at least 24 yards.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald wants Milroe to use his legs more because he understands the conflict a dynamic quarterback creates for a defense from his time in Baltimore with Lamar Jackson. With Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III now with the Chiefs, the Seahawks are looking for ways to create more explosive plays.

With his steady play against Kansas City, Milroe took a step in proving he’s ready for a role as a gadget player in Seattle’s offense.

Steven Ruiz: I’m not ready to buy the Chargers as title contenders – there are still too many holes on the roster – but I am sold on this offense being a highly entertaining watch now that Mike McDaniel is calling plays as the team’s new offensive coordinator.

The former Dolphins head coach may have lost control of his locker room in Miami, but his ability to draw up explosive plays never really wavered. Even with Tua Tagovailoa throwing ducks all over the field, Miami finished ninth in explosive play rate.

Now, McDaniel is teaming up with one of the NFL’s most gifted passers in Justin Herbert. That tandem gave us a sneak peek at what might be coming this past weekend with this 65-yard strike for a touchdown.

Herbert’s pass traveled 48.1 yards through the air, per Next Gen Stats. It was the longest throw any quarterback has ever made for a McDaniel-coached team.

In Miami, McDaniel was accustomed to watching wide-open receivers slow down for Tagovailoa’s looping downfield throws. Watching wide receiver Quentin Johnston run under Herbert’s bomb while barely breaking stride must have been a jolt to his system.

It was also the first time Herbert had ever attempted a throw of at least 45 air yards to a receiver with at least three yards of separation.

These two are going to make each other’s jobs a lot easier, and given their respective talents, that should produce a lot of fireworks for the Chargers offense.

Jude Bellingham: Jose Mourinho getting best out of England star as a No 10 at Real Madrid plus lots more in the Euro Debrief | Football News

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Welcome to The Euro Debrief, a new Sky Sports column in which Adam Bate rounds up some of the key stories from the latest matches across the continent. This week:

Mourinho solving problems at Madrid
Why Bayern could be better this season
Como win at Napoli but Inter are on top
Monaco top as PSG drop points again
Finally some promising signs for Ajax

LaLiga: Mourinho’s Madrid stay perfect

Real Madrid made it three wins from three under Jose Mourinho with a 4-0 dismantling of Malaga in the Bernabeu. It has not been a daunting fixture list but there are signs that Mourinho has found a way to get the best from an increasingly stacked Madrid squad.

Trent Alexander-Arnold came in and produced a trademark assist, while Kylian Mbappe added to his midweek hat-trick against Real Sociedad with another goal here. But Jude Bellingham was the best player on the pitch against Malaga playing in that No 10 role.

Bellingham has been shifted around during his Madrid career, Carlo Ancelotti taking advantage of his broad skillset to fit him in deeper, out wide or up front. But Mourinho has been clear that he sees Bellingham playing off Mbappe and it is working very well.

Maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise that Bellingham and Mourinho have hit it off. Back in 2024, the player did famously reveal that the coach was his mother’s crush. More seriously, they share the same intense drive, demanding everything from those around them.

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Highlights of the LaLiga match between Real Madrid and Malaga

Against Malaga, Arda Guler came on to score the fourth, with Yan Diomande and Bernardo Silva also introduced as substitutes from a bench that included Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and last week’s hero Carlos Espi too. The depth at Madrid now is apparent.

It will get harder, of course, but as pointed out in the pages of Marca, how many of these sort of games have Madrid messed up in recent years? So far so good for Mourinho. With no sign yet of the feared tension with Vinicius Junior, he has the key players purring.

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Watch Bellingham score the opening goal for Real Madrid against Malaga

Elsewhere, there was a useful win for Atletico Madrid to end Sevilla’s unlikely winning run. Troy Parrott looked lively for Betis but they were battered by Levante. And the 37-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored for a third game in a row for Deportivo.

But a word for Racing Santander, who won their first game of the LaLiga season at the third attempt. Racing have been to the third tier and back since their last top-flight win and beat Elche 3-2 by playing a brand of football that no other team in Spain is playing.

LaLiga results: Racing Santander 3-2 Elche, Alaves 1-0 Villarreal, Levante 5-2 Real Betis, Real Sociedad 2-1 Espanyol, Sevilla 1-3 Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid 4-0 Malaga, Deportivo A Coruna 3-1 Valencia, Celta Vigo 0-2 Athletic Club.

Bundesliga: Bayern look even better now

Bayern Munich kicked off the Bundesliga season on Friday with a 5-1 win over Stuttgart that highlighted their strength in depth. Harry Kane did not even score. But new signing Ismael Saibari showed just why Vincent Kompany’s squad might have improved this season.

The Moroccan came off the bench to replace another new arrival in Nathaniel Brown and seized the chance by assisting Bayern’s final two goals. Speaking to sporting director Christoph Freund about Saibari just last weekend, he explained the player’s versatility.

Saturday 5th September 5:20pm

Kick off 5:30pm

“He is a little bit of a different style of player to Nicolas Jackson,” said Freund. Not just a back-up for Kane. “I think he can play very well together with Harry Kane and he can play also on the wings. He is a really important signing.” The best in Germany just got better.

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Highlights of the Bundesliga match between Bayern Munich and Stuttgart

For Borussia Dortmund, it was not such good news even as they beat Hamburg 2-0 with a goal from Giannis Konstantelias in his first start. That is because it will also be the Greek winger’s last start for a while. He was forced off with a cruciate ligament injury.

It is a desperate blow for Niko Kovac’s side given what an exciting start that he has made at Dortmund. But at least they won. The same could not be said of Bayer Leverkusen, who were humbled as they lost 3-2 to Elversberg, a side making their Bundesliga debut.

Elversberg were playing regional football as recently as 2022 but three promotions have put them among the elite. A victory over the 2024 Bundesliga champions on their bow is an astonishing start. The next visitors to this village club? That will be Bayern Munich.

Elsewhere, Yuito Suzuki scored a hat-trick as Freiburg beat Werder Bremen, while Augsburg enjoyed a 3-0 win over Schalke. Have a read of this interview with sporting director Benjamin Weber to find out more about how they plan to keep overachieving.

Bundesliga results: Bayern Munich 5-1 Stuttgart, Elversberg 3-2 Bayer Leverkusen, Cologne 3-2 Hoffenheim, Mainz 0-0 Paderborn, RB Leipzig 3-0 Borussia Monchengladbach, Union Berlin 3-3 Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Hamburg, Freiburg 4-1 Werder Bremen, Augsburg 3-0 Schalke.

Serie A: Como beat Napoli plus Ramos scores

The standout result in Serie A came in Naples as Como went and won 2-1. Rasmus Hojlund scored a quality goal for Napoli but it proved to be in vain as Cesc Fabregas has built a really good side, with Croatian player Martin Baturina particularly impressive.

Baturina scored the opener and it was his pressing that fashioned the winner for Anastasios Douvikas. A statement win for Como, although the four teams to have won each of their first four Serie A matches so far are Inter, Juventus, Lazio and AC Milan.

Ominously, champions Inter are top of the table already. They beat Cagliari 1-0 in Sardinia but that hardly reflected their dominance as they had 31 shots for an expected-goals total of 3.91. Curtis Jones and John Stones both came on for Inter as substitutes.

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Goncalo Ramos of AC Milan celebrates after scoring against Venezia

Meanwhile, Milan’s 2-0 win over Venezia on Friday evening featured a busy performance from Goncalo Ramos that underlined why Milan paid that eye-catching £63m fee to sign him – and perhaps why PSG were content to allow the Portuguese striker to leave.

Ramos did eventually score the breakthrough goal midway through the second half but that was one of eight attempts at goal by the Portuguese forward – and there were no fewer than four big chances missed. Far from clinical but Ramos is a chance magnet.

Serie A results: AC Milan 2-0 Venezia, Fiorentina 0-3 Frosinone, Monza 2-3 Udinese, Sassuolo 2-1 Torino, Juventus 2-0 Parma, Napoli 1-2 Como, Cagliari 0-1 Inter, Lazio 1-0 Genoa.

Ligue 1: PSG wobble again but scrape a point

Paris Saint-Germain’s uncertain start to the season continued as the reigning European champions needed two goals in stoppage time to salvage a 2-2 draw at Lille. Vitinha and Marquinhos managed the rescue job but PSG are now without a win in three games.

Nottingham Forest loanee Dilane Bakwa’s strike on debut deserved to seal it for Lille. That was assisted by Olivier Giroud after the veteran had produced an even better pass to set up the first. But Vitinha scored a beauty then crossed for the leveller. Resilience from PSG.

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Highlights of the Ligue 1 match between LOSC Lille and Paris Saint-Germain

Another caveat is that the two Ligue 1 games have been at Rennes and Lille – among the tougher tests. But it does mean that there is already only one team in the competition with a 100 per cent record – and that team is Monaco after their 2-0 win over Marseille.

The talented youngster Paris Brunner scored both goals in that one but when it comes to the actual city of Paris, the capital’s highest-placed club as it stands is not PSG but Paris FC. Their 3-0 win over Nice takes them up to second spot in the fledgling Ligue 1 table.

Ligue 1 results: Lille 2-2 Paris Saint-Germain, Strasbourg 2-1 Lens, Auxerre 1-3 Angers, Brest 2-2 Toulouse, Lorient 1-2 Troyes, Lyon 1-1 Le Havre, Paris FC 3-0 Nice, Rennes 3-2 Le Mans, Monaco 2-0 Marseille.

Elsewhere: Perfect Porto and Ajax positives

Having dropped points at home to Academico de Viseu in their opening game, Benfica boss Marco Silva already looks to have his work cut out if he wants to prise the Portuguese title away from Francesco Farioli and his ruthlessly efficient Porto team.

The reigning champions made it four wins from four in the league and are yet to concede a goal in their title defence. Over in the Netherlands, it is AZ Alkmaar with the only perfect record. They are chasing a first title since Steve McClaren was in charge in 2009.

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Tolu Arokodare followed up his goals in Europe by scoring again for Ajax

But the holders PSV signalled their intent with a 6-1 thrashing of Utrecht – despite conceding the first goal. Meanwhile, Ajax’s new striker Tolu Arokodare continued his strong start by lashing in a fourth goal in three games in their 4-0 victory away to Telstar.

Ajax’s struggles have become a soap opera but new boss Michel has delivered seven wins and two draws across all competitions to ensure they at least have a Conference League campaign to look forward to. An encouraging start but it is PSV next weekend.

Alex Palou Has 5 Titles, But Can He Win A Record 8?

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Milwaukee Mile — Alex Palou has trouble even thinking about winning a record eight INDYCAR titles.

“It’s crazy. It’s 100 percent more than what I had this morning,” Palou told me Sunday night after winning his fifth championship. “It’s quite a lot.”

At 29 years old, Palou is the youngest to achieve five titles. Only two other people have ever done it — A.J. Foyt (seven) and Scott Dixon (six).

Alex Palou clinched his fifth title at Milwaukee on Sunday. (Getty Images)

Dixon, a Chip Ganassi Racing teammate of Palou’s, believes Palou could match him and potentially win more. Palou has won his five titles over the last six years, including his fourth consecutive crown this season.

“He’s damn close already so I think with the roll that he’s been on, it’s been an epic roll and one that’s been a standout if you look at history just in general with what they’ve done in the past four years, is crazy,” Dixon told me Saturday.

“The [competition for] championships haven’t really been championships. Kudos to them. Congrats to him and everybody on that team.”

Pato O’Ward, who swept the weekend races at The Milwaukee Mile and sits fourth in the standings, joked that he would give Dixon — who is moving to Arrow McLaren and will be a teammate of O’Ward starting next year — a goat.

And Palou? Even though they’re not teammates, he’d give him a baby goat.

But in a couple of years, O’Ward knows Palou might deserve a goat that matches Dixon.

“The guy lives rent free in everyone’s head in the paddock,” O’Ward said in his post-race news conference. “He’s raised that bar, him and Ganassi. That [No.] 10 car has been unbelievable.

“Must be nice. One day we’ll get there.”

Pato O’Ward (center) said he hopes that he can get to Palou’s level one day. (Getty Images)

But when? Some say the new car in 2028 will be the opportunity for the field to catch Palou, who has won 14 races in the last two seasons.

Palou, one of a couple of drivers who has tested the car, chuckles when he hears that.

“The good thing is that I feel it fits my driving style even better than the current one, so it’ll be fun,” Palou said.

That’s the competitor in Palou speaking, not a driver who thinks about winning eight titles.

The Spaniard’s eyes aren’t on that goal. His focus remains on the one race left in the 2026 season, a trip to Laguna Seca next weekend.

“It’s very tough to realize while you’re doing it and while you think that there’s still more to go,” Palou said. “I feel it’s going to be super cool when I retire and I look back and be like, ‘Hey, you won X amount of championships and you accomplished all this stuff.’

“It’s going to be super cool. But now, it’s super cool to win this one and to try and go to Laguna and win at Laguna.”

Dixon indicated that is the way most champions approach making history with championships.

“For him, it’s the same for me, you focus on the weekend and if the championships come, that’s fantastic,” Dixon said. “But if we’re looking at what he’s achieved, it’s crazy.”

Scott Dixon is in awe at Alex Palou’s success. (Getty Images)

Their boss, Chip Ganassi, wouldn’t bet against Palou to reach eight.

“You’d be crazy not to believe that,” Ganassi said during the championship news conference. “I wouldn’t want to bet against that, I know that. I don’t know what the odds are in Vegas of that, but I wouldn’t want to bet against it.

“It’s possible, it can happen. It can absolutely happen.”

Palou, for now, will just look to improve. He marvels at the fact that he has a career-high seven poles this year, including at some places where he hasn’t had the speed in previous years. But he actually hasn’t won from the pole all that often — only twice.

“I know, it’s been terrible,” Palou said about the races where he won the pole. “I stopped doing that [winning poles]. … There were five poles that we didn’t make it into wins.”

And what about eight titles and breaking the record?

“Is it possible? For sure … 100 percent,” Palou said. “I feel like this team and the way I feel, I still have so much to learn that it’s doable. But there’s so much we need to accomplish to get to eight.

“I’ll work for that for sure. But I’ll work to get six first.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

Pato O’Ward won the weekend, but Alex Palou won another title.

Caroline Dubois calls Alycia Baumgardner a coward and challenges American to make biggest fight in women’s boxing | Boxing News

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Caroline Dubois labelled Alycia Baumgardner a coward after the pair were involved in a heated confrontation at ringside on Saturday night.

The transatlantic rivals have been heavily-linked to a potential super-fight as Baumgardner prepares to step into the same division as Dubois when she challenges Elif Nur Turhan for the IBF lightweight world title on November 8.

Dubois was approached by a spectating Baumgardner at the ropes in the immediate aftermath of her unanimous decision win over Amelia Moore in Birmingham, a tug of war at the microphone and fierce war of words further fuelling their growing feud.

The Londoner later criticised Baumgardner’s absence in her post-fight press conference.

“I’m surprised she isn’t there. I think she’s a coward,” she said. “I wish she was here so I could say it to her face. I really do.

“I think she’s a coward. I think she’s a coward because she isn’t here today. She should have come to the press conference. This is the biggest fight in women’s boxing.”

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Highlights of the lightweight fight between Caroline Dubois and Amelia Moore.

Baumgardner described the performance as “lacklustre” and insisted Dubois would need to “tighten up” were she to have a chance of beating the former undisputed world champion.

Dubois hit back by questioning Baumgardner’s failure to secure fights against Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields, while explaining how she was “already better” than her at the age of 25.

“She’s tried as hard as she can to dismiss me and make it seem like I’m not on her level, but I am,” Dubois continued.

“I’m the world champion, and she’s moving up to my division. Yeah, I think this is the biggest fight in women’s boxing.

“I think it will be a great fight, and I hope that she wins against Elif [Nur Turhan], but you never know.

“Maybe it’s Elif who wins, and it’ll be me and her facing off, so let’s not try and write off Elif.”

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Highlights of the WBC, WBA and WBO super-welterweight fight between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron.

Stephanie Han is another possible option for Dubois having just retained her WBA lightweight title in a majority decision win over Holly Holm.

“Nakisa [MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian] flew me out earlier this year to watch Stephanie fight against Holly Holm,” said Dubois.

“I went to the press conference afterwards. I wasn’t afraid to come to the press conference.

“I called her out openly there and then, and she promised me we would do it, that it is a fight that’s going to happen, and I intend to hold her to that. I want to fight Stephanie.”

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Alycia Baumgardner says she does not duck any fighter including Caroline Dubois, but she must be ready for the division’s ‘big dog’.

Speaking to Sky Sports, MVP founder Jake Paul said they were “100 per cent ready to go when they want to sign the contracts” with regards to a fight between Dubois and Baumgardner.

It comes after Claressa Shields accused Baumgardner of being “scared” of Dubois, to which the American replied by calling her counterpart “jealous”.

“Alycia is not scared of anyone, I know it’s going to happen, she has to get through November 8 and then we can have those discussions,” said Paul.

“I think it’s funny when fans or critics say certain people are scared of somebody – they aren’t scared, it’s what they do for a living.”

NFL Catchup: Aaron Donald Returns To Rams; OBJ Makes Giants Roster

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

With the NFL cutdown day off to a fast start, there have been plenty of trades, surprise cuts, and even a future Hall of Famer coming out of retirement. Sunday provided much-needed news in a truly eventful fashion.

Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald is coming out of retirement for one last championship run on a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams. Meanwhile, Odell Beckham Jr. made the New York Giants’ 53-man roster, continuing his story right where it began.

Running back Josh Jacobs went on the Commissioner’s Exempt list, which prompted the Green Bay Packers to acquire running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers. In Minnesota, the Vikings kept J.J. McCarthy, while the Titans moved on from quarterback Will Levis.

Here’s the latest NFL news that took place on Sunday.

After months of speculation, the payoff finally arrived. The Los Angeles Rams lured three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald out of retirement on a one-year, $20 million deal, ESPN first reported on Sunday afternoon.

The deal can reach as much as $30 million with incentives, assuming he plays up to expectations this season. Donald joins one of the league’s top defenses, forming a dominant front alongside Myles Garrett and pairing two of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history.

“I think this is a complete team with me here or without me here,” Donald told reporters about re-joining the Rams. “I already thought it was a stacked D-line with Verse … then you bring a guy like Myles Garrett, a generational talent, and it’s like, that could be fun, right?

After Donald last suited up for the Rams in 2023 and announced his retirement in March 2024 at the age of 32, the Rams posted back-to-back winning seasons. Now, after continuing to strengthen their defense, they welcome the legend back.

With Donald back in action, he’s expected to make his long-awaited debut in Week 1 when the Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia.

After years of injuries, Beckham is back on a Week 1 roster – and it’s a familiar one for him. He earned a spot on the Giants’ 53-man roster, completing a full-circle journey that lands him back where his career started.

After weeks of speculation, Beckham has officially made the cut. This marks the first time he’ll be on the Giants’ Week 1 roster since 2018 and with Malik Nabers working his way back from injury.

“I never wanted to leave; I wanted to win,” Beckham told reporters after the Giants’ preseason win over the Jets. “All I ever wanted was for the Giants organization was win a championship. All I ever wanted to do was be great, and those things still very much matter to me.”

Adding depth with an experienced player like Beckham was a must for head coach John Harbaugh. Now, with Beckham set to make the roster, the Giants have improved the receiver room from last season for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Beckham was selected No. 12 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft and he put up staggering numbers during his Giants tenure. In 59 games, he recorded 390 catches, 5,476 yards, and 44 touchdowns before he was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2019

With Nabers returning, Beckham joins a Giants receiver room alongside Darnell Mooney, Darius Slayton, and Notre Dame third-round pick Malachi Fields. Beckham offers depth while Nabers, Fields, and Mooney absorb most early snaps.

The Green Bay Packers officially placed edge rusher Micah Parsons on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list Sunday, ruling him out for at least the first four games of the regular season.

Parsons continues to recover from a torn ACL and meniscus damage sustained last December against the Denver Broncos.

Under NFL regulations, placement on the Reserve/PUP list requires a minimum four-game absence, sidelining Parsons for matchups against the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He remains on track for a potential October return, making a Week 6 matchup against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, a possible target.

Josh Jacobs will open the 2026 NFL regular season on the commissioner’s exempt list, meaning he will not be allowed to practice or play while he’s on the list. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

In a separate move, running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list on Sunday, which prevents him from practicing or playing while the league continues its review.

The decision follows a May arrest in Wisconsin, where initial domestic abuse charges were reduced Thursday to two misdemeanors: misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged earlier in the week that the organization was “preparing” for a potential league suspension. To address backfield depth with Jacobs unavailable, Green Bay acquired running back Kaleb Johnson in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Packers Acquire RB From Steelers, Trade McCord to Dolphins

The Packers also made two trades on Sunday.

To address backfield depth with Jacobs unavailable, Green Bay acquired running back Kaleb Johnson in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Packers addressed their backfield depth by acquiring running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Johnson, a 2025 third-round draft choice out of Iowa, saw limited action in Pittsburgh behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, logging 28 carries for 69 yards across 10 games as a rookie.

He joins a Packers running back room that includes MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks as Green Bay prepares for the regular season with starter Josh Jacobs on the commissioner’s exempt list. During his final season at Iowa, Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns.

The Green Bay Packers traded second-year quarterback Kyle McCord to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round draft pick.

McCord, 23, is positioned to serve as the primary backup to starting quarterback Malik Willis in Miami. The trade follows a strong preseason finale performance by McCord, who completed 22 of 35 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals.

With Tyrod Taylor serving as Jordan Love’s backup in Green Bay, McCord was slated for third-string duties. Miami created roster availability over the weekend by trading quarterback Quinn Ewers to the Jacksonville Jaguars and releasing backup quarterbacks Cam Miller and Mark Gronowski.

After weeks of speculation regarding J.J. McCarthy’s future with the Minnesota Vikings, his future (at least in the short term) is now set. The second-year quarterback from Michigan is expected to make the Vikings’ final 53-man roster, as first reported by ESPN.

General manager Nolan Teasley has the final say over the Vikings’ 53-man roster, and he decided that the Vikings will carry quarterbacks Murray, McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer on their roster heading into the regular season. That could change in the two weeks before the Vikings’ regular-season opener, but O’Connell now has a strong mix of experience and development in the room.

After missing his entire rookie season with a meniscus tear, McCarthy underwhelmed in his first year as a starter in 2025. He completed just 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, totaling 15 touchdowns against 12 interceptions.

Minnesota went 6-4 in the 10 games McCarthy started as he battled ankle and hand injuries, as well as a concussion. Still, those results weren’t enough to fully convince O’Connell and his staff that he is the long-term franchise quarterback.

All eyes now shift to the coming week to see if McCarthy remains on the active roster or if a trade partner finally emerges for the former 2024 first-round pick.

The Tennessee Titans released quarterback Will Levis on Sunday as part of their final 53-man roster cutdowns. The decision solidifies veteran Mitchell Trubisky as the primary backup behind 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward heading into the regular season.

Levis completed 53.8% of his passes for 200 yards across three preseason appearances this summer before the team made the move.

Originally selected by Tennessee with the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Levis started nine games as a rookie before earning the starting job in 2024.

He struggled through a 2-10 record as a starter that season, throwing 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while battling shoulder issues.

After the Titans selected Ward with the top overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Levis missed the entire 2025 campaign following season-ending shoulder surgery in July.

Tour Championship: Scottie Scheffler holds off Viktor Hovland to claim FedExCup title and break more PGA Tour records | Golf News

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Scottie Scheffler came through a final-round tussle with Viktor Hovland to cap off another PGA Tour season in style with FedExCup glory at the Tour Championship.

Scheffler overturned a three-shot deficit during an eventful Sunday at East Lake Golf Club, where he mixed six birdies with two bogeys to post a four-under 66 and pull clear of the field.

The world No 1 finished on 16 under and three strokes clear of Hovland, who led at various points on the final day, with Scheffler claiming the $10m first prize and joining Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods as the only multiple FedExCup champions.

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Justin Rose made a slam-dunk ace during his final round of the Tour Championship

Hovland posted a final-round 72 to finish second ahead of Ryan Gerard, with Rory McIlroy recovering from three bogeys in his first five holes to post a one-under 69 and share fourth spot.

McIlroy was joined on 11 under by Ludvig Åberg, Chris Gotterup, Russell Henley, Jacob Bridgeman, first-round leader Min Woo Lee and England’s Alex Fitzpatrick, with defending champion Tommy Fleetwood a further shot behind.

How Scheffler claimed FedExCup thriller

Scheffler made an early statement by firing his tee-shot to tap-in range at the second, which lifted him within one when Hovland had to lay up from the rough at the first and opened with a bogey.

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Scheffler almost made a hole-in-one on the second hole of his final round

Overnight co-leader Gerard started with a double-bogey and never returned to the top of the leaderboard, as Scheffler drained a 24-foot birdie at the fourth to pull level with Hovland on 14 under.

Scheffler saved par from eight feet at the fifth but failed to take advantage of the par-five next, then cancelled out a poor approach into the seventh – resulting in a first bogey in 25 holes – by making a seven-foot birdie at the eighth.

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Scheffler carded rounds of 65, 67, 66 and 66 during his Tour Championship victory

Hovland fired a close-range birdie at the eighth to briefly reclaim the outright advantage on 15 under, only for Scheffler – playing two groups ahead – to start his back nine with a birdie and add another from five feet at the 13th to move ahead again.

The pair found themselves tied at the top when Scheffler missed the fairway off the 14th tee and made bogey, as Gotterup burned a 10-foot chance to get within one, but Hovland dropped a shot on the 13th to slip one behind with five to play.

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Viktor Hovland avoided a penalty shot after fans online speculated that he improved his lie in the bunker on the 13th hole

Hovland produced a superb up and down from the 14th fairway to stay on 14 under, as Scheffler took control by recovering from finding a bunker off the 16th tee to make a 12-foot birdie and double his lead.

Scheffler two-putted the 17th and recovered from being forced to lay up to safely par the last, which was enough to close out a third PGA Tour win of the season and second of the FedExCup Playoffs.

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Scheffler also won The American Express and the FedEx St Jude Championship during an impressive campaign

His latest success sees him pass Woods in all-time career money earnings on the PGA Tour, while his 22 PGA Tour titles over the last five seasons is double any other player during that period.

“Today was a day I was fortunate to get off to a good start and was able to make some birdies late in the round to seal the deal,” Scheffler said. “I’m very proud of fighting back and having some good finishes and even giving myself some chances to win with some of those poor starts.”

Scheffler takes plaudits after dominant season

Hovland and Gerard only found two birdies between them in the final group, seeing them fall short, with Fitzpatrick and Xander Schauffele the only player to match Scheffler’s final-round 66.

“I don’t think he [Scheffler] is trying to do too much with it,” Hovland said. “He knows that he’s got an edge on most guys out here, so he doesn’t have to do anything crazy. He can play smart and just kind of pick his spots, stay in it constantly.

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Scheffler dominated numerous metrics on the PGA Tour this season, enhancing his hopes of being crowned Player of the Year

“It wasn’t like anybody else really played all that great in contention. That’s what you see – a lot of guys just gagging and throwing up. That’s where he just stays in it and shoots a nice score and that gets the job done.”

Woods was quick to praise Scheffler’s impressive campaign, where he added five-runner-up finishes to his three wins. The 15-time major champion said: “Those are some numbers to be proud of. Incredible consistency all season long. Congrats on a historic season, Scottie.”

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What’s next?

The PGA Tour takes two weeks off before starting its FedExCup Fall schedule with the inaugural Biltmore Championship from September 17-20, held in Asheville, North Carolina.

Team USA will look to continue their Presidents Cup dominance a week later when they host the International Team at Medinah, having won the last 10 editions of the biennial contest. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

4 Takeaways From Alex Palou’s Title Clinch And Pato O’Ward’s Milwaukee Sweep

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Milwaukee Mile (West Allis, Wisc.) — Alex Palou didn’t need to win during the Milwaukee doubleheader weekend to make history.

Palou became the first INDYCAR driver to win five championships over six years, thanks to finishes of fifth and 10th in the two races Sunday at The Milwaukee Mile.

He tied the record of four consecutive titles by clinching the championship with one race left in the 2026 season.

The Chip Ganassi Racing driver has won 14 races in the last two years.

“We’re having more fun and more fun each day,” Palou said in his post-race news conference. “It’s been an absolute joy of a year. The last two years have been just magical for us.”

The weekend wasn’t designed to have two races in one day, but after rain forced INDYCAR to suspend the race Saturday after 90 laps, it followed the scheduled race Sunday with the conclusion of the Saturday race on the 1-mile asphalt oval.

Pato O’Ward swept both events while Palou enjoyed maybe even a bigger celebration.

Here are my takeaways:

1. Palou Clinches Title

Alex Palou clinched his fourth consecutive title and fifth overall.

After a 20th-place finish in Washington where he made a few mistakes, Palou tried to caution anyone who mentioned the title prior to the Milwaukee doubleheader. But after the first race on Sunday, when he ran well enough to just need a top-20 finish later in the day, it was easy to tell he could taste it.

“We’ll see if we can get it home early,” Palou told me and other reporters. “That would be cool. … As long as we get it at some point this year, I’ll be happy.”

That some point was about four hours later. And, boy, was he happy.

“It’s tough to put into words. … It’s been incredible,” Palou said in the post-race news conference.

2. Pato Salvages His Season

Pato O’Ward (center) salvaged his season with two wins at Milwaukee on Sunday.

O’Ward salvaged a season where he had only one podium finish (a win at Mid-Ohio) by capturing the two victories on the 1-mile oval.

He made a little history himself as the first driver since 1981 to win two INDYCAR races in one day (albeit there are no longer twin races where they would compete in two races in one day).

“I’ve dreamed of weekends like this before. … I’m just so happy that we were able to get back in our oval form because we’ve been slacking all year,” O’Ward said in his FOX Sports interview after the race. “What a way to end our 2026 season after some tough challenges.”

The Arrow McLaren driver went from fifth to fourth in the standings with the two victories.

3. McLaughlin, Malukas, Kirkwood Fall Short

Kyle Kirkwood fell short but said he’s happy for Palou and his team for capturing the title.

Scott McLaughlin and David Malukas came up just short in finishing second to O’Ward, while Kirkwood — the only driver with a shot at the title after the first Milwaukee race was completed — posted finishes of sixth and 15th to be the last driver eliminated from contention.

Malukas might have been the most despondent, as O’Ward launched past him on the final restart of the race. Both have Chevrolet power.

“We’re just cursed,” Malukas said. “I literally believe I have some sort of curse. Everything was in our favor there and this weekend.

“Both races, we were having issues with the engine on restarts, coming out of the pits and having events where we just lose power. … That really let us down.”

Kirkwood didn’t have a problem watching Palou celebrate.

“They were better than us,” the Andretti Global driver told me Sunday night. “They were better than everybody. They have been for four years. … I’m happy for them, to be honest. I’m really not upset to see it. He’s very deserving.”

4. One Day, 410 Miles

Scott McLaughlin noted that everyone did the best they could do under the weekend’s circumstances.

INDYCAR had hoped to finish the Saturday race on Sunday morning, but heavy overnight rains forced them to push it to after the Sunday race.

It made for a long day, as INDYCAR wanted to give teams three hours between events in case they had to make repairs.

In the end, they got both races finished to completion.

“It’s a tough situation when you have an oval that doesn’t have lights,” McLaughlin said in his news conference after the first completed race. “Part and parcel of a doubleheader. What can you do? I think they’ve done as good as they can.”

4 ½. What’s Next

INDYCAR completes its season in a week at the Laguna Seca road course in Monterey.

Who will be the favorite on the 2.238-mile course? Palou. He has won three of the last four Laguna Seca races.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

Here’s the latest offseason buzz and rumors around the NFL.

PGA Tour 2026 schedule: Every result and all 2026 winners from the FedExCup season, Signature Events and golf majors | Golf News

August 31, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Every PGA Tour result from the 2026 FedExCup season, with nine Signature Events across a 35-tournament calendar.

The schedule retained its January-August format, with Scottie Scheffler claiming a second FedExCup title in three years after a three-shot victory at the season-ending Tour Championship.

Chris Gotterup and Matt Fitzpatrick were also three-time winners on the PGA Tour during the season, while Rory McIlroy (The Masters), Aaron Rai (PGA Championship), Wyndham Clark (US Open) and Ryan Fox (The Open) claimed the four major wins.

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Ryan Fox shot a two-under par (68) to win The Open at Royal Birkdale, birdieing the final hole to claim a maiden major title

Every result from the 2026 PGA Tour season

* denotes Signature Event; ^ is co-sanctioned with DP World Tour; bold indicates a major

January 12-18 – Sony Open in Hawaii (Winner – Chris Gotterup)

January 19-25 – The American Express – (Winner – Scottie Scheffler)

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Highlights of the final round of The American Express at La Quinta Country Club, where Scottie Scheffler claimed a 20th PGA Tour title

January 26-February 1 – Farmers Insurance Open – (Winner – Justin Rose)

February 2-8 – WM Phoenix Open (Winner – Chris Gotterup)

February 9-15 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am* (Winner – Collin Morikawa)

February 16-22 – The Genesis Invitational (Winner – Jacob Bridgeman)

February 26-March 1 – Cognizant Classic (Winner – Nico Echavarria)

March 5-8 – Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard* (Winner – Akshay Bhatia)

March 5-8 – Puerto Rico Open (Winner – Ricky Castillo)

March 12-15 – The Players (Winner – Cameron Young)

March 19-22 – Valspar Championship (Winner – Matthew Fitzpatrick)

March 26-29 – Texas Children’s Houston Open (Winner: Gary Woodland)

April 2-5 – Valero Texas Open – TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas (Winner: JJ Spaun)

April 9-12 – Masters Tournament – Augusta National, Georgia (Winner: Rory McIlroy)

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Highlights from the final round of The Masters, where Rory McIlroy defended his title at Augusta National

April 16-19 – RCB Heritage* – Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (Winner: Matt Fitzpatrick)

April 23-26 – Zurich Classic of New Orleans – TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana (Winners: Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick)

April 30-May 3 – Cadillac Championship* (Winner: Cameron Young)

May 7-10 – Truist Championship (Winner: Kristoffer Reitan)

May 7-10 – ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic (Winner: Brandt Snedeker)

May 14-17 – PGA Championship (Winner: Aaron Rai)

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Aaron Rai shot a five-under 65 to win the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club

May 21-24 – THE CJ Cup Byron Nelson (Winner: Wyndham Clark)

May 28-31 – Charles Schwab Challenge (Winner: Russell Henley)

June 4-7 – the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday* (Winner: JT Poston)

June 11-14 – RBC Canadian Open (Winner: Bud Cauley)

June 18-21 – US Open (Winner: Wyndham Clark)

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Watch the moment Wyndham Clark won the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills

June 25-28 – Travelers Championship* (Winner: Viktor Hovland)

July 2-5 – John Deere Classic (Winner: Chris Gotterup)

July 9-12 – Genesis Scottish Open (Winner: Tom Kim)

July 9-12 – ISCO Championship (Winner: Steven Fisk)

July 16-19 – The Open Championship (Winner: Ryan Fox)

July 16-19 – Corales Puntacana Championship (Winner: Stefano Mazzoli)

July 23-26 – 3M Open (Winner: Jackson Koivun)

July 30-August 2 – Rocket Classic (Winner: Michael Thorbjornsen)

August 6-9 – Wyndham Championship (Winner: Michael Brennan)

FedExCup Playoffs

August 13-16 – FedEx St. Jude Championship (Winner: Scottie Scheffler)

August 20-23 – BMW Championship (Winner: Wyndham Clark)

August 27-30 – Tour Championship (Winner: Scottie Scheffler)

Watch the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, majors and more throughout the season live on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.

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Top 10 NFL Rosters Since 2000: Where Do Rams Rank After Aaron Donald’s Return?

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Vince Young anointed the Philadelphia Eagles the NFL’s “Dream Team” during training camp before the start of the 2011 season.

Young — then serving as a backup quarterback — put a hex on head coach Andy Reid and his team’s Super Bowl aspirations, as the stacked Philadelphia squad that included Pro Bowlers in quarterback Michael Vick, running back LeSean McCoy, wide receiver DeSean Jackson, defensive end Jason Babin and cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie fell woefully short of meeting the hype, starting the year 4-8 and finishing out of the playoffs at 8-8.

Well, the Los Angeles Rams are this year’s version of that group. The Rams became the heavy favorites to win the Super Bowl after making a trade for Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in June. And they got even more loaded on Sunday, with future Hall of Famer and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald coming out of retirement to join Garrett on L.A.’s loaded defense.

With those high expectations in mind, we take a closer look at the 10 most loaded rosters since 2000. In our evaluation, winning matters here, but also the talent level of some of the more prominent players on each roster.

10.

Jalen Hurts starred in the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

In a game they were considered slight underdogs, the Eagles made quick work of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs to earn head coach Nick Sirianni’s first Super Bowl win. Jalen Hurts outplayed Mahomes, taking home Super Bowl MVP honors. Saquon Barkley had one of the best years by a runner in league history, topping the 2,000-yard mark during the regular season.

The Eagles fielded one of the best offensive lines in the league, led by offensive tackle Lane Johnson. Philadelphia finished with six players reaching the Pro Bowl and a 14-3 record, tied for the most wins in franchise history during the regular season. Philadelphia defeated teams by an average of 14 points a game, including clocking the Chiefs by 18 in a Super Bowl that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated.

In their first season with the Buccaneers, Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski won the Super Bowl. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Tom Brady moved on from New England to join innovative offensive head coach Bruce Arians in Tampa Bay in free agency, and the change to a warmer climate paid off for the GOAT. Rob Gronkowski came out of retirement and joined his close friend in Brady with the Bucs. Tampa Bay also added running back Leonard Fournette and receiver Antonio Brown in free agency.

That group joined an already talented Tampa Bay roster that included Mike Evans, Tristan Wirfs, Chris Godwin, Antoine Winfield Jr., Devin White, Lavonte David, Shaquill Barrett, Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul and Ronald Jones II. At 11-5, the Bucs earned an NFC wild-card berth, winning two out of three games on the road and ultimately becoming the first team to win the Lombardi Trophy in their home stadium. Tampa Bay kept the Kansas City Chiefs from repeating as Super Bowl champs with a lopsided, 31-9 victory.

Patrick Mahomes sealed his second Super Bowl in February 2020 by beating the 49ers. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Speaking of Kansas City, Mahomes and the Chiefs broke through and won the first Super Bowl for Reid, slotting in here at No. 8. I chose this group because it includes Mahomes, Travis Kelce, four-time first-team All-Pro Tyreek Hill and Chris Jones all playing at an elite level in the prime of their careers. All four players made the Pro Bowl this season and remain on Hall of Fame trajectories late in their careers.

I also liked the balance of this group, which ranked in the top 10 in total offense and total defense. Mahomes showed his clutch gene in the playoffs. Mahomes’ clutch performances included comeback wins in all three postseason contests, which included overcoming a 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.

Peyton Manning got his first Lombardi Trophy at the end of the 2006 season. (Al Tielemans/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

The Colts rode one of the most prolific offenses in league history to the team’s lone Super Bowl victory with head coach Tony Dungy. Led by Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, the Colts finished second in the league in points scored, second in total passing yards and third in total yards.

To go along with that potent offense, Indianapolis was buoyed by a hammer of a hitter at safety in Bob Sanders and perhaps the best edge rusher duo in the NFL with Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, giving the Colts a pair of the best closers in the league for a team that usually led in most of their games. Kicker Adam Vinatieri, Manning, Harrison and Freeney are in the Hall of Fame, while Wayne and Mathis have been finalists.

Randy Moss (left), Tom Brady (center) and Logan Mankins were stars on an absolutely stacked Patriots offense. (Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)

It’s hard to pick just one roster for New England because the Patriots had so many dominant teams under head coach Bill Belichick, but this group stands out because they finished one game away from perfection. They would’ve been the first team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to finish the regular season and playoffs with an undefeated record. But, of course, Eli Manning earned his first one of two Super Bowl victories and Super Bowl MVP honors over Tom Brady that year.

Still, with Brady, Hall of Famer Randy Moss and Wes Welker, the Patriots were a juggernaut on offense, averaging a league-leading 37 points per game and scoring on 53% of their drives. And the defense also held its own, led by linebacker Teddy Bruschi, nose tackle Vince Wilfork, Mike Vrabel, Asante Samuel and Hall of Famer Richard Seymour.

Michael Strahan was the defensive star for the Giants when they pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history. (Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

The Giants squeaked into the postseason at 10-6, but made a magical playoff run led by their defense to win the Super Bowl. But the talent was always on the roster, as New York started the following season as the defending Super Bowl champs with a 10-1 record. Hall of Famer Michael Strahan, linebacker Antonio Pierce, Osi Umenyiora and cornerback Sam Madison served as the catalysts on defense.

Offensively, Manning engineered an offense that included Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Jeremy Shockey, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.

Matthew Stafford enters the season as the reigning MVP with massive expectations for his team. (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

The Rams have four potential Hall of Famers in Myles Garrett, Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams and Donald. Led by one of the best offensive minds in the game in head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have put together one of the most balanced offenses in the league, with Puka Nacua and Adams outside, and the one-two punch of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum in the backfield. The 38-year-old Stafford is protected by two top-notch guards in Steven Avilla and Kevin Dotson.

But with the addition of Myles Garrett, along with cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this offseason, Los Angeles now has a defense that, in terms of talent, matches the offense. And expect general manager Les Snead, the author of “F’ Those Picks,’ to make a move at the trade deadline to improve this roster even more, trading premium picks for premium players if there’s a void on this already loaded roster.

Russell Wilson led a dominant Seahawks team to the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory. (David Bergman /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

Created by defensive-minded head coach Pete Carroll, Seattle’s Legion of Boom defense led the Seahawks to the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory. Middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, trash-talking cornerback Richard Sherman, defensive linemen Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril and Brandon Mebane, and safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor anchored the defense.

Marshawn Lynch served as the engine on offense, while quarterback Russell Wilson proved clutch at the end of games, with Carroll creating a positive mindset for this group to flourish. Wagner and Sherman are a good bet to make the Hall of Fame, while Wilson will be in the conversation.

Ray Lewis was the face of a Ravens team that steamrolled its way to the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy. (Jeff Haynes/AFP via Getty Images)

The Ravens had one of the best defenses in league history, led by charismatic linebacker Ray Lewis. During their run to the Super Bowl, the Ravens held opponents to a league-low 10.3 points per game. Rod Woodson, Shannon Sharpe, Jonathan Ogden and Lewis all reached the Hall of Fame. Chris McCallister, Rob Burnett and Sam Adams were other key contributors to an all-time defense.

Offensively, Trent Dilfer took over for an ineffective Tony Banks midseason to efficiently guide the offense, and head coach Brian Billick leaned on young bruising running back Jamal Lewis to carry that group, controlling the clock and limiting turnovers. The Ravens were dominant, beating every team in the postseason by double digits, including a 34-7 victory over the Giants in the Super Bowl.

Warren Sapp powered a Buccaneers defense that will go down as one of the best ever in the NFL. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Bucs had, in my opinion, the most dominant defense of the decade, with four Hall of Famers on that side of the ball in Warren Sapp, Ronde Barber, Derrick Brooks and John Lynch. A fifth, pass rusher Simeon Rice, has also been a semifinalist for the Hall of Fame. Tampa Bay’s defense was coached by legendary defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, whose coaching tree includes Pete Carroll, Mike Tomlin, Gus Bradley and Raheem Morris.

Head coach Jon Gruden handled the offense, with game manager Brad Johnson, running back Michael Pittman and receiver Keyshawn Johnson scoring enough points for this defensive-led team to win it all for the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory. Gruden’s brother Jay Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Rod Marinelli, Tomlin and Morris all went on to be head coaches in the NFL. Jeremy Bates served as an offensive coordinator at different stops in the league and Joe Barry served as a defensive coordinator at several NFL stops.

Honorable mentions: 2016 New England Patriots, 2009 New Orleans Saints, 2012 San Francisco 49ers, 2004 New England Patriots, 2015 Denver Broncos.

Aaron Donald: Los Angeles Rams legendary defensive tackle comes out of retirement for 2026 season | NFL News

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Aaron Donald has officially come out of retirement and will return for the Los Angeles Rams this season.

The 35-year-old is coming back after two and a half years away from the game to form a defensive pairing with Myles Garrett that will alarm every offensive line in the NFL.

The Rams confirmed Donald’s decision on Sunday at the end of weeks of talks and almost two months of workouts at the club’s facility, where Donald tested whether his body could stand another season. He has signed a one-year contract, with ESPN reporting the deal is worth at least $20m and built heavily on incentives.

Donald walked away without warning in March 2024 after 10 seasons spent entirely with the franchise in St Louis and Los Angeles, a career that brought three Defensive Player of the Year awards, 10 Pro Bowl selections, eight All-Pro honours and a Super Bowl ring, and established him as one of the defining defensive players of his generation.

It was the Rams’ trade for Garrett this summer that set the comeback in motion. The former Cleveland Browns star has won two of the last three Defensive Player of the Year awards, meaning the new team-mates own five of the past nine between them.

They join a side already installed as favourites for a second Super Bowl under Sean McVay before Donald’s return was even confirmed.

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Matthew Stafford, the reigning MVP, leads a Rams offence that ranked first in the league and returns every major contributor, while cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson have arrived from Kansas City to strengthen the other side of the ball.

Donald’s 111 career sacks remain a franchise record and the second-most in NFL history by a player operating primarily inside, where his ability to collapse pockets between the tackles drew constant double teams and created space for team-mates throughout his first decade.

Returning resets the clock on a Hall of Fame induction that had been due to become possible in 2029, a price Donald has accepted for the chance to chase a second ring alongside Garrett and a young supporting cast of Byron Young, Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske – starting with the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia next month.

Watch the new-look Rams and every week of the NFL season live on Sky Sports NFL.

Packers Star Josh Jacobs Placed On Commissioner’s Exempt List

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs will open the 2026 NFL regular season on the commissioner’s exempt list, the league announced Sunday. Jacobs will not be allowed to practice or play while he’s on the commissioner’s exempt list.

The league’s decision stems from Jacobs being arrested and later released from a Wisconsin jail in May after five criminal charges were brought against him: strangulation and suffocation, battery-domestic abuse, criminal damage to property-domestic abuse, disorderly conduct-domestic abuse and intimidation of a victim.

At the time of his release in May, Jacobs’ lawyers said he denied any wrongdoing regarding the reported domestic abuse. The initial charges were later reduced to two misdemeanors by the Brown County District Attorney on Thursday afternoon: misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property.

While Jacobs won’t be able to participate in team activities or play in any games while he’s on the commissioner’s exempt list, he could still face a suspension down the line. Players are typically placed on the exempt list in instances when the league is still reviewing a matter to determine further discipline.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst expressed on Wednesday afternoon that the team was “preparing” for Jacobs to be suspended, according to The Athletic.

Jacobs, 28, is in the third season of a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers. Last season, the three-time Pro Bowler rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns on 4.0 yards per carry; Jacobs also tallied 282 receiving yards.

Jacobs spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders (2019-23), with whom he led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards and was an All-Pro in 2022.

The Packers made a trade prior to the news surrounding Jacobs on Sunday. They acquired running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Man Utd 5 – 2 Ipswich

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as Manchester United came from behind to beat Ipswich 5-2 at Old Trafford and pick up their first win of the season.

It looked like being a difficult afternoon for Michael Carrick’s team early on. Julio Enciso and Daizen Maeda both forced smart stops from Senne Lammens before Abdul Fatawu skinned Luke Shaw and fed Leif Davis to side-foot the opener high into the United net.

Old Trafford was edgy at that point, with United having lost to Hull on the opening weekend. But the game turned when Marcelino Nunez slipped over. Matheus Cunha robbed the Chilean midfielder and found Fernandes, who slammed the ball home with his left foot.

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Bruno Fernandes makes it 4-1 to Manchester United against Ipswich – scoring a hat-trick

Bryan Mbeumo should have completed the turnaround early in the second half only to strike the bar from close range, but United did not have to wait long. Their second was not without controversy, however, as Harry Maguire escaped punishment for a handball.

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Jacob Greaves scored an own goal but should it have stood after this handball?

Had his shot gone straight into the net then it would have been disallowed but because the attempt was diverted in by Jacob Greaves, it was allowed to stand. Moments later, United took the game away from Ipswich as Greaves’ unfortunate afternoon continued.

The defender brought down Cunha when he was through on goal, and Fernandes, who had missed twice from the spot during pre-season, converted the penalty. It was party time thereafter, with Fernandes completing his hat-trick by slotting home in the 68th minute.

The skipper was not done. A wedged pass in behind found Mbeumo, who lobbed the goalkeeper to make it five. As the rain came down, Ipswich did pull one back in stoppage time through substitute Chuba Akpom but it was far too little and far too late.

With academy graduates Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford back in the starting line-up – in Rashford’s case, for the first time since 2024 – there was a real mood of optimism inside the stadium at the end. Not perfect. But Manchester United’s firepower is clear.

The key moments from Old Trafford

29 – GOAL! Fatawu skins Shaw and Davis finishes high into the net

40 – GOAL! Nunez slips and Cunha feeds Fernandes to equalise

52 – BAR! Mbeumo volleys against the bar from close range

56 – GOAL! Maguire’s shot is deflected into his own net by Greaves

61 – GOAL! Fernandes converts a penalty after Cunha is fouled

68 – GOAL! Fernandes slots home to complete his hat-trick

82 – GOAL! Fernandes puts Mbeumo through to lob the keeper

90+1 – GOAL! Consolation as Martinez is robbed and Akpom scores

What do IFAB say on the handball?

It is an offence if a player scores in the opponents’ goal:

Directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental, including by the goalkeeper
Immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm, even if accidental

Following an accidental handball by the attacker:

If the ball is clearly moving wide of the goal but is touched/played by a defending player and a clear own goal occurs, the goal should be awarded.

Fernandes stars again for Man Utd

“Without a shadow of a doubt, United’s best signing in the post-Ferguson era,” said Gary Neville on co-commentary for Sky Sports. No need for the caveat, really. This is one of the great Manchester United signings and one of the great Manchester United players.

There has been a bit of chatter about Bruno Fernandes recently given that he cleaned up with the awards for last season, adding the PFA prize to his FWA award. But this performance was a timely reminder that there is no better player in the Premier League.

Three goals and an assist when United needed him. And they do always seem to need him. It is the mentality as well as the magic in his boots. Amusingly, he was furious with himself in the 89th minute when an outside-of-the-boot cross failed to beat the first man.

Had Fernandes scored with one outrageous attempt from inside the centre-circle before that, then it really would have been a truly great display to remember. As it is, he had to settle for merely being the match-winner yet again. United’s talisman.

What the result means and next fixtures…

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Another QB Goes From Green Bay To Miami: Dolphins Reportedly Trade For Kyle McCord

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Miami Dolphins continue to add from the Green Bay Packers.

Quarterback Kyle McCord has been traded by the Packers to the Dolphins for a 2028 sixth-round pick, NFL Network reported Sunday. With the trade, McCord is now in line to back up Malik Willis for the start of the 2026 season.

McCord, 23, hasn’t played an official snap in an NFL game yet. However, the second-year quarterback has impressed in the preseason. He completed 22 of 35 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns in the Packers’ preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals on Friday. But with veteran Tyrod Taylor already backing up Jordan Love, McCord would’ve only been the third-string quarterback for Green Bay this season.

As for the Dolphins, they got rid of their three backup quarterbacks behind Willis over the weekend. They traded Quinn Ewers to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday before releasing Cam Miller and Mark Gronowski.

While McCord joins Willis in making the recent move from Green Bay to Miami, they actually didn’t spend time together with the Packers. The Packers signed McCord to a futures contract following their playoff loss to the Chicago Bears in January.

That deal came after former Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan was hired to become the Dolphins’ general manager and former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley was hired to be their next head coach.

McCord began his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, who selected him in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He spent the entirety of the 2025 season on Philadelphia’s practice squad.

Leeds 1 – 1 Brentford

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a late tap-in to earn Leeds United a 1-1 draw with Brentford at Elland Road.

Brentford had been on course for a second victory of the season after thrashing Tottenham last weekend when Kevin Schade deservedly put them ahead with a clever finish, guiding in Keane Lewis-Potter’s low cross with the outside of his right boot, shortly before half-time

Keith Andrews’ side were particularly impressive in the first-half, controlling the game with their pace and aggression to quieten the home supporters as new signing Mamadou Sangare shone again in midfield.

But Leeds head coach Daniel Farke responded at half-time, bravely switching to a back four with two substitutions which caused Brentford problems even though the visitors went on to record 22 shots compared to the hosts’ 12.

The introduction of striker Lukas Nmecha later in the second half also proved crucial as his low shot-cum-cross in the box was turned in from close range by Calvert-Lewin to leave both sides with four points from two games.

More to follow…

What the result means and next fixtures…

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Pete Crow-Armstrong Strengthens Case For NL MVP With 3 Home Runs vs. Reds

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Pete Crow-Armstrong turned two pregame conversations with Sammy Sosa into one of the best days of his career.

Crow-Armstrong homered three times and drove in six runs on Saturday, adding to his case for NL MVP and powering the Chicago Cubs to a runaway 17-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The All-Star center fielder had four hits and scored four times, delighting the crowd of 39,597 at Wrigley Field.

“I think Pete’s having a wonderful season,” manager Craig Counsell said. “It’s a lot of fun to watch. … We’re lucky to be a part of it.”

Crow-Armstrong, 24, saw Sosa in the lobby as he made his way into the ballpark, and the two talked again in the batting cage. Sosa, 57, was part of a pregame ceremony celebrating Chicago’s 150 years as a National League franchise.

Crow-Armstrong said Sosa told him he wanted to see even more out of him, and then told him he wanted him to hit three homers during the game.

“He was like, ‘I want three out of you today. … I need three,’” Crow-Armstrong said. “And sure enough, I don’t know what he passed down to me there.”

Crow-Armstrong continued his bid to unseat Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani as NL MVP after the Japanese slugger took home the honor each of the previous two years. Ohtani hasn’t been able to pitch since July 3 because of left knee soreness and a right biceps injury.

While Ohtani has been limited to designated hitter with Los Angeles, Crow-Armstrong is one of baseball’s top defensive players. And he has turned into a consistent threat at the plate as well, batting .282 with 36 homers, 89 RBIs and 32 steals in 136 games.

“Sometimes you feel it in your bones that you got a day like today in you and I did today,” Crow-Armstrong said.

Crow-Armstrong hit a 435-foot drive to right-center in the first for his eighth career leadoff homer — all this season. He went deep again in the second, sending a two-run shot off the foul pole in right.

It was Crow-Armstrong’s fifth multihomer game this season and No. 11 for his career.

“I think he can change the game in so many different ways,” teammate Alex Bregman said. “I think that one day it’s hitting three homers, the next day it’s making three diving plays or just running down balls that nobody else can go catch out there in center field. Next day, it’s stealing third and the ball going in the left field and him scoring. It’s just so many different things he can do on a baseball field.”

Crow-Armstrong got each of his first three hits off left-hander Andrew Abbott. He is batting .315 with 11 homers and 34 RBIs against lefties this season after he hit just .188 with seven homers and 27 RBIs versus lefties in 2025.

“It’s getting on the dish and learning the strike zone better,” he said. “I’m just, I think I’m getting better naturally as a baseball player overall.”

Batting with runners on first and second in the seventh, Crow-Armstrong hit a 444-foot drive to center off right-hander Tony Santillan. The crowd chanted “M-V-P! M-V-P!” as he rounded the bases.

With Reds catcher Jose Trevino on the mound in the eighth, Crow-Armstrong bounced to second. But the fans cheered anyway, saluting his first career three-homer game with a long ovation.

“The relationship has grown with all these fans,” Crow-Armstrong said, “so I’m just enjoying my time here more and more every day, walking down the street or in my uniform.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Iliman Ndiaye and Richarlison transfer news: Tottenham and Everton in advanced talks over separate deals | Football News

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Tottenham and Everton are in advanced talks over transfers for Iliman Ndiaye and Richarlison.

A potential fee of £60m for Ndiaye – who has rejected multiple new contract offers from Everton – is being discussed, with conversations over personal terms around a switch to north London also ongoing.

Ndiaye, who has scored 17 goals in 74 appearances since joining Everton from Marseille two seasons ago, has also been of interest to Manchester City, but Cody Gakpo – whom Spurs had also targeted – now looks most likely to move to the Etihad.

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Iliman Ndiaye has also been on Man City’s target list for a new forward

Everton want to re-sign Spurs striker Richarlison, with a fee of £35m being discussed.

Folarin Balogun is another forward option Everton are considering, but, as things stand, their full focus is on their former player.

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Richarlison has scored 32 goals in 134 appearances for Tottenham

Richarlison left Merseyside in 2022, joining Antonio Conte’s Spurs side in a £60m deal, but has had a frustrating time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi admitted on Saturday that Richarlison – who scored 53 goals in 152 games for Everton – was one of three players who has asked to leave before the deadline.The other two are Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr.

De Zerbi revealed Richarlison, who is in the final year of his contract, was left out of Saturday’s squad for the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle because he had asked to leave “too many times”.

“Richarlison, I don’t know. He said too many times he wants to leave,” De Zerbi said.

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

De Zerbi also wants to sign a new forward before the deadline. Chelsea’s Pedro Neto has also been on their radar but it looks like they are moving for Ndiaye.

Spurs have spent more than £300m already in this summer’s transfer window. Omar Marmoush was the most recent arrival on a loan with an obligation to buy, joining former Manchester City team-mate Savio at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after the Brazilian signed in an £85m deal.

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Jamie Redknapp looks back at Savio’s stunning debut for Tottenham against Charlton.

Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke arrived earlier this summer for combined fees of £237m. Spurs also added Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers.

Everton continue Grealish talks with Man City

Everton are continuing talks with Manchester City over another deal for Jack Grealish.

The structure of the deal remains quite fluid at this stage, Sky Sports News understands, with Grealish in the final year of his City contract.

Grealish was absent as City beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park on Friday night.

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Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge provides the latest update on Jack Grealish, after Enzo Maresca remained tight-lipped over the midfielders’ future at the club.

Sky Sports News reported earlier this month that Sunderland were exploring a potential move for the forward who spent last season on loan at Everton.

Asked about Grealish’s absence, Maresca said: “I had a chat with Jack [Thursday]. Again, we’ll see what happens in the next 48 to 72 hours. We’ll see.”

Forest move for Armstrong breaks down after fans make feelings clear

Nottingham Forest’s proposed move for Harrison Armstrong from Everton has broken down.

After receiving an approach from Forest, who were willing to pay £40m for the 19-year-old midfielder, Sky Sports News understands the board is unanimous in its decision to not sell the player.

Speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, Everton manager David Moyes said it would be a “club decision” whether Armstrong would be sold.

Asked if the bid for Armstrong should be accepted, Moyes said: “It’s not really a question for just now. It will be a club decision.”

Academy graduate Armstrong started on the south coast to make his 24th Everton appearance.

Travelling fans made clear their feelings on the future of the England U19 international, repeatedly chanting that a sale would leave the club with “a riot” on their hands.

“You always have to consider supporters; supporters aren’t always wrong,” said Moyes.

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Everton.

“Managers have to make decisions on players sometimes and they feels like huge decisions. But there’s sometimes bigger decisions to be made and the club will, I’m sure, make what they think is the right one.

“If I’d say something to them [the fans], I’d say their manager’s an Evertonian.”

16 True Freshmen Shine In USC’s 42-26 Win Over San Jose State

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The No. 14 USC Trojans advanced to 1-0 with a 42-26 win over San Jose State on Saturday, with 16 true freshmen contributing throughout the day.

Ahead of Saturday’s Week 0 game, head coach Lincoln Riley started five true freshmen on the depth chart. Riley started wide receivers Trent Mosley and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, edge rusher Luke Wafle, tight end Mark Bowman and cornerback Elbert “Rock” Hill IV.

Starting quarterback Jayden Maiava was nearly perfect through three quarters of play, going 25-for-29 passing with 289 yards and three touchdowns. Maiava finished last season as the Big Ten’s leading passer and entered this season as an early Heisman candidate.

Mosley hauled in seven receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown, and Dixon-Wyatt added a touchdown pass. Notably, Mosley became the first USC true freshmen receiver to record over 100 receiving yards in his collegiate debut since Juju Smith-Schuster in 2014.

After Maiava finished his time on the field, true freshman Jontez Williams took the field for the final quarter of play, finishing the day going 5-for-7 for 55 yards and one interception.

On the ground, the Trojans running back corps added three touchdowns from running backs King Miller, Shahn Alston and Riley Wormley.

Defensively, Wafle finished with two tackles with .5 tackles-for-loss and one pass breakup as Hill also added a pair of tackles.

Despite a 28-0 lead, San Jose State’s Luke Weaver passed for 234 yards and threw fourth-quarter touchdown passes to Jerry McClure and Jordan Anderson before rushing for a late score.

The Trojans host Fresno State on Friday at 6 p.m. on FOX.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

CFB Related Stories

Emi Martinez transfer news: Chelsea complete signing of Argentina international goalkeeper from Aston Villa | Football News

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Chelsea have signed Emi Martinez from Aston Villa on a three-year deal.

The transfer is worth £7.5m, with Martinez coming in and expecting to be a regular starter at Chelsea.

Martinez said: “I’m delighted to be at this football club.

“Coming to Chelsea, for me and my family, was an easy decision to make and I’m just over the moon – I can’t wait to get started.

“I want to be successful here. I’m someone who wants to win at everything I do and I want to bring that here to this football club because it’s a football club that wins titles, so I think it’s a good match.

“I’m all passion and I play with my heart. I will give 100 per cent every game, every training session to make the club, my team-mates and the supporters proud.”

Sky Sports News reported Chelsea were considering a late move for Martinez after current No 1 Robert Sanchez came under criticism after his error in last Monday’s win at Fulham.

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Jamie O’Hara said he didn’t understand why Chelsea are sticking with Robert Sanchez, adding no side has ever won the Premier League with a ‘bad keeper’.

Martinez had needed to find a new club after Villa signed Zion Suzuki from Parma for nearly £30m.

He was the subject of interest from Juventus but they chose to sign Guglielmo Vicario from Spurs.

Martinez joins Villa exodus

Martinez becomes the latest high-profile player to leave Villa following Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne out of Villa Park, with Ollie Watkins also on the verge of an exit.

The Argentinian joined Villa in 2020 and was a key player in their rise to the top table of English football, culminating in last season’s Europa League success.

Villa said in a statement: “Emi joined the club from Arsenal in 2020 and has been a commanding presence in goal throughout his time at the club, which culminated in him helping Villa win the UEFA Europa League in May.

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“He earned his first international caps while at Aston Villa, going on to win two Copa América titles and a FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

“He was also twice named the world’s number one goalkeeper, picking up successive Yashin Trophies in 2023 and 2024 as well as two The Best FIFA Football awards.

“With his stellar performances and infectious competitive nature, Emi will always be remembered for his part in our recent journey and success and leaves Aston Villa with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club.”

INDYCAR’s Doubleheader Set For Sunday After Rain Delays First Milwaukee Race

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Milwaukee — Alex Palou will have to wait at least one more day before winning his fifth INDYCAR championship.

The Chip Ganassi Racing driver had a shot Saturday in the first race of a doubleheader weekend at The Milwaukee Mile, but rains forced INDYCAR to suspend the race after 90 of the scheduled 250 laps.

With at least 126 laps needed for an official event, the race will resume at 9 a.m. ET on Sunday on FS1.

The second race of the doubleheader is still scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on FOX.

“The weather keeps it real interesting for us,” Andretti Global driver Will Power said on the FS1 telecast.

It could get more interesting Sunday morning, as FOX Weather predicts a 40 percent chance of rain before and a little chance in the afternoon and evening.

INDYCAR hopes to run both races to their 250-lap completion. If the Saturday race doesn’t finish, it will have a cutoff time of 10:25 a.m. ET. Then it will resume three hours after the conclusion of the regularly scheduled Sunday race.

INDYCAR officials say they need three hours between the events for teams that need to change engines or make any other necessary repairs.

Palou entered the race 91 points ahead of Kyle Kirkwood and 110 points of Christian Lundgaard. He needed to be 108 points ahead of both after the first race in order to clinch the crown. All he needs to be ahead after the second race is 54 points as the season ends Sept. 4 at the Laguna Seca road course in Monterey, Calif.

After 90 laps Saturday, Pato O’Ward was the leader, followed by Felix Rosenqvist, Alexander Rossi, Josef Newgarden, Christian Lundgaard and Kyle Kirkwood.

Palou was 13th, one spot behind David Malukas, who had stopped most recently and potentially is in the best position when the race resumes.

As long as it resumes in the morning, teams will not be allowed to add fuel or change tires before the restart of the race.

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Today on Sky Sports Racing: British raiders Into The Sky and Mitbaahy on show at Deauville | Racing News

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

There is plenty of British interest on a quality card at Deauville this Sunday, all live on Sky Sports Racing.

2.50 Deauville – Al Aasy, Mazzala and Arrow Eagle seek Group 2 honours

There’s an open feel to this Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville as Al Aasy takes on Arrow Eagle.

Al Aasy, William Haggas’ veteran nine-year-old, has racked up 12 career wins in a fantastic career stretching back to 2019. He continues to show his enthusiasm for the game, winning at Beverley in July and running a solid third at Goodwood so deserves to step up in class again.

Arrow Eagle represents the soon-to-retire Jean-Claude Rouget and carries the privilege of being his last Group 1 winner, taking the Royal-Oak last year. He might find this easier after being slightly disappointing when weakening in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier.

Mazzala arrives unbeaten in four starts and having claimed Listed and Group 3 events on his last two starts he is a huge danger for Yann Barberot.

3.25 Deauville – British raiders Into The Sky and Mitbaahy clash

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Jim Boyle trains the well-fancied Into The Sky

British pair Into The Sky & Mitbaahy clash in a terrific edition of the Group 3 Prix de Meautry at Deauville.

Jim Boyle’s stable star Into The Sky made a sparkling return this spring when fourth behind Bow Eacho in the 2000 Guineas but could not back that up at Royal Ascot. That defeat was over seven furlongs and he merits respect as he dips in class and trip under top pilot Pierre-Charles Boudot.

Mitbaahy is a solid operator at this sort of level and produced an excellent display to chase home Symbol Of Honour at Newbury on his penultimate run. A neck third in the Stewards Cup next time was another great performance and a repeat would put him in the mix.

Others to consider include fellow UK runners La Brodeuse and Zoum Zoum.

2.55 Yarmouth – Adrestia & Hypnotised among 9 runners

The feature at Yarmouth, the Bodhi Solutions – Exceeding Expectations In Construction Handicap, looks a belter with Hypnotised and Adrestia among nine runners.

The Harry Charlton-trained Hypnotised has proved steadily progressive and was only just denied when second at Newbury last time. A 3lb rise seems fair and he ought to go close under Lewis Edmunds.

William Haggas’ Kinswomen only has a couple of lengths to find with the Charlton runner and makes the shortlist.

Adrestia, the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes winner of 2025, hasn’t been beaten far in a couple of hot handicaps this summer and with her mark sliding another 2lb she should be involved.

DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $200 on College Football Week 0 Win or Lose

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College football is officially back, and you can signup for the DraftKings promo to get in on the Week 0 action with a chance to score $200 in bonuses when you bet $5, win or lose.

From a matchup in Ireland to potential early-season upsets, there’s no shortage of ways to get your college football bets started.

North Carolina vs. TCU gets things rolling, while Memphis vs. UNLV and No. 14 USC vs. San Jose State add even more excitement to the slate. Keep an eye on USC quarterback Jayden Maiava as the Trojans look to make an early statement in their push toward the College Football Playoff.

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Today’s Week 0 Matchups

North Carolina vs. TCU — 12 p.m. ET
San Jose State at No. 14 USC — 3 p.m. ET
NC State at Virginia — 3:30 p.m. ET
Jacksonville State at North Dakota State — 5:30 p.m. ET
Sacramento State at Eastern Michigan — 6:30 p.m. ET
Hawai’i at Stanford — 7 p.m. ET
New Mexico State at Florida State — 7 p.m. ET
Memphis at UNLV — 10 p.m. ET

Things To Know in Week 0

Memphis @ UNLV (10 p.m., FOX)

Spread: UNLV -4.5
Moneyline: UNLV -184, Memphis +152
O/U: 56.5

What To Know: Week 0 ends with a nightcap on FOX featuring Memphis and UNLV facing off in Nevada. The UNLV Rebels come into this contest off a 10-2 regular-season record. Memphis went 8-4 in 2025, including a six-game winning streak to open up the season.

North Carolina vs. TCU (noon, ESPN)

Spread: TCU -8.5
Moneyline: TCU -360, UNC +290
O/U: 46.5

What To Know: The very first game of Saturday’s Week 0 slate is a showdown between the Tar Heels and the Horned Frogs all the way at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. TCU is the heavy favorite. But all eyes will be on Bill Belichick as he tries to lead UNC to a bounce-back season after going 4-8 overall and 2-6 in the conference in 2025. FOX Sports betting analyst Will Hill also explains that bettors might want to keep their eyes on the quarterback play, since both squads are trotting out new starters at the position.

San Jose State @ No. 14 USC (3 p.m., NBC)

Spread: USC -38.5
Moneyline: TBD
O/U: 61.5

What To Know: Can the No. 14 Trojans open up their year with an emphatic win? Based on the odds, USC should easily roll over San Jose State. In fact, Will Hill believes the Men of Troy will “score seven or more touchdowns” as they host the Spartans. Back in 2023, SC put up 56 points on SJSU when the two squads faced off.

NC State @ Virginia (3:30 p.m., ESPN)

Spread: Virginia -4.5
Moneyline: Virginia -182, NC State +150
O/U: 51.5

What To Know: Virginia didn’t earn a preseason ranking in the AP or Coaches Poll, but the Cavaliers did get some votes in both and could be on the verge of breaking through. UVA, however, will give it a go with a new starting QB since last year’s starter signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Buccaneers.

LPGA Tour: Ruoning Yin grabs FM Championship lead after late chip-in as European title challenge fades in Boston | Golf News

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Ruoning Yin produced a final-hole chip-in to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the LPGA Tour’s FM Championship, as European title hopes faded in Boston.

Yin holed her chip from just off the 18th green, having also posted a 20-foot birdie on the par-three 16th, to close a four-under 68 and move to 12 under at TPC Boston.

The five-time LPGA Tour winner holds a slender lead over South Korean duo Sei Young Kim and Hyo Joo Kim, with Somi Lee a further three strokes back alongside American Jenny Bae.

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“I think my swing is in a good spot, my putting and every part of my game I think are pretty good,” Yin said. “I’m just going to play my game. I’m not going to play safe when it’s time to go aggressive.”

This week’s event is the last LPGA Tour tournament before the Solheim Cup, live on Sky Sports from September 11-13, with Team USA trio Lauren Coughlin, Allisen Corpuz and Lindy Duncan all heading into the final day on seven under.

Halfway co-leader Miyu Yamashita dropped six strokes back with a 75, having recorded a nine-stroke victory in Canada on Sunday, while Lottie Woad – the highest-ranked Englishwoman in the field – is on five under after a third-round 70.

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Lottie Woad will make her Solheim Cup debut for Team Europe

Top-ranked Nelly Korda tied-49th after her third straight 72, a shot behind Charley Hull, while European captain Anna Nordqvist sits on one over in her final event before LPGA Tour retirement.

Maguire makes move as Alexander stays ahead in Ireland

Casandra Alexander will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open, after Leona Maguire impressed on home soil.

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Alexander posted a three-under 69 in another rainy day at The K Club, where play was halted for 45 minutes due to adverse weather, moving the South African to 18 under and a step closer to a wire-to-wire win.

The world No 38 has five runner-up finishes this season but now has eyes on a second Ladies European Tour title, with Sara Kouskova her closest challenger after a bogey-free 67.

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Casandra Alexander chases her first win since last year’s Tipsport Czech Ladies Open

“It was a bit of a slow day out there,” said Alexander. “It was tough on and off the golf course with the rain. I had a couple lip-outs, but it was still good. I’m still leading the golf tournament heading into Sunday, so no complaints.”

Sweden’s Kajsa Arwefjall matched the round of the week with a nine-under 63, lifting her to fourth on 13 under ahead of compatriots Corinne Viden and Louise Rydqvist, while Maguire matched Arwefjall’s 63 to jump into a share of sixth.

“I knew there was a low one out there,” Maguire said. “I didn’t really play it that much better today than I did yesterday, I just holed a few more putts and hit it a smidge closer. I still felt like I left a couple out there but it was a nice moving day.”

Watch the final rounds of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open and the LPGA Tour’s FM Championship live on Sunday on Sky Sports. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

Dallas Cowboys Reportedly Acquire Offensive Tackle Broderick Jones From Steelers

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Dallas Cowboys have acquired offensive tackle Broderick Jones, a 2023 first-round draft pick, from the Pittsburgh Steelers, a person with knowledge of the deal said Saturday.

The deal includes an exchange of draft picks, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither team made any official announcements the day before NFL rosters have to be cut down to 53 players.

Pittsburgh is sending Jones and its fourth-round pick in the 2027 draft to the Cowboys, in exchange for Dallas’ third-and sixth-round picks.

The Cowboys have acquired offensive tackle Broderick Jones in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Jones was the 14th overall pick out of Georgia in the 2023 draft. He started 38 of the 45 games he played in three seasons with the Steelers.

The Cowboys have had nagging questions at tackle all of training camp. They need Terence Steele, going into his seventh season, to find the form from earlier in his career and for Tyler Guyton to develop as expected in his third season.

The move for Jones indicates they are concerned on both fronts, and with their depth at tackle since none of the others stood out in camp or preseason games.

Jones missed the final six games last year after an awkward hit to his neck on Nov. 23 against Chicago. He then went on injured reserve and had season-ending fusion surgery that required a lengthy rehab.

When the Steelers declined to pick up Jones’ fifth-year option and selected Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick in this year’s draft, they sent out an unsubtle hint. They were laying the groundwork to move on from the player they once viewed as a major foundational piece.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Tour Championship: Viktor Hovland leads heading into final day as Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy keep FedExCup hopes alive | Golf News

August 30, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Viktor Hovland takes a one-shot lead into the final round of the Tour Championship, as Scottie Scheffler stayed in contention and Rory McIlroy kept his FedExCup hopes alive.

Hovland produced a birdie-birdie finish to post a five-under 65 at East Lake, lifting the 2023 FedExCup champion to 15 under and with a narrow advantage over playing partner Ryan Gerard.

The halfway co-leaders were chased down by a star-studded chasing pack during a thrilling Saturday at the PGA Tour’s season finale, with world no 1 Scottie Scheffler three shots back in third spot and chasing a second FedExCup title.

Scheffler is joined on 12 under by Chris Gotterup, Adam Scott and Ludvig Åberg, who produced a three-birdie finish to his third-round 65, as McIlroy jumped to tied-seventh after setting the early clubhouse target with a round-of-the-day 63.

McIlroy sits five strokes back alongside Cameron Young as he searches for a record-extending fourth FedExCup title, with all 29 players in the field under-par heading into the final round.

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Rory McIlroy reflects on charging up the leaderboard with a third-round 63 at East Lake

How Hovland edged ahead in FedExCup battle

Gotterup quickly made it a three-way tie with a birdie at the third, as Hovland – playing with Gerard – took advantage of the same hole but failed to get up and down from the sand to save par at the next.

Young birdied two of his first six holes to also get to 10 under, while McIlroy charged through the field and made four birdies in a six-hole stretch in his back nine to increase the logjam for the lead.

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Cameron Young had charged up the leaderboar with a round-of-the-day 62 on Friday

McIlroy had been eight back earlier in his round but set the clubhouse target, moments before Gotterup briefly claimed the solo lead, before Hovland and Gerard both took advantage of the par-five sixth to edge ahead on 11 under.

Gerard added another birdie from nine feet at the seventh and traded pars with Hovland around the turn, before doubling his advantage over a congested chasing pack by holing from 12 feet at the 12th.

Image:
Ryan Gerard has previously only won once on the PGA Tour at last year’s Barracuda Championship

Hovland converted from a similar distance to birdie the next and nailed a 15-footer to match Gerard’s par at the 14th, then picked up a shot at the 15th to pull level with his playing partner on 13 under.

Both players saved par at the 16th and Hovland claimed the outright lead with an eight-foot birdie at the 17th, before the pair traded birdies at the par-five last to ensure they would go out in the last group again on Sunday.

“Super pleased,” Hovland said. “65 out there, especially with that finish, I’m super happy with that. I’d say the last few weeks I have been putting a lot better, but it’s been hard to put together consistently good days in a row. It’s been just one of those weeks where I’ve been able to put it together every single day for three days.

McIlroy fights back to stay in FedExCup mix

The Masters champion was seven off the halfway lead and showed little sign of a title push when he scrambled a par at the first and made a three-putt bogey at the second, only to birdie his next two holes and take advantage of the par-five sixth.

Image:
Rory McIlroy has previously won the FedExCup in 2016, 2019 and 2022

McIlroy added another from 10 feet at the par-four seventh but failed to take advantage of the driveable eighth, then saw a close-range birdie at the 10th cancelled out by a dropped shot at the next.

The world No 2 picked up a shot from eight feet at the 12th and holed three birdie chances of 12 feet on longer in consecutive holes from the 15th, seeing him equal his lowest career round at East Lake.

Image:
Rory McIlroy’s nine birdies equalled his most in a round this season on the PGA Tour

“I got myself back in the tournament,” McIlroy said. “I think the difference today was I just putted a lot better. I think I lost maybe a combined three (shots) on the greens over the first two days and I probably gained over three on the greens today.

“The ball striking has been there. Hit some nice iron shots, drove it well for the most part. I felt like I played okay the last couple days, just wasn’t getting as much out of my game as I wanted to. I pieced it together today and obviously with a better score.”

Who will win the FedExCup? Watch the final round of the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship live on Sunday from 5pm on Sky Sports Golf. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

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Jaguars Acquire QB Quinn Ewers In Trade With Dolphins

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Jacksonville Jaguars added to their quarterback room on Saturday as they acquired Quinn Ewers in a trade with the Miami Dolphins.

Jacksonville sent a sixth-round pick to Miami to complete the deal.

The prize for the Jaguars, Ewers, brings starting NFL experience and a decorated college career to Duval County. In 2025, Ewers started three games for the Dolphins once the franchise was eliminated from playoff contention and decided to bench starter Tua Tagovailoa. He completed 66.3% of his passing attempts for 622 yards and three touchdowns.

The Dolphins selected Ewers in the 7th round of the 2025 NFL Draft following a trip to the College Football Playoff semifinals with Texas in 2024. Ewers led the SEC with 31 passing touchdowns, and boosted the Longhorns to victories over Clemson and Arizona State in the CFP, before losing to the eventual-champions, Ohio State.

Quinn Ewers threw for 283 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Texas’ CFP semifinals loss to Ohio State in 2024. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)

He helped Texas reach the CFP semifinals in 2023, as well.

Ewers appeared in Miami’s first preseason game against Washington, but sustained a groin injury and has been sidelined since.

Seemingly, Jacksonville saw enough in his 2025 regular-season tape. Despite acquiring Ewers, Jacksonville’s hope is not to deploy him in the same inconsequential situation Miami did last season. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars are looking to improve on a 13-4 season in Year 1 with head coach Liam Coen. Bringing in Ewers gives them an added layer of security at the NFL’s most important position, so that if he were called upon to start, he could help the team continue to contend.

He joins a QB room that includes Lawrence and veteran Nick Mullens, and Ewers will be on track to be Lawrence’s direct backup. Miami, on the other hand, boasts a quarterback room including Malik Willis, Cam Miller and rookie Mark Gronowski.

Jacksonville opens the NFL season hosting the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 13, while the Dolphins play the Las Vegas Raiders.

Arthur Fery: Brits hopes of landing maiden ATP Tour title at Winston-Salem Open ended by Peruvian Ignacio Buse with US Open starting Sunday | Tennis News

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Arthur Fery’s hopes of landing his maiden ATP Tour title at Winston-Salem Open was ended in emphatic fashion by Peruvian Ignacio Buse on Saturday.

From 3-3 in the first set, Fery lost six straight games before eventually going down 6-3 6-2 to Buse.

The promising 22-year-old clinched his second trophy of the season having lifted his maiden tour-level trophy at the ATP 500 event in Hamburg.

Fery was aiming to add to his already memorable season having reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

With his spot in the Winston-Salem final, 24-year-old Fery has moved up to a new career high of No 33 in the live rankings, overtaking Cameron Norrie as the British No 1 in doing so.

Eight weeks ago, Fery was outside the top 100.

More to follow…

This is a breaking news story that is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh this page for the latest updates.

Sky Sports brings you live updates as they happen. Get breaking sports news, analysis, exclusive interviews, replays and highlights.

2026 NASCAR Odds: Joey Logano Favored For Regular-Season Finale At Daytona

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale will race this weekend at Daytona, as the Coke Zero 400 gets the green flag on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The week after Daytona, the postseason will begin. And this year, that looks a little different now that Cup has returned to The Chase format.

Will the favorite Joey Logano capture the checkered flag or will a long shot emerge from the field this weekend?

Here are the odds for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Aug. 29.

NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 2026

Joey Logano: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Ryan Blaney: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
William Byron: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
Austin Cindric: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)
Tyler Reddick: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Chris Buescher: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total)
Chase Elliott: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Chase Briscoe: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Carson Hocevar: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
Kyle Larson: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Bubba Wallace: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Brad Keselowski: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Denny Hamlin: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Ryan Preece: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Christopher Bell: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Ross Chastain: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Ty Gibbs: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Corey Heim: +3300 (bet $10 to win $340 total)
Erik Jones: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Alex Bowman: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Shane van Gisbergen: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Todd Gilliland: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)

Austin Hill: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Zane Smith: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Josh Berry: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Austin Dillon: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)
Michael McDowell: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)
Connor Zilisch: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Daniel Suárez: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Riley Herbst: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
John Hunter Nemechek: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Noah Gragson: +7500 (bet $10 to win $760 total)
Ty Dillon: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
AJ Allmendinger: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Cole Custer: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Cody Ware: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Casey Mears: +12500 (bet $10 to win $1,260 total)
Joey Gase: +40000 (bet $10 to win $4,010 total)
Daniel Dye: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)

Here’s What To Know About The Oddsboard:

The Favorite

Joey Logano is the slight favorite for Daytona.

Joey Logano enters the final race of the regular season as the slight favorite. He will start ninth in the field at Daytona. And when it comes to the overall standings, Logano’s sitting ninth there as well. So far this season, he’s got nine top 10s, five top fives, one pole and two wins.

One To Watch

Ryan Preece is hoping for a great day at Daytona.

Ryan Preece is just below the cutline to make The Chase, but he’s got one more shot this Saturday to sneak into the postseason. According to FOX Sports motorsports insider Bob Pockrass, Preece “will need a heck of a day at Daytona” if he wants to make The Chase. Preece has no wins, no poles and no top fives. But he does have five top 10s in 2026. He finished 25th at this track back in February but finished 14th here in August 2025.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

NASCAR is returning to The Chase postseason format. So which drivers are in, out or on the bubble?

England vs Pakistan: Dan Lawrence’s brilliant 50 lifts hosts to 357-run lead, as rain causes havoc on day three at Lord’s | Cricket News

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

England advanced to a healthy 357-run lead over Pakistan on a frustrating rain-affected third day of the second Test at Lord’s, as Dan Lawrence (50no) brought up an impressive half-century.

Lawrence battled hard to acclimatise to the uneven bounce on the Lord’s pitch, but would surge to a superb 64-ball half-ton, which included a booming six to long-on, and lead England to a score of 177-7 at stumps.

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Lawrence smashed a booming six on his way to his 64-ball half-ton

Intermittent showers delayed proceedings for almost three-and-a-half hours on Saturday morning, with Emilio Gay and Harry Brook eventually returning to the field to bat at 2.20pm.

Mohammad Abbas took full advantage of the conditions, which were highly conducive to the pace bowlers, utilising the pitch’s uneven bounce to jag the ball left and right and take impressive figures of 3-48.

Gay and Brook struggle in tricky conditions

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Mohammad Abbas left Emilio Gay stunned after pinning him lbw with a low-bouncing delivery

Gay’s time at the crease would be short-lived, with Abbas pinning the England opener lbw with an unplayable delivery in the second over of the day.

The England batter, who fought brilliantly on Friday evening, will feel hard done by the delivery after the ball skidded off the surface, bouncing low under his bat and onto his back pad.

After another rain delay, Brook (34), who had thought his way through his innings, edged Abbas behind to Mohammad Rizwan standing up to the crease.

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Harry Brook was caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan off an Abbas delivery

It was more excellent play from Abbas, who had played his four previous balls down the off side, before coming down much straighter to Brook, jagging the ball away to the off side.

With Rizwan up to the stumps, Brook couldn’t get closer to the pitch of the ball and nullify its lateral movement, with the Yorkshireman ultimately edging behind.

While dark clouds loomed low over the Home of Cricket, the rain held off for another four overs before Abbas produced another jaffa to remove Jamie Smith (7).

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Sky Sports Cricket’s Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain discuss why Test matches aren’t lasting as long

This time, the ball nipped towards Smith’s leg stump, and the wicketkeeper drove forward, pushing an inside edge to Shan Masood, who took the catch comfortably.

An early tea was called as rain began to fall again, but three balls after the break, Pakistan reduced England to 162-7, with Mohammad Ali forcing Gus Atkinson (7) to step across his crease before pinning him on the front pad.

Only 1.5 more overs were bowled before the heavens opened again and the grounds staff raced onto the pitch with the covers.

Fans waited for the players to return to the field and the sun finally broke through the gloom, but farcically, play was abandoned just after 6.30pm due to bad light.

Watch day four of the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord’s live on Sky Sports Cricket on Sunday from 10.15am. Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream no contract

Underdog Fantasy Promo Code FOXSPORTS: Play $5, Get $50 on College Football Week 0

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

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College football is back, and Underdog Fantasy is giving new users a reason to jump into Week 0. Use promo code FOXSPORTS, play $5 and get $50 in bonus funds to kick off the 2026 season.

From North Carolina vs. TCU to Memphis vs. UNLV and No. 14 USC vs. San Jose State, there are plenty of matchups to build your Week 0 entries around. Can Jayden Maiava and the Trojans make an early statement in their College Football Playoff push?

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Today’s Week 0 Matchups

North Carolina vs. TCU — 12 p.m. ET
San Jose State at No. 14 USC — 3 p.m. ET
NC State at Virginia — 3:30 p.m. ET
Jacksonville State at North Dakota State — 5:30 p.m. ET
Sacramento State at Eastern Michigan — 6:30 p.m. ET
Hawai’i at Stanford — 7 p.m. ET
New Mexico State at Florida State — 7 p.m. ET
Memphis at UNLV — 10 p.m. ET

College Football Week 0 Top Games Schedule

Memphis at UNLV

Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas

College football’s first FOX game of 2026 gets the late window in Las Vegas. Memphis and UNLV have never met, giving Week 0 a fresh matchup between programs with new-era expectations.

Charles Huff makes his Memphis debut opposite Dan Mullen, who begins his second season at UNLV. Rebels running back Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas enters the year as the Mountain West’s preseason all-conference selection at his position. The game also marks UNLV’s first regular-season appearance on FOX.

North Carolina vs. TCU

Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
Time: Noon ET
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN Unlimited – Get the FOX One / ESPN Bundle
Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Week 0 opens overseas with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. It is the first international game in North Carolina history and TCU’s first game outside the United States. The matchup also gives the teams a second consecutive season-opening meeting.

North Carolina running back Demon June arrives on the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list. TCU counters with safety Jamel Johnson, a Bednarik Award watch-list selection who gives the Horned Frogs a proven playmaker on the back end.

San Jose State at No. 14 USC

Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
Time: 3 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Stream: Peacock
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles

USC is the only AP-ranked team in this four-game guide, opening at No. 14 in the preseason poll. The Trojans begin at home against a San Jose State team led by Ken Niumatalolo.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava enters the season with Big Ten preseason honors and control of the USC offense. San Jose State gets an immediate national-stage test before moving into the rest of its September schedule.

NC State at Virginia

Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN, with an alternate presentation on ACC Network
Stream: ESPN Unlimited – Get the FOX One / ESPN Bundle
Location: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, Virginia

The first ACC game of the season stayed in Week 0 after receiving an NCAA waiver, even after the matchup moved from Rio de Janeiro to Charlottesville. It will be the 1,400th game in Virginia football history.

NC State quarterback CJ Bailey enters the year as a team captain and a Walter Camp and Maxwell Award watch-list selection. Virginia linebacker Kam Robinson is the only returning semifinalist from the 2025 Butkus Award field.

Liverpool 2 – 2 N Forest

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Victor Munoz thumped in a deflected leveller to rescue a point for Liverpool in a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.

Andoni Iraola was heading towards defeat in his first Anfield Premier League game in charge of Liverpool when Morgan Gibbs-White converted a debatable penalty with 20 minutes to play. But summer signing Munoz put an otherwise frustrating first appearance in front of his new home fans behind him with an emphatic equaliser.

A first win with Liverpool still remains elusive for Iraola, having seen his side also come from behind to draw 2-2 at Newcastle last weekend. He will hope the seemingly imminent arrival of £120m Bradley Barcola can kickstart their season.

Winger Munoz had moved to the right flank just a few minutes before his strike, after Cody Gakpo, who had impressed on that side despite transfer links with Tottenham and Man City, was subbed off. The Dutchman’s low cross through the six-yard box had been tapped in by the otherwise anonymous Alexander Isak earlier in the second half as Liverpool put a poor first 45 behind them.

Image:
Liverpool’s Alexander Isak celebrates scoring their first goal of the game

Iraola’s side struggled to deal with the direct approach of Forest for much of that opening period, with a long ball from Matz Sels proving their undoing in the build-up to Dan Ndoye’s opener.

Image:
Dan Ndoye scores to make it 1-0 to Nottingham Forest

The defending from Liverpool for that goal was poor but Forest boss Oliver Glasner will ultimately rue missed chances in that half, with a stunning stop from Alisson just before half-time to push Igor Jesus’ shot onto the bar proving key.

It was an entertaining, action-packed draw – but a frustrating one for both sides, who continue to look for their first league wins of the season.

More to follow…

The key moments from Anfield

12: BLOCK! Dan Ndoye nods down Ola Aina’s back-post cross but Igor Jesus’ attempt to turn it in is blocked by a big stretch from Liverpool centre-back Jeremy Jacquet!

19: CLOSE! Ndoye meets James McAtee’s cute, clipped cross at the back post but steers his header across goal and wide of the other stick.

24: GOAL! Ndoye finishes across Alisson after Jesus latches onto a long ball from Matz Sels and feeds Morgan Gibbs-White to find Ndoye in the box.

33: GOAL RULED OUT! Florian Wirtz thinks he’s pulled Liverpool level after intercepting a McAtee pass and converting from Jeremie Frimpong’s pass – but a VAR check judged Frimpong offside before he made the assist.

39: WHAT A SAVE! Cody Gakpo crosses from the right but Wirtz’s good header is tipped over the bar by Sels.

Gakpo starts despite transfer uncertainty

Cody Gakpo – who started and scored last weekend at Newcastle – started again for Liverpool despite doubts over his future at the club.

Victor Munoz replaced Rio Ngumoha on the right and Alexis Mac Allister came into midfield for Ryan Gravenberch.

45: OVER! Munoz bends one narrowly over the bar! He had to hit the target.

60: GOAL! Alexander Isak taps in Gakpo’s low cross from close range to equalise.

70: GOAL! Gibbs-White sends Alisson the wrong way with a penalty to restore Forest’s lead after the goalkeeper brought down Neco Williams after a quick throw from Liam Delap.

Image:
Liverpool’s Victor Munoz scores their side’s second goal of the game

82: GOAL! Munoz thumps in an equaliser off the underside of the bar, with the help of a deflection off Murillo. Wirtz with the pass into him and the assist.

85: CLOSE! Dominik Szoboszlai so close to a free-kick winner but whips his shot past the post.

Gibbs-White delivers again

In 2026, only Bruno Fernandes (4 goals, 14 assists) has been involved in more Premier League goals than Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White (13 goals, 4 assists), with Gibbs-White’s 13 goals the most of any player this calendar year.

Analysis: Was the Forest penalty call correct?

Mike Dean on Soccer Saturday:

“He’s knocked it over the goalkeeper and Alisson has caught him slightly.

“There’s not much else he can do. It’s like a coming together.

“But once it’s given, it’s not going to be overturned because it’s not a clear and obvious error from the referee.”

Clinton Morrison on Soccer Saturday:

“I just thought it was a shot going wide. It’s harsh. I don’t think there’s a lot of contact.

“There’s nothing he can do. He’s coming out to get the ball.”

Hutchinson not involved for Forest

Omari Hutchinson was not in the Forest squad. Sky Italy reported this week that AC Milan are exploring a deal to sign him.

Xaver Schlager started in midfield instead of Ibrahim Sangare, who was not involved at all.

Iraola: First half not good enough

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola to TNT Sports:

“Not the result you want. Two very different halves. We were poor in the first half. Even being unlucky with their goal slightly VAR offside, the goal we score is slightly offside.

“The intensity was different [in the second half]. A lot more intense, a lot more threatening. I was happy with the second half but it was late for winning the game.

“First half has been poor, it’s definitely not good enough. When you go 1-1 the momentum is with you. We concede another one and everything becomes difficult. And we couldn’t finish the comeback.”

Analysis: Will Liverpool cash in on in-form Gakpo?

Sky Sports’ Peter Smith:

Cody Gakpo has attracted interest from Tottenham and Man City and with Deadline Day fast approaching his future is far from certain. The impending arrival of Bradley Barcola has also fuelled talk that the Dutchman will be heading for the exit.

But at the same time, Gakpo has been one of Liverpool’s best performers during their stuttering start to the season. He scored at Newcastle last weekend and could have had more. On Saturday he put Isak’s goal on a plate with a sumptuous cross after getting in down the right.

The switch of flanks from his favoured left side didn’t deter him and he was Liverpool’s brightest spark during the first half when they otherwise struggled. That versatility is a trait which is important to Iraola with the way he likes his wingers to operate.

This early-season good form from Gakpo, though, could soon be continued in a different club’s shirt, should Liverpool receive an offer and opt to cash-in before 11pm on Tuesday. His impactful performances could convince his admirers to make their bid.

Glasner: Proud of performance, disappointed with result

Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner:

“Overall the performance was top, especially first half, creating so many chances here at Anfield. I really loved the reaction after we conceded the equaliser, we still played forward and were rewarded with the penalty.

“We feel proud of the performance – but also disappointed with the result. This tells us a lot. A lot of positives to take but still a lot of work to do.”

What the result means and next fixtures…

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How to Watch Memphis at UNLV: TV Channel, Streaming, Start Time

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

College football is back on FOX, and Saturday night’s Week 0 spotlight belongs to Memphis at UNLV. The Tigers and Rebels meet for the first time at Allegiant Stadium, with kickoff set for 10 p.m. ET on FOX and live streaming available on FOX One.

How to Watch Memphis at UNLV

Date: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas

What to Know About Memphis at UNLV

The late FOX window brings a fresh start for both teams. Memphis opens the Charles Huff era after adding 81 newcomers, including 61 transfers, while Dan Mullen begins Year 2 at UNLV after guiding the Rebels to a 10-4 record and a spot in the 2025 Mountain West Championship Game.

There is no history to lean on here. This is the first meeting between Memphis and UNLV, and both teams enter with quarterback questions still being sorted out. That puts extra weight on the proven playmakers around them.

College Football Week 0 Picks The Truth About Belichick & North Carolina’s Season Opener

Bear, Geoff, and Sammy preview Week 0, share best bets, and look ahead to Week 1.

Players To Watch

Memphis rebuilt the roster for Charles Huff’s first season, but Dallan Hayden gives the offense one proven place to start. The redshirt senior brings 1,185 career rushing yards and eight touchdowns into the opener, valuable experience while the Tigers sort through their new pieces. His work Saturday can shape the entire game. If Hayden keeps Memphis ahead of the chains, he can take pressure off the quarterback rotation, quiet the crowd and keep UNLV’s offense on the sideline. A steady night from Hayden would give Memphis exactly the kind of foundation it needs in Huff’s debut.

J’Mond Tapp followed Huff from Southern Miss after piling up 7.5 sacks and earning first-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2025. Now he gets the first chance to set the edge for a Memphis defense featuring plenty of new faces. The matchup puts him directly in the path of UNLV’s biggest strength: a rushing attack led by 1,000-yard back Jai’Den Thomas. If Tapp wins on early downs and makes the Rebels play from behind the sticks, he can simplify the night for the Tigers’ rebuilt defense. Memphis needs disruption up front, and Tapp is built to provide it.

Jai’Den Thomas is the engine of the UNLV offense until somebody proves otherwise. He ran for 1,036 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while averaging 7.0 yards per carry, then added 39 catches for 237 yards and another score. That all-around production makes him a tough opening assignment for a Memphis defense assembled largely through the transfer portal. Thomas can punish a missed fit between the tackles or turn a short throw into a chunk play. If he gets rolling early, the Rebels can keep their quarterbacks in comfortable situations and make Memphis chase the game.

Jake Pope gives UNLV an experienced organizer on the back end against a Memphis offense full of new personnel. The senior safety finished 2025 with 81 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception and five pass breakups. His value Saturday goes beyond the box score. Pope has to identify formations, keep explosive plays in check and make sure the Rebels tackle cleanly in space. If he sees the Tigers’ plan quickly, UNLV can force Memphis to earn every yard instead of handing the new-look offense easy momentum in the first game of the Huff era.

College Football Related Stories

Can I Stream Memphis at UNLV on FOX One?

Yes. FOX One streams Memphis at UNLV live. Coverage begins Saturday at 10 p.m. ET.

Follow the full college football schedule for game times, TV information and updates throughout the season.

F1 driver contracts: How long are Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and other Formula 1 stars signed for? | F1 News

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

A look at how long each Formula 1 driver’s contract is believed to be, as it stands in 2026, amid the potential for some key moves heading into the 2027 season.

McLaren

Lando Norris – 2030

Lando Norris agreed a contract extension in August 2026 to stay at McLaren until at least the end of 2030, with options to extend beyond that season.

Norris has been with McLaren since his F1 debut in 2019 and became world champion in 2025.

Oscar Piastri – 2028

Oscar Piastri signed a new multi-year contract extension ahead of the 2025 F1 season that will keep him at McLaren until the end of 2028.

Mercedes

George Russell – 2027

Officially, Mercedes announced George Russell only for 2026 after speculation throughout last summer.

But, Sky Sports News understands Russell signed a multi-year contract so will be with Mercedes until at least the end of 2027.

Kimi Antonelli – 2027

Mercedes confirmed Kimi Antonelli will remain for 2026 at the same time as their October announcement regarding Russell’s future.

Sky Sports News understands, like Russell, Antonelli signed a long-term deal that will keep him at Mercedes for at least a third campaign in 2027.

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Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli superbly won the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix

Red Bull

Max Verstappen – 2030

Max Verstappen ended speculation about his future by signing a new Red Bull contract in August 2026 that will see him stay with the team until the end of 2030.

Verstappen citied the possibility of V8 engines returning, confidence in Red Bull and racing in other motorsport categories as some of the reasons behind his new deal.

Isack Hadjar – 2026

Isack Hadjar will be the seventh driver in the last eight years to try their hand at being Verstappen’s team-mate at Red Bull following his impressive rookie campaign at Racing Bulls.

Hadjar’s future will be largely dictated around how close he is to Verstappen, regardless of how strong the RB22 is.

Ferrari

Charles Leclerc – 2028

Charles Leclerc penned his latest Ferrari deal in June 2026. As with his previous agreement, announced in January 2024, the team did not publicly comment on the length of his contract, simply saying that it secured Leclerc’s future at Maranello “for the coming seasons”.

That would take Leclerc up to at least the end of 2028, while there may also be options beyond that to extend further too.

Lewis Hamilton – 2027

Lewis Hamilton’s shock announcement in February 2024 to join Ferrari in 2025 was one of the biggest F1 transfer deals in the sport’s history.

Ferrari announced the move as a multi-year deal. Hamilton provided more clarity on the precise length of that term when he confirmed at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix that he also had a contract in place for at least 2027, which would be his third year at the team. Sky Sports F1 understands Hamilton also holds a unilateral option for 2028 too.

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Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton claimed his first win in red at the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix

Williams

Alex Albon – 2027

Williams announced during the 2026 summer break a one-year contract extension for Alex Albon that will keep him with the team until the end of 2027.

The short-term nature of the deal perhaps reflects concern in Albon’s camp over the team’s lack of progress, but also a lack of realistic alternatives being available to him.

Carlos Sainz – 2028

A day after Albon’s extension was announced, Williams revealed that Sainz had agreed a multi-year extension that appears to tie the Spaniard to the team until at least the end of the 2028 season.

The “multi-year” nature of the deal came as a something of a surprise given Sainz had publicly expressed doubts over remaining with Williams given their poor start to the 2026 season.

Racing Bulls

Liam Lawson – 2026

Liam Lawson will look to establish himself as the lead driver at Racing Bulls against rookie Arvid Lindblad and should he really impress Red Bull, it should not be ruled out about the possibility of him being in contention to return to the main team.

If that’s not possible, Lawson may talk to other teams to secure a spot on the 2027 grid, but he must first deliver some strong results.

Arvid Lindblad – 2026

British teenager Lindblad is the only rookie on the 2026 grid after impressing Red Bull in his three practice outings last year, finishing sixth in first practice in Mexico City.

The 18-year-old just needs to ensure he does not make any big mistakes and if can match, or beat, team-mate Lawson, at the very least he will have a second season at Racing Bulls.

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Watch as F1 drivers reunite to take their class of 2026 season photo

Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso – 2026

Fernando Alonso agreed a contract extension in April 2024 to remain with Aston Martin until at least the end of the 2026 F1 season.

Alonso is the oldest driver on the grid and will turn 45 later this year, which would make him the first driver to compete in Formula 1 at that age since Graham Hill in 1975.

Aston Martin appear to be on the backfoot, so there will naturally be questions about whether Alonso will retire at the end of this season.

Lance Stroll – 2026

Lance Stroll is the only driver in the field whose contract details are largely unknown, partly because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, and appears to have a seat for as long as his father remains in that position.

Stroll has been outperformed by Alonso during their three seasons together but Aston Martin formally announced in June 2024 that the Canadian has a deal for “2025 and beyond”.

Haas

Oliver Bearman – 2026

Oliver Bearman’s first full F1 campaign in 2025 saw a mixture of high-profile mistakes and lightning speed – with the latter aspect leading to speculation over whether he could replace Hamilton at Ferrari in the future.

Haas are unlikely to be front-runners in F1 any time soon, so at 20 years old, Bearman could be a key name in the driver market this season, should he impress on the track.

Esteban Ocon – 2026

Esteban Ocon’s stock has fallen slightly over the last two years after a disappointing end to his time at Alpine in 2024 and being outperformed by Bearman at Haas in 2025.

Ocon will aim to get on top of Bearman in the inter-team battle, which could be important given both drivers have not been confirmed for 2027.

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Oliver Bearman discusses his ambition to one day be in a Ferrari seat, but admits he’s ‘just getting started’ with Haas

Audi

Nico Hulkenberg – 2026

Nico Hulkenberg signed a multi-year contract when he joined Sauber, which is now Audi, in 2025 which means he does not necessarily have a seat beyond this season.

Hulkenberg still seems to enjoy F1 and has not shown any signs of retiring despite being a father and 38 years old.

Gabriel Bortoleto – 2026

Gabriel Bortoleto perhaps did not hit the heights many expected after winning the F3 and F2 titles in his rookie seasons on his way to F1.

Bortoleto improved as 2025 went on and is still one of the best young talents on the grid, so it will be in Audi’s best interests to keep the 21-year-old.

Alpine

Pierre Gasly – 2028

Pierre Gasly announced a new contract last September to stay at Alpine until at least the end of 2028, having joined the team in 2023.

Gasly has established himself as the lead driver at Alpine and a more competitive car this year could see him cause some surprise results when the top teams trip up.

Franco Colapinto – 2027

Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan just six rounds into the 2025 season and recovered from a shaky start to his Alpine career to earn a seat for this season.

The Argentine has impressed Alpine enough to retain his seat for a second full campaign in 2027.

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Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater sits down with Franco Colapinto to discuss his new contract at Alpine

Cadillac

Sergio Perez – 2027

Sergio Perez returns to F1 this year with newcomers Cadillac after a season out of the sport and will be with the American outfit for at least two seasons.

Although Perez was only confirmed for 2026, Sky Sports News understands he signed a multi-year deal.

Valtteri Bottas – 2027

Valtteri Bottas is also understood to have agreed a multi-year contract that will see him be with Cadillac until at least the end of 2027.

Just like Perez, he spent 2025 on the sidelines but will be hoping to add a few more highlights to his F1 career.

F1 driver contracts

Expire at end of 2026
Expire at end of 2027
Expire at end of 2028
Expire at end of 2030

Fernando Alonso
Kimi Antonelli
Oscar Piastri
Max Verstappen

Lance Stroll
George Russell
Pierre Gasly
Lando Norris

Esteban Ocon
Lewis Hamilton
Carlos Sainz

Oliver Bearman
Alex Albon
Charles Leclerc

Nico Hulkenberg
Franco Colapinto

Gabriel Bortoleto
Valtteri Bottas

Liam Lawson
Sergio Perez

Isack Hadjar

Arvid Lindblad

Watch all 24 race weekends from the 2026 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime

Tarik Skubal Gets Mixed Reception From Tigers Fans In Tearful Return To Detroit

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Tarik Skubal was welcomed with cheers and a smattering of boos in his return to Detroit, where he pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers against his former team for the first time since the middling franchise traded him to the two-time defending World Series champions.

When the visitors’ lineup and Skubal were shown on the videoboard and his name was announced before the first pitch, most of the crowd at Comerica Park clapped for the two-time Cy Young Award winner while some jeered him.

The Tigers showed a video montage from his seven-season career with the team and posted a message at the end: Thank you, Tarik.

Skubal did not appear to react to the tribute or the crowd, which included many fans standing as he walked from the bullpen beyond the left-field wall to the Dodgers’ dugout with a white towel draped around his neck.

In a crowd that had mixed emotions about Skubal’s return, a couple young fans had fitting outfits sporting white Tigers jerseys with 29 and Skubal on the back — and a blue Dodgers hat.

When the left-hander jogged to the mound to pitch for the first time as a visitor in the Motor City, booing fans were heard first followed by more cheers from fans in the stands.

His first pitch was delayed because he appeared to have trouble with his communication device.

After throwing a 96-mph fastball for a ball, Gleyber Torres hit Skubal’s second pitch to center for a double and the crowd roared in unison.

Skubal settled in, striking out Hao-Yu Lee and All-Star Kevin McGonigle and getting All-Star Dillon Dingler to fly out.

“It’s weird to see him on the other side,” McGonigle said before the game.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said the team’s familiarity with Skubal might not be helpful at the plate.

“If anybody knows him, it’s us,” Hinch said. “You can know everything about a pitcher, that doesn’t make it easy to hit.”

The 29-year-old Skubal was drafted by Detroit out of Seattle University in the ninth round of the 2018 draft and spent his entire career with the Tigers until they dealt him earlier this month.

Skubal said in July that it was his preference to finish the season with the Tigers and to compete for a World Series championship, which has eluded the franchise since 1984. The Tigers, though, thought it was wise to trade him before the deadline to acquire three minor league prospects instead of likely losing him in free agency.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Lando Norris: McLaren driver signs contract extension until 2030 with target of more world championships | F1 News

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris has extended his contract with McLaren until at least 2030.

The 26-year-old Brit’s previous extension, which was announced ahead of the start of the 2024 season, was understood to tie him to the team until at least the end of 2027.

He will now stay at McLaren for at least another four seasons with the extended deal to the end of 2030 including “a multi-year option to commit beyond that date”.

Norris claimed the 2025 title to become Britain’s 11th world champion, and the first McLaren driver to triumph since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.

Saturday’s announcement of the new deal follows Norris winning last weekend in the Netherlands to claim the 13th Grand Prix victory of his F1 career.

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Watch Lando Norris’ roller-coaster season so far, which has seen several DNFs and race wins, putting him in the mix to challenge for the title.

Norris said: “McLaren is my home, and I’m very pleased to be signing a new contract to keep me with the team until at least 2030.

“When I started this journey nine years ago, I was clear about the goals I wanted to achieve: to get McLaren back to the front and to win championships.

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“We’ve achieved that goal, but we want more, we want to keep on winning, and we know as a team that we’re capable of achieving it.”

Norris at McLaren: The story so far

Race debut: 2019 Australian Grand Prix
Starts: 163
Wins: 13
Podiums: 48
Pole positions: 18
Best season finish: World champion, 2025

Team principal Andrea Stella described Norris as “an exceptional driver, someone who combines outstanding natural speed with maturity, consistency and a strong commitment to McLaren”.

“But above all, he is a special human being who is valued by everyone in the team,” added Stella.

“Since joining McLaren as part of our junior programme, he has grown with us and played a central role in bringing the team back to the front of Formula 1.”

After McLaren, the reigning constructors’ champions, failed to claim a Grand Prix win across the opening 10 rounds of the season, Norris has won back-to-back races to reignite hope that he could yet defend his title.

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The moment Lando Norris became F1 2025 World Champion!

Norris is fourth in the drivers’ standings, 83 points back from leader Kimi Antonelli with 11 rounds remaining. Norris must also leapfrog Antonelli’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who both trail the Italian by 59 points.

Norris is driving his eighth season for McLaren, having been given his F1 debut by the team as a 19-year-old in 2019. His 163 Grand Prix starts are a team record, with Norris having surpassed fellow Brit David Coulthard’s mark of 150 at last year’s Qatar Grand Prix.

McLaren’s other driver, Oscar Piastri, last year signed a contract extension that ties him to the team until at least the end of the 2028 season.

McLaren were briefly linked with a move for Max Verstappen earlier this summer, but the four-time world champion recently ended speculation over his future by signing a contract extension – also until 2030 – with Red Bull.

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Lando Norris hunted down Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton to take the race lead at the Dutch Grand Prix.

On Norris’ contract, Stella added: “This extension gives us important continuity and reinforces our confidence in the direction we are taking together.

“With him and Oscar, we know we can count not only on one of the strongest partnerships but also on one of the most united and close-knit teams in Formula 1.”

Chief executive Zak Brown said: “[Norris’] journey with the team is a fantastic example of our commitment to identifying, developing and supporting world-class talent, and his achievements speak for themselves.

“Together with Andrea, Oscar and the wider team, Lando has helped drive McLaren into a new papaya era of success… We are extremely excited about what lies ahead and remain fully focused on continuing to compete for wins and championships.”

‘Four more years fighting for championships’

Norris has played a key role in helping McLaren transition from being a midfield team when he joined to returning to the front of the grid.

He and Piastri led the team to a first constructors’ title for 26 years in 2024, before adding his maiden drivers’ title the following season after coming out on top of an intense battle with his team-mate and Verstappen.

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An emotional Lando Norris looks back at his career up until his World title win in Abu Dhabi.

Asked during an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News whether it was an easy decision to sign an extension, Norris replied: “I would say so.

“After what we’ve achieved the last two years, over just the fun that we’ve had together since 2019, nowhere else I want to be, to be honest with you.

“I know we can achieve a lot more together here, exactly where I am, and I’m very excited about our future together.”

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Lando Norris celebrates becoming World Champion with tears, doughnuts and hugs!

Norris is open to the idea of spending his whole career at McLaren, and says he would be “so proud” to leave F1 having only driven for the Woking squad.

“I don’t know what the future holds,” Norris said. “I still, of course, believe that we can win more as a team and win more constructors’ and more drivers’ championships, and that’s why I want to stay here.

“But they are also the only team I’ve ever been with and the team that I love, and I call this place my home. So, if I do end up just doing my whole career in McLaren, that’s something I’ll be so proud to say and to carry with me through the rest of my life.

Formula 1 2027 field

Team
Driver
Driver

Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli
George Russell

Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton
Charles Leclerc

McLaren
Lando Norris
Oscar Piastri

Red Bull
Max Verstappen
???

Racing Bulls
???
???

Alpine
Pierre Gasly
Franco Colapinto

Haas
???
???

Audi
???
???

Williams
Carlos Sainz
Alex Albon

Aston Martin
???
???

Cadillac
Sergio Perez
Valtteri Bottas

“But I don’t know what point I want to go to as a driver. Whether I want to be 30 or 40, 50. I don’t know that state yet.

“So, I’m just very, very pleased to, of course, announce I’ll be here for four more years and four more years fighting for wins and championships, hopefully.”

Formula 1 heads to Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix on September 4-6, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

Memphis vs. UNLV Prediction, Odds, Pick For College Football Week 0

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The long wait is over. College football is finally here.

A new era for Memphis football begins in the desert.

The Tigers will travel to Las Vegas to face UNLV on Saturday, in a Week 0 matchup on FOX, marking the first game of the Charles Huff era at Memphis.

Huff takes over one of the most consistent Group of Six programs in the country after the Tigers went 8-5 last season. Memphis posted a 50-25 record over the past six seasons under Ryan Silverfield, who left for the Arkansas head coaching job. Huff comes to Memphis after engineering an unbelievable one-year turnaround at Southern Miss, taking a team that went 1-11 in 2024 to a 7-5 record and bowl eligibility in 2025.

Now, Huff has completely reshaped the Tigers’ roster. Memphis brought in 53 transfers, including 17 players who followed Huff from Southern Miss, giving the Tigers the second-ranked transfer class in the American Conference. One of the biggest questions entering Week 0 is at quarterback, where former highly touted recruits Air Noland and Marcus Stokes are battling for the starting job. Huff has yet to name a starter for Week 0.

Meanwhile, UNLV enters the season with much more continuity at the top. Dan Mullen returns for his second season after leading the Rebels to a 10-4 record and an appearance in the Mountain West Championship Game in 2025.

The Rebels were one of the nation’s better rushing teams last season, averaging 195.5 yards per game on the ground, and leading rusher Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas returns. UNLV also added former five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold, who will start for the Rebels on Saturday night, while bolstering its roster through the transfer portal with 33 former Power Four players.

With two talented rosters and plenty of new faces, this Week 0 matchup could carry major College Football Playoff implications, as both teams could be vying for the Group of Six spot in the field.

Let’s take a look at the odds for Memphis vs. UNLV at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Aug. 29.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Memphis @ UNLV Odds

Moneyline

UNLV: -192 (bet $10 to win $15.21 total)
Memphis: +160 (bet $10 to win $26 total)

Spread

UNLV -4.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
Memphis +4.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)

Over/Under

Over 56.5: -108 (bet $10 to win $19.26 total)
Under 56.5: -112 (bet $10 to win $18.93 total)

Memphis @ UNLV Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research

There should be plenty of offense in the Week 0 nightcap on FOX. With Thomas returning for a UNLV rushing attack that ranked 15th in the country in 2025 with 2,737 yards, and Colorado transfer Dallan Hayden expected to be the starting running back for Memphis, these two teams should feature two of the most efficient G6 ground attacks this season. The biggest reason to like the Over, however, is UNLV’s defense. The Rebels allowed 419.1 yards per game last season and ranked 117th nationally in total defense. They were especially vulnerable to explosive plays, allowing 52 scrimmage plays of at least 25 yards, the second-most in the country, while also finishing tied for fourth in plays allowed of 40+ yards. Memphis’ defense has also been almost completely rebuilt through the transfer portal, creating plenty of uncertainty entering Week 0 after several starters followed Silverfield to Arkansas. With two talented offenses and major question marks on both defenses, expect explosive plays and plenty of points in Las Vegas.

The Pick: Over 56.5 Total Points

How to Watch Memphis vs. UNLV

Date: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Chepstow, Windsor and Saratoga | Racing News

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We have an action-packed day’s racing on Saturday with flat action from Chepstow, Windsor and Saratoga, live on Sky Sports Racing…

6.30 Windsor – Ghostwriter, Tenability and Silawi headline

The feature event on a splendid card at Windsor sees Ghostwriter and Tenability headline nine runners for this Listed August Stakes.

Ghostwriter has attracted a lot of attention since Amo bought him for £2 million back in June 2025 and he has yet to reward his connections. A classy operator at his peak, he showed he might be building towards a big performance when fourth at Goodwood and this looks a good fit.

Silawi, winner of the Grade One Canadian International at Woodbine last year, ran a cracker when runner-up in the Jebel Hatta in January but has not hit those highs since. Well beaten in Germany last month, he will hope to bounce back at a track that suits.

Tenability shoulders a three-pound penalty for his Tapster Stakes success at Goodwood but usually runs his race, while Warrant Holder is another for each-way players to ponder.

4.30 Windsor – Debut winner Crown And Two bids to go 2-2

Debut winner Crown And Two bids to remain unbeaten in the opening Matchbook Betting Exchange Supporting UK Racing Novice Stakes at Windsor.

The Tom Clover-trained colt created a fine impression when landing a Newmarket novice 23 days ago and he rates the one to beat if handling these slower conditions.

George Boughey’s Arthur Carrot broke slowly when second to Mithaaly at this track earlier this month and he should be sharper on this occasion.

Others to note include William Haggas’ twice-race Bulletsnap while Blue Victory remains capable of better after his debut fifth.

4.40 Chepstow – Recent winners Minster Man and Roxa Love clash

Last-time winners Minster Man and Roxa Love clash in a cracking Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Novice Stakes at Chepstow.

Minster Man chased home the useful Evenfall on debut before landing a Musselburgh novice with plenty to spare. A fine big type, he will be expected to improve again and could defy an opening mark of 85.

Roxa Love built on her debut when outpointing Henley On Thames at Brighton and with that rival winning at York last week, she must be of interest under Pat Cosgrave.

Eve Johnson Houghton’s Crazee In Havana rates best of the rest.

Best of the rest

5.00 Windsor – The in-form Under The Twilight features among nine runners for fair Class Four contest.

5.45 Chepstow – A fascinating contest with the beautifully-bred colts Flight Tracker, Mainshock and Saxon Lodge involved.

7.10 Caulfield – Group One Memsie Stakes – Jimmysstar and Cosmic Crusader headline.

10.40 Kentucky Downs – Grade One Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf Sprint Stakes – Sayidah Dariyan represents Richard Hughes. Ag Bullet bids to win this again.

8.19 Saratoga – Grade One H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes – Englishman a warm order for Cherie DeVaux.

8.55 Saratoga – Grade One Personal Ensign Stakes – Fully Subscribed and Scottish Lassie feature.

9.33 Saratoga – Grade Two Lake Placid Stakes – Charlie Clover saddles Flowerhead.

10.11 Saratoga – Grade One Forego Stakes – Book’em Danno will be a short-price fav.

10.49 Saratoga – Grade One Resorts World Casino Ballerina Stakes – Ways And Means headlines.

11.35 Saratoga – Grade One DraftKings Travers Stakes Golden Tempo, Renegade and Sea Strike contest a red-hot heat.

Cam Schlittler, Yankees Win Game 1 Of Pivotal Rivalry Series Against Red Sox

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

NEW YORK — There’s no better grudge match in professional sports.

The Yankees and Red Sox opened a pivotal four-game series on Friday night in the Bronx, separated by just two games in the AL East, both chasing October dreams with real urgency and little margin for a bad weekend.

These are the types of games where neither team can afford to make costly, fundamental mistakes. But the Red Sox couldn’t help themselves, committing a baserunning error to halt their momentum in the fifth inning, and the Yankees maintained their focus throughout the series opener to win 1-0.

New York tends to play better behind right-hander Cam Schlittler, the Massachusetts native who toed the rubber against his favorite childhood team and notched 200 career strikeouts on Friday.

“I think the division is wide open,” Schlittler said after striking out eight, walking five and allowing two hits against Boston. “Tampa’s got a couple games on us. Boston’s right behind us. I think we separate ourselves from Boston this weekend and it puts us in a good spot. And we got a really big series against Tampa down the road. It’s wide open. I think we had a good opportunity last year, and it obviously ended in a tie. It’s frustrating. We gotta make sure we put ourselves in a position where that doesn’t happen again.”

(Photo by Benjamin B. Braun/Getty Images)

Boston strutted into Yankee Stadium having gone 41-14 since a June sweep of the Yankees dragged them out of last place. New York just dropped a series to Houston and has struggled to find any offensive consistency with Aaron Judge on the shelf with a rib fracture since the end of May.

Whether it’s Aaron Boone’s walk-off home run in the 2003 ALCS, Dave Robert’s stolen base in the 2004 ALCS, Derek Jeter crashing into the stands, Pedro Martinez shoving Don Zimmer to the ground, David Ortiz’s home run in extra innings, or Mariano Rivera blowing the save, this historic rivalry has always found a way of making regular-season games feel like October baseball. Yet again this weekend, both dugouts had real reason to feel the floor shifting underneath them. Both clubs are addicted to drama when they clash.

(Photo by Benjamin B. Braun/Getty Images)

The Red Sox entered the weekend with the edge, leading the season series 5-4. All they have to do is split the four-game series to hold the tiebreaker advantage for home field in a potential wild-card series matchup against the Yankees. Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy didn’t shy away from the fact that it’s important for the club to play at Fenway Park in a potential wild-card series. Playing at home is a real advantage in a short series, he said.

“The dynamic of the offense changed,” Tracy said of what has propelled the club these last two months. “The swing decisions, and grinding out at-bats, drawing walks, that’s what changed. We went from a team that was having a lot of trouble scoring runs to a team that scores the most runs. So, for me, the offensive identity is what flipped the most.”

Trailing 1-0, Boston had Schlittler on the ropes in the fifth inning after No. 9 hitter Anthony Seigler worked a leadoff walk and Cedanne Rafaela laced a single up the middle to put the go-ahead run on first. The bullpen started to get loose as Schlittler’s pitch count approached 90. Right on cue, the Yankees turned an unusual double play to help their ace escape the jam.

Wilyer Abreu flew out to center fielder Trent Grisham, who chucked the ball to second base. Jazz Chisholm quickly turned and fired to first to catch Rafaela napping several steps off the bag. Just your casual 8-4-3 double play to keep Schlittler in the game for another inning.

Again, in the sixth inning, it was the Yankees’ sharper defense that helped preserve their miniscule one-run lead when Cody Bellinger threw Rafaela out at home from left field to end the inning and Boston’s threat.

The Yankees’ specialists against southpaws were out in full force in the series opener. Friday was the first time New York faced a left-handed starter in three weeks. With southpaw Patrick Sandoval on the mound, that suggested it would likely be a good day for veteran Paul Goldschmidt at the plate. And Heliot Ramos, too, the Yankees hoped.

It took only two at-bats for Goldschmidt to figure Sandoval out.

In the third inning, the Yankees’ leadoff man slugged a jaw-dropping 430-foot solo shot to the deep left field bleachers to give the Bombers a 1-0 lead that would end up being the difference. Yankees captain Aaron Judge popped out of the dugout and spilled onto the field to applaud Goldschmidt for hitting a very Judgian home run. The relief on Goldschmidt’s face was blatant; he hadn’t played since Aug. 21 against the Blue Jays due to the parade of right-handed starters the Yankees have faced for the majority of this month.

With a slew of Red Sox lefties on the docket in this four-game series, this is supposed to be Ramos’ time to shine, too.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman picked up Ramos at the trade deadline to help the lineup do more damage against southpaws. Ramos came to the Bronx with an .832 OPS against lefties, compared to a .683 OPS against righties. He has struggled mightily at the dish since donning the pinstripes. Ramos entered Friday batting .111 with one RBI and 19 strikeouts in 17 games with the Yankees. With Sandoval, Jake Bennett and Ranger Suarez representing three left-handers who are all on the mound for the Red Sox this weekend, this series is as good an opportunity as any for Ramos to get going. He drew a couple of walks against Sandoval but that never materialized into a run.

“Great, great win,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Tonight’s a great peek where, especially with a doubleheader lurking, it’s just like everything matters. Every little thing matters. A guy getting on base and extending a situation, all those things add up.”

(Photo by Benjamin B. Braun/Getty Images)

It’s uncanny that Boston’s season turned around when they swept the Yankees at home at the end of June. Their playoff odds plummeted to the lowest they’ve been all year right before the Bronx Bombers visited Fenway Park. Then the Red Sox went on an incredible run, winning 20 of their next 22 games, which included a historic 15-game winning streak, to finally push them over .500 and settle as clear buyers just ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

When it looked like Boston had all these attractive pieces to sell, including closer Aroldis Chapman and veteran starter Sonny Gray, it went ahead and shocked the industry with the most surprising trade of the deadline. The Red Sox agreed to send a five-player package to Baltimore to acquire three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman in a blockbuster move that signaled their aggressive push for a deep postseason run.

The Yankees, also in need of an upgrade at catcher, targeted Rutschman at the deadline, but Cashman was unwilling to meet the Orioles’ demands for the talented backstop. New York failed to address its need in the bullpen, too, which is making this four-game set all the more tense for the Bombers. The relief corps is constantly walking a tightrope with a lack of depth arms and a new injury to set-up man Fernando Cruz. With the Yankees offense struggling to score runs in a Judge-less world, the entire pitching staff has to be nearly perfect every night.

And that’s exactly what it took on Friday as the Yankees used three relievers after Schlittler’s scoreless performance to keep the Red Sox off the board. It took heads-up plays, a pitching wall, and Goldschmidt’s solo homer to come out on top in the first of four enormous games in the Bronx.

“Any division game, especially closing in on September, is always important,” Bellinger said. “Coming out today, our pitchers did a great job of keeping us in that game. It’s nice to get the first one.”

US Open 2026: Order of Play and match schedule for Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium and more | Tennis News

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Take a look at Sunday’s opening singles order of play at the US Open, Flushing Meadows, New York.

(All times are BST – seeds in brackets – British players in bold)

Arthur Ashe Stadium

(from 5pm)
[3] Jessica Pegula (USA) vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse (ROU)
[7] Daniil Medvedev vs Hugo Gaston (FRA)

(from midnight)
Mariano Navone (ARG) vs [4] Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Venus Williams (USA) vs Sofia Kenin (USA)

Louis Armstrong Stadium

(from 4pm)
[19] Jasmine Paolini (ITA) vs Veronika Erjavec (SLO)
Coleman Wong (HKG) vs [20] Tommy Paul (USA)

(from midnight)
Talia Gibson (AUS) vs Solana Sierra (ARG)
[15] Alexander Bublik (KAZ) vs JJ Wolf (USA)

Grandstand

(from 4pm)
[18] Jiri Lehecka (CZE) vs Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)
[11] Marta Kostyuk (UKR) vs Storm Hunter (AUS)
Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) vs Denis Shapovalov (CAN)

(not before 10pm)
[26] Emma Navarro (USA) vs Lois Boisson (FRA)

Court 5

(from 4pm)

Talia Gibson (AUS) vs Donna Vekic (CRO)
Luca Van Assche (FRA) vs [29] Cameron Norrie (GBR)
Carol Young Suh Lee (USA) vs Katie Boulter (GBR)
Martin Landaluce (ESP) vs Jacob Fearnley (GBR)

Court 6

(from 4pm)
Renata Zarazua (MEX) vs Polina Iatcenko
Emiliana Arango (COL) vs Xinyu Wang (CHN)
Thiago Agustin Tirante (ARG) vs Adrian Mannarino (FRA)
[27] Tomas Martin Etcheverry (ARG) vs Vit Kopriva (CZE)

Court 7

(from 4pm)
Sho Shimabukuro (JPN) vs [26] Arthur Rinderknech (FRA)
Lucrezia Stefanini (ITA) vs Dayana Yastremska (UKR)
Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) vs Rei Sakamoto (JPN)
Kimberly Birrell (AUS) vs Petra Marcinko (CRO)

Court 10

(from 4pm)
Dino Prizmic (CRO) vs Aleksandr Shevchenko (KAZ)
Toby Samuel (GBR) vs Tomas Machac (CZE)

Court 11

(from 4pm)
Yibing Wu (CHN) vs Adam Walton (AUS)
Elvina Kalieva (USA) vs Lanlana Tararudee (THA)
McCartney Kessler (USA) vs [18] Ekaterina Alexandrova
Sebastian Gorzny (USA) vs Raphael Collignon (BEL)

Court 12

(from 4pm)
Kamil Majchrzak (POL) vs Hamad Medjedovic (SRB)
Lloyd Harris (RSA) vs Jack Kennedy (USA)
Hanne Vandewinkel (BEL) vs Karolina Pliskova (CZE)
Taylah Preston (AUS) vs Alycia Parks (USA)

Court 13

(from 4pm)
Daniel Merida (ESP) vs Marton Fucsovics (HUN)
Jaume Munar (ESP) vs Terence Atmane (FRA)

Stadium 17

(from 4pm)
Kamilla Rakhimova (UZB) vs [27] Barbora Krejcikova (CZE)
Shuai Zhang (CHN) vs [31] Leylah Fernandez (CAN)
Jaime Faria (POR) vs Jenson Brooksby (USA)

(not before 10pm)
Alex Michelsen (USA) vs Federico Cina (ITA)

After Last Season’s Early Exit, Nebraska Volleyball Has Something To Prove

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Nebraska women’s volleyball team continues to dominate the Big Ten and the sport itself. But last season’s early exit in pursuit of a national championship leaves the team wanting more.

The Cornhuskers finished the year 33-1 after an upset loss to No. 7 seed Texas A&M – who went on to win the national championship – in the Elite Eight regional finals last year. The defeat kept Nebraska out of the national semifinals for the first time since 2002.

The early exit came as a shock to Cornhuskers’ fans, who had grown accustomed to their semifinals’ appearance for years on end. But the players responded with a second consecutive season with no outgoing transfers and key retention ahead of the 2026 season. If it’s time to prove any sort of volleyball dominance, now seems like a good time.

Under second-year coach Dani Busboom Kelly and plenty of key pieces returning, the Cornhuskers are back in full force to reclaim volleyball dominance.

Entering the season as the No. 1 team in the nation, Nebraska returned stars like outside hitters Harper Murray and Skyler Pierce, setter Bergen Reilly and middle blocker Andi Jackson. Reilly and Jackson finished the year with AVCA First-Team All-American honors.

Murray led the team in kills with 379 and added 34 service aces. Jackson trailed Murray with her 288 kills and 16 total service aces.

What’s also worth noting is that Nebraska spent around $7 million on their 2026 roster – the most of any NCAA women’s volleyball program. While the Cornhuskers had zero outgoing transfers for a second season in a row, Nebraska brought in transfer opposite Allie Sczech from Baylor, who’s primed to help fill the roles of Rebekah Allick and Taylor Landfair, after exhausting their eligibility.

Allie Sczech (3) and Nebraska women’s volleyball celebrate a point. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

The Cornhuskers have appeared in the national semifinals 18 total times, and have six appearances in the championship game. However, Nebraska has not won a national title since 2017, when it defeated Florida 3-1.

This season, the Cornhuskers open up their season with a competitive nonconference slate as the nation’s No. 1 ranked team. On Sunday, Nebraska will face No. 2 Texas for a renewed rivalry at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The matchup marks the first time the two powerhouses have met since the 2023 national championship, when Texas defeated the Cornhuskers in straight sets.

A win over the Longhorns would be a strong start for the Cornhuskers’ 2026 campaign and their journey to a national title.

Arthur Fery: Britain’s Wimbledon hero reaches Winston-Salem Open final after his opponent James Duckworth retires injured | Tennis News

August 29, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Wimbledon star Arthur Fery continued his dream summer by reaching the final of the Winston-Salem Open on Friday.

Fery has paved his way through the ATP 250 event with a couple of routine wins over Cruz Hewitt and qualifier Mees Rottgering, and then a three-set victory over Aleksandar Kovacevic in the quarterfinals

And the 24-year-old advanced to the final after Australian James Duckworth – a player he also defeated in Cincinnati just two weeks ago – retired through injury with Fery leading 6-4 1-2.

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The Briton went on a fairy-tale Wimbledon semi-final run earlier this summer and he is set for a new career high Monday. Eight weeks ago, Fery was ranked outside the top 100.

Fery will take on Peruvian Ignacio Buse in the final on Saturday Sky Sports Tennis from 9pm BST, the world No 36, who held off Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi 6-2 4-6 6-1 to reach his second ATP Tour final.

The highest seed remaining in North Carolina, Buse’s career highlight came in May when he claimed his first tour-level trophy at the ATP 500 in Hamburg.

A year ago Buse was ranked No 135 but he will be seeded at the US Open where he is slated to face American Marcos Giron in the first round.

Fery, who is set to make his main draw debut at the US Open starting on Sunday, faces a tough task against Italy’s world No 14 Lorenzo Musetti in the opening round.

How to Watch 2026 INDYCAR Milwaukee Mile Doubleheader: Start Times, TV, Streaming

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The INDYCAR season rolls into the Milwaukee Mile for its only doubleheader of 2026. The Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 opens the weekend Saturday, Aug. 29, with FOX coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. The Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 follows Sunday, Aug. 30, with FOX coverage starting at 1 p.m. ET.

Kyle Kirkwood carries the momentum after winning the Freedom 250 in Washington, while Alex Palou arrives with a 91-point championship lead and a chance to clinch his fifth title this weekend. Both 250-mile races take place on the historic short oval, with Sunday closing the final oval weekend of the season.

How to Watch the 2026 INDYCAR Milwaukee Mile Doubleheader

Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250

Date: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One
Location: Milwaukee Mile at Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, Wisconsin

FOX coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. ET. The green flag is scheduled for 2:50 p.m. ET.

Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250

Date: Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One
Location: Milwaukee Mile at Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, Wisconsin

FOX coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET. The green flag is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. ET. Broadcast times are subject to change.

2026 INDYCAR Milwaukee Mile Weekend Schedule

All times Eastern.

Friday, Aug. 28

Practice: 6 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)

Saturday, Aug. 29

Qualifying: 11 a.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 Coverage: 2:30 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 Green Flag: 2:50 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Sunday, Aug. 30

Warmup: 10:15 a.m. ET (FOX One)
Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 Coverage: 1 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 Green Flag: 1:20 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

INDYCAR Related Stories

What to Know About the Milwaukee Mile

The Milwaukee Mile sits on the grounds of Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisconsin. The 1.015-mile oval opened in 1903, making it the world’s oldest continuously operating motor speedway. It features 9 degrees of banking in the turns.

Drivers cannot stay flat through the corners, so the short oval drives more like a road course. The track rewards cars that can rotate through the turns without giving up speed on the straights.

How Long Are the Milwaukee Mile Races?

Both races are scheduled for 250 laps and 250 miles. Saturday opens the only doubleheader on the 2026 INDYCAR schedule, while Sunday closes the weekend and serves as the final oval event of the season.

Who Is Leading the INDYCAR Championship?

Palou enters Milwaukee with 553 points, 91 ahead of Kirkwood. Christian Lundgaard is third with 443 points, followed by David Malukas with 411 and Pato O’Ward with 399.

Three races remain, including both Milwaukee events, and Palou can clinch his fifth INDYCAR championship during the doubleheader.

NTT INDYCAR SERIES: Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington DC Highlights 🇺🇸 INDYCAR on FOX

Check out the best moments from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES:Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington DC with commentary from Will Buxton, Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe!

Who Won the Most Recent Milwaukee Mile Race?

Christian Rasmussen won at Milwaukee in 2025 after passing Palou with 16 laps remaining. It was Rasmussen’s first INDYCAR victory.

Who Won the Most Recent INDYCAR Race?

Kirkwood won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. on Aug. 23. Watch the full highlights from the most recently completed INDYCAR race below.

Follow the Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 and Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 on FOX Sports for the latest race information and results.

Hungarian Darts Trophy: Beau Greaves just loses out to Rob Cross in last-leg decider on European Tour debut | Darts News

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Beau Greaves took Rob Cross to a last-leg decider before losing out 6-5 on her European Tour debut in the first round of the Hungarian Darts Trophy.

Rising star Greaves, 22, made history by becoming the first woman to compete in a PDC European Tour event after qualifying last month for both this weekend’s event in Budapest and the Czech Darts Open in September.

And she pushed the experienced Cross to a deciding 11th leg in a thrilling tie on Friday evening, averaging an impressive match-best of 104.88.

Cross, who played well himself with an 101.9 average, had made a flying start to the match with a 170 first-leg checkout but Greaves, who is dominating the PDC women’s series, quickly showed her competitiveness and took the next two legs.

She moved one more leg away from victory at 5-4 but Cross hit back to win the final two legs, with Greaves left to rue mistakes with her first two darts when left with 70 in the decider.

Image:
Rob Cross is eyeing his first European Tour title since 2024

Cross seized his first chance at victory by taking out 61, with the 35-year-old to now play Luke Woodhouse in Saturday’s second round.

Earlier on Friday evening and Hungary’s own Laszlo Kadar had caused the upset of the night by beating Daryl Gurney 6-5. Kadar will now play Jonny Clayton in Saturday’s second round.

Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen all enter the tournament in round two.

Who will win this year’s BoyleSports World Grand Prix? World No 1 Luke Littler will be defending his title and you can watch all the action from September 28-October 4, live on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with no contract.

Polymarket Promo Code FOX: Get a $20 Bonus for Any College Football Week 0 Matchup

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

College football is finally back tomorrow, with Week 0 kicking off the 2026 season. New users can use Polymarket promo code FOX to get a $20 bonus and trade on the games they’re most excited about.

Kickoff begins with North Carolina vs. TCU in Ireland as the Tar Heels look to avenge the beatdown the Horned Frogs gave them last year in the first game of the Bill Belichick era.

North Dakota State makes its official FBS debut as the Bison take on Jacksonville State. Then, No. 14 USC takes on San Jose State, while UNLV faces Memphis in a game airing on FOX.

NC State vs. Virginia adds an ACC matchup to the slate, with the Cavaliers coming off an ACC Championship Game appearance last season. Hawai’i vs. Stanford is another intriguing matchup after Hawai’i upset the Cardinal in last year’s opener.

With several games kicking off in the first weekend of the season, Week 0 gives college football fans a taste of what’s to come in the 2026 season. Use the Polymarket promo code FOX to take advantage of the $20 welcome bonus.

For more information and full terms and conditions, visit our Polymarket promo code page.

How to Claim the Polymarket Promo with Code FOX

Click here to download the Polymarket app on iOS or Android.
Create a new Polymarket account using your email address.
Enter promo code FOX in the promo code or invite code field during registration.
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Your $20 trading bonus will be credited to your account automatically after the qualifying deposit.

Week 0 CFB: No. 14 USC vs. San José State

*Probability is subject to change*

TeamsChanceYesNoUSC Trojans99%99¢1¢San José State Spartans1%1.8¢99¢

Week 0 CFB: UNC vs. TCU

*Probability is subject to change*

TeamsChanceYesNoTCU Horned Frogs77%77¢25¢North Carolina Tar Heels25%25¢77¢

Week 0 CFB: Memphis vs. UNLV

*Probability is subject to change*

TeamsChanceYesNoUNLV Rebels65%65¢37¢Memphis Tigers37%37¢65¢

Week 0 CFB: NC State vs. Virginia

*Probability is subject to change*

TeamsChanceYesNoNC State Wolfpack39%39¢63¢Virginia Cavaliers63%63¢39¢

More markets available on Polymarket.

College Football Week 0 Top Games Schedule

Memphis at UNLV

Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas

College football’s first FOX game of 2026 gets the late window in Las Vegas. Memphis and UNLV have never met, giving Week 0 a fresh matchup between programs with new-era expectations.

North Carolina vs. TCU

Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
Time: Noon ET
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN Unlimited – Get the FOX One / ESPN Bundle
Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

San Jose State at No. 14 USC

Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
Time: 3 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Stream: Peacock
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles

USC is the only AP-ranked team in this four-game guide, opening at No. 14 in the preseason poll. The Trojans begin at home against a San Jose State team led by Ken Niumatalolo.

NC State at Virginia

Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN, with an alternate presentation on ACC Network
Stream: ESPN Unlimited – Get the FOX One / ESPN Bundle
Location: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, Virginia

Ibrahim Mbaye transfer news: Aston Villa reach verbal agreement to sign PSG and Senegal forward | Football News

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Aston Villa have reached a verbal agreement with Paris Saint-Germain to sign winger Ibrahim Mbaye.

A figure in the region of £47m has been agreed between the two clubs after Villa moved to bring in the 18-year-old due to missing out on AC Milan forward Rafa Leao to Galatasaray.

Sky Sports News reported in March that Villa were one of the Premier League clubs considering a move for Mbaye.

Liverpool also explored a potential deal for Mbaye this summer. However, they have since pursued a move for Mbaye’s teammate, Bradley Barcola.

Mbaye predominantly plays on the right wing and made 24 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG last season, scoring three goals and adding two assists.

Emery on transfer plans before Deadline Day

It has been a summer of upheaval for the Villa squad after losing Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne. Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez also look set to leave the club.

Alejandro Garnacho, Johan Manzambi, Leon Goretzka, Joao Gomes, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Matteo Ruggeri have all arrived, while a deal has also been agreed to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea before an agreement was reached for Mbaye.

Speaking ahead of Villa facing Arsenal, live on Monday Night Football, Unai Emery was asked about the club’s transfer plans ahead of Deadline Day on September 1.

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Unai Emery has admitted that Aston Villa are about to begin a ‘new chapter’ after the departure of Ollie Watkins and the imminent arrival of Nicolas Jackson.

“We took some decisions because it’s good for the club. We tried to compete as good as possible, but some situations are clear,” he said.

“It’s the right way and decision. We don’t want to be a club to sell players, but our responsibility is there. For the club it’s a good deal.

“It’s not changing our priorities to be competitive. We must be the same. Strong development with the players.

“I am confident and positive. The players we are signing are good players. We need to get balance with experience and players with huge potential.

“Of course, I want to keep some players, the ones who help us to be successful. But I accept it because I have experience before in the same situation.

“I expect to continue to do special and different ways. The objective is to get progressively in the same way. We will need time.”

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Take a look at Nicolas Jackson’s goals for Bayern Munich in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season.

Emery on Watkins exit and Jackson arrival

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery confirmed Ollie Watkins’ departure and the imminent arrival of Nicolas Jackson in his press conference.

Emery revealed Watkins apologised after he missed the Brighton defeat and said the striker made a mistake. He is set to join Al Hilal in a £50m deal.

Villa have lined up Jackson from Chelsea as his replacement, with a £65m deal all that remains to be completed following his medical on Thursday.

Emery said: “Watkins said sorry after Brighton. He made a mistake. He always had good behaviour in the club and with me. He’s a fantastic guy. I told him ‘bye’, with a huge hug and a small cry.

“Now it’s a new chapter with Nicolas Jackson. Of course, all the best for him in Saudi. We are replacing him.”

Jackson signed in time to play Monday? “Hopefully.”

2026 College Football Week 0 Preview: Best Games To Watch This Weekend

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This weekend marks the beginning of college football season, starting at Week 0.

Here are five contests to watch this weekend, along with what to know about Saturday’s games (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook as of Aug. 28).

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

(All Times ET)

North Carolina vs. TCU (noon, ESPN)

Spread: TCU -8.5
Moneyline: TCU -360, UNC +290
O/U: 46.5

San Jose State @ No. 14 USC (3 p.m., NBC)

Spread: USC -38.5
Moneyline: TBD
O/U: 61.5

NC State @ Virginia (3:30 p.m., ESPN)

Spread: Virginia -4.5
Moneyline: Virginia -182, NC State +150
O/U: 51.5

Hawaii @ Stanford (7 p.m. ACCN)

Spread: Stanford -4.5
Moneyline: Stanford -192, Hawaii +158
O/U: 48.5

What To Know: Stanford led most of this game last season before falling to the Rainbow Warriors, 23-20. Can the Cardinal avenge their loss from 2025? Considering they’re playing on their home field and are returning more starters than Hawaii, the Cardinal could be in a good position to win this catchup straight up (SU).

Memphis @ UNLV (10 p.m., FOX)

Spread: UNLV -4.5
Moneyline: UNLV -184, Memphis +152
O/U: 56.5

Sarah Taylor: England fielding coach says role has been ‘strange’ but ‘amazing’ and enjoying working with Jamie Smith | Cricket News

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Sarah Taylor says her landmark role as England men’s fielding coach has been “strange” but “amazing” and that she is loving working with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

Former England women’s player Taylor, regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers the game has seen, began her role with the senior men’s side team this summer, following coaching stints with England Lions, Sussex and in The Hundred.

The 37-year-old is the first woman to coach an England men’s side in a major sport.

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Taylor is the first woman to coach an England men’s side in a major sport

Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket’s Ian Ward prior to day two of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s, Taylor said of her job: “It is a bit strange but what’s brilliant about these guys is that they just call me coach.

“That’s exactly what you want. I am entering their space so I have to respect their space. I have genuinely loved it, felt so welcome.

“It has been a normal transition into the Lions set-up and then this set-up. The boys have been amazing and I cannot complain at all.”

‘Smith is a project and knows what he needs to do’

Smith’s glovework has been largely immaculate this summer, with the Surrey man often asked to move up to the stumps to the seamers, a trend in the global game and one Australia and New Zealand have deployed against England in recent series.

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England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith has impressed with his glovework of late

Taylor said of the England wicketkeeper: “Jamie has been very clear on what he wants to achieve and where he wants to go with his keeping. He is a project and he knows what he needs to do.

“It is just little tinkering changes here and there. His stood-up stuff has definitely improved and his movement as well.

“We get on extremely well and clicked straightaway, which is a blessing as a coach. I have loved it, it has been an absolute dream.”

On wicketkeepers coming up to the stumps more generally, Taylor added: “A few years ago the wicketkeeper standing up was a punch to a bowler’s ego, whereas now it is seen as a real positive.

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Sarah Taylor: ‘A few years ago the wicketkeeper standing up was a punch to a bowler’s ego. Now it is seen as a real positive’

“You are trying to enhance those bowlers’ skills, especially when the ball is nipping around and the wicket is helpful for that.

“Wicketkeepers have to get better at that, especially against the speed they are facing.

“Ultimately, that’s what Jamie has been working extremely hard on – staying a lot more still, especially with the moving ball.

“Watching some of the wicketkeepers, they are really showing their true skill that they weren’t able to show as much before.

“That has been very pleasing for me.”

Everything To Know About The Milwaukee Mile & INDYCAR’s Doubleheader Weekend

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Milwaukee Mile — the oldest motorsports venue that continues to operate today — could end up being the site of more history this weekend.

The 1-mile asphalt track, which started as a dirt track in 1903 and held its first INDYCAR race in 1937, could serve as the site where Alex Palou captures his fourth consecutive crown and his fifth title in the last six years.

Palou will get two chances to clinch with a pair of 250-mile races. The first is on Saturday (2:30 p.m. ET on FOX) and then another takes place less than 24 hours later on Sunday, (1 p.m. ET on FOX).

The season wraps up a week later on Sept. 4 on the Laguna Seca (Monterey, Calif.) road course.

Here’s what to know about the Milwaukee weekend:

Who Is Left In The Running For The Title?

Alex Palou leads Kyle Kirkwood by 91 points. Christian Lundgaard (110 behind), David Malukas (142) and Pato O’Ward (154) are the only drivers still mathematically in contention.

How Does Alex Palou Win The Title?

It’s very likely that Alex Palou will clinch his fifth INDYCAR title this weekend.

Palou wins the title if he is 108 points ahead of all drivers by the end of the race Saturday or 54 points ahead of all drivers by the end of the race on Sunday.

Palou’s magic number for the weekend is 71 points. He can do that with a second and a third this weekend and that doesn’t account for any bonus points for a pole, leading a lap or leading the most laps or with a win and a 20th.

With those scenarios, he can clinch the title no matter what anyone else does. If Palou finishes at least eighth in each of the last three events, he will also clinch the title no matter what anyone else does.

A driver can earn a maximum of 54 points in a race. That’s 50 points for a win, one point for the pole, one point for leading a lap and two points for leading the most laps.

Has Palou Ever Won At Milwaukee?

No. The series just started coming back to Milwaukee in 2024 after a nine-year hiatus. He was fifth and 19th in the two 2024 races and then was second last year in the one-race weekend.

Who Are The Recent Milwaukee Winners?

Christian Rasmussen won at this track in 2025.

Pato O’Ward and Scott McLaughin won the 2024 races while Christian Rasmussen won in 2025. For Rasmussen, it is the ECR driver’s first and only INDYCAR victory.

How Does Rasmussen Feel?

Rasmussen certainly feels good coming into Milwaukee. Earlier this year, he was arguably the best car at Phoenix, which is also a 1-mile oval. That was before being involved in a wreck with Will Power.

“Obviously, great memories here getting my first win,” Rasmussen told me Thursday at the track. “It just feels good to be back at a race track where I know we can be competitive and we’ve proven to be competitive.

“I’m excited to see what’s ahead of us.”

So Who Is The Favorite?

Josef Newgarden is currently one of the favorites to win at Milwaukee outright.

You probably would say that Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden should be the favorite. He won on the two short asphalt ovals this year — Phoenix (1-mile) and World Wide Technology Raceway (1.250-mile).

“It’s hard to pick favorites in INDYCAR,” Newgarden told me Thursday. “I don’t know that we are. I feel good about what we’re showing up with. We’ll have a good car here. … We’re in a good spot, but it’s tough.”

Are There Any Other Battles To Watch?

Dennis Hauger is currently leading the race for Rookie of the Year.

Yes, there are two points’ battles to watch.

The first is for the Leaders Circle bonus, which goes to the top 22 teams and can be worth around $1.7 million.

Christian Rasmussen and Caio Collett are tied for with 180 points, with Mick Schumacher at 170 and Sting Ray Robb at 155.

“We need to get some points on the board,” Rasmussen said. “We’re fighting for Leader Circle money. For us, it’s full focus on getting as many points as possible.”

For Rasmussen, he’s known to take chances. So don’t expect him to be conservative and play it safe for those points.

“It’s not really my nature,” he said with a laugh.

And then there’s the Rookie of the Year battle. Dennis Hauger has 204 points, leading Collett by 24 and Schumacher by 34.

“As a rookie, I’ve learned so much throughout the year, especially with Romain [Grosjean] as my teammate,” Hauger, who drives for Dale Coyne Racing, told me Thursday. “That’s been a good thing for me.”

None of the rookies have signed contracts for (or at least have not yet announced) their rides for next year.

How Does Qualifying Work On A Doubleheader Weekend?

Each driver gets two laps in qualifying. The first lap is the driver’s qualifying speed for the race Saturday; the second lap is the driver’s qualifying speed for the race Sunday.

How Come There Is Only One Practice?

There is only one practice but most of the teams tested last month. So they should have a relatively good feel when it comes to being prepared.

“The test was critical,” Newgarden said. “You almost had to be here for that if you wanted to make the most of your car for this weekend. … It’s still Milwaukee. The way it raced last year, it should race the same.

“You have to figure out how to get through traffic. That’s always going to be the case on a short oval.”

Milwaukee Has Come And Gone On INDYCAR’s Schedule. Will It Be Back In 2027?

Yes. And in 2028. And 2029. And 2030, 2031 and 2032. The track, part of the Wisconsin State Fair Park (which is in the Milwaukee suburb of West Allis), announced a five-year extension with INDYCAR on Thursday.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

Here’s the latest offseason buzz and rumors around the NFL.

Mayer vs Cameron: Amanda Serrano fight changed my career but I’m even better now, says Reina Tellez | Boxing News

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Fortune can favour the bold in boxing and Reina Tellez is riding the momentum of her own valour as she steps onto the world stage once more.

The 23-year-old made a name for herself back in January when she agreed to fight seven-division champion Amanda Serrano on just 15 days’ notice, going the distance in a points defeat to the Puerto Rican icon.

Now Tellez, hailed as a ‘warrior’ by Serrano for her performance, is preparing to face Jessica Barry on the undercard of Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron’s main event at MVPW-06 in Birmingham this Saturday.

“I believe in myself and I have a lot of heart. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, ever since I was a child,” Tellez told Sky Sports.

“Having somebody that I watched growing up (Serrano) and then having the opportunity to fight her, it meant so much to me. And to make my family proud and to prove something to myself. So I took it considering the short time.

“I had a great outcome, even though it wasn’t a win. I got a lot of things from that fight. Like I said, I’m grateful.”

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Alycia Baumgardner took everyone by surprise including Mikaela Mayer as she grabbed the mic and asked her former rival a question at the press conference

Tellez, who is 13-1-1 (5 KOs) as a professional, had previously been scheduled to face Juliana Vanesa Basualdo on the Stephanie Han vs Holly Holm 2 card in May, however the fight did not go ahead.

She now features on a landmark bill as MVP celebrate their fifth anniversary this weekend, Tellez crediting her decision to fight Serrano at last-minute notice as a catalyst for her latest opportunity to shine.

“The Serrano fight got me on a platform like I am today. For that, I’m extremely grateful,” she continued.

“I feel like without that fight, I wouldn’t be able to see the things that I need in my life and in my career to keep being successful and keep being Reina. It taught me a lot as a boxer and as a person.

“It means a lot to me. I’m not the same fighter that I was when I fought Amanda Serrano, and even my fights before that, I feel like I’ve really evolved.

“So to see how much better I’ve got over the past couple of months and the changes that I’ve made that I can showcase in the ring, it means a lot to me. This fight means so much to me, my family and my team. So I’m grateful for it.”

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Caroline Dubois was not shy about talking to Amelia Moore at their head to head and the American didn’t appear to be enjoying the long conversation!

Serrano recently clinched the 50th win of her professional career with a majority decision victory over Lucrecia Manzur to retain her WBA and WBO featherweight titles.

The fight had been broadcast live on TikTok and drew a total of 3.4m views across the night.

“You look at everything she (Serrano) has done, she’s done a lot for the sport,” said Tellez. “She’s a world champion for a reason. So you have to always give respect to her too.”

Tellez fell into boxing as a child growing up in Vero Beach, Florida having regularly watched the sport on television while also seeing her uncle train at the local gym. It would later prompt her to relocate in order to further her career inside the ring.

“I told them I wanted to box, and at first they didn’t want to because I’m the only girl in the family,” she said.

“And then they took their chance on it, they took me to the gym and since then I’ve just been boxing.”

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Chantelle Cameron says Mikaela Mayer’s pre-fight talk is a sign of lacking confidence and she’s certain of winning a close contest in Birmingham

These days she operates out of San Antonio, Texas as one of two fighters alongside Miranda Reyes to represent a state boasting its fair share of boxing greats this weekend.

“Texas is big, boxing is huge in Texas, that’s one of the main reasons I actually moved to Texas,” she continued.

“It’s just crazy to see people that I’ve known since even as a kid be here. And I’m happy for everybody who comes from where I come from to be able to get the opportunity. So best of luck to Miranda and to me.”

Texas takeover incoming?

“For sure.”

Watch Mikaela Mayer vs Chantelle Cameron this Saturday with Caroline Dubois also in action, live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.

Aaron Judge Wants To Skip Minor League Assignment Before Yankees Return

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Aaron Judge is hoping to skip a minor league rehabilitation assignment before returning to the New York Yankees as he nears the three-month mark in his recovery from a stress fracture in his right rib.

“If I tell them I’m ready to go play, I think we’re ready to go play,” Judge said Thursday before the Yankees concluded a three-game series with Houston. “I’m not a pitcher. I’m a position player. I can get my reps down here in the cage. I’m in every game. I’m sitting there in the dugout watching every game, feeling the environment, feeling the energy, so I don’t think there’s going to be much of a difference.”

Judge skipped a rehab assignment in 2023 when he missed 42 games with a fractured right big toe after crashing into the right-field fence at Dodger Stadium. In 2019, he appeared in five minor league games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre when he missed two months with a strained left oblique.

“He said that to me, too,” manager Aaron Boone said. “If and when we get to that point, we’ll work through all that.”

(Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Judge began taking swings in the indoor batting cages Tuesday. The three-time AL MVP also recently started doing some running and throwing in the outfield.

The Yankees’ captain declined to offer a target date for his return, but said he’s not feeling anything other than normal soreness.

“Obviously, there’s soreness from not doing anything for the past couple of weeks, but now we’re building that up and we’re in a good spot,” Judge said. “So, there has not been any setbacks, which is the greatest thing.”

Judge missed his 74th game Thursday night since he last played on May 31. The Yankees entered 39-34 without him during that stretch, including 11-6 in their past 17 games.

The 35-year-old slugger’s only homer in the final 18 games before he went on the injured list was a game-ending, two-run shot to beat Tampa Bay 2-0 on May 24 that snapped an 11-game drought without an RBI, the longest of his career.

Judge is hitting .248 with 17 homers and 38 RBIs. He was initially injured attempting to avoid second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. on a diving catch in Houston on April 26 and batted .263 with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 31 games before being sidelined.

“I feel great,” Judge said. “So, I think that’s one reason why we’re kind of speeding through this and really doing more outside, doing more in the cage. Things are feeling good.

“Now it’s about volume, trying to get my volume back up since I haven’t played in quite a long time. So just build up the volume so I can go out there and finish the season strong.”

Judge won a batting title last season when he hit a career-high .331 with 53 homers and 114 RBIs in 152 games. He missed 10 games from July 26 to Aug. 4 with a flexor strain in his right elbow that he sustained on a throw to home plate July 22 in Toronto. He underwent a plasma-rich platelet injection and did not require offseason surgery.

Cruz’s Tommy John Surgery Decision Coming Soon

(Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)

A day after getting diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, reliever Fernando Cruz is awaiting the findings from Dr. Keith Meister to see if he needs surgery.

Cruz was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday after allowing his fifth homer since the All-Star break a day earlier and telling the Yankees he felt pain. An MRI showed the tear and Cruz should know in two to three days if surgery is necessary.

In his second season with the Yankees, Cruz is 4-6 with a 3.13 ERA in 61 appearances. He allowed a tying, two-run homer to Jeremy Pena on a fastball in the sixth inning of Tuesday night’s 9-7 loss to the Astros and has a 5.52 ERA in 17 appearances since the All-Star break.

“I made the decision to let (them) know because I knew I was affecting the New York Yankees,” Cruz said. “I wasn’t affecting Fernando Cruz, and obviously the MRI came back in a way that nobody wants, nobody expected, but it’s just part of this game and I think we’re waiting for options to come down and make the best decision.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Man Utd have issues defending set-pieces, Ethan Ampadu’s long throw a weapon for Leeds – The Radar | Football News

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column in which Nick Wright uses a blend of data and opinion to shed light on need-to-know Premier League stories. In the opening edition of the season:

🔺 Man Utd’s woes defending corners
🔺 Ampadu’s long throws getting longer
🔺 A player to watch this weekend

Carrick has set-piece problem

Michael Carrick bristled at the suggestion that Manchester United’s defeat to Hull was down to a lack of passion and made the point that both goals came from set-pieces. It wasn’t the first time, though, that defending dead balls has been a problem.

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Gary Neville described the defeat to Hull as a ‘massive wake-up call’

Hull’s first goal, a rebound buried at close range by Semi Ajayi, was the 12th Manchester United have conceded from a corner since the start of last season. It is the joint-highest total of any current Premier League side in that timeframe along with Leeds.

Ajayi’s opener was of course compounded by Nobel Mendy scoring Hull’s second from a free-kick and followed corner goals conceded by Manchester United against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Brentford and Nottingham Forest in the final two months of last season.

Sunday 30th August 4:00pm

Kick off 4:30pm

Unlike against Hull, those goals last season didn’t matter. Manchester United ended up winning all four games on the way to their third-placed Premier League finish. But watching the clips back, it is striking just how easy they made it for their opponents.

Like Ajayi, who was able to find space as Harry Maguire inexplicably held his own team-mate Noussair Mazraoui, all three of Maxence Lacroix, Ross Barkley and Morato were unchallenged when scoring their goals for Palace, Aston Villa and Forest respectively.

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Semi Ajayi was unmarked when he scored Hull’s opener

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Maxence Lacroix easily got away from Leny Yoro to score

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Ross Barkley was left free to score following an Aston Villa corner

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Nottingham Forest Morato headed home in space at the far post

This frailty when defending corners, and set-pieces generally, was noted by Hull’s head coach Sergej Jakirovic, who spoke about making plans to exploit the weakness with the help of his assistant and video analyst in his press conference after the game.

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Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui appeared to mark each other for Hull’s opening goal

Carrick can, in his defence, point to evidence of overall defensive improvement since his appointment in January. Manchester United had conceded 31 goals in 21 Premier League games before his arrival last season and have only conceded 20 in 18 since.

The fact they have the third-highest percentage of goals conceded from set-pieces in the Premier League since his first game in charge, though, underlines the extent of the issue.

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It should be noted that, on the flip side, Manchester United enjoyed considerable success from attacking set-pieces last term. Their total of 26 set-piece goals scored put them second only to champions Arsenal among Premier League sides.

But until they can eliminate their issues in their own box, when the corners and free-kicks are flying in, they risk a repeat of their implosion against Hull. Ipswich, visitors to Old Trafford on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, will aim to be the next opponent to profit.

Ampadu matching Kayode?

In a summer of high-profile midfield moves by the Premier League’s elite clubs, Leeds may feel they pulled off something of a coup by tying Ethan Ampadu to a new contract in June. Their captain, whose deal runs until 2030, continues to excel under Daniel Farke.

Ampadu, rated as an outstanding leader by his manager, and described by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher as one of his favourite midfielders, offers plenty on and off the ball in the No 6 role, operating as both a deep-lying playmaker and a destroyer.

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Ethan Ampadu launches a long throw for Leeds

But his most crucial asset might be his long throw.

His total of 139 long throws into the box since the start of last term puts him behind only Michael Kayode, who he faces live on Sky Sports on Sunday. But he is ahead of the Brentford man for shots from long throws, on 53, and level with him for goals, on five.

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Ampadu produced another long throw leading to a goal in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. It was not his best effort, in truth. The ball followed a looping trajectory towards the near post after slipping out of his hands.

But after Forest failed to clear their lines and the ball ended up being bundled home by James Justin, Ampadu enjoyed turning towards the home fans who had mocked him in celebration.

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Ethan Ampadu’s long throw led to Leeds’ second goal against Forest

Ampadu recalls getting stick from his own fans when he began taking them early last season. He said in February: “I got battered a little bit by Leeds fans, saying it wasn’t actually that long, which was true, sometimes it’s not great. But it’s getting longer.”

Speaking more recently, after two of Ampadu’s throws led to goals against Liverpool in pre-season, his team-mate Brenden Aaronson noted the improvement, describing his long throw as “unbelievable” and adding: “Ethan came back and started throwing it about 20 yards further and 20 yards harder.”

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Aaronson was of course exaggerating. But the data proves practice is paying off for Ampadu. The graph above shows a steady increase in his average throw distance since February. It now stands at 32 metres, up from around 28m when he started taking them, meaning he is hitting similar distances to fellow specialist Kayode.

Leeds will hope to continue feeling the benefits as one of the defining tactical trends of last season seemingly continues. There were 33 long throws in the opening round of fixtures, roughly in line with last season’s record average of 3.9 per game.

Expect a lot more of them at Elland Road on Sunday.

Player Radar: Who else to keep an eye on

Gonzalo Garcia followed up a poacher’s finish against Chelsea on his debut with a superb solo goal in Fulham’s Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon. The striker, a £34m signing from Real Madrid, will hope to cause problems for Sunderland on Sunday too.

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Gonzalo Garcia has two goals in two games for Fulham

Live Radar: What’s on Sky this weekend?

Five Premier League games will be shown live on Sky Sports this weekend, starting with Crystal Palace vs Man City on Friday night.

Saturday’s action sees Tottenham host Newcastle, before a packed Sunday schedule. Chelsea take on Brighton and Leeds welcome Brentford in the 2pm games, while Sunderland face Fulham in the other simultaneous kick-off, live on Sky Sports+.

Man Utd round off Sunday’s action against Ipswich at Old Trafford.

There is also a Monday Night Football clash to look forward to, with Aston Villa hosting Arsenal at Villa Park on August 31.

NFL Catchup: Simpson Stars, Mendoza Struggles, Seahawks Extend Star & Gabriel Shows Out

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The final week of the NFL preseason is underway, and some quarterbacks are making some strong final impressions before the regular season gets started.

Both Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson and Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel had standout showings, while Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza didn’t have as great a night. Beyond the gridiron, there were multiple deals done on Thursday in the NFC West as the Rams and the Seattle Seahawks prepare for the year ahead.

Here are the headlines you need to know from Thursday around the NFL.

After plenty of speculation and criticism surrounding his selection at No. 13 overall, quarterback Ty Simpson continued his strong preseason on Thursday.

Simpson led the Rams to three scoring drives against the Los Angeles Chargers, completing 18 of 23 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown while adding 11 yards on the ground.

Head coach Sean McVay still hasn’t officially named a backup quarterback behind MVP Matthew Stafford. Stetson Bennett has been in the system for a few years, but with Simpson continuing to impress, he’s certainly made a case for himself to be considered for the job.

The Las Vegas Raiders played their starters against the San Francisco 49ers, and veteran Kirk Cousins once again looked every bit the part.

However, the story was completely different for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. For the second consecutive week, the former Indiana star and Heisman Trophy winner struggled on the field, throwing another interception.

Mendoza took over late in the first quarter and played into the third. He completed just 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards and a pick.

Head coach Klint Kubiak has been on record all offseason favoring a redshirt year for Mendoza to learn behind Kirk Cousins. So, Thursday’s performance might not mean much for Mendoza in the long run.

The Cleveland Browns named veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson their Week 1 starter earlier this week, with Shedeur Sanders winning the backup job. With the top two spots solidified, former third-round pick Dillon Gabriel had a clear runway to show he’s worthy of being Cleveland’s third-string quarterback.

Gabriel completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns against the New England Patriots on Thursday night. It’s unclear if head coach Todd Monken plans to carry three quarterbacks this season, leaving both Gabriel’s roster spot and the future of Arkansas rookie Taylen Green up in the air.

If Gabriel wanted to establish himself as a viable option at some point this season, he certainly proved it. If he’s not in the long-term plans for the Browns, he might have put enough on film to show the other 31 teams in the league that he’s worth a serious look ahead of final roster cuts.

The Seattle Seahawks agreed to a three-year, $90 million contract extension with defensive lineman Leonard Williams on Thursday.

The deal carries an average annual value of $30 million, tying Williams with Tampa Bay Buccaneers nose tackle Vita Vea for fifth-highest among interior defensive linemen. Williams was entering the final year of a three-year, $64.5 million contract.

The 32-year-old earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2025 after recording seven sacks, 62 combined tackles, and 58 quarterback pressures.

Originally selected sixth overall by the New York Jets in the 2015 NFL Draft, Williams was acquired by Seattle from the New York Giants during the 2023 season. The extension follows major offseason deals by Seattle for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

The Miami Dolphins agreed to trade wide receiver Tutu Atwell back to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for running back Jarquez Hunter on Thursday.

The move reunites Atwell with the Rams five months after he departed Los Angeles in free agency to sign a one-year contract with Miami in March.

Atwell was originally selected by the Rams in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and appeared in 64 games over four seasons with the franchise. He rejoins head coach Sean McVay’s offense to complement a receiving room featuring Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.

Hunter, a 2025 fourth-round pick out of Auburn who appeared in five games as a rookie, joins Miami to provide depth in the backfield. The Rams open their regular season against San Francisco on Sept. 10, while Miami opens against Las Vegas on Sept. 13.

The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are both navigating contract standoffs with their young star cornerbacks ahead of the regular season, according to ESPN.

The Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez remain far apart in negotiations despite early optimism, ESPN reported Thursday. Patriots owner Robert Kraft previously said the team offered a deal to make Gonzalez the highest-paid cornerback in team history, but Devon Witherspoon’s four-year, $132 million contract extension with Seattle raised the market benchmark.

Gonzalez admitted this week that the process has been “frustrating.” He has two years remaining on his rookie deal.

Meanwhile, the Steelers and cornerback Joey Porter do not appear close to a contract extension either, according to ESPN. Porter remains on Pittsburgh’s physically unable to perform (PUP) list with a back injury as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

Injury News & Notes

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson is being evaluated for a concussion after what head coach Robert Saleh labeled a “cheap” hit during a joint practice with the Chicago Bears.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert played against the Rams during Thursday night’s preseason finale. He led a scoring drive on his only series of action, completing a 65-yard touchdown to wide receiver Quentin Johnston.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters that wide receiver Keenan Allen and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner will play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Detroit Lions.
The Colts are officially activating wide receiver Alec Pierce from the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.

US Open Tennis quiz! How much do you know about the last Grand Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows? Test your knowledge! | Tennis News

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

With the world’s top players gearing up for the US Open, put your knowledge about one of the biggest events in tennis to the test!

Aryna Sabalenka is bidding to become the first woman to win three consecutive US Open singles titles since Serena Williams (2012-14), while Novak Djokovic is aiming to seal an historic 25th Grand Slam singles title which would break the all-time record he currently shares with Margaret Court.

There is a rich sense of history when it comes to the US Open, so how well do you know the final major of the year?

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Test your knowledge about the tournament which started in 1881 and has evolved into a two-week sport and entertainment extravaganza.

When is the US Open live on Sky Sports?

Sky Sports Tennis will once again be the home of the US Open, with live tennis across 15 days and a host of extra content available from August 30.

Watch the ATP and WTA Tours live on Sky Sports. The US Open is also live on Sky Sports from August 30. Stream tennis with NOW and the Sky Sports App.

The Brewers Keep Teaching Lessons; October’s Performance Will Be The Final Exam

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

NEW YORK — It’s the fifth inning at Citi Field. The Brewers are leading the majors in wins, and they’re leading this particular Tuesday night game against the Mets by a run when Cooper Pratt pops one up to shallow right field.

Pratt stood in the box and briefly looked up at the ball sailing beyond first base and toward the foul line. After a beat, he jogged to first base. The ball dropped between three Mets fielders, and Pratt took a big turn, thought about going to second, but ultimately stayed put. Behind him, Brewers first base coach Spencer Allen was visibly upset. But as Pratt turned around and stepped on the bag, Brewers skipper Pat Murphy had already sent David Hamilton out to run for him.

Milwaukee’s rookie shortstop, who recently signed an eight-year contract worth just north of $50 million, was yanked in a one-run game in August.

“It will never happen again,” Pratt said after the Brewers’ extra-inning loss that he watched from the dugout. “I’ve got to be better. It’s stuff that can’t happen. It’s not winning baseball.”

(Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

In the third inning, Pratt also twice failed to execute a bunt attempt. So, Murphy’s decision to bench Pratt was supposed to be a lesson about focus. The real lesson might be that Milwaukee has been teaching this same class for a while now. The final exam is still the one they failed last October.

The Brewers (83-51) have the best record in baseball. Again. They had it last year too, finishing at 97-65, and it meant nothing once the Dodgers swept them out of the NLCS.

So a 22-year-old shortstop getting benched for not immediately jogging to first and failing a bunt attempt isn’t really about Pratt. It’s a proxy for the heavy expectations that are hanging over a winning organization that’s routinely punching above its weight. It’s about accountability.

“I’m not trying to be Johnny hard-ass here,” Murphy said. “It’s just, for a young player coming into the league, you have to build habits.”

(Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Does accountability during a Tuesday night in August actually translate into a different result in October? Or are Murphy’s Brewers just doing what Murphy’s Brewers always do, right up until the games matter most?

Ironically, Hamilton – Pratt’s replacement — made a throwing error in the 10th inning that allowed the Mets to walk it off with a victory. So it was the rookie’s replacement who made the costlier mistake. Murphy later said, after watching the video, that Pratt’s lack of hustle on the bloop single wasn’t as egregious as he initially perceived.

“It’s for the player and the team,” Murphy said. “I love [Pratt] and I believe in the kid immensely. But he’s got to be a player who does those things. He’s not going to hit 30 homers at this point in his career. He’s a great defender and a really capable offensive player, and he can’t have that. It’s just not tolerated by anybody, and it sends a message to everybody else, too. You’ve got to run.”

(Photo by Lawrence Iles/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Murphy has a reputation of benching players or yanking them mid-game to enforce things like hustle and fundamentals. He once benched right fielder Sal Frelick for missing the cutoff man. This year, he pulled left-hander Robert Gasser mid-count after he fell behind against Randy Arozarena. This isn’t new. Murphy has no tolerance for physical or mental lapses.

Still, Pratt’s benching was received differently than some of the other examples. This isn’t May. It’s August in a division race that’s all but decided. The Brewers are getting prepared to battle in October, aiming to reach the World Series for the first time since their lone appearance in 1982. The conversation in the clubhouse afterward was just that. After Pratt handled his mistake like a pro in front of the cameras, his teammates reiterated that Murphy’s discipline was more about World Series preparation.

“In my personal opinion, I don’t really think it had a whole lot to do with not going to second there,” unofficial Brewers captain Christian Yelich said on Wednesday. “I think it was a culmination of events with a greater goal in mind for six weeks from now, if you want my honest opinion on it.”

Disciplining a lack of hustle and focus earlier in the season is easier to do. But disciplining approach and performance under playoff pressure is much more difficult, and that’s what cost Milwaukee last October.

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Brewers were bounced in four games by Los Angeles in a painful NLCS sweep last year. There were no signature moments, just a complete absence of the Brewers’ brand of baseball. That typically includes no power, plenty of runs, lots of walks, and a high contact rate. Murphy and the Brew Crew, after being eliminated from the postseason, claimed they were emotionally “zapped” by their dramatic and demanding NLDS against their division-rival Cubs.

“It was a heavy series. It was a long series. It was a hard series,” Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers told me of last year’s NLDS against the Cubs. “We celebrated it hard. And then two days later, we had to play the Dodgers. What I learned, personally, was that we need to treat these games, regardless of who we’re playing, just as games. We can’t lose sight of the ultimate goal.

“But I think along the way, you kind of get wrapped up in how emotional it was. And then there’s not enough time to recover from that, recharge. So you lose focus a little bit. Once you lose focus in the playoffs, it’s near impossible to recapture that.”

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Brewers are doing it again this year. They’re preaching focus and accountability all season, and it’s not clear what will actually stop them from being outclassed by star power and playoff experience in a seven-game series. Hustling out of the box is not the same as hitting home runs off the best rotation in baseball.

We didn’t get to see Milwaukee stick to their usual winning approach against the reigning champions last year, since they were emotionally drained by the time they faced the Dodgers. If they meet again this October, the Brewers have to demonstrate that grinding out at-bats, being last in home runs, near the top of the league in strikeouts thrown, and their small-ball identity can actually hold up against elite bullpens. We already know their brand of ball works against a random Tuesday rotation arm in August.

“I don’t think you can prevent it or play any less intensely,” Murphy told me of how the Brewers can avoid being exhausted after the first round of the playoffs. “But I think awareness is big. You don’t plan for it now. It’s just there. So when the time comes, be prepared.”

Are there reasons to believe things will be different this postseason?

Their pitching staff has remained elite despite trading away a key piece in Freddy Peralta. Emerging arms like NL Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski have stepped up, and it will be fascinating to see how opposing hitters approach his relentless triple-digit heaters in October. The rotation’s 3.47 ERA is ranked third in the majors behind the Yankees and Tigers. The bullpen’s 3.29 ERA is also ranked third in MLB.

But when president of baseball operations Matt Arnold had the chance to give the Brewers the undisputed best rotation in baseball by trading for Tarik Skubal, he blew it. Instead of being super aggressive, putting their top farm system to use at the trade deadline, Arnold & Co. settled for right-hander Dustin May, while Skubal went to Hollywood. With Skubal and Misiorowski leading the pitching staff, the Brewers would’ve become the favorites to win the World Series.

(Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

The organization, at least, is a full year removed from the Dodgers loss, with lessons learned, and Murphy, the back-to-back NL Manager of the Year, has had plenty of time to recalibrate what it means to be playoff-ready. The clubhouse has fully bought in to Murphy’s team culture, evidenced by Pratt’s display of accountability, and his Brewers teammates who spoke to the rookie in the dugout immediately after he was benched.

“Coming from a guy who’s been benched multiple times by Murph, it’s not always 100 percent directed at the person getting benched, and there’s a thousand different reasons,” Frelick said on Wednesday. “From the past, when I’ve seen guys get benched, including myself, it’s usually when a few days have piled on of not [playing] to that standard. A message needs to be sent. I don’t think anybody was surprised when it happened last night.”

Pratt says it won’t happen again. That’s fine, but the Brewers said something like that about themselves last October too, and it happened again anyway, just in a different form. The only version of this story that matters is the one written in the Fall Classic. Everything before that is just Milwaukee grading its own homework.

Tour Championship: Min Woo Lee leads FedExCup finale with Scottie Scheffler chasing after Rory McIlroy’s mixed start | Golf News

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Min Woo Lee raced into the early lead at the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship, as Rory McIlroy made a mixed start to his bid for FedExCup glory.

Lee carded eight birdies in a bogey-free 62 at East Lake Golf Club, where preferred lies were used due to overnight rain and none of the 29 players who completed the round failed to break par.

The Australian holds a two-shot advantage over Chris Gotterup, Viktor Hovland and Collin Morikawa, as world No 1 Scottie Scheffler produced a birdie-birdie finish to his opening-round 65 to get within three of the lead.

Ludvig Åberg, Akshay Bhatia and Ryan Gerard are alongside Scheffler on five under, while defending champion Tommy Fleetwood is a further shot adrift in the group containing compatriot Matt Fitzpatrick and Open winner Ryan Fox.

Last week’s BMW Championship winner Wyndham Clark is five behind after a three-under 67, as McIlroy sits tied-20th after beginning his bid for a record-extending fourth FedExCup title by mixing five birdies with three bogeys in an eventful 68.

Image:
Rory McIlroy is looking for his first worldwide victory since The Masters

How Lee grabbed early lead at East Lake

Lee posted back-to-back birdies from the fourth and was left undisrupted by playing the remainder of the round on his own, following playing partner JJ Spaun’s withdrawal on the sixth hole due to a shoulder injury.

The 28-year-old kept trading top spot with Hovland, playing two groups ahead, with Lee closing out a bogey-free front nine by holing a 20-foot birdie at the eighth and picking up another shot at the ninth.

Image:
Viktor Hovland won the FedExCup in 2023

Lee posted back-to-back birdies from the 12th and added another from close range at the 16th, moving him two ahead when Hovland ended his blemish-free day by carding a three-putt bogey from 25 feet at the 17th.

Hovland responded by getting up and down from the greenside bunker to birdie the par-five last, setting the clubhouse target at six under, before Lee matched his closing birdie to restore his two-shot cushion and equal the lowest round of his PGA Tour career.

“It was a little strange at first, just like looking for a playing partner and you’re just there by yourself,” Lee admitted. “It was more just maintaining speeds and not rushing. I had to just slow down a little bit, but it worked out.”

Morikawa responded from an opening-hole bogey to register seven birdies and pull level with Hovland, while Gotterup birdied three of his last five holes to make it a three-way tie for second.

Åberg produced a three-birdie finish to get to five under alongside Bhatia and Gerard, with Scheffler completing the quartet tied-fifth having holed a 10-foot birdie at the last to start with a 65 or lower for the fourth time in five seasons.

Image:
Scottie Scheffler is looking to win the FedExCup for a second time in three years

“Outside of the first hole, I wasn’t really battling for par very much,” Scheffler said. “That’s always good around this place. Every time you miss a fairway out here, you’re going to be struggling for par. Gave myself some opportunities and was able to make a couple birdies there at the end.”

McIlroy briefly sat bottom of the leaderboard after failing to get up and down from the sand to save par at the first and holing from eight feet to scramble a bogey at the fourth, with the world No 2 finding a birdie at the sixth but missing an opportunity from four feet for another at the ninth.

He posted two birdies in three holes to start his back nine and rebounded from a clumsy bogey at the 14th to hole a six-foot birdie at the par-three next, with McIlroy adding another at the 17th but heading into the second round with only five players below him on the leaderboard.

Who will win the FedExCup? Watch all four rounds of the Tour Championship exclusively live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues Friday from 6pm on Sky Sports Golf. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

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Twins Promote Top-15 MLB Prospect OF Walker Jenkins To Make Debut vs. White Sox

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The 2025 trade deadline marked the start of a new era for the Minnesota Twins as they shifted toward a youth movement. The veterans are gone, the young core is in place and the growing pains are showing up in the American League Central standings.

Sitting 6.5 games behind the first-place Chicago White Sox, the Twins signaled they were fully leaning into the future. Following the recent promotion of top infielder Kaelon Culpepper, the Twins officially called up their top organizational prospect, outfielder Walker Jenkins.

Selected No. 5 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft out of South Brunswick High School (NC), Jenkins entered the professional ranks as one of the premier prep hit tools in his draft class. He holds the top spot in the Twins’ farm system and ranks No. 15 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100.

Jenkins will join a long list of top Twins draft picks to make the major league roster. With his debut set for Friday night, he joins outfielder Byron Buxton (selected second overall in 2012) and infielder Royce Lewis (selected first overall in 2017).

The 6-foot-3 outfielder has been nothing short of productive in the minor leagues. Across 265 games and 997 at-bats, Jenkins has posted a .303 career batting average to go along with 33 home runs, 145 RBIs, 57 stolen bases, and 187 strikeouts.

The Twins have built quite the young core and four of their top-10 prospects could make their debuts within the next two seasons. Alongside Jenkins and Culpepper, the group features 2026 No. 3 overall pick Vahn Lackey and 2025 first-round infielder Marek Houston.

With a youth movement underway, all eyes are on how the long-term vision unfolds for a Twins team chasing both the White Sox and Cleveland Guardians in an unpredictable AL Central.

FM Championship: Lottie Woad makes strong start in Boston on LPGA Tour amid final tournaments before Solheim Cup | Golf News

August 28, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Lottie Woad made a strong start to the final week of play before next month’s Solheim Cup by shooting a four-under opening round at the LPGA Tour’s FM Championship.

England’s Woad is one of 12 members of Anna Nordqvist’s European team heading to the Netherlands for the September 11-13 showpiece, live on Sky Sports, and she shot a 68 at TPC Boston on Thursday to sit four shots off the pace set by Korea’s Sei Young Kim.

Woad, a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour since turning professional last year, picked up all four of her birdies on the front nine to go out in 32 before parring all the remaining holes.

“I generally played a bit better on the front nine,” she said.

“I hit pretty much every fairway. The rough is pretty thick out there, so you need to hit the fairways.

“Hit some pretty close shots on some holes and then did well on the par-5s getting on greens, so just kind of had tap-ins on the front nine.”

“Just a couple tee shots on the back nine that missed the fairway kind of made them par holes rather than birdie holes, so just try and clean up that tomorrow.”

Kim, who started on the 10th, claimed six birdies and one eagle – on the par-five seventh – in her round of 64.

Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen and Japan’s Miyu Yamashita finished at seven-under with Somi Lee at six-under making it two Koreans in the top four.

Woad was in an eight-way tie for fifth place.

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Solheim Cup team-mate Charley Hull shot a one-under 71 while world No 1 Nelly Korda, who will spearhead Angela Stanford USA’s side, shot a level-par 72.

Meanwhile, European captain Nordqvist – who on Wednesday unexpectedly announced she was retiring from playing professional golf after this week – opened her swansong tournament on tour at two-over par.

Alexander hits course record at the The K Club

On day one of the Ladies European Tour’s rain-hit KPMG Women’s Irish Open, Casandra Alexander made a storming start by firing a course record 63 to lead the way on nine-under.

After Italy’s Alessandra Fanali set the pace with a 67 at The K Club’s Palmer South Course, Alexander shot four shots lower thanks to four birdies on the front nine followed by five on the back.

England’s Lily May Humphreys, Czech Republic’s Jana Melichova, and the Isle of Man’s Ana Dawson are tied second with Fanali on five-under.

Ireland’s own Leona Maguire opened with a round of 71 (-1) after three birdies and two bogeys.

Watch the KPMG Women’s Irish Open and the LPGA Tour’s FM Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage from Ireland continues Friday from 2pm on Sky Sports+ Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

Polymarket Promo Code FOX Unlocks Trade $10, Get $20 Welcome Bonus for Week 3 of the NFL Preseason

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The final week of the NFL preseason is here, giving football fans one final slate of games before the games start to count. New Polymarket users can trade $10 to unlock a $20 welcome bonus to enjoy the final week of the action.

Today’s four-game slate features Steelers vs. Bills, 49ers vs. Raiders, Patriots vs. Browns and Rams vs. Chargers. With teams making final roster decisions, there are plenty of players and stories to follow across the matchups.

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Good Good Golf withdraw from title sponsoring PGA Tour event after controversial ad promoting new Callaway driver | Golf News

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Good Good Golf has withdrawn from sponsoring a PGA Tour event this autumn following its controversial video promoting a new Callaway driver.

The video published last week by the popular content creators was subsequently deleted after widespread criticism that it portrayed violence against women.

The video showed a man shoving a woman who was reaching for his new Callaway driver to the ground, before warning her not to touch the club as she lay on the ground.

Good Good Golf apologised in a social media statement and Callaway Golf admitted ‘mistakes were made’ over their handling of the incident.

The company had been due to title sponsor a new PGA Tour event in Austin in November but have now pulled out of doing so.

In a statement on Thursday, Good Good Golf said: “After thoughtful discussion with the PGA Tour and careful reflection, we have decided to step away as sponsor of the tour event in Austin this fall.

“We recognise that we have work to do as an organisation, and our focus right now is on our team, our culture and ensuring we learn from this situation.

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“We are grateful for our relationship with the PGA Tour and appreciate their partnership over the years. We remain committed to earning back trust, and we hope to work together again in the future.”

The PGA Tour issued its own statement and said it agreed with the decision.

“The PGA Tour has been informed of Good Good Golf’s decision to step away as sponsor of the event in Austin, Texas, this fall,” read the statement.

“We agree with their decision to use this time to focus on their organization and the work ahead.

“The PGA Tour believes in golf’s ability to bring people together and create a welcoming environment for all.

“The tournament will continue as scheduled from November 12-15, 2026, and we will provide an update on sponsorship plans at a later date.”

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Callaway cuts ties with Good Good

Earlier on Thursday, Callaway confirmed it had ended its relationship with Good Good with immediate effect.

The golf equipment manufacturer said it would donate $1m (£736,000) to “support organisations working to prevent violence against women, provide resources to survivors, and advance education and awareness efforts”.

They also said they had “significantly strengthened our approval procedures to help ensure this does not happen again”.

“Over the last several days, we have reflected deeply on the hurt and disappointment caused by the video we reposted,” read the Callaway statement.

“We heard from individuals who shared personal experiences related to violence against women, and their stories were powerful reminders that this issue touches the lives of far too many people.

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“Unequivocally, violence against women is unacceptable and should never be trivialised, normalised, or used as entertainment.”

Good Good Golf was launched as a YouTube channel in 2020 and now is among the largest content creators in the sport.

“We posted a video to our channels that ultimately depicted actions that are not aligned with our values as a brand,” read the Good Good apology on X on Saturday. “We have since taken that content down, and sincerely apologise.

“Good Good has always stood for making the game of golf more inclusive to all, and we will continue to ensure that is our mission moving forward”.

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Best Games on FOX One, Aug. 27–Sept. 13: College Football, NFL, MLB, More

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

FOX One has live sports covered from Thursday, Aug. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 13, with college football taking center stage alongside MLB, INDYCAR and the opening Sunday of the NFL season.

The biggest NFL, college football and MLB matchups are collected first, followed by the rest of the live schedule in chronological order.

Top NFL, College Football and MLB Games on FOX One

NFL Week 1 Games on FOX One

The NFL regular season reaches its first Sunday on FOX with six Week 1 matchups available on FOX One.

Atlanta at Pittsburgh – Sunday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Chicago at Carolina – Sunday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
New Orleans at Detroit – Sunday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Tampa Bay at Cincinnati – Sunday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Miami at Las Vegas – Sunday, Sept. 13, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Washington at Philadelphia – Sunday, Sept. 13, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

College Football Games on FOX One

The college football lineup starts in Week 0 and builds toward a Sept. 12 FOX doubleheader led by Oklahoma at Michigan.

Memphis at UNLV – Saturday, Aug. 29, 10 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Fresno State at USC – Friday, Sept. 4, 9 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Missouri at Kansas – Friday, Sept. 11, 8 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Oklahoma at Michigan – Saturday, Sept. 12, noon ET (FOX, FOX One)
Arizona at BYU – Saturday, Sept. 12, 3:30 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

MLB Games on FOX One

MLB brings four featured matchups across the window, beginning with the Dodgers visiting the Braves and continuing with three national FOX games.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves – Thursday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees – Saturday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Arizona Diamondbacks at Houston Astros – Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
New York Yankees at San Diego Padres – Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

More Live Sports on FOX One by Date

Every event below is available through FOX One. Each listing includes the date, start time and television network. All times are Eastern and subject to change.

Friday, Aug. 28

Atl. Ottawa vs Inter Toronto FC – 7 p.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
ARCA Racing: Madison – 9 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)

Saturday, Aug. 29

Bassmaster: Elite Series #9: St. Lawrence River – 8 a.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
MotoGP: Sprint Race Aragon GP – noon ET (FS1, FOX One)
INDYCAR: Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 – FOX coverage at 2:30 p.m. ET; race start at 2:50 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Texas Rangers at Milwaukee Brewers – 7 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Sunday, Aug. 30

MotoGP: Grand Prix Race Aragon GP – 7:30 a.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
Bassmaster: Elite Series #9: St. Lawrence River – 8 a.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
INDY NXT: Milwaukee – 11 a.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
American Flat Track: Peoria TT – noon ET (FS1, FOX One)
INDYCAR: Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 – FOX coverage at 1 p.m. ET; race start at 1:20 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Monday, Aug. 31

Miami Marlins at Washington Nationals – 6:30 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)

Tuesday, Sept. 1

Al-Hilal vs Al-Ahli – 2 p.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)

Thursday, Sept. 3

UMass at Rutgers – 6 p.m. ET (BTN, FOX One)
Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles – 7 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs – 7 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
UAB at Illinois – 9 p.m. ET (BTN, FOX One)

Friday, Sept. 4

Indiana State at Purdue – 7 p.m. ET (BTN, FOX One)
Toledo at Michigan State – 8 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)

Saturday, Sept. 5

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Poland vs. Argentina – 9 a.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
North Texas at Indiana – noon ET (FOX, FOX One)
Ohio at Nebraska – noon ET (FS1, FOX One)
Ball State at Ohio State – 12:30 p.m. ET (BTN, FOX One)
Boston College at Cincinnati – 3:30 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Marshall at Penn State – 3:30 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
Northern Illinois at Iowa – 4:15 p.m. ET (BTN, FOX One)
INDY NXT: Laguna Seca I – 6:30 p.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
Abilene Christian at Texas Tech – 7 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
Hampton at Maryland – 8 p.m. ET (BTN, FOX One)
South Dakota State at Northwestern – 8 p.m. ET (BTN, FOX One)
Central Michigan at New Mexico – 10 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)

Sunday, Sept. 6

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: France vs. South Korea – 9 a.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
INDY NXT: Laguna Seca II – 12:30 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
INDYCAR Grand Prix of Monterey – FOX coverage at 2:30 p.m. ET; race start at 3:05 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
NHRA: Funny Car All-Star Callout – 7 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
ARCA Racing: Du Quoin – 8:30 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)

Monday, Sept. 7

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: North Korea vs. Portugal – 9 a.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
NHRA: Indianapolis – noon ET (FS1, FOX One)
NHRA: Indianapolis Finals – 2 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Tuesday, Sept. 8

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Brazil vs. Canada – 9 a.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Poland vs. Mexico – noon ET (FS2, FOX One)
Al-Qadsiah vs Al-Ahli – 2 p.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)

Wednesday, Sept. 9

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Italy vs. New Zealand – 9 a.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Japan vs. United States – noon ET (FS2, FOX One)
Al-Nassr vs Abha – 2 p.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
Philadelphia Union vs FC Cincinnati – 7:30 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)

Thursday, Sept. 10

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Spain vs. New Caledonia – 9 a.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Colombia vs. Portugal – noon ET (FS2, FOX One)

Friday, Sept. 11

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: England vs. Brazil – 9 a.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Argentina vs. Mexico – noon ET (FS2, FOX One)
FC Supra du Québec vs HFX Wanderers FC – 7 p.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)

Saturday, Sept. 12

MotoGP: Sprint Race San Marino GP – 8:55 a.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: New Zealand vs. United States – 9 a.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
Howard at Indiana – noon ET (BTN, FOX One)
Wake Forest at Purdue – noon ET (FS1, FOX One)
Duke at Illinois – 3:30 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
Eastern Michigan at Michigan State – 3:30 p.m. ET (BTN, FOX One)
Utah State at Washington – 3:30 p.m. ET (BTN, FOX One)
Bowling Green at Nebraska – 7 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
San Diego State at UCLA – 7:15 p.m. ET (BTN, FOX One)
Western Illinois at Wisconsin – 7:15 p.m. ET (BTN, FOX One)
ARCA Racing: Salem – 8 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
North Dakota State at Air Force – 10 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
Louisiana at USC – 11 p.m. ET (BTN, FOX One)

Sunday, Sept. 13

MotoGP: Grand Prix Race San Marino GP – 7:30 a.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: China vs. Spain – 9 a.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
American Flat Track: Springfield Mile I – 10 a.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Portugal vs. Costa Rica – noon ET (FS2, FOX One)
Inter Toronto FC vs Vancouver FC – 3 p.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
Pacific FC vs Cavalry FC – 6 p.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)

FOX One Schedule FAQ

Is Every Event Listed Available on FOX One?

Yes. Every event included in this guide is available through FOX One.

What Dates Does This Schedule Cover?

This guide covers FOX One events from Thursday, Aug. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.

Which Networks Are Included?

The schedule includes events airing on FOX, FS1, FS2 and BTN.

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Galopin Des Champs retired: Owner Audrey Turley salutes ‘one of a kind’ Cheltenham Gold Cup hero | Racing News

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Owner Audrey Turley paid a heartfelt tribute to Galopin Des Champs after the superstar chaser’s retirement was confirmed on Thursday.

The Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old will go down as one of the most popular National Hunt horses of recent times, with his haul of 12 Grade One victories including back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cup wins in 2023 and 2024 and a hat-trick of Irish Gold Cups between 2023 and 2025.

He was beaten into third place when bidding for a fourth Irish Gold Cup win in February and that proved to be his final career start as he was ruled out of a sixth appearance at the Cheltenham Festival in March after suffering a setback.

In all Galopin Des Champs won 15 of his 26 career outings and Turley, who ran the black gelding together with her husband, Greg, will always cherish memories that will last a lifetime.

Turley told the Press Association: “We’ve had the best time of our lives, we really have.

“We never thought this would happen to us. We’ve had the most wonderful time.”

When asked if one day stood out above the rest, she said: “Three Irish Gold Cups and the two at Cheltenham, it’s hard to pick out one. Every time it was just a wonderful surprise, it was just magnificent.

“I don’t know if I could say one day, maybe the first Cheltenham Gold Cup as that was just extraordinary – like something out of a dream, the joy it brought.

“The other day was in Leopardstown when he won the third (Irish) Gold Cup. Everybody was singing, ‘ole, ole, ole’ and that just made the hair stand up on the back of our necks.

“People love him and we still have people coming up on Instagram and TikTok saying, ‘we miss him, we miss him’. He was so well loved and deserved to be loved, he was just wonderful.

“Everybody did take to him and he was an unassuming character really when you think of it, but he just loved it – I think he enjoyed every bit of it himself.”

Turley revealed Galopin Des Champs could now embark on a second career in the equestrian sphere, adding: “He’s actually gone over to Ruby Walsh’s family and his daughter Isabelle is going to see what he does in that arena, so we’ll see if something happens out of that.

“They’ll retrain him and see what happens. If he likes it he can do it, if he doesn’t we’ll have another plan and that’s the way it is – it’s all about him, whatever he wants to do.

“He’ll only be 11 next year and he’s still looking fantastic.”

While Galopin Des Champs will never again carry the Turley’s yellow and brown silks, they have several high-class prospects to look forward to including King Rasko Grey, who provided them with another Cheltenham Festival success in last season’s Turners Novices’ Hurdle.

“King Rasko Grey has just come back in from the summer and is looking fantastic, so we have high hopes for him,” Turley added.

“He did so well in Cheltenham obviously and he’s looking like a good horse. He has very big boots to fill, but we won’t have another Galopin – he’s one of a kind, a diamond. We’ll enjoy it whatever happens.”

Browns Reportedly Releasing Former 3rd-Round Pick Cedric Tillman

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The former third-round pick won’t make it to Year 4.

The Cleveland Browns are releasing wide receiver Cedric Tillman, ESPN reported on Thursday morning. Cleveland selected Tillman with the No. 74 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Tennessee.

Last season (2025), Tillman totaled 21 receptions for 270 yards (12.9 yards per reception) and two touchdowns over 13 games. Over Tillman’s three years with the Browns, the 6-foot-3 receiver averaged 23.7 receptions for 277.7 yards (11.7 yards per reception) and 1.7 touchdowns per season.

Injuries have held back Tillman, as he missed three games in the 2023 regular season due to a hip injury, the last six games of 2024 due to a concussion — with Tillman also missing the Browns’ 2023 AFC wild-card round bout against the Houston Texans due to a concussion — and four games in 2025 due to a hamstring injury. Moreover, in Tillman’s final season at Tennessee (2022), he missed six games due to a high ankle sprain.

Cleveland’s wide receiver room includes Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond and top-40 draft picks KC Concepcion (pick No. 24 out of Texas A&M) and Denzel Boston (pick No. 39 out of Washington), among others.

Elsewhere concerning the Browns’ offense, head coach Todd Monken recently announced that Deshaun Watson will open the season as the team’s starting quarterback, beating out second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders for the job.

Cleveland wraps up its preseason at home against the New England Patriots on Thursday night and opens the 2026 regular season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 13.

UEFA preparing to bring criminal proceedings against Gianni Infantino over plan to sell shares in World Cup | Football News

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

UEFA is preparing to bring criminal proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over the attempt to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors.

The revelation is contained in legal documents, with UEFA subpoenaing FIFA and the financial institutions involved in the United States to obtain documents related to the scheme.

But the planned legal action would be launched in Switzerland, where FIFA has its main headquarters.

It is a significant move by UEFA in its bid to go beyond trying to oust Infantino from power over the attempt to privatise part of the World Cup.

A legal document seen by Sky News said: “UEFA and other interested parties are preparing to bring criminal claims in Switzerland against Infantino and possibly other FIFA officials and advisors for criminal mismanagement under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code and such further or alternative charges as the developed factual record may support, arising out of the secretive structuring, valuation, financing, and marketing of a transaction that inflicted direct and concrete injury on FIFA’s reputation, governance authority, and commercial relationships to the detriment of FIFA as well as its 211 members, including UEFA’s 55 member associations.”

The application was lodged by UEFA in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against JP Morgan Bank as well as planned lead investor Thrive Capital and its CEO, Joshua Kushner, who is the brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

UEFA is targeting FIFA through courts in Miami, where the world body’s legal team is based.

2026 NFL Preseason Week 3 Schedule: Dates, Times, TV Channels, How to Watch

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The NFL preseason reaches its final weekend with 16 games from Thursday, Aug. 27 through Saturday, Aug. 29. Week 3 is the last live evaluation before roster cuts, giving coaches one more look at position battles and players fighting for jobs.

For every preseason matchup and national TV window, see the complete 2026 NFL preseason schedule.

2026 NFL Preseason Week 3 Schedule

All times are Eastern and subject to change. Games without a national network designation are available on participating teams’ local affiliates.

Thursday, Aug. 27

Friday, Aug. 28

Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens, 6 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers, 7 p.m. ET (Local TV)
Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins, 7 p.m. ET (Local TV)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7:30 p.m. ET (Local TV)
New York Giants at New York Jets, 7:30 p.m. ET (Local TV)
New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys, 8 p.m. ET (Local TV)
Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs, 8 p.m. ET (Local TV)
Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles, 8 p.m. ET (CBS)
FArizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers, 8 p.m. ET (Local TV)
Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos, 9 p.m. ET (NFL Network)

Saturday, Aug. 29

NFL Related Stories

How Can I Watch NFL Preseason Week 3?

NFL Network carries seven Week 3 games, Prime Video has Patriots-Browns on Thursday and CBS has Bengals-Eagles on Friday. The remaining matchups will be available through participating teams’ local broadcast affiliates.

NFL Network is included in the ESPN bundle on FOX.com.

How Can I Stream NFL Preseason Week 3?

NFL+ offers live national and out-of-market preseason games, subject to local blackouts and device restrictions. Fans should also check their local team listings before kickoff.

Giants are ‘deep sleepers’, Jalen Hurts struggles, Will J.J. McCarthy leave the Vikings? | FTF

Malik Nabers practiced in full for the 2nd-straught day, and John Harbaugh is bringing the hype to New York. Danny Parkins, Eric Mangini, and Geoff Schwartz ask if it’s time to buy Giants stock, and if Jalen Hurts and the Eagles will struggle this season. Plus, they ask if it’s possible that J.J. McCarthy isn’t on the Vikings by Week 1.

Does NFL Preseason Week 3 Count Toward the Standings?

No. Preseason results do not count toward a team’s regular-season record. Week 3 is the final chance for teams to evaluate rookies, new additions and position battles before setting their initial 53-man rosters.

How Many Preseason Games Does Each NFL Team Play?

Most teams play three preseason games. The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals each play four in 2026 because they also participated in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6.

Week 3 closes the preseason. The 2026 regular season begins Sept. 9, when the New England Patriots visit the Seattle Seahawks.

Mayer vs Cameron: Amelia Moore ready to scupper Caroline Dubois vs Alycia Baumgardner plans on biggest night of fascinating career | Boxing News

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Think darkness is your ally? Amelia Moore was born in it, moulded by it. And she plans to demonstrate as much against Caroline Dubois on Saturday night.

Sure, it is all very Christopher Nolan, all very caped crusader, all very masked man, but the American shoulders her own hardship as immunity to retreat across life both in and out of the ring.

The 36-year-old carries a young professional record of 4-0 as she, in the words of champion Dubois this week, comes ‘back onto the radar’ to challenge for the Londoner’s WBC and WBO lightweight world titles.

From childhood emancipation to Olympic heartbreak, she is well versed in resilience. She will keep coming, like she always has done. Ask Moore and she might tell you she has always been on the radar.

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Mikaela Mayer, Chantelle Cameron, Caroline Dubois and Amelia Moore face off ahead of their MVP 06 clashes on Saturday

“I had a fight a couple of years ago, I got headbutted and it broke my nose,” Moore tells Sky Sports. “I took a punch and shattered my nose, I was bleeding everywhere and it just did not matter.

“There’s something inside of me that, in a lot of the time those dark places that people get, I feel like I’ve been here before.

“It’s like in Batman with Bane, he goes, ‘I was raised in the darkness’. And I think that’s when you are truly comfortable being in uncomfortable places, it’s normal to you.

“No matter what, you dig deep, you believe in yourself and you push through.”

Moore grew up on a farm in Maine before being emancipated at the age of 16, later working two jobs to fund her life throughout high school, which is where she would also first begin boxing.

Financial circumstances saw her turn towards military opportunities as opposed to the conventional college route, with Moore eventually joining the U.S. Naval Academy. Having been recruited to run track, she also trained in boxing, wrestling and swimming until being medically discharged following her diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.

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Caroline Dubois says she is looking forward to encountering Alycia Baumgardner at Thursday’s press conference and has already won their verbal sparring on social media

“I didn’t know what an allowance was, there was responsibilities that required your attention, and that sacrifice and selflessness was kind of built into me at a really young age,” she explains of her childhood.

“My life has been obstacle and challenge, perseverance, and I’ve created it. I’ve created that, who I am and who I’ve become has had to be my effort. There’s been no artificial push. There’s been no handouts.

“There are times where things get so tough and you think to yourself, why me? You get older and you look back and you’re like, thank God it was me. You become resilient, you become creative, you become all of these facets that without a stressor you would never be able to adapt and change and grow.”

Moore was previously part of Team USA for three Olympic cycles having reached the 2016 Summer Games qualifying tournament after just 14 official fights.

She was subsequently forced to withdraw through illness, before also missing out on travelling to Tokyo as an alternate in 2020 as a result of COVID restrictions.

On the surface her professional record may speak to that of an unproven, unknown underdog in the face of a greatness-chasing Dubois, but Moore deems her vast amateur pedigree and accompanying tribulations as evidence of her worth on this weekend’s platform.

With it comes a chance to tear up the narrative.

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Caroline Dubois is determined to fight rival Alycia Baumgardner sooner rather than later

“There’s a line that I love in a song, it says it’s not about a matter of luck, it’s just about a matter of time. The timeline isn’t what we think it is,” she adds. “2020 really broke my heart because I knew that I felt ready, but there was something else meant for me. So you just have to sit with it keep building.”

“If you keep persevering eventually you get to this point where it’s about being undeniable, and eventually the door opens and opportunity comes, but you have to be ready. I’m ready, I’m ready for this moment.

“We’d all love to be spoon fed and live in a padded world, but those people that don’t experience life don’t change the world. You can’t be bitter, you just have to be better.”

While Moore has been gearing up for the biggest test of her career to date, she has also watched on as opponent Dubois continues to be linked to a clash with WBA, IBF, WBO and The Ring super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner.

Not so fast.

“Everything that’s been going on in the background, and then the announcement of the fight between Baumgardner and Elif Nur Turhan, there’s already been news articles talking about Caroline’s next fight,” said Moore.

“Everyone’s talking about beyond me. Let them. Go ahead. Come Saturday night, it’s just she and I. So that’s totally fine.

“Go ahead and keep thinking beyond me, but I know where I am, and I’m still focused on what I need to do.”

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Mikaela Mayer says if she reproduces her form from training camp she may shock the pundits who are calling this a close contest and win by knockout

Moore has trained in martial arts since childhood, she is a former Elite National Championships and National PAL gold medallist, a seasoned Team USA athlete, she is a ringside analyst, she is writing a book, she is an advanced Emergency Medical Technician and she bakes a mean sourdough bread.

A multi-faceted, multi-talented life and career also sees her rub shoulders with boxing’s best, Moore having notably worked with undefeated great Terence Crawford in Colorado Springs.

“His entire team has been a great integral part into not only just like my development, but the amount of things that I’ve learned from Bud,” she says.

“I remember the first time I trained with him, I always felt like I was the crazy one. I trained really hard, I don’t know if I’ve ever met anybody that trains harder than I do, or is as dedicated and as crazy disciplined, and then I met him and was like oh my gosh, he’s a lot like me.

“I was blown away. All of his team, all of his coaches, they’re amazing.”

Watch Mikaela Mayer vs Chantelle Cameron this Saturday with Caroline Dubois in action against Amelia Moore, live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.

Best DFS Apps 2026: Daily Fantasy Sports Platforms Reviewed

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Daily fantasy sports are more popular than ever, and the best DFS apps make it easy to draft lineups, join contests, and compete for real cash prizes. FOX Sports’ picks for the top daily fantasy apps include Underdog, DraftKings, Betr, Sleeper, and Chalkboard, each offering a unique mix of pick’em games, fantasy drafts, and innovative scoring formats. Whether you’re new to daily fantasy or an experienced player looking for your next edge, these platforms provide trusted, legal ways to play across most U.S. states.

The Rams have plenty to evaluate before the regular season, particularly at quarterback. Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett can use the final preseason game to show what they can bring, while the Chargers continue sorting out their depth behind Herbert.

Best Daily Fantasy App Promos for New Users (August 2026)

SportsbookOffer TypeWelcome BonusUnderdogBet and GetPlay $5, Get $50 Bonus Entries using code ‘FOXSPORTS’DraftKings FantasyContestNew Customers Play Free for Your Share of Millions in Prizes with First Deposit + 3 Tickets to Play FreeBetrNo Sweat Entries and Bonus BetsTwo No Sweat Entries, up to $200 back in Bonus! + A Free Pick!Sleeper Deposit MatchGet Free $20 + Your First Deposit Matched 100% up to $100 with code ‘FOXSPORTS’ChalkboardDeposit MatchGet a 100% Deposit Match Up to $100 + Free SquareDabbleNo-deposit BonusPlay $5 and Get $20.26 Instantly with promo code FOX

Each daily fantasy app offers a different type of welcome bonus, and the best option depends on how you prefer to play. Some promos are designed for quick, low-risk entries, while others reward players who plan to enter multiple contests or commit more upfront.

Bet & Get offers are best for players who want to test an app with minimal risk, since you receive bonus entries after placing a small paid entry. These promos are ideal for single-entry players or anyone looking for an easy way to get started.

Deposit match bonuses add extra funds to your first deposit, giving you more entry power across multiple contests. This format works best for players who expect to play regularly and want added value over time.

First bet safety net offers protect your initial entry by refunding it as bonus credit if it loses. These promos are better suited for confident players who want downside protection on a larger first contest entry.

Top DFS Apps Reviewed

Daily Fantasy platforms are reviewed by experts with years of experience in sports betting, DFS contests, and app usability. Our goal is to help players identify which platforms offer the best mix of value, variety, and trustworthiness. We evaluate each app using the following criteria:

Welcome Bonuses & Promotions – Comparing sign-up offers, deposit matches, and ongoing promos.
User Experience – Assessing design, navigation, speed, and overall ease of use.
Contest Variety – Reviewing game types such as Pick’em, Best Ball, and large guaranteed prize pools.
Market Depth – Checking the range of sports and leagues available, including niche offerings.
Payment Options – Looking at deposit/withdrawal methods, processing speed, and reliability.
Trust & Safety – Ensuring operators are regulated, secure, and offer responsible play tools.
Community Features – Highlighting unique social elements like group contests, chat, and referrals.

Underdog Daily Fantasy

Underdog has quickly become one of the most popular DFS apps in the U.S., thanks to its simple interface, creative contest formats, and beginner-friendly welcome bonus. It’s especially known for Pick’em contests and Best Ball drafts, which give players multiple ways to stay engaged throughout the season.

Underdog Welcome Offer

Bonus: Play $5, Get $50 in Bonus Entries
Promo Code: FOXSPORTS
How it Works: Make your first deposit of $10+, place a $5 contest entry, and Underdog credits your account with $50 in bonus entries.
Eligibility: New customers only, 18+ (19+ in some states), must be in a legal Underdog state.
Claim Underdog Welcome Bonus

Underdog Fantasy User Experience

Underdog’s app is designed with a clean, minimalist interface that makes it easy to build entries in just a few taps.

Navigation is simple, with clear tabs for Pick’em, Drafts, and My Entries, so players can move between contests without friction. The sleek mobile design performs smoothly on both iOS and Android, giving users a consistent and polished experience no matter their device.

The contest entry process is also remarkably fast — lineups can typically be built in under a minute, making it a perfect fit for both casual users and seasoned players on the go. Push notifications round out the experience by keeping players updated on contest status, results, and ongoing promotions, ensuring they never miss out on new opportunities to play.

Underdog DFS Promotions & Ongoing Offers

Underdog regularly rolls out deposit match offers and reload bonuses, giving both new and existing users added value on their deposits.

One of the platform’s signature perks is its “insurance” option for Pick’em entries, which lets players secure a smaller payout if one leg of their entry misses — a popular feature for those who want to reduce risk while still staying in the game.

Promotions often ramp up around major sporting events, with seasonal boosts tied to March Madness, the NFL Playoffs, and the NBA Finals. These event-specific offers help keep contests fresh and engaging throughout the calendar year.

Underdog also runs a Refer-a-Friend program where both you and your friend receive bonus cash once they join and start playing, adding another layer of value for active users who share the app with their network.

Underdog DFS Contest & Game Variety

Underdog has carved out its niche by offering a creative mix of contest formats that appeal to both casual and hardcore fantasy players. Its Pick’em games are the most popular, allowing users to select player stat lines (e.g., higher or lower on passing yards, rebounds, or strikeouts) and combine them into multi-leg entries with escalating payouts.

For season-long players, Best Ball drafts are a standout feature. These allow users to draft once and let their lineup automatically optimize throughout the season — ideal for fantasy fans who want the draft-day thrill without the weekly management. Underdog also runs large-scale tournaments during NFL, NBA, and MLB seasons, giving users the chance to compete for major prize pools.

Overall, Underdog strikes a balance between simple daily contests and long-term engagement, making it one of the most versatile DFS apps on the market.

Underdog App User Reviews

iOS App Store (Apple) RatingGoogle Play Store (Android) Rating4.8⭐️4.6⭐️

Our Take On The Underdog DFS App: A Top Pick for Simplicity & Variety

Underdog stands out for its balance of beginner-friendly gameplay and deep contest options. The Pick’em format makes it easy for casual users to jump in, while Best Ball leagues give hardcore players a season-long edge.

Combined with a generous welcome offer and sleek design, Underdog is one of the most versatile DFS apps on the market.

DraftKings Fantasy

DraftKings Fantasy is one of the most established DFS platforms in the U.S., offering a massive variety of contests, innovative features, and big prize pools that appeal to both casual and serious players. Known for its daily and weekly fantasy contests across every major sport, DraftKings also integrates well with its sportsbook, making it a top choice for players who enjoy both DFS and betting.

DraftKings Fantasy Welcome Offer

Bonus: New Customers Get 3 Tickets to Play for Free for a Share of Millions in Prizes with First Deposit
How it Works: Sign up, make your first deposit, and receive free contest entries to compete for a share of DraftKings’ guaranteed prize pools.
Eligibility: New customers only, 18+ (19+ in some states, 21+ in MA), must be in a legal DraftKings DFS state.
Claim DraftKings Welcome Bonus

DraftKings Fantasy User Experience

DraftKings’ app delivers a polished and feature-rich experience designed for heavy engagement. The interface balances depth and accessibility, offering tabs for Lobby, Contests, Lineups, and Live scoring.

The contest selection is one of the deepest in the industry, ranging from beginner-only contests to massive guaranteed prize pools (GPPs) that attract tens of thousands of players. Building lineups is intuitive, with salary-cap formats familiar to most fantasy players.

DraftKings also excels at live scoring and tracking — users can follow every point, assist, or touchdown in real time, with leaderboards updating instantly. Push notifications keep players in the loop about contest results, wins, and exclusive promotions.

DraftKings DFS Promotions & Ongoing Offers

DraftKings is one of the most promotion-heavy DFS platforms, offering frequent deposit matches, free contest tickets, and seasonal promotions tied to major sports events.

The platform runs special event contests around the Super Bowl, March Madness, and NBA Finals, often with unique prize pools or boosted payouts. “Mission” style promotions also reward players for completing daily or weekly challenges, such as entering multiple contests or hitting specific stat milestones.

In addition, DraftKings’ Refer-a-Friend program gives both the referrer and the new player site credits once the new player deposits and enters contests, making it easy for existing users to share the app.

DraftKings Fantasy Contest & Game Variety

DraftKings offers the deepest DFS contest library in the industry, with options for every player type and budget. Users can enter classic salary-cap contests, where you build a roster under a set salary budget, or opt for Showdown slates, which focus on single games with unique lineup construction rules.

DraftKings also runs a wide range of Guaranteed Prize Pool (GPP) tournaments, head-to-head matchups, multipliers, and 50/50 contests, giving players the ability to choose between safer, lower-variance formats and big-payout tournaments. Seasonal contests and qualifiers for live in-person finals add to the excitement, creating pathways to life-changing winnings.

With contests spanning NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MMA, and niche sports, DraftKings remains unmatched in sheer variety. This depth ensures that casual players and seasoned DFS grinders alike can always find something tailored to their style.

DraftKings Fantasy User App Reviews

iOS App Store (Apple) RatingGoogle Play Store (Android) Rating4.9⭐️4.8⭐️

Our Take On The DraftKings DFS App: Depth & Prize Pools Set It Apart

DraftKings Fantasy is the go-to choice for players who want the widest variety of contests and the biggest prize pools. Its platform is feature-rich without being overwhelming, with tools and formats that cater to every type of DFS player.

Between its seamless live scoring, consistent promotions, and massive community of users, DraftKings remains one of the best DFS apps for anyone serious about daily fantasy sports.

Betr Daily Fantasy App

Betr has quickly made a name for itself in the DFS space by combining simple, accessible contests with a unique bonus structure that appeals to new users. Known for its micro-betting roots, Betr brings that same focus on approachable play to its fantasy app, offering casual players an easy way to jump into DFS without feeling overwhelmed.

Betr DFS Welcome Offer

Bonus: Two No Sweat Entries, up to $200 back in Bonus! + A Free Pick!
How it Works: Register a new account to instantly receive two No Sweat Entries. Make a qualifying deposit and Betr will match it dollar-for-dollar up to $200 in bonus cash + a Free Pick
Eligibility: New customers only, 18+ (19+ in some states), must be located in a state where Betr DFS is available.
Claim Betr Welcome Bonus using code ‘FOXSPORTS’

Betr Fantasy User Experience

Betr’s app is designed with beginners in mind, offering a clean, straightforward layout that emphasizes quick entry and ease of use. Navigation is simple, with tabs for contests, live results, and account management.

Lineups can be created in just a few taps, and the app’s design ensures that even first-time DFS players can jump in without confusion. The sleek mobile interface works seamlessly on both iOS and Android, with performance optimized for fast contest entry and live scoring updates.

Push notifications add value by alerting players to contest results, promotional offers, and special events, keeping engagement high without feeling intrusive.

Betr DFS Promotions & Ongoing Offers

Beyond the welcome bonus, Betr regularly offers reload bonuses, deposit matches, and time-limited boosts tied to major sporting events.

One of the standout features of Betr is its focus on Bonus Cash incentives, giving users consistent opportunities to stretch their deposits further. Seasonal promotions often ramp up around the NFL, NBA, and March Madness, helping players stay active year-round.

Betr also includes a Refer-a-Friend program, rewarding both new and existing users with bonus funds once the new user makes a deposit and joins contests.

Betr DFS Contest & Game Variety

Betr takes a simpler, more streamlined approach to contest variety compared to the giants of DFS. Its focus is on straightforward Pick’em-style games, where users select player outcomes across multiple sports and combine them into entries with tiered payouts.

While Betr doesn’t yet have the same contest depth as DraftKings or Underdog, it leans heavily into accessibility — contests are designed to be fast, easy to understand, and low-barrier to entry, making it a strong option for new DFS players. The app also introduces frequent promotional contests and free-to-play events, tied to marquee sporting events like the Super Bowl, NBA Playoffs, or March Madness.

As Betr continues to expand, it’s carving out a niche for users who want quick, rewarding DFS gameplay without the complexity of salary caps or massive multi-entry tournaments.

Betr App User Reviews

iOS App Store (Apple) RatingGoogle Play Store (Android) Rating4.7⭐️4.4⭐️

Our Take On The Betr DFS App: Great for New Players Looking for Value

Betr stands out as a beginner-friendly DFS platform with a strong focus on promotions and accessibility.

The combination of two No Sweat Entries plus a $200 deposit match makes it one of the most valuable entry points in DFS today. While its contest depth is still growing compared to giants like DraftKings, Betr is an excellent option for players seeking simplicity, steady promos, and an easy way to get started.

Sleeper Daily Fantasy App

Sleeper has built its reputation as one of the most community-driven DFS apps, combining fantasy gameplay with strong social features.

Originally known for its season-long fantasy leagues, Sleeper has successfully expanded into daily fantasy by emphasizing Pick’em contests and an engaging, chat-friendly interface. The platform appeals to both casual players and fantasy veterans who want a more interactive DFS experience.

Sleeper DFS Welcome Offer

Bonus: Get Free $20 + 100% First Deposit Match up to $100
How it Works: Sign up and make your first deposit, and Sleeper will match it dollar-for-dollar up to $100 in bonus funds. Add in a free $20 plus a $100 deposit match.
Eligibility: New customers only, 18+ (19+ in some states), must be located in a state where Sleeper DFS is available.

Sleeper Fantasy User Experience

Sleeper’s app is designed with community engagement at its core, blending DFS gameplay with integrated social features. Players can create entries in seconds while chatting with friends, league members, or broader DFS communities directly in the app.

The design is sleek and modern, with tabs for Pick’em, Contests, and Chat, ensuring users can toggle seamlessly between gameplay and conversation. Performance is fast and stable on both iOS and Android, and the ability to track contests while interacting with others sets Sleeper apart from competitors.

Push notifications highlight contest updates, promotions, and league interactions, ensuring users stay plugged into both their entries and their community.

Sleeper DFS Promotions & Ongoing Offers

Sleeper consistently rewards its users with deposit match reloads, targeted boosts, and seasonal offers tied to major sports calendars.

The platform also introduces creative promotions during events like NFL Kickoff, March Madness, and NBA Playoffs, giving players a reason to stay engaged beyond the standard contests. Its Refer-a-Friend program encourages organic growth, with both parties receiving bonus funds once the referral signs up and makes a deposit.

This steady mix of rewards keeps Sleeper competitive with larger DFS platforms while reinforcing its social-first approach.

Sleeper DFS Contest & Game Variety

Sleeper focuses primarily on Pick’em-style contests, where users predict player outcomes across different sports and combine them into entries for tiered payouts. The app also leverages its legacy in season-long leagues, offering Best Ball-style contests for players who prefer longer-term engagement.

While its contest depth is narrower than DraftKings, Sleeper differentiates itself through its social integration. Players can build entries while chatting in real time, join public or private groups, and even run fantasy contests within their own communities. This blend of DFS and social networking makes Sleeper unique in the market.

Sleeper Daily Fantasy App User Reviews

iOS App Store (Apple) RatingGoogle Play Store (Android) Rating4.7⭐️4.4⭐️

Our Take On The Sleeper DFS App: Best for Social Players

Sleeper shines as the go-to DFS app for players who value community and interaction.

Its Pick’em contests are straightforward and rewarding, but the real draw is its integrated chat and league features that turn DFS into a social experience. Add in a solid $100 deposit match and ongoing promos, and Sleeper is a strong choice for anyone who wants DFS to feel more connected and community-driven.

Chalkboard Daily Fantasy App

Chalkboard is one of the newest entrants in the DFS space, carving out a niche by combining fantasy contests with community-driven features. The app is built around group play and conversation, making it feel more like a social hub than a traditional sportsbook-style platform.

With a simple welcome offer and a focus on Pick’em contests, Chalkboard is quickly gaining traction with casual players looking for something fresh and interactive.

Chalkboard DFS Welcome Offer

Bonus: 100% Deposit Match up to $100 + Free Square
How it Works: Create a new account, make your first deposit, and Chalkboard will match it dollar-for-dollar up to $100. Plus, you’ll receive a free square entry to kickstart your play.
Eligibility: New customers only, 18+ (19+ in some states), must be located in a state where Chalkboard DFS is available.
Click to Claim Chalkboard Welcome Bonus

Chalkboard Fantasy User Experience

Chalkboard’s app emphasizes social interaction and group play, with built-in features that allow players to chat, strategize, and celebrate wins together. The interface is modern and streamlined, making it simple to toggle between contests, live updates, and group chats.

Contest entry is quick and intuitive, often requiring just a few taps. The app is fully optimized for both iOS and Android, with smooth performance and minimal lag. Notifications keep players updated on contest progress, promotional boosts, and group activity, helping Chalkboard foster a sense of community beyond just the gameplay.

Chalkboard DFS Promotions & Ongoing Offers

Chalkboard regularly offers deposit matches, reload bonuses, and free square promotions that add extra value for both new and existing users. Event-based promos are a major draw, with special offers around marquee moments like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, or March Madness.

Its promotions lean into the community-driven design — groups often get unique offers or bonuses for participating together, creating incentives to invite friends and build private leagues. A Refer-a-Friend program is also available, giving users extra bonus cash when new members sign up and start playing.

Chalkboard DFS Contest & Game Variety

Chalkboard’s primary focus is Pick’em contests, where users select player outcomes across multiple sports. These contests are designed to be approachable, with tiered payouts that reward accuracy and creativity.

The app also experiments with community-driven contests, where groups can set up private pools, track leaderboards, and engage in side competitions. While Chalkboard doesn’t yet have the deep contest menu of DraftKings or Underdog, it’s leaning heavily on innovation in social play, positioning itself as a DFS platform that blends gaming with group dynamics.

Chalkboard App User Reviews

iOS App Store (Apple) RatingGoogle Play Store (Android) Rating4.7⭐️4.4⭐️

Our Take On The Chalkboard DFS App: DFS With a Social Twist

Chalkboard stands out by making DFS feel more like a community event than a solo experience.

Its Pick’em contests are beginner-friendly and rewarding, while the integrated chat and group features give players a reason to return beyond just placing entries. With a 100% deposit match, free square, and consistent promos, Chalkboard is a smart option for anyone who wants DFS to feel more interactive and social.

Top-Ranked DFS Apps by App Ratings & User Reviews

When it comes to choosing a daily fantasy platform, user experience matters just as much as promotions or contest variety. App store ratings and user reviews offer valuable insight into how each DFS app performs in real-world conditions. From ease of navigation to payout speed and overall reliability, these reviews help separate the top-performing apps from the rest. Below are the highest-rated DFS platforms based on user feedback and overall app performance.

SportsbookiOS RatingAndroid RatingUnderdog4.84.6DraftKings Fantasy4.94.8Betr Fantasy4.74.4Sleeper4.74.4Chalkboard4.74.4

How to Choose the Best DFS App

No single daily fantasy app does everything best. The right DFS platform for you depends on your priorities: whether you value generous welcome offers, creative contest formats, slick app design, or ongoing promos.

Highest-Rated DFS App: Underdog

Underdog consistently ranks at the top of app store ratings, with strong reviews from both iOS and Android users. The platform’s clean, minimalist interface makes contest entry seamless, while push notifications and quick navigation keep the experience smooth. Underdog’s focus on Pick’em contests and Best Ball drafts, combined with its highly-rated app, makes it one of the most reliable and user-friendly DFS options on the market.

Best DFS Welcome Bonus: Underdog

Underdog’s Play $5, Get $50 offer (with code FOXSPORTS) is one of the best entry points in DFS. With only a $5 contest entry required, it’s a low-risk way for new users to unlock significant bonus funds. Combined with Underdog’s reputation for Pick’em contests and Best Ball drafts, this bonus provides great early value.

Best DFS Promotions: DraftKings Fantasy

DraftKings Fantasy leads the way on ongoing promotions, offering free-to-play contests, profit boosts, and frequent event tie-ins (NFL, NBA, March Madness). Its “Play Free” contests with a first deposit remain a standout, and the platform regularly rotates creative promos to keep users engaged across multiple sports.

Best DFS App for Beginners: Betr

Betr focuses on simplicity. Its Pick’em contests are straightforward, the app layout is uncluttered, and it comes with one of the easiest welcome bonuses: a free $10 just for signing up plus a 100% deposit match up to $200; make sure to use code ‘FOXSPORTS’. Betr’s low barrier to entry makes it an excellent option for users trying DFS for the first time.

Best DFS Loyalty & Community Features: Chalkboard

Chalkboard stands out for its community-driven design. Alongside contests, it integrates group chats and social features so players can compare entries, trash talk, and strategize together. Its 100% deposit match up to $100 plus a free square makes it especially appealing for groups looking to play DFS together.

Best DFS App for Serious Players: Underdog & DraftKings Fantasy

For long-term DFS grinders, Underdog and DraftKings Fantasy provide the best balance of value and depth. Underdog excels with its player prop Pick’ems and season-long Best Ball contests, while DraftKings’ GPPs offer life-changing prize pools. Both apps have large, active user bases, ensuring big contest lobbies and reliable payouts.

DFS Apps vs Traditional Online Sportsbooks

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) apps operate differently from traditional online sportsbooks, but the choice between them often comes down to how you like to play. DFS apps focus on contests, player props, and season-long formats like Best Ball, while sportsbooks revolve around odds, lines, and betting markets. Many users enjoy using both, but DFS apps offer a unique blend of accessibility and creativity.

DFS App Benefits

Contest-based play (Pick’em, Best Ball, Draft contests) instead of straight wagers
Lower entry points — you can play for as little as $1–$5
Easier for beginners: no need to understand spreads, moneylines, or advanced odds
Strong overlap with fantasy sports culture (drafting, tracking player stats, season-long engagement)
Built-in community features (some DFS apps include social chats, group contests, etc.)

Sportsbook App Benefits

Broader betting markets: spreads, totals, moneylines, parlays, futures, props, and more
Higher potential payout ceilings for single wagers
Deeper live betting options with real-time odds updates
Heavier promos tied to major sporting events (NFL Sunday Night Football, March Madness, etc.)
Better suited for experienced bettors looking to wager larger amounts.

Responsible Sports Gambling Resources

Sports betting should be fun, not stressful. If you feel like gambling is impacting your finances, relationships, or mental health, there are free and confidential resources that can help.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) offers research, education, and resources to promote responsible gaming—learn more at www.americangaming.org/responsible-gaming.
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – Call or text 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat for 24/7 support.
Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support groups and recovery programs. Visit www.gamblersanonymous.org to find a meeting near you.

Best DFS Apps FAQ

What is a DFS app and how is it different from a sportsbook?

A DFS (daily fantasy sports) app lets players build lineups or make player-based predictions to compete against other users in fantasy-style contests. Unlike sportsbooks, which involve betting on game outcomes or odds, DFS contests focus on individual player performance and are regulated separately in many states.

Are DFS apps legal in my state?

DFS apps are legal in most U.S. states, but availability depends on local regulations. Some states treat DFS differently from sports betting, which allows them to operate in places where sportsbooks aren’t yet legal. It’s best to check the list of approved states on each app’s website before signing up.

What is the best DFS app for beginners?

Underdog Fantasy is often a top pick for beginners thanks to its simple pick’em format, low-barrier welcome bonus, and clean mobile design. Sleeper is also beginner-friendly, especially for users familiar with traditional fantasy leagues.

Which DFS app has the best welcome bonus?

Many DFS apps offer strong sign-up deals, but Underdog’s Play $5, Get $50 bonus is one of the most accessible for new users. DraftKings DFS also stand out for their generous bonus amounts and additional perks.

Can I play DFS contests for free?

Yes. Many DFS platforms offer free-to-play contests, including promotional games, freerolls, or beginner-only entries. These are a great way to practice strategies and get familiar with the app without risking real money.

How do DFS Pick’em contests work?

Pick’em contests involve selecting whether players will go higher or lower than their projected stat lines. Players typically make 2–5 picks per entry, with fixed payout multipliers that increase as more picks are added.

What are Best Ball drafts in DFS?

Best Ball drafts are season-long fantasy contests where users draft teams once, and the app automatically sets the optimal lineup each week. There’s no need for in-season management, making it a popular low-maintenance option for NFL fans.

Can I use multiple DFS apps at the same time?

Yes. Many players use multiple DFS apps to claim different welcome bonuses, access more contests, and compare pick’em lines or draft formats. There’s no restriction on having accounts across several platforms.

Are DFS apps safe and trustworthy?

Top DFS apps are licensed and regulated in the states where they operate. They use encryption to protect user data, follow responsible gaming guidelines, and offer secure payment methods, making them safe for real-money play.

Can I win real money with DFS apps?

Yes. Players can win real cash prizes through pick’em contests, drafts, and season-long competitions. Payouts vary depending on the contest format, entry size, and how well your picks or lineups perform.

Allan Elias to Man City: How Brazilian overcame tragedy to go from ‘Mini Balotelli’ to Palmeiras’ underrated gem | Football News

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Manchester City supporters might not know whether to be amused or afraid to hear that Allan Elias’ nickname as a kid was ‘Mini Balotelli’ – a reference to the bleached-blonde mohawk haircut that had in fact been inspired by childhood hero Neymar.

They should not be concerned. Allan’s £34m move from Palmeiras to the Premier League looks a smart signing by City, a talented and versatile player ready to contribute. With Allan, it is more work ethic than wonderkid as wingers go. And his story is inspiring.

Allan’s beginnings are not just humble but tragic. The death of his old Figueirense teammate Vitor Isaias in a fire at Flamengo’s academy accommodation in 2019 that killed 10 people had a profound effect. His family moved to Sao Paulo to be near him.

During the pandemic, Allan’s sister Leticia died due to Covid-19. The ‘L’ gesture made with his hands after scoring is in her honour. There is the tattoo of best friend Gustavo Paco, who died in a motorcycle accident the day after the pair had played on the beach.

It is a life blighted by misfortune but also its own little miracle. This football success was not supposed to happen for Allan. He felt close to leaving Palmeiras for very different reasons as recently as late 2024, having seen so many others promoted ahead of him.

He cried with his parents before his final U20 game, thinking it was all over. Approaching 21 and seemingly overlooked by his own club, coach Abel Ferreira then pulled him aside in training to let him know that he would be getting a new contract.

The rest is history. Allan emerged as a key player for Palmeiras over the past 18 months, no teenage prodigy but an underrated gem. “Allan is a different player,” his former coach Lucas Andrade tells Sky Sports. “He needed more time, but now he is at the same level.”

Image:
Allan has had some big moments for Palmeiras but stands out for his versatility

Andrade was Allan’s coach at U15 and U20 level at Palmeiras. “He scored a lot of goals.” But it was at a youth tournament in England of all places that he became convinced. “That is when I realised Allan had the level to play here one day,” he says.

“He played very well against Chelsea, against Tottenham. The final was Manchester City against Chelsea. And I watched the game with Allan in the crowd. And now, many years later, he has come back to England to play for Manchester City. It is a very nice story.”

His youth coach might have believed but others had not seen it. Those tears before his final U20 appearance were because Allan did not know what was coming next. But Ferreira spotted something and told the sporting director that he must stay.

He made his senior debut in January of last year, scoring his first goal the next month. His parents went viral in Brazil after filming their joyful celebrations. By the summer, Allan was a starter at the Club World Cup in what had been Estevao’s right-wing spot.

Palmeiras reached the quarter-finals, with Estevao, on the eve of his big move to Chelsea, playing in a more advanced role while Allan did the dirty work on the wing. It reflected the trust of the coach, a recognition that he can do both sides of the game.

That was Ferreira’s explanation for the interest in Allan with the City transfer imminent. “Teams want players like Allan because he does what 90 per cent of the wingers here cannot do,” he explained. “Attack and defend down the flank for the full 90 minutes.”

Image:
Allan has been operating as an attacking right wing-back for Abel Ferreira at Palmeiras

It is why the statistics do not necessarily do Allan justice. In this season’s Brazilian championship, for example, he has four goals and three assists in 21 appearances. There are more compelling highlights compilations around but he has his moments.

Most notably, he set up the first goal and won the penalty for the last one in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores semi-final against Liga de Quito last year. Palmeiras won the game 4-0 to turn around a three-goal deficit from the tie in the altitude of Ecuador.

One of his more famous goals for Palmeiras came against Flamengo when he put his head in where it hurt to score in a 3-0 win in May. Former Manchester United player Guillermo Varela was threatening to take his block off with an ill-judged scissor-kick.

There is grit to his game but he is a dribbler as well, currently ranking second in the Brazilian top flight for successful take-ons this season. He is particularly fond of that chop inside onto his stronger left foot. “He is very good one-vs-one,” says Andrade.

Image:
Allan ranks second in Brazil’s top flight for successful dribbles so far this season

Superficially, there are some similarities with Savio, the compatriot he is replacing at City. Andrade has worked with both. “They are similar in some ways. Both are very good dribblers. But I think Allan is more strong and Savio is more technical,” he reveals.

But Allan’s greatest asset is less obvious than strength or technique. It is the resilience that he has had to show in life and the adaptability that he has shown on the pitch. “I think he is a tactical player,” says Andrade. “Technical, but he is a tactical player too.”

For Palmeiras, he has been the joker in the pack. “Allan can play in the middle, can play in both sides of attack. Helps a lot in defence. In the academy, he played more times in the middle. But in the first team, he plays on the side, especially on the right side.”

More recently, his versatility has been evident with him filling in on the right of Ferreira’s 3-4-1-2 formation. Allan is essentially an attacking right wing-back, cutting inside on his left foot. It is a demanding role that requires as much without the ball as with it.

“I think this characteristic is so important in the Premier League. Being just technical today is not possible.” Particularly under Enzo Maresca. “With Maresca, I think the players change. Play inside, play outside. It is a characteristic of Allan, his versatility.”

Friday 28th August 7:00pm

Kick off 8:00pm

It is an interesting observation. Maresca is regarded as a disciple of Pep Guardiola, an advocate of positional play. But this ability to switch positions is also a feature of his tactics. “The important thing for me in the Maresca style is mobility,” argues Andrade.

“I think Allan is a perfect player for this because he plays on both sides and in the middle. Savio has a position where he normally just plays on the right side and has a great capacity here. But I think the other option with this coach is important.”

From Mini Balotelli to major Brazilian signing, there is confidence that he is ready for this. “I believe he can make a good impact in the Premier League.” But that is perhaps the smaller story given all that Allan has overcome. The triumph is just making it here.

2026 College Football Playoff Predictions: Will Big Ten’s Dominance Come To An End?

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

It’s about that time, as the offseason winds down, and predictions start looming. Which teams are bound to make waves this college football season?

As Oregon returns plenty of production from their 2025 team and Indiana aims for a repeat title, the competition for conference championships and a national title are wide open.

Here are Klatt’s predictions for every Power Four conference champion, 12-team bracket and his national champion prediction:

Conference Championship Game Predictions

Big Ten

Oregon Defeats Indiana

Klatt’s thoughts: “I do think that the Big Ten is absolutely loaded at the top. I think all of us know that after all these preseason rankings have finally come out. We saw Ohio State at the top of the AP [Top 25 Poll]. Oregon was at the top of my preseason poll. And you still have Indiana, the defending national champion. You’ve got teams like USC, Penn State and Michigan, who will all be in there vying and trying to level up into that rarefied air of those top three teams in the Big Ten.

“Ohio State’s schedule is going to be too difficult. … They’ve got to play at Iowa after opening on the road in Week 2 against Texas. They’ve got to play on the road several times against very difficult opponents. They’ve got to go to USC. They’ve got to go to Indiana. These are all very difficult places to play. That’s why I don’t think Ohio State will make it to Indianapolis.

“Oregon’s also got a difficult schedule, but I think they’re going to be prepared to handle it. I think Indiana gets back into that spot. … I’m going to take Dan Lanning and the Ducks.”

SEC

Texas Defeats Georgia

Kirby Smart and Steve Sarkisian have led their respective programs to plenty of success. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Klatt’s thoughts: “This is a very deep conference — we all know that. I think there are two, at least in this month, that are maybe better than the rest. We’ll see how it plays out, particularly with a team like LSU. But I really, really like Georgia and Texas. I really like Texas a lot. My wild card is LSU.

“You start to wonder to yourself if [Texas coach Steve Sarkisian] can get over the hump. Let’s just say if Ohio State were to beat them early in the season, that could be a real defining moment for that program. For them to turn things around and break some of those barriers later in the season — one of those barriers being Georgia and Kirby Smart. I don’t want to bet against Georgia and Kirby Smart, but I don’t know if they’re going to have the firepower to keep up with what could be a very good offense in Texas.

“I think Texas and Steve Sarkisian can get over that hump.”

Big 12

Texas Tech Defeats BYU

Klatt’s thoughts: “This one’s pretty easy. Texas Tech is the most talented team in the league, and they’ve got a pretty soft schedule. They only have one ranked opponent on their schedule as it stands right now: Week 3 against Houston.

“Who will Texas Tech face? I like Arizona a lot, but I just don’t love their schedule in the Big 12. They’ve got quarterback Noah Fifita coming back. I really like what they’ve done with their program. … You just look at these schedules and I just don’t love it for Arizona. They’ve got at BYU, at Texas Tech and home against Utah.

“I think the second spot goes to the winner of the Holy War, BYU and Utah. As was the case a year ago, I’m going to lean toward BYU. A lot of turnover at Utah. Meanwhile, BYU, they still have head coach Kelani Sitake, quarterback Bear Bachmaier and running back LJ Martin.

“Texas Tech is just at a different level in terms of the roster compilation against the other Big 12 schools.”

ACC

Miami (Fla.) Defeats SMU

Klatt’s thoughts: “Miami has a similar gap over the ACC. I don’t see them losing an ACC game this year. They might lose to Notre Dame. I’ll predict that they do lose to Notre Dame. But Miami is not going to have a large issue when it comes to the ACC schedule.

“The real question is who is Miami going to face? You start to throw out those teams you think might have the talent and schedule to get themselves into the ACC Championship Game. I have four teams I considered here: Clemson, Virginia Tech, SMU and Louisville. With Clemson and Virginia Tech, I just don’t know. … Louisville and SMU happen to play each other in a monster game in September. I’m going to go with SMU because they’re 14-2 in ACC play since joining the conference a year ago.

“But SMU is not in Miami’s hemisphere, at least as it currently stands.”

The 12-Team Bracket

Klatt’s thoughts: “If Oregon were to win the Big Ten with only one loss, then I think the Ducks take the No. 1 seed. They’re rewarded for winning the Big Ten.”

Klatt’s thoughts: “I think Notre Dame goes undefeated, but their schedule is just not anywhere close to Oregon’s.”

Klatt’s thoughts: “With only one loss to an undefeated Notre Dame on the road, I think Miami gets the No. 3 seed. … They’re 12-1 with an ACC championship.”

Arch Manning is entering his second season as Texas’ starting quarterback.(Photo by Dustin Markland/Getty Images)

Klatt’s thoughts: “The fourth spot is a tough call. I think it’ll come down to a team that did not play in their conference championship game, but beat a conference champion. Texas is going to get the fourth spot because the SEC championship, fresh off a win against Kirby Smart and Georgia, will help give Texas all the love that they want, and they’re going to be one spot ahead of a team that beat them: Ohio State.”

Klatt’s thoughts: “Ohio State is going to be rated one spot ahead of the sixth-place team, Indiana, because in this prediction, I’ve got Ohio State with a win over Indiana. Ohio State would have wins over Texas and Indiana, but loses on the final bye seed because Texas has the SEC championship.”

Curt Cignetti is 27-2 at Indiana. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Klatt’s thoughts: “Indiana would have the sixth seed because of their loss to Ohio State as an 11-2 team.”

Klatt’s thoughts: “Georgia would be No. 7 after the loss to Texas in the SEC Championship Game.”

Klatt’s thoughts: “Texas Tech’s strength of schedule is not anywhere close. So, even as a conference champion, unless they were undefeated and beating everyone by 20 or 25 — I could see them losing a game in the Big 12 slate — I’ve got them as the eighth seed.”

Klatt’s thoughts: “Now, it starts to get interesting. I think everyone can agree that the first eight teams are the best eight teams. Who in the world is going to play themselves into the final at-large spots? I’m bullish on [USC]. … I think USC is going to have a real fantastic year. I like what they’re doing at the line of scrimmage, both offensively and defensively. I love the fact that they’re going to run the football. I love the fact that they’re returning their starting quarterback. I’ve got them going 10-2 with loss to Oregon and Indiana, but they pick up a huge resume-building win against Ohio State.”

10.

Lane Kiffin enters his first year at LSU after a 55-19 tenure at Ole Miss. (Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)

Klatt’s thoughts: “I just think LSU is going to come out and play very solid football. That doesn’t mean they’re going to win their conference. I don’t know if they’re going to go to that echelon. But I can certainly see them fixing what happened on the offensive side of the football. … Lane Kiffin’s going to have them generating 500 yards of offense, week in and week out. This idea that it’s somehow a question or anomaly of how this is going to come together with all these players from the transfer portal, let’s not act like Kiffin hasn’t done this before. … LSU is going to be a 10-2 team.”

11.

Klatt’s thoughts: “I’ve got three teams going for the final at-large spot in the College Football Playoff: Penn State (they’re going to be 10-2), Alabama (at 10-2) and the winner of the Michigan-Oklahoma game. I think the winner of that game will go 9-3. So, they’re going to have a huge resume-building win out of conference, but they’re still 9-3. … I think Penn State gets thrown out right away because they won’t have a resume-building win. In this scenario, they would have lost to Michigan and USC and there’s not a marquee win on their schedule. Alabama would be 10-2 against either 9-3 Michigan or Oklahoma.

“This team should be excellent on defense. … This is a team that I think can get back to that Alabama defensive identity.”

12.

Klatt’s thoughts: “Let’s just go with Boise State. Can anyone predict the Group of 5? These rosters turn over with such a huge degree. … I think Boise State will get rewarded with a tougher strength of schedule.”

First Round

No. 5 Ohio State Defeats No. 12 Boise State

Klatt’s thoughts: “Ohio State should win this game pretty handily.”

No. 6 Indiana Defeats No. 12 Boise State

Klatt’s thoughts: “Kalen DeBoer and company go up to Bloomington and guess what? They still can’t stop Indiana from running the football. Indiana might run it 55 times in the weather up there.”

No. 7 Georgia Defeats No. 10 LSU

Klatt’s thoughts: “Great year for Lane Kiffin. I do think they need to win a playoff game for them to reach their expectations. … But Georgia moves on.”

No. 9 USC Defeats No. 8 Texas Tech

Klatt’s thoughts: “I don’t think Texas Tech, based on what we saw last year in the postseason when it got shut out by Oregon, will be up to par with a team like USC, who’ll be very tested by that point.”

Quarterfinals

No. 1 Oregon Defeats No. 9 USC

Klatt’s thoughts: “I like USC a lot, but not in this game. Oregon’s my No. 1 overall seed for a reason.”

No. 2 Notre Dame Defeats No. 7 Georgia

Gunnar Stockton and Georgia lost to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff two seasons ago. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Klatt’s thoughts: “I think Notre Dame is going to be incredible. They’re going to play against Georgia, and they’re going to win. Notre Dame is going to win that game for the second time in three years.”

No. 3 Miami Defeats No. 6 Indiana

Klatt’s thoughts: “I thought it was a coin flip… but Miami is just building something. I think Miami wins that game.”

No. 5 Ohio State Defeats No. 3 Texas

Klatt’s thoughts: “This would be the fourth meeting in the last three years. I have to take Ohio State. I think they have something over Texas.”

Semifinals

No. 1 Oregon Defeats No. 5 Ohio State

Will Oregon get revenge over Ohio State for its loss in the 2025 Rose Bowl?(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Klatt’s thoughts: “I said that Oregon is super talented… at this point, who knows what the depth looks like for Ohio State?… Give me Oregon.”

No. 2 Notre Dame Defeats No. 3 Miami

Klatt’s thoughts: “A rematch of that game in South Bend this year. I think Notre Dame wins the first one, I think Notre Dame wins the second one. Notre Dame is that good.”

National Championship

No. 2 Notre Dame Defeats No. 1 Oregon

Klatt’s thoughts: “It might be a curse to be the team that I pick as the national champ. Last year, I picked Clemson.

“My national champ in my very first bracket prediction of the year is [drumroll please]: the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.”

Toto Wolff’s claims that Mercedes can’t afford to match rivals’ 2026 upgrades assessed by Bernie Collins on The F1 Show podcast | F1 News

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Mercedes could be left “hanging on” to win this year’s titles after appearing to have front-loaded the development of their 2026 car, according to Sky Sports F1’s Bernie Collins.

The Silver Arrows made a dominant start to the season following the introduction of new chassis and power unit regulations, with Kimi Antonelli winning five races in a row to establish a lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship after his team-mate George Russell had won the opening race.

However, Mercedes have won just two of the six ensuing races, with extra performance added from upgrades helping Ferrari and McLaren to also claim two victories apiece in that time.

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The convincing nature of reigning world champion Lando Norris’ wins for McLaren at the last two rounds – either side of the summer break – in Hungary and the Netherlands suggests momentum may have swung, with that feeling only heightened by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff saying after Sunday’s race that his team “haven’t got the money” to match their rivals’ upgrades.

Speaking on the latest episode of Sky Sports’ The F1 Show podcast, former Aston Martin head of strategy Collins reacted to Wolff’s comments and the situation that now faces Mercedes.

Image:
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has cast doubt over his team’s ability to match their rivals’ upgrades

“Mercedes have front-loaded it and that shows a confidence in their power unit and their overall chassis design,” Sky Sports F1 pundit Collins said.

“We had it for so many years at Force India, having a good reliable car for early-season races before people got on top of their reliability is where we scored all our points.

“For many years we got our strong position in the championship just in the first six races by finishing the race in a reasonable position. So, the front-loading it bit, I get.”

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Craig Slater discusses the biggest talking points off the back of the Dutch Grand Prix, including if the Championship chase is still on for Lando Norris

While Ferrari and McLaren have regularly brought significant upgrades, Mercedes’ first major package since May’s Canadian Grand Prix isn’t expected to arrive until the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from October 2-4, before which there are races in Italy, Spain and Azerbaijan.

Antonelli currently holds a 59-point lead at the top of the standings over Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, with an in-form Norris 83 points back in fourth. In the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes are 87 points clear of Ferrari, while McLaren trail by 162 points.

Collins continued: “Where the money lies, who knows? What the team bosses say to us is often not [the truth]. Maybe Wolff is counting the Mercedes upgrade that is coming to Malaysia [within his calculations].

“Mercedes have sort of put their money on the front end. There are pros and cons to that.

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Highlights from the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix

“Getting the points on the board early when other people are struggling is the pro, but conversely, then you’re not gathering the data and learning about the development for the next six months when other people are.

“They’ve put their decision-making one way, and it will be interesting to see if they can hold on.”

Changing calendar creates further complication

Collins also pointed out that uncertainty over the remainder of the schedule has created additional complications for teams’ upgrade plans.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is taking place in Malaysia, having been postponed in April because of conflict in the Middle East.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which was also meant to take place in April, was cancelled, while it remains to be seen whether Qatar (Nov 27-29) and Abu Dhabi (Dec 4-6) will be able to host the final two rounds of the season, with European venues on standby to potentially replace them.

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Mercedes team-mates Kimi Antonelli and George Russell reflect on their Dutch Grand Prix race

“An additional difficulty for the teams has been created by the calendar continuing to change with the ongoing situation in the Middle East,” Collins said.

“It’s hard for teams to decide whether to put more emphasis on high-speed or low-speed corners, for example, because you don’t know what the make-up of tracks going forward is.

“That’s quite interesting, where they prioritise their upgrades in terms of overall car performance.”

Formula 1 heads to Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix on September 4-6, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

NFL Catchup: No More Pro Bowl, Mahomes To Miss Preseason & Falcons QB Battle Update

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The final week of the NFL preseason has brought starter announcements, more injury updates and a historic decision regarding the Pro Bowl on Wednesday.

Kansas City confirmed Patrick Mahomes will sit out the Chiefs’ preseason finale, while a starting quarterback decision could be on the way in Atlanta with the competition intensifying. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson discussed how his injuries impacted his rushing production last season.

Meanwhile, New York Giants camp saw a heated practice altercation started by running back Cam Skattebo. In bigger league news, the NFL officially announced it is completely scrapping the Pro Bowl after 75 years.

Here is the latest on Wednesday from around the league.

NFL Eliminates Pro Bowl

The NFL is officially ending the yearly Pro Bowl event, first reported by The Athletic. After decades of format tweaks and noncompetitive play, the NFL is officially ending the Pro Bowl as a standalone event once and for all.

On Wednesday, league executives presented a new vision to team owners that folds the festivities directly into Super Bowl week. Under the new format, 88 players are expected to receive Pro Bowl honors without alternates.

Even with the traditional Pro Bowl game no longer being played during the annual event, players will still receive recognition and honors. This will continue to impact potential contract incentives throughout the offseason.

The NFL’s first All-Star Game was played in Los Angeles in 1939. Decades later, the Pro Bowl made Hawaii its annual home before switching locations on a yearly basis in recent years.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will not play in Friday’s preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks, marking the first time in his career he will sit out an entire preseason.

Mahomes, who is returning from December knee surgery, remains on track to start Week 1 against the Denver Broncos on September 14.

“It’s the amount of time they’ve said from the beginning, that if I did everything the right way, I would be ready to play Week 1,” Mahomes said. “I’m someone, if you put a target in front of me, I want to go out and get it and maximize every single opportunity.”

Mahomes shared more about his process leading up to his return.

“You know, this week we’ve kind of treated it more like a game week, being able to go in that same process — have Wednesday practice and then a Thursday practice, take my notes the same and watch the same film that I’ll usually watch. I think that’s kind of how I prepare,” Mahomes continued.

Chiefs have ‘A LOT OF CONCERNS’ entering Week 1, Will anything stop the Rams this season?

With backup Justin Fields unlikely to play and Chris Oladokun in concussion protocol, rookie seventh-round pick Garrett Nussmeier is expected to handle the bulk of playing time.

“He’s done a nice job, thrown right in the fire with the first group,” head coach Andy Reid said of Nussmeier.

A disastrous 2025 season led the Baltimore Ravens to move on from head coach John Harbaugh, sending shockwaves that directly impacted two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. Beyond missing time, Jackson’s health reshaped how the Ravens offense had to play.

Jackson told reporters Wednesday afternoon that last season’s nagging hamstring injuries limited his rushing ability and he couldn’t play like himself.

“I believe you know … a lot of people know [that] I was hurt last year, so I really could not do anything like I wanted to,” Jackson said. “It really would not [have] put my team in a good position if I was just running hurt…losing yards, things like that [were] happening.”

Jackson played only 13 games last season and put together a solid year, though not quite up to his usual standards. He posted the second-lowest completion percentage of his career, throwing for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

In those 13 games, Jackson averaged just 5.15 rushes per game compared to his career average of 9.31. However, despite those lower rushing numbers, Jackson remained elite as a passer, ranking ninth in the league with a 62.7 QBR.

Under newly hired offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, Jackson is primed to put together a strong bounce-back season. His aggressive, downfield scheme paired with Jackson’s explosive dual-threat ability creates a massive upside for head coach Jesse Minter’s offense.

Falcons QB Competition Intensifies

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback competition has flown under the radar this offseason, but the dynamic is about to shift. With third-year Michael Penix Jr. closing in on a return, Tua Tagoliova takes the snaps for the third preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on Friday night.

Tagoliova has played in both preseason games so far, but needing to play in the third week is rarely a good sign. Penix Jr. won’t play against the Dolphins and said only putting together three practices is just far too soon to put him on the field.

However, Penix Jr. said he’ll be ready to start Week 1 physically and mentally if he is named the starter by head coach Kevin Stefanski. If Penix Jr. wins the starting job, it will be the first time in his career that he’ll start in the season opener.

Penix Jr. appeared in nine games for the Falcons last season before missing time due to injury. During his action on the field, he threw for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and just three interceptions while completing 58.1% of his passes.

With Penix Jr. getting closer and closer to a return to the field, all eyes shift toward Stefanski and to make it official on who will start the season opener.

A scuffle broke out at New York Giants practice on Wednesday after running back Cam Skattebo slid near defensive backs during a non-contact drill. Safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Greg Newsome confronted Skattebo after the play, escalating an ongoing issue after Skattebo previously made physical contact with linebacker Zaire Barnes during a non-contact session, according to reporters in attendance.

Head coach John Harbaugh addressed Skattebo’s physical demeanor and a late 15-yard penalty following practice.

“Did you see that? Yeah, it’s infectious,” Harbaugh said. “It can be infectious the other way, an infectious disease type of thing. We want it to be in a positive way.”

Skattebo is working his way back into the offense after missing the second half of his 2025 rookie season with an ankle injury.

Injury News & Notes

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans plans to play Week 1 despite dealing with consistent hamstring injuries in camp, ESPN reported.
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters he would love to reach an extension with Tucker Kraft before Week 1, but knows negotiations could take time and be complicated.
The NFL and HBO officially announced that Hard Knocks will return in 2027 focusing on the offseason, replacing the recent “in-season” format to focus on an entire four-team division.
NFL owners voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve the sale of the Seattle Seahawks to the Khosla family.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters that running back Kenneth Walker III has shoe-related ankle swelling but is expected to be fine.
The Indianapolis Colts announced that wide receiver Josh Downs is dealing with a calf injury. Downs spoke to reporters after practice and said it was “very minor” and more just precautionary.

Bradley Barcola transfer news: Liverpool set for more talks with PSG over signing winger before transfer deadline | Football News

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool are set for more talks with Paris Saint-Germain as they look to sign winger Bradley Barcola before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline – The Times

Liverpool are yet to receive any official approaches for attacking duo Harvey Elliott or Federico Chiesa but the club are willing to listen to offers for the duo this week – Daily Mail

Newcastle have not given up hope of signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo before Tuesday’s transfer deadline – Daily Mail

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Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett and Anton Toloui assess the business needed to be done by Premier League clubs before the window closes on September 1

Aston Villa have asked about West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo as they search for a centre back to replace Ezri Konsa – Daily Mail

Chelsea are progressing in talks with Atalanta over their 18-year-old defender Honest Ahanor – Daily Mail

Arsenal could offer Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus in part-exchange for Julian Alvarez – The Independent

Crystal Palace have rebuffed an initial approach from Liverpool for Ismaila Sarr – The Athletic

Chelsea are ready to make a last-ditch mega offer to sign Alex Scott as a replacement for Enzo Fernandez – The Athletic

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

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CRICKET

Joe Root’s dad has revealed that his son did not initially want to accept the England captaincy for a second time – The Times

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Rangers have reportedly been offered £6m for Djeidi Gassama by competing Serie A duo Monza and Parma – Scottish Sun

St Mirren have struck a deal to sign Manchester United defender Louis Jackson – Scottish Sun

The Steps Jaguars, Trevor Lawrence Are Taking To Try To Surpass Breakout Season

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

JACKSONVILLE — Take away the two Super Bowl teams last year, and very few NFL franchises exceeded expectations in 2025 more than the Jacksonville Jaguars did in flipping from 4-13 to 13-4 and winning the AFC South.

Trevor Lawrence finished fifth in MVP voting and fifth in the league in touchdown passes with 29, all with a first-time head coach in Liam Coen. And yet the Jaguars lost a close game in the wild-card round and are now not favored to win their division, chasing the Houston Texans in the oddsmakers’ view.

So, knowing the outside expectations are that the Jaguars can’t even match last year’s success, Lawrence has a new challenge in 2026, trying to sustain success and validate last year’s team breakout, while also trying to keep up with the lofty personal standards for any former No. 1 overall pick making $55 million a year.

How do you set the tone in a new way, to keep the culture of winning on a team that hasn’t gone to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since 1999?

“I think the whole idea of working your tail off out here and earning the right to be successful to win and to make plays, that’s a real thing,” Lawrence said Wednesday after a second joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “You’ve got to feel that as a team. If you don’t feel that, there is some doubt that can creep in. Are we ready? I know we’re not going to be asking ourselves that come Week 1. We’ve put the time in, put the work in, and we’ve got to continue to do that, and we need to get better.”

Trevor Lawrence and Liam Coen are looking to lead the Jaguars to back-to-back AFC South titles in their second year together. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)

In the second half of the 2025 regular season, the Jaguars were the best team in the NFL, going 8-0. They had both the most points scored and the fewest points allowed during that stretch as they outscored opponents by 153 points from Week 10 on, a full 51 points better than the next-best team.

Success in 2026 most importantly starts with returning to the playoffs, and then winning once you’re there, but that’s a goal that’s months in the future. The focus for Lawrence is incremental progress, and that’s what his coaches have seen to this point.

“Progress would probably be in there: process, consistency,” offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said when asked to describe Lawrence’s offseason. “I probably have said it a thousand times; you guys are probably sick of hearing it, how we know that progress is not a straight line. But the consistency to show up day after day after day and build on what we had last year, but not take any of those details and fundamentals and foundational steps for granted and continue to work over and over and over again at those things, whether it’s a drop and technique and fundamentals or whether it’s a read or whether it’s just calling a certain play or a certain motion, all of those things are so important.

“They’re critical for the success of not only the quarterback, but all 11 on the offense. And he’s a guy that has continued to work at all aspects of that, which is once again why he’s such a joy to coach.”

This is an important year for the Jaguars, whose stadium is covered with scaffolding for major renovations that will relocate them to Orlando (and London) for the 2027 season. The offseason transactions were quiet, allowing linebacker Devin Lloyd (Carolina Panthers) and running back Travis Etienne (New Orleans Saints) to leave and trusting in-house options to take over in third-year linebacker Ventrell Miller and second-year running back Bayshul Tuten. Coen was fortunate to keep both Udinski, 30, and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, 44, after both interviewed for head coaching jobs elsewhere.

Lawrence said his confidence starts at the line of scrimmage on both sides, where both lines return nearly intact from last year and will work to set the tone for more of the same this season.

“Those guys having that edge, and they’ve done a great job of it. We just got to keep working it,” Lawrence said. “I think we found out what we need to get better at also through training camp and some of the details, the attention to detail, whether it’s formations, motions, different checks, just being ready for everything. Our whole operation needs to continue to sharpen and refine and move quicker. … We got better, but that’s just something that I still think we need to work on.”

Other Observations

1. Tampa Bay will have a considerable impact from their rookies on defense, starting with first-round outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr., who has been the buzz of training camp. Second-rounder Josiah Trotter, who is the son of Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, should start at inside linebacker, with fourth-round defensive back Keionte Scott potentially starting at nickel. Add in veterans like defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, edge Al-Quadin Muhammad and linebacker Alex Anzalone, and there’s a different vibe to their defensive front.

“They’re tough,” Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs said of the group on Wednesday. “I think they’re going to be a problem this year. It’s nice to see that kind of a–hole mentality … It’s a mean front.”

2. A year ago, the intrigue was the novelty of Travis Hunter’s balance between offense and defense, but as he returns healthy after being limited to seven games as a rookie, he’s focused primarily on defense. Roughly 75% of his reps have come on defense this summer, according to local beat writers carefully charting his participation. Last year, he logged twice as many snaps on offense before his injury.

“It can be a challenge, but I think [we] just continue to chip away when I can over this next week or two,” Lawrence said of working with Hunter as a receiver. “It’s tough. You don’t get quite as much time, but I feel like when the opportunity comes up, we’re going to have him ready and he’s going to be able to do whatever we need him to do.”

Players To Watch

The third-round rookie joins a talented receiving corps and brings much-needed size to help offset the loss of Mike Evans to the 49ers.

“He has some unbelievable potential,” receiver Chris Godwin said Tuesday. “He’s so explosive, especially for that size. He has the ability to jump, make tough catches. He’s doing some really good things.”

An under-the-radar value signing for Jacksonville was keeping Brown for three years, $33 million this offseason. They traded away Tyson Campbell last year and let Greg Newsome walk in free agency, and Brown had a deflected interception off Baker Mayfield during Tuesday’s joint practice.

Quote Of The Day

“Just the hair on hair,” Jaguars coach Liam Coen said of watching a practice scuffle between Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Bucs linebacker Alex Anzalone.

Jaguars coach Liam Coen quipped about the hair similarity between Alex Anzalone and Trevor Lawrence. (Photos courtesy of Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire and Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Tottenham 5-1 Charlton: Jamie Redknapp praises Savio after goalscoring debut as Roberto De Zerbi challenges new signing | Football News

August 27, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Jamie Redknapp claimed that Savio ‘lit up the place’ on his Tottenham debut, but Roberto De Zerbi has challenged his latest signing to reach new heights after his stunning start to life at the club.

Savio, who joined the club on Tuesday in an £85m move from Manchester City, instantly made himself a fan favourite just over 24 hours after his arrival by scoring and grabbing an assist during a 20-minute cameo in Spurs’ 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Charlton.

The Brazilian brought excitement and flair with every touch, and despite only scoring once in the Premier League last season, showed some much-needed end product for a Tottenham team who netted just 48 times themselves.

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Highlights of the Carabao Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton Athletic.

His brilliant introduction earned praise from former Tottenham midfielder Redknapp, who claimed the 22-year-old was exactly the type of spark fans want at the club.

“He lit the place up,” Redknapp said post-match.

“This is what Tottenham want. Players like that who can get you off your seat. Who can cut inside and hit a ferocious left footed shot. He was excellent.”

However, despite making an immediate impression, Spurs boss De Zerbi challenged his new man to take the next step.

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Roberto De Zerbi outlines what he wants to see from new signing Savio in order to become one of the best wingers in the world.

Prior to his debut, De Zerbi detailed what Savio needed to do to become one of the best wingers in the world, and doubled down on that after the game.

“Yes, it is a perfect day for him,” De Zerbi said of Savio.

“I think his biggest step and biggest improvement is to increase the number of goals because as qualities, I think he is one of the best wingers, but the best wingers score many goals.

“I spoke with him and we put the goal on 10 or 12 goals (target) because we need 10 or 12 goals from the wingers.

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Savio scores 11 minutes into his Spurs debut against Charlton.

“Last season we suffered too much because also the number of goals were not enough to compete for nothing more than that (17th) position.”

Savio gives Spurs the hope their front line needs

Analysis from Sky Sports’ Callum Bishop:

“A lot can happen in just one minute of football. Even more can happen in 20. As we have just seen, that’s enough time to make yourself a cult hero.

“Savio’s arrival at Tottenham was shrouded in question marks. Why were Spurs willing to part with so much money for a player who managed just three goal contributions in the Premier League last season?

“Yet, the moment he stepped out onto the pitch in a white shirt, he was a livewire. Spurs fans value entertainment, and they were off their feet any time he got on the ball.

“The fact there was some end product that came with the excitement is even more important, especially for a Spurs side that have often been lacklustre in attack.

“The opponents will get tougher, and Savio will need to rise to that. However, as first outings go, having joined barely 24 hours ago, you can’t ask for much more.”

NFL Rules Players Returning To College Ineligible As Big 12 Follows Suit

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Players who leave the NFL to return to college won’t be allowed to come back to the league this season.

NFL executive Troy Vincent reiterated the longstanding policy at the league’s meetings Wednesday, saying players who go back to college will be ineligible to play in 2026. Vincent said any player who does that would instead become a free agent for the 2027 season.

The comments came one day after the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences banned players who were on NFL rosters from being able to play at their schools.

Atlantic Coast and Big 12 conference leaders were also discussing the topic this week, with the Big 12 athletic directors reportedly agreeing to ban professional athletes from returning to schools within the conference in all sports.

The NFL sent a memo to all NFL teams regarding eligibility for athletes who sign player contracts.

“Recent litigation concerning NCAA eligibility rules had led certain players who signed NFL Player Contracts for the 2026 season to seek to return to college football this season. Although questions concerning college eligibility are matters for the NCAA and the courts, the following NFL rules may apply in these situations,” the memo read. “A player who signed an NFL Player Contract that is subsequently terminated by the NFL Club may return to college football, subject to applicable NCAA eligibility rules.

At least two players who signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents this offseason were hoping to return to college and play at No. 11 LSU.

Tight end Dae’Quan Wright originally signed with Philadelphia as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi following the draft. Wright spent about two weeks with the Browns without playing in an exhibition game before being waived on Monday. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Tight end Dae’Quan Wright originally signed with Philadelphia as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi following the draft. He was waived by the Eagles on Aug. 10 and claimed by Cleveland the following day.

Wright spent about two weeks with the Browns without playing in an exhibition game before being waived on Monday. He cleared waivers Tuesday and now wants to go to LSU to play for his former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin.

Defensive lineman Zxavian Harris signed with New Orleans in May as an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss and participated in the offseason program. He was placed on the non-football injury list at the start of training camp in July and was waived Aug. 8. He wasn’t claimed by any team and also wants to go back to college to play for Kiffin.

Both players entered the NFL draft because they had used up their four years of eligibility. The NCAA announced a rule change in June allowing players who began college in 2023 or later to have five years to play five years of sports in college.

That rule didn’t apply to Wright and Harris, who entered college in 2022 but they are among the players who have sued the NCAA, arguing they’re being deprived of education and potential NIL financial benefits by being excluded from the rule.

Cal football general manager Ron Rivera said Wednesday he hopes the ACC joins the Big Ten and SEC in turning away former pros.

“I think when somebody makes a decision, goes in a certain direction, I think they’ve made their decision,” said Rivera, a former NFL player and coach. “I’m disappointed that people are looking for ways to cheat the system or beat the system.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Spurs 5 – 1 Charlton

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Savio grabbed a goal and assist on a dream debut as Tottenham thrashed Charlton to progress into the third round of the Carabao Cup.

The Brazilian, signed from Man City for £85m on Tuesday, was introduced as a second-half substitute and took just 11 minutes to open his account, adding to the hype surrounding his arrival in north London.

Roberto De Zerbi named a strong side to face the Championship opposition, with many senior names included in the starting XI after Spurs’ dreadfully disappointing defeat to Brentford in their Premier League opener.

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Mikey Moore fires Spurs ahead in their Carabao Cup clash with Charlton.

It was youngster Mikey Moore who finally broke down a stubborn Charlton defence though, smashing the ball through the hands of Tiernan Brooks to score his first Tottenham goal. That lead was quickly doubled just five minutes later, with Dominic Solanke smartly finishing after the visitors failed to clear their lines.

Several other high profile names were introduced after an hour, including Kevin Danso who headed home from a Mateus Fernandes free-kick with his first touch. However, Spurs fans will only thinking about the magic of Savio after he came on in the 71st minute.

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Savio scores 11 minutes into his Spurs debut against Charlton.

The forward cut inside from the right and fired smartly into the bottom corner to add Spurs’ fourth, before his scrappy effort deflected off veteran Ben Davies for a fifth just three minutes later.

There was still time for Charlton to find a consolation courtesy of the head of Lloyd Jones, but it meant little as Spurs cruised into the draw for the next round.

More to follow.

The key moments from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

26: CLOSE! Charlton go cross to breaking deadlock with two near-misses.

30: SAVE! Brooks denies Gray with fingertips save.

40: GOAL! Moore opens Spurs account to give hosts lead.

45: GOAL! Solanke makes it two with a smart finish.

67: GOAL! Danso heads home with first touch to extend lead.

71: DEBUT! Savio makes his Spurs bow in place of Solanke.

82: GOAL! The moment Savio dreamt off as he scores on his debut.

85: GOAL! Savio involved again as shot deflect off Davies for five.

88: GOAL! Jones grabs consolation for Charlton from corner.

Best FIFA World Cup Betting Sites & Sportsbook Promos (2026)

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The FIFA World Cup generates more betting volume worldwide than any other sporting event, and sportsbooks approach the tournament differently than regular league play. Odds open months in advance, futures markets evolve throughout the group stage, and every match features hundreds of wagering options ranging from goalscorers to cards and team advancement.

With the men’s 2026 World Cup in the books, Spain has lifted the trophy. Nations, fans and teams wait another four years for an incredible tournament.

Best FIFA World Cup Sportsbook Promos for August 2026

Below are the best sportsbooks for betting the 2026 World Cup based on market depth, pricing, and tournament-specific features.

SportsbookOffer TypeWelcome BonusDraftKingsBet and GetBet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets InstantlyBetMGMFirst-Bet Safety NetGet a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if First Bet Loses with Promo Code FOXSPORTSFanDuelBet Reset TokensBet $5 Get $350 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 Daysbet365Bet and GetBet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets, Win or LoseCaesarsProfit BoostsBet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code ‘FOXDYW’ FanaticsBet MatchBet $20, Get $350 in Bonuses with promo code FOX2026

Top FIFA World Cup Betting Sites in the US

Not all sportsbooks handle international soccer the same way. The World Cup runs nonstop for nearly a month, with multiple matches daily and betting markets expanding as teams advance through the tournament.

The best World Cup betting apps consistently post early futures odds, offer deep player prop menus, and make it easy to navigate group standings, knockout brackets, and live matches. Below is a closer look at how each major sportsbook performs during the tournament.

bet365: Best Overall FIFA World Cup Betting Site

Known For: Deep soccer markets & early World Cup odds
App Store Rating: 4.8 ⭐️
Welcome Offer: Bet $10, Get $365 in bonus bets (win or lose) with code FOX365
Available States: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, NJ, NC, OH, TN, VA.

bet365 is widely regarded as the premier sportsbook for international soccer, and the FIFA World Cup is where it typically separates itself from competitors. The platform posts futures markets earlier than most U.S. books and maintains deep pricing across group winners, advancement odds, and tournament awards well before kickoff.

Once matches begin, bet365 offers one of the most expansive betting menus available. In addition to standard markets like match result and totals, bettors can access detailed player props including shots, assists, cards, and alternate lines. Live betting is especially strong, with fast odds updates and in-play markets that remain active throughout the match.

For bettors planning to wager consistently throughout the tournament, from the group stage to the final, bet365 delivers the most complete World Cup betting experience.

BetMGM: Best FIFA World Cup Sportsbook Welcome Bonus

Known For: Tournament promos & parlay features
App Store Rating: 4.8 ⭐️
Welcome Offer: Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + $1500 Back in Bonus Bets, If Your First Bet Doesn’t Win with Code ‘FOXSPORTS’
Available States: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, MS, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY

BetMGM focuses heavily on major global events, and the World Cup is typically one of its most promotional periods. Bettors can expect odds boosts on marquee matches, parlay insurance offers, and tournament specials throughout the competition.

The sportsbook also organizes matches clearly by group and knockout stage, which helps bettors follow standings and wager across multiple games each day.

Its welcome bonus, up to $1,500 in bonus bets back if your first bet loses with code FOXSPORTS, is among the highest-value and simplest welcome bonuses on the market.

FanDuel: Best FIFA World Cup Mobile Betting App Interface

Known For: Easy-to-use app & clean interface
App Store Rating: 4.8 ⭐️
Welcome Offer: Bet $5 Get $350 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 Days.
Available States: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY

FanDuel is one of the simplest sportsbooks to navigate during a busy tournament schedule. With multiple World Cup matches taking place daily, the app organizes games clearly by date and kickoff time, making it easy to quickly locate markets without digging through menus.

The interface is especially helpful for casual bettors or anyone wagering across several matches in a single day. Key markets like match result, totals, and both-teams-to-score are easy to access, and bet slips remain straightforward even when building parlays.

FanDuel is best suited for bettors who prioritize speed and ease of use over deep statistical markets.

DraftKings: Best World Cup Betting Promos for New Users

Known For: Frequent promos & betting specials
App Store Rating: 4.8 ⭐️
Welcome Offer: Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
Available States: AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY or WV. (18+ if in DC/KY/NH/WY).

DraftKings tends to run more recurring promotions during major tournaments than most sportsbooks. Throughout the World Cup, bettors can expect rotating odds boosts, featured match specials, and player-focused promos tied to high-profile teams and stars.

The sportsbook also integrates these promos directly into the betting pages, making them easy to find before kickoff. Rather than navigating a promotions tab, many specials appear alongside the match markets themselves.

For bettors looking to place wagers daily and take advantage of new offers throughout the tournament, DraftKings is typically one of the most active sportsbooks.

Fanatics Sportsbook: Most Unique World Cup Betting Rewards Ecosystem

Known For: FanCash rewards & ongoing promos
App Store Rating: 4.7 ⭐️
Welcome Offer: New customers can bet $20, Get $350 Bonus Bets with promo code FOX2026
Available States: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY

Fanatics Sportsbook stands out during the World Cup by centering its promotions around ongoing rewards rather than one-time bonuses. Many offers return value in FanCash, which can accumulate as bettors place wagers across the group stage and knockout rounds instead of requiring a single qualifying bet.

Because matches occur daily throughout the tournament, this structure works well for bettors planning to follow multiple teams and place smaller wagers over time. Featured matches and popular teams often receive rotating specials that provide steady rewards rather than relying solely on large pre-tournament promos.

The betting menu is more streamlined than larger sportsbooks, but Fanatics appeals to players who want consistent value throughout the competition and a simple way to earn rewards while betting regularly.

theScore Bet: Best New World Cup Betting Site

Known For: Media-integrated betting experience
App Store Rating: 4.7 ⭐️
Welcome Offer: Get Up To $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets If Your First Bet Loses
Available States: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV

theScore Bet is one of the newest major sportsbooks in the U.S. market after transitioning from ESPN BET in late 2025. The app focuses on blending sports media and betting into one experience, allowing users to move from scores and stats directly into wagers without switching platforms.

During global tournaments like the World Cup, this format works especially well for casual fans following multiple matches each day. Users can track lineups, standings, and match updates in real time and immediately place bets as information changes.

While it does not offer the deepest betting menu compared to larger sportsbooks, theScore Bet appeals to bettors who want a modern interface and a simple way to follow the tournament and wager in the same environment.

Caesars Sportsbook: Best World Cup Betting Site for Travel Rewards

Known For: Caesars Rewards integration
App Store Rating: 4.7 ⭐️
Welcome Offer: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code ‘FOXDYW’
Available States: AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, NV, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY

Caesars Sportsbook connects wagering to real-world rewards through its Caesars Rewards program. Bets placed during the World Cup can contribute toward hotel stays, dining credits, and entertainment experiences across Caesars properties.

The app offers standard match markets, parlays, and tournament futures throughout the competition. While the market depth is not as extensive as soccer-focused sportsbooks, the ability to earn redeemable perks alongside wagers appeals to bettors who value long-term benefits beyond bonus bets.

Caesars is best suited for players who want their betting activity to translate into travel and entertainment rewards rather than app-only credits.

World Cup Betting Markets Explained

The World Cup offers more betting variety than most sports because matches are low-scoring and played in stages: group play, knockout rounds, and the final. Sportsbooks price matches across regulation time (90 minutes + stoppage time), extra time, and penalties, so understanding common bet types helps avoid confusion before wagering.

Below are the most common World Cup betting markets you will see at sportsbooks.

Match Result (3-Way Moneyline)

This is the most common soccer wager and also the one that causes the most mistakes. You are betting the outcome after regulation only, which is 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Extra time and penalties do not count.

Because draws are common in international soccer, the odds are usually higher than typical American moneylines. Favorites often sit around -120 to +120 instead of heavy negative odds.

This market is best for group-stage matches, where teams may play conservatively and accept a draw. In knockout rounds, many bettors prefer the To Advance market instead to avoid losing on a late equalizer.

Draw No Bet

Draw No Bet removes the tie outcome. If the match finishes level after 90 minutes, your wager is refunded.

The tradeoff is reduced payout. A team that is +140 on the match result might be closer to +100 on Draw No Bet because the sportsbook removes the draw risk.

This market is popular when betting a slight favorite in group stage matches, especially when both teams benefit from avoiding a loss.

To Advance

This wager applies mostly to knockout matches. You are betting on which team moves on to the next round, regardless of how it happens.

Regulation, extra time, and penalties all count. Because of this, odds are lower than the match result since the draw outcome is removed

Many experienced bettors use To Advance instead of match result in elimination games because soccer knockout matches frequently go beyond 90 minutes.

Over/Under Total Goals

You are betting whether the combined goals scored by both teams exceed or fall below a set line. The most common total is 2.5 goals.

Totals tend to be lower in international tournaments than club soccer due to cautious tactics and unfamiliar opponents. A defensive matchup between strong teams might close at 1.5 or 2.0 instead of the typical 2.5.

Weather, tournament pressure, and advancement scenarios often matter more than team talent when betting totals late in the group stage.

Both Teams To Score (BTTS)

This wager focuses only on whether each team scores at least once. The final score does not matter as long as both sides score.

BTTS is especially useful when you expect attacking play but cannot confidently pick a winner. It is often paired with Over 2.5 goals in same game parlays since the outcomes are correlated.

Defensive teams and elimination matches tend to produce lower BTTS rates than early group stage matches.

Asian Handicap

Asian Handicap is a spread that removes the draw by adjusting the score before the match begins.

-0.5 line means the team must win.
+0.5 line means the team wins if they draw or win.

More advanced versions like -0.25 or +0.75 split your bet across two outcomes, reducing risk and variance. This market is widely used by experienced soccer bettors because it often provides better value than the three-way moneyline.

Anytime Goal Scorer

You are betting a player to score at any point during regulation time. Some sportsbooks include extra time, but most do not unless specified.

Star forwards carry the shortest odds, but value often exists on penalty takers and attacking midfielders. Lineups matter heavily here, so many bettors wait until starting elevens are confirmed about one hour before kickoff.

This is one of the most popular markets during the World Cup because casual viewers recognize star players more than team tactics.

First or Last Goal Scorer

These wagers require predicting the exact scoring order. The first scorer hits before any other player scores, while last scorer hits on the final goal of regulation.

Odds are much higher than anytime scorer bets because timing matters as much as player selection. Substitutes and late match tactics make last goal scorer especially volatile.

These are high-variance bets typically used in small stakes or parlays.

Correct Score

You must predict the exact final score after regulation time. Even being off by one goal loses the wager.

Because soccer produces relatively few goals, sportsbooks offer large payouts compared to other sports. Many bettors cover multiple scorelines such as 1-0, 1-1, and 2-1 to reflect realistic outcomes.

Correct score betting is common in knockout rounds where matches tighten defensively.

Tournament Futures

Futures remain active throughout the entire tournament. Odds shift after every match based on performance and bracket path.

Common futures include World Cup winner, group winner, team to reach the final, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball awards. Early bettors aim for value before kickoff while late bettors react to matchups and injuries.

Unlike single match wagers, futures tie up bankroll for weeks but offer strong hedging opportunities later in the knockout stage.

Cards and Corners Props

These markets focus on match statistics instead of goals. Bettors can wager on total yellow cards, red cards, corners, and player shot totals.

Referee tendencies matter heavily for card betting, while possession style impacts corner counts. Aggressive teams and rivalry matches often produce higher card totals.

These props are popular among bettors who study matchups deeply and want alternatives to predicting winners.

How World Cup Betting Rules Work

Soccer betting rules differ from most American sports because sportsbooks often grade wagers after regulation time only. Many bettors assume a team that advances in a knockout match automatically wins the bet, but that is not always true.

Understanding when bets include extra time and penalties is essential before wagering on the World Cup.

Do World Cup Bets Include Extra Time?

Most standard wagers are graded after 90 minutes plus stoppage time only.

This includes:

Match Result
Correct Score
Totals
Both Teams to Score
Most player props

If a match is tied after regulation and goes to extra time, these bets are already settled.

Example: France defeats Brazil in penalties after a 1-1 draw. A bet on France to win the match result loses because the regulation result was a draw.

What Bets Count After Penalties?

Certain markets include the full match outcome, including extra time and penalty shootouts.

These usually include:

To Advance bets
Tournament futures
Outright winner bets
Some special props labeled “including extra time”

If the bet says a team advances or wins the tournament, penalties count.

Why Bettors Accidentally Lose Winning Bets

The most common mistake is betting a favorite on the match result during knockout rounds. The team may advance but fail to win in regulation.

Many knockout matches finish level after 90 minutes because teams play cautiously to avoid elimination. This leads to bettors losing wagers even when their team eventually moves on.

When betting elimination games, many bettors use To Advance instead of Match Result to remove the draw risk.

When Sportsbooks Grade Bets Differently

Rules can vary slightly by sportsbook, especially for player props and specials. Some books include extra time for certain markets while others do not.

Always check the bet description before placing a wager. If extra time is included, it will usually be clearly labeled on the betting slip.

Understanding grading rules prevents confusion and helps bettors choose the correct market for knockout matches.

How World Cup Betting Odds Work

Soccer odds can look unfamiliar compared to point spread sports because matches have three possible outcomes and typically fewer scoring events. Sportsbooks price each outcome based on probability rather than expected margin of victory, which leads to tighter ranges and more balanced numbers.

Understanding how to read odds helps bettors compare value across teams and markets during the World Cup.

American Odds Format

Most U.S. sportsbooks display odds using the plus and minus format.

A minus number shows the favorite and how much you must risk to win $100.

Example: -150 means you risk $150 to profit $100.

A plus number shows the underdog and how much profit you make on a $100 bet.

Example: +220 means a $100 wager returns $220 in profit.

Because soccer includes draws, favorites rarely carry extremely large negative numbers compared to sports like football or basketball.

Why Draws Change the Odds

Every World Cup match has three outcomes: Team A win, Team B win, or Draw.

Probability is divided across all three options, which compresses the prices.

Instead of a heavy favorite at -300, you might see:

Team A -125
Draw +240
Team B +320

The draw absorbs probability and keeps favorite prices smaller than bettors expect.

Decimal Odds

Many international bettors and statistics sites use decimal odds instead of American odds. Decimal odds show total payout instead of profit.

Example:

2.50 returns $250 on a $100 bet
1.80 returns $180 on a $100 bet

Decimal odds include your stake in the number, while American odds show profit only.

Implied Probability

Odds represent the sportsbook’s estimate of how often an outcome will occur.

Lower odds mean higher probability.

Higher odds mean lower probability.

Comparing odds between sportsbooks can reveal small pricing differences, which is why bettors often check multiple apps before placing wagers during the tournament.

World Cup Betting Strategy & Tips

The World Cup plays differently than domestic leagues. Teams are unfamiliar with each other, matches carry more pressure, and tournament incentives often matter more than raw talent. Because of this, common betting habits from league soccer or American sports do not always translate well.

Below are practical strategies bettors commonly use during international tournaments.

Expect Lower Scoring Early in the Tournament

Group stage matches often start cautiously. Teams prefer avoiding an opening loss rather than chasing a win, especially when they still have multiple matches remaining.

This frequently leads to slower tempo matches and fewer scoring chances. Totals and Both Teams To Score markets tend to lean under in the first round of group games compared to later stages.

Knockout Matches Produce More Draws

Elimination games reward patience. Teams rarely take risks late in matches because a single mistake ends their tournament.

Because of this, many knockout games reach extra time. Bettors often prefer To Advance instead of Match Result to avoid losing wagers on late equalizers.

Public Teams Are Often Overpriced

Popular national teams like Brazil, England, France, and Argentina attract heavy betting interest regardless of form. Sportsbooks adjust odds to account for public money, which can inflate favorites.

Underdogs and draw outcomes often carry more value than expected, particularly in early rounds where talent gaps are smaller than reputation suggests.

Follow Lineups Closely

International teams rotate players more than club teams due to short rest and travel. Star players are sometimes rested after qualification scenarios or before knockout rounds.

Starting lineups release about one hour before kickoff and frequently impact goal scorer and prop markets more than match odds.

Weather and Travel Matter

World Cup host cities can vary dramatically in climate and altitude. Teams not accustomed to heat, humidity, or elevation may slow the pace of play.

These conditions often affect totals and second half scoring more than match winners.

Hedge Futures During Knockout Rounds

Futures odds move quickly once the bracket forms. Bettors who placed early wagers can guarantee profit by betting the opponent in later rounds.

This strategy allows a bettor to lock in value instead of relying entirely on one team to win the tournament.

How to Choose the Best World Cup Betting Site

Different sportsbooks excel at different parts of the tournament. Some are better for long-term futures, others for daily match betting, and some focus on promotions. Choosing the right app depends on how you plan to bet on the World Cup.

Best for Futures World Cup Betting

bet365 is typically the strongest option for tournament futures. The sportsbook posts odds earlier than competitors and offers a wider range of markets such as group winners, advancement odds, and award betting throughout the tournament.

Best World Cup Betting Site for Promotions

BetMGM and DraftKings usually run the most frequent World Cup specials. BetMGM focuses on larger bonus offers and insurance style promos, while DraftKings tends to release rotating odds boosts and featured match promotions.

Best for Daily Match Betting

FanDuel works well for bettors placing wagers across multiple matches in one day. The clean layout makes it easy to find markets quickly without navigating through menus between games.

Best for Player Props

DraftKings and bet365 typically offer the deepest player markets, including shots, assists, and cards. These sportsbooks are useful for bettors targeting specific players rather than match outcomes.

Best for Real World Rewards and Perks

Fanatics Sportsbook emphasizes continuous rewards through its FanCash system. Bettors placing wagers throughout the tournament can accumulate value over multiple matches rather than relying on a single bonus.

Caesars Sportsbook is another strong option in this category thanks to its casino rewards ecosystem. With Caesars Rewards, you can book stays at Caesars properties, dining experiences, and more, in addition to bonus bets.

How FOX Sports Evaluates Betting Sites

FOX Sports reviews betting apps using the same editorial approach applied to event coverage and analysis. For the FIFA World Cup, our writers monitor regulated U.S. sportsbooks throughout the tournament, tracking odds availability, market depth, usability, and pricing consistency across matches.

We consider how each sportsbook performs during real betting situations, including live matches, lineup changes, and knockout round scenarios. Promotions are evaluated for practicality and repeat value, not just headline size.

Recommendations are updated as markets and offers change so readers can make informed decisions across every stage of the competition.

Responsible Gambling

Sports betting should be entertaining and done in moderation. Only wager what you can afford to lose and avoid chasing losses. Setting time and deposit limits can help keep betting a recreational activity rather than a financial decision.

If gambling stops being fun or begins affecting your daily life, help is available. Support services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Responsible gambling resources:

National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
National Council on Problem Gambling: https://www.ncpgambling.org
1-800-GAMBLER Support Portal: https://www.1800gambler.net
Gamblers Anonymous: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org
Gam-Anon (support for family and friends): https://www.gam-anon.org

You must be 21 or older to place a sports wager in most states. Availability varies by location, and all promotions are subject to sportsbook terms and conditions.

Luke Humphries wins Players Championship 28 after win over Brendan Dolan as Luke Littler knocked out in semi-finals | Darts News

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Luke Humphries beat Brendan Dolan in the final to win his third Players Championship title of the season on the second day of action in Leicester.

Humphries, who reclaimed the world No 2 position in the PDC rankings from Gian van Veen during the course of the day, beat Ireland’s Dolan 8-6 to win PC28 for his first title in the series since PC17 in May, also held at the Mattioli Arena.

Dolan had defeated Luke Littler 7-4 in their semi-final to deny the world No 1 a blockbuster meeting with Humphries.

Humphries beat Mike De Decker 7-4 in his semi-final, two rounds after surviving six match darts against Danny Noppert to win that match 6-5.

Littler was making just his second Players Championship appearance of the season after a quarter-final defeat to eventual PC27 winner Jermaine Wattimena on Tuesday.

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Having sat out the first 26 Players Championship events this year, Littler is aiming to make the top 64 on the Order of Merit over the tournaments that remain to qualify for the finals in Minehead in November amid his bid for a historic clean sweep of PDC major titles this season.

Littler has won every major title on the PDC circuit so far in 2026 – the World Championship, Masters, UK Open, Premier League, World Cup of Darts and World Matchplay.

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Littler has won every PDC major title so far in 2026

He still needs to win the World Series, World Grand Prix, European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals this season in order to achieve something no-one has ever managed in the sport.

More to follow…

2026 MLB No. 1 Seed Odds: Can Rays, Dodgers Nab Top Seeds In AL, NL?

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Over the last 10 years, a No. 1 seed has won the World Series five times.

A 50% clip — not bad.

Which teams will nab the 1-seeds this season? And will it catapult them into the Fall Classic?

Let’s look at the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Aug. 26, as well as what to know about each league race.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

American League No. 1 Seed

Rays: -155 (bet $10 to win $16.45 total)
Yankees: +240 (bet $10 to win $34 total)
Red Sox: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
White Sox: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Blue Jays: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Rangers: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Mariners: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Twins: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Angels: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Royals: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Astros: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Tigers: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Guardians: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Orioles: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Athletics: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)

What To Know: What an odd beginning to this list — three AL East teams and the White Sox. Consider this: An MLB season is 162 games. The White Sox had 162 wins … over the previous three seasons. But this year, they are first AL Central. Wild. As for that even wilder AL East, the top three teams are separated by just a handful of games. There are eight teams in baseball with at least 73 wins (as of Aug. 26) and three of them are in the AL East. Furthermore, no other AL squad has 70 wins (as of Aug. 26) outside that division. Tampa Bay, New York and Boston are each at 99% or above in terms of playoff probability, and each of them have seven total games remaining against the other two. Buckle up.

National League No. 1 Seed

Dodgers: -185 (bet $10 to win $15.41 total)
Brewers: +200 (bet $10 to win $30 total)
Braves: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total)
Cubs: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Phillies: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Nationals: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Cardinals: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Giants: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Padres: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Pirates: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Mets: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Marlins: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Rockies: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Reds: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Diamondbacks: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)

What To Know: As of Aug. 26, only two teams in all of baseball have 80 wins — Milwaukee and the L.A. Dodgers. However, L.A. recently lost 3-1 in a four-game series against the Brewers in Southern California. The Dodgers won the World Series last season as the 3-seed in the NL, beating second-seeded Philadelphia and top-seeded Milwaukee en route to the Fall Classic, where they beat the AL’s top seed, Toronto, in seven games. In 2024, the Dodgers and Yankees made the World Series as the two 1-seeds, and L.A. won in five games.

PGA Tour 2027 schedule: New event, big changes and different opening tournament part of revamped FedExCup calendar | Golf News

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The PGA Tour has confirmed its schedule for the 2027 FedExCup season, running from January to August and featuring numerous changes from previous years.

Eight Signature Events will feature in a 36-tournament schedule, with the season starting at The American Express in California from January 21-24 and finishing at the Tour Championship from August 26-29.

The only new addition is the Sompo Championship, which will be the penultimate event of the regular season from July 29-August 1, while the PGA Tour’s Greensboro tournament has been rebranded from the Wyndham Championship to the GO by Raymond James.

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A change to the Florida Swing sees The Cadillac Championship will now played from March 4-7 at Trump National Doral, the week before The Players, with the Arnold Palmer Invitational taking place from March 18-21 instead.

All other Signature Events remain the same and include the top 50 players from the previous year’s FedExCup standings, as well as in-season qualifiers via the Aon Next 10 and Aon Swing 5.

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Highlights from the final day of The Players, where Cameron Young held off Matt Fitzpatrick to win at TPC Sawgrass

The BMW Championship (August 19-22) shifts to Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey, the site of the 2017 Presidents Cup and a venue that last hosted a FedExCup Playoffs event in 2019.

The 2027 FedExCup Fall schedule, along with eligibility criteria for the PGA Tour Championship Series and PGA Tour Challenger Series the following season, will be announced at a later date. The new structure for the season-ending Tour Championship will not be implemented until 2028.

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The PGA Tour revealed the Tour Championship will be played in a match play format from the 2028 season onwards. Here’s how it will work…

2027 PGA Tour season: Dates, venues and full FedExCup schedule

# denotes co-sanctioned with DP World Tour; Signature Events in bold

January 21-24 – The American Express – PGA West (Three courses), La Quinta, California

January 27-30 (Saturday finish) – The Sentry – Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course, North Course), San Diego, California

February 4-7 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Pebble Beach, California 700

February 11-14 – WM Phoenix Open – TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) – Scottsdale, Arizona

February 18-21 – The Genesis Invitational – Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California

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Highlights from the final round of the 2025 Genesis Invitational, where Jacob Bridgeman claimed victory

February 18-21 – New event TBC

February 25-28 – Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches – PGA National Resort (The Champion Course), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

March 4-7 – Cadillac Championship – Trump National Doral (Blue Monster), Miami, Florida

March 11-14 – THE PLAYERS – TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

March 18-21- Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard – Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida

March 25-28 – Texas Children’s Houston Open – Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas

April 1-4 – Valero Texas Open – TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas

April 8-11 – THE MASTERS – Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia

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Highlights from the final round of The Masters, where Rory McIlroy successfully defended his title at Augusta National

April 15-18 – RBC Heritage – Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

April 22-25 – Zurich Classic of New Orleans – TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana

April 29-May 2 – The CJ Cup Byron Nelson – TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

May 6-9 – Valspar Championship – Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, Florida

May 13-16 – Truist Championship – Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

May 13-16 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic – Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

May 20-23 – PGA CHAMPIONSHIP – PGA Frisco, Frisco, Texas

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Highlights from the final round of the PGA Championship, where Aaron Rai became the first Englishman to win the event since 1919

May 27-30 – Charles Schwab Challenge – Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

June 3-June 6 – Memorial Tournament – Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

June 10-13 – RBC Canadian Open – TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course), Caledon, Ontario, Canada

June 17-20 – US OPEN – Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California

June 24-27 – Travelers Championship – TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

July 1-4 – John Deere Classic – TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

July 8-11 – Genesis Scottish Open # – The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

July 8-11- ISCO Championship – Hurstbourne Country Club, Louisville, Kentucky

July 15-18 – THE OPEN – St Andrews Links (Old Course), Fife, Scotland

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Highlights of the final round of the 154th Open Championship, where Ryan Fox birdied the last to secure a maiden major title

July 15-18 – Corales Puntacana Championship – Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

July 22-25 – 3M Open – TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

July 29-August 1 – Sompo Championship – Silverado Resort (North Course), Napa, California

August 5-8 – GO by Raymond James – Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

FedExCup Playoffs

August 12-15 – FedEx St. Jude Championship – TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

August 19-22 – BMW Championship – Liberty National Golf Club, Jersey City, New Jersey

August 26-29 – Tour Championship – East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

Watch the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, majors and more throughout the season live on Sky Sports Golf. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

Astros Owner Jim Crane Retains Joe Espada For Rest Of Season Following GM Ouster

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

A day after parting ways with general manager Dana Brown, Houston Astros owner Jim Crane addressed the move and said manager Joe Espada will remain in the role for the remainder of the season.

Before opening a three-game series against the Yankees on Tuesday, the Astros moved on from Brown, whose contract was set to expire at the end of the season. The team described the decision as mutual. Houston announced senior adviser Jeff Bagwell and assistant general managers Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey and Connor Huff will take over Brown’s responsibilities, while Crane will oversee baseball operations during the transition.

“There’s no good time for any of that, you know, when you let someone go,” Crane said outside the Houston clubhouse. “Just out of respect for Dana, we thought that was a time that would give him a little space to regroup. He’s a great talent. He’s been in the business a long time to get settled and to get back to work somewhere else.”

Brown was hired in January 2023 and succeeded James Click, who was fired six days after Houston won its second World Series title.

“We worked together very closely for three and a half years,” Espada said. “He gave me the opportunity to be manager of this team. It was tough. It was a tough conversation, but he was grateful for the opportunity and I’m grateful for our relationship and how we grind through this together, but it was emotional. It was a lot of emotions behind our conversation.”

Brown helped the Astros reach a seventh straight ALCS, which they lost in seven games to the Texas Rangers. Houston lost in a wild-card series to Detroit in 2024 and last season missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 when it finished three games behind Seattle in the AL West and lost a tiebreaker with the Tigers for final wild-card spot.

“Not everybody’s been able to do it, that’s a good run,” Crane said. “We hope to keep that going. We had a little hiccup last year where we didn’t make the playoffs but we’re right there. I think some few adjustments we can get back to that and some good decisions. Certainly you got to keep working on it but the expectation that I have is that we’re in the playoffs every year. It’s hard to win every year, but to get there.”

The Astros began this year 20-31 but were only 5 1/2 games out of first place in a weak AL West on May 20. Houston (65-66) recovered to win 40 of its next 66 games through a 6-3 win over San Diego on Aug. 7 but entered Tuesday with nine losses in 14 games, including four to the Angels and A’s, though Crane said that performance did not influence his decision to dismiss Brown.

“That didn’t have anything to do with it,” Crane said. “We’re focused on winning the AL, winning the division and that’s our focus but that didn’t have anything to do with it.”

Espada was promoted from bench coach after the 2023 season when Dusty Baker retired. He helped the Astros recover from a 12-24 start to win their seventh AL West crown in eight seasons in 2024 and began Tuesday with a 240-214 record.

“I don’t know where that got mixed up, but that’s the same answer I gave since the first of the year,” Crane said. “We told him we’d deal with that at the end of the season and we’ve never changed that answer all year long.”

Before Crane addressed reporters for nearly 10 minutes, he met with Espada.

“Focus on winning today, that’s how I left that,” Espada said. “My responsibility is to lead this team. We have a very important stretch of games here. So I walk out of our office ready to go.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

England captain Joe Root urges side to ‘earn back trust’ of nation following Brydon Carse incident ahead of second Pakistan Test | Cricket News

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

England captain Joe Root urged his side to “earn back the trust” of the nation amid another off-field incident dominating the build-up to the second Test against Pakistan.

Root was reinstalled to the role ahead of the series after Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket, which followed the former captain being involved in an off-field controversy during this summer’s series defeat to New Zealand.

After Root enjoyed the perfect return to captaincy with a dominant victory at Headingley, video footage emerged of fast bowler Brydon Carse, who had been part of the England squad for the first Test before being released to play for his county, being handcuffed and led away by police on Saturday night after Durham’s players had gone out to celebrate their win at Derbyshire in the County Championship.

Carse, who was seen in the video talking to Durham team-mate Matthew Potts, with Stokes also pictured in the background, has subsequently been withdrawn from the squad for the second Test at Lord’s, which begins on Thursday, with an investigation by the Cricket Regulator under way.

After admitting he was “hacked off” at the latest controversy, Root attempted to put a positive spin on the situation by pointing to the opportunity he and incoming Test head coach Stephen Fleming have to alter the public’s perception of their side.

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Highlights from the day three of the first Test between England and Pakistan as Root’s side cruised to an innings victory at Headingley

Speaking on Tuesday, Root said: “Clearly we’re not portraying ourselves as we want to. We’ve got an opportunity to build a culture that is very strong and we can be proud of that’s player-driven.

“That’s not going to happen overnight. We’ve had conversations about what is expected from us, what it means and takes to play for England.

“We want to create something we can be proud of, what people following us can be proud of. We want supporters to look at us and revere, not just what we do on the field but off it as well.

“Over the next little while, as leader of this team, with Stephen, and with the group of players as well, is creating something that is just that.”

The Carse incident is not the first off-field episode England have had to navigate.

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Ben Stokes reflects on his decision to retire from international cricket and explains why now was the right time

White-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a bouncer while out the evening before a one-day international in New Zealand last autumn.

An unverified video appeared to show opener Ben Duckett drunk while the team were on a mid-series break in the beach resort of Noosa during their ill-fated Ashes tour.

Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson missed the second Test of the 2-1 home defeat to New Zealand earlier this summer after breaking the curfew to attend a Chelsea nightclub as they celebrated victory in the first game of the series at Lord’s.

Stokes and Atkinson were cleared of violent conduct but hit with written warnings after “breaching specific contractual obligations”.

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Nasser Hussain and Stuart Broad analyse Root’s return to captain and how he led England to a comfortable victory against Pakistan

Root continued: “We have a chance to build something that lives alongside what we achieved last week on the field. I thought it was a brilliant performance. The way we played was exceptional.

“We have to align that with being exceptional off the field as well and understand what that looks like and how we want to represent ourselves and our nation.

“With what we’ve got coming up, there are plenty of opportunities to do that. But like I say, it’s not going to happen overnight, in many ways we’re going to have to earn a lot of trust back.

“And something we’re going to have to live and breathe consistently.”

Tongue: Root has made clear what he expects from us

England fast bowler Josh Tongue, who is expected to keep his place in what is likely to be an unchanged XI at Lord’s, said Root has reiterated his expectations of the squad.

Tongue said on Wednesday: “We had a chat before training yesterday as Joe said. It was a very good conversation and he made it clear what he expects from us.

“He’s been around the England dressing room for plenty of years now, he knows what it takes to be the top professional and we’ve just got to do the best we can moving forward.

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Josh Tongue took three big wickets in quick succession as England moved within sight of a three-day win against Pakistan

“We’ve just got to make sure we’re as professional as we can be. Obviously things have happened and we need to try and move on from them to show all the youngsters growing up wanting to play for England that it’s an amazing place to be.

“Playing for England is obviously a privilege. We want to give the next generation the best place that they can be really.”

The only change to England’s squad for the game is Carse being replaced by 23-year-old quick Sonny Baker, who made his Test debut against New Zealand in June.

England vs Pakistan Test series schedule

All games live on Sky Sports; all 11am starts UK and Ireland

Watch day one of the second Test between England and Pakistan, at Lord’s, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10am Thursday (11am first ball). Stream with NOW.

Could Folarin Balogun Be Successful At Barcelona?

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Following a breakout 2026 FIFA World Cup, United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun has been linked to a move away from AS Monaco, which paid a $32.5 million transfer fee to Arsenal for his services in 2023.

Balogun scored 19 goals in all competitions with Monaco last season, and followed that up with three goals at his first-ever World Cup. Now, the 25-year-old is drawing interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Tottenham, Aston Villa and, most notably, FC Barcelona. Monaco

The reigning champions of Spain are in the market for a new striker after their world-class goalscorer, Robert Lewandowski, signed wth MLS side Chicago Fire FC on a free transfer. Monaco have set a $70 million asking price for Balogun, and our own Stu Holden believes Balogun would be a wise investment for the Blaugrana.

“Would it shock me if Barcelona decided to sign Folarin Balogun? Those numbers that are being talked down today actually aren’t ridiculous by today’s standards,” Holden said on Monday’s State of the Union podcast.

“I think he has a lot of ability on the ball, he’s shown that he can score goals at a high level, he’s played Champions League, he’s got speed, he can create goals for himself, his back-to-goal play is good.”

(Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)

There have only been two American players to suit up for FC Barcelona: Sergiño Dest, who made 72 appearances for the club over two seasons, and Konrad de la Fuente, who appeared in three matches. If Balogun secures a move to Barcelona, he could become the third, and maybe the best.

“I’d be intrigued if he had the opportunity to get a move to Barcelona. I think he could be successful there for sure,” Balogun said.

How Borussia Dortmund are trying to recreate the exciting BVB of the past as they rebuild with youth under Niko Kovac | Football News

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

There is optimism at Borussia Dortmund again. A new season upon the German giants and the sense of a team not just rebuilding but recapturing something lost. “Overall, we are mixing a good team,” explains head coach Niko Kovac at the club’s training ground.

“Four players left. We bought some new talented players and also one experienced player. So we kept the spine, the experienced players, the goalkeeper, the centre-back, the midfielder. And now we are trying to create the BVB, I would say, from the past.”

That means the sort of talents who can thrill the fans packed onto that Yellow Wall, those able to play the rock-and-roll football that has defined Dortmund since the days of Jurgen Klopp. More counter-pressing, less control. Football with a bit more feeling.

Saturday 29th August 5:20pm

Kick off 5:30pm

Dortmund had drifted away from this core principle. The focus shifted to older signings. It was seen as an attempt to protect their position, prioritising the need to play it safe in an attempt to guarantee Champions League qualification. Not very Dortmund.

The experienced player Kovac refers to is Joey Veerman, a 27-year-old midfielder from PSV Eindhoven. But it is the acquisition of two Greek wingers, the eye-catching Giannis Konstantelias and the 18-year-old prospect Konstantin Karetsas, that has fans talking.

In the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, the atmosphere inside Signal Iduna Park ignited when Konstantelias came on for the second half and started running at Bayern Munich’s defence. Dortmund were desperately close to turning around a two-goal deficit.

Speaking to Julian Ryerson afterwards about his new teammates, the experienced Norwegian said: “It looks positive, yeah. We also had some good players last year but I hope it takes us to a new level, of course. I hope and I think that we are on a good path.”

It will not be easy. Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt were proven in the Dortmund black and yellow. They are gone now. “We need to replace these goals, it is clear,” says Kovac. “Of course, when you buy new players, you never know if it is going to work or not.”

But perhaps that’s part of the thrill. Dortmund are daring to dream once again, gambling on the potential for greatness, hoping for more. “Our expectations are high because we saw that, especially the offensive players, the two Greek ones, they have a big talent.”

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Giannis Konstantelias was a bright spark in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup

Is Kovac the man to coax out that talent? He is a proven winner but one who has something of a reputation for prioritising perspiration over inspiration so it will be fascinating to see whether he can provide the framework for these youngsters to thrive.

What is Niko Kovac football? When that question is put to the man himself, he admits it is something that he once asked a friend. His reply? Successful football. It is a fair point. Kovac won the cup with Eintracht Frankfurt and then the double with Bayern Munich.

But he knows that his particular brand is sometimes seen as limited compared to his more celebrated peers. Kovac has dabbled with inverting his wing-backs of late but his tactical tweaks are less likely to be pored over than those of Bayern’s Vincent Kompany.

“If someone likes my style, this is up to you. For me, we are successful. And I think that, together, since we arrived, we did a very good job. As a coach, I think you need to see what kind of players you have, what situation you have, and you must always adapt.”

Image:
Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac (Photo by Vera Loitzsch/Bundesliga via Getty Images)

That is exactly what Kovac did when he joined Dortmund in late January of 2025 with the club in a perilous position in the wrong half of the Bundesliga table. The team had completely lost its identity and looked in disarray, European qualification a long shot.

Speaking to Carsten Cramer about this, Dortmund’s chief executive is clearly still grateful. “Imagine what happened when we hired him one-and-a-half years ago. We were in regions we never should be and he brought us to the Champions League.”

Cramer adds: “He is committed. He loves to work for the club. Black and yellow fits him, I would say, much better than the red and white [of Bayern] or the green and white [of Wolfsburg]. I am 100 per cent sure that he is the right man at the right moment.”

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Watch highlights of the Emirates Cup win over Arsenal (Pictures: Arsenal FC)

The credit that Kovac has in the bank is thoroughly deserved. “I arrived in a bad situation,” he says. He changed things. “The squad was planned with a back four, but after two or three games we saw it was not working so we changed into the back five.”

He adds: “This was from the tactical perspective. What was also obvious was that the physical capacities, how I see football, how I see a fully fit player, was not there. So we worked on this. With those physical abilities you’re immediately a better football player.”

His reasoning is that through improved fitness, the decisions on the pitch become easier. “Without those physical abilities, you are calculating. Should I run backwards? Should I run forward? Should I defend? Should I attack?” If you are fitter, you just do it.

“This was a little bit tricky because when it is not working players always fall into the same old habits, so it took a little bit of time. But we finished fourth.” From there, Dortmund had a platform and they used it to finish in second spot again last season.

The gap to Bayern ended up being 25 points at the end of his first season. It reduced to 16 points last time around. When it is framed like this, a title challenge still feels some way off. “To close this gap, a lot must happen.” Dortmund must play above themselves.

“It is also important that Bayern Munich is not playing top,” he concedes. The frustration in the recent past is that chances have come and not been taken. They tossed a title away on the final day in 2023 and saw Bayer Leverkusen end Bayern’s streak in 2024.

But the hope – always the hope – is that the fusion of his discipline with the high ceiling of the new talent means there are possibilities once more. Can they do it? “I do not like to speak first and then work,” says Kovac, smiling. “I think the opposite way is better.”

Sean McVay On NFL To CFB Transfers: ‘Feel Like I Took A Freakin’ Gummy’

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The rules surrounding eligibility in college football have a lot of people confused, but one NFL coach had a unique response to a recent court ruling regarding the matter.

“I feel like I took a freakin’ gummy,” Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters when asked about the shifting landscape of college football eligibility. “I can’t even comprehend this stuff. It’s wild.”

McVay made the comments after former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright moved toward joining LSU following a brief stint in the NFL. Wright spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent before joining the Cleveland Browns.

After being waived by Cleveland, Wright opted to re-enter college football following a court ruling in Louisiana.

Former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent before he signed with the Cleveland Browns before being waived in August. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

A Louisiana judge issued a temporary restraining order granting a fifth year of eligibility to Wright and several other players excluded from a recent NCAA rule change. The ruling allows athletes who started college during the 2022-23 academic year an extra season and temporarily reopened the transfer portal for plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

However, major college conferences moved quickly to shut down the pipeline.

The Big Ten unanimously adopted a rule Tuesday prohibiting football players who signed a professional contract, appeared on a professional roster, or declared for the NFL draft without withdrawing from maintaining college eligibility. Big Ten coaches who attempt to field prohibited players face a half-season suspension and institutional fines.

The SEC later followed suit to block former professionals by announcing it will enforce a policy stating that member institutions are not permitted to roster any athlete who previously declared for a professional draft without withdrawing, signed a contract with a professional team or league, or was listed on a professional roster.

The conference authorized its commissioner to enforce the policy with penalties against member institutions.

The SEC policy directly impacts LSU and coach Lane Kiffin, who had been actively recruiting players cleared by the court order.

“They were granted a fifth year by a judge, saying they were wronged by the NCAA,” Kiffin said prior to the SEC statement. “It’s simply that a judge decided they should have a fifth year, like everyone moving forward will have.”

Public opposition across college football remains strong, with multiple head coaches, including Oregon’s Dan Lanning and Florida’s Jon Sumrall expressing frustration with the legal situation.

With a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for Aug. 31, the legal clash between court orders and conference regulations continues to create uncertainty.

College Football Related Stories

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Newbury and Wolverhampton | Racing News

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We have a busy day’s racing on Wednesday with flat action from Newbury and Wolverhampton, live on Sky Sports Racing…

6.30 Newbury – Cloud Forest and River Card headline feature handicap

Cloud Forest and River Card clash in an excellent renewal of the feature Gracelands Handicap at Newbury.

Saeed bin Suroor saddles Cloud Forest, who drops back to a mile as he makes his handicap debut after three starts this season. The form of his recent second at Kempton has been boosted and he can go well under Hector Crouch.

River Card claimed the notable scalp of Maltese Cross when winning an Ascot maiden last year but finished well beaten in a sales race over in Deauville next time. He makes appeal if fit enough on this seasonal return and handicap debut with Tom Marquand in the saddle for the first time.

Others to note include Haydock winner Home Hero, while the hat-trick seeking Accademia must be feared despite a six-pound penalty for her course and distance success last month.

3.30 Wolverhampton – In-form The Craftymaster faces Boilermaker

In-form The Craftymaster takes on six rivals in a trappy attheraces.com/Marketmovers Handicap at Wolverhampton.

Tony Carroll’s charge has won three of his past four starts and seeks a hat-trick under new pilot Molly Gunn. A narrow winner at Lingfield and Newmarket the last twice, he switches back to the all-weather with obvious claims.

Boilermaker recorded a first career success at Sandown last month and, with confidence boosted, the sole three-year-old in the field ought to make his presence felt on just his third all-weather run.

Thomas Faulkner’s V Power merits respect on the pick of his form, while Letmebetheboss and Fair Dinkum complete the shortlist.

5.55 Newbury – Somers Isles and Bidsta clash in hot fillies maiden

Somers Isles and Bidsta clash in a hot edition of this IRE Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at 5.55pm.

The Andrew Balding-trained Somers Isle made a pleasing start to her career when runner-up at Newmarket last month and, with the yard in cracking form, she could go one better under Oisin Murphy.

Richard Spencer’s Starburster showed ability when getting the hang of things late on debut at Windsor and granted natural progression she looks an each-way player.

George Boughey’s Bidsta is a fascinating newcomer for Victorious Racing. A 380,000-guineas purchase at two, she is closely related to useful sprinter Ferrous and should be in the mix for a yard who have done well with juveniles this summer.

Best of the rest

2.30 Wolverhampton – My Maria and Lovely Dark Angel contest strong novice.

4.10 Newbury – Informative Nursery with 15 runners.

4.45 Newbury – Maiden with several interesting types including Yabreen, Solar Swing and Perfect Strike feature.

5.20 Newbury – Darjeel and Saturn Star feature.

5.30 Clairefontaine – Listed Handicap

4.30 La Teste De Buch – Listed where New Connection represents Wathnan and Graffard.

NFL Confidential: How League Circles Are Reacting To Players Going Back To CFB

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Some bizarre NFL and college football history could be made soon, and not everyone’s happy about it.

Former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright was on track to become the first player to play college football after being rostered by an NFL team following his release from the Cleveland Browns this week. But as he was set to join head coach Lane Kiffin at LSU, Wright and several other college athletes learned on Tuesday that the SEC would be joining the Big Ten in disallowing players who had already signed an NFL contract from playing in their conferences.

Wright was among 16 former college football players who sued the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility and were granted a temporary restraining order that would allow them to play college football in 2026. That order allowed opportunistic college head coaches, like Kiffin, to explore adding players signed to NFL contracts to their rosters in recent weeks.

While college head coaches and conference administrators are starting to make their feelings known on the matter, how are people around the NFL reacting to players potentially returning to play the collegiate game? Here’s what we learned from some of our conversations with people around the league.

Scout: NCAA Has To ‘Get Their S— Together’

Ralph Vacchiano: The recent news that some NFL players will potentially be allowed to return to college football this season did not go over well in NFL circles. And it only added to their confusion over what is currently happening in the NCAA.

“They really have to get their s— together,” one NFL scout told me. “It feels like they’re the Wild Wild West and the rules are changing every day.”

The recent one could be the most confusing. It was sparked by court rulings in Colorado and Louisiana that appear to allow NFL players who entered college in 2022 to return to school for a fifth year of eligibility in the NCAA. To add to the confusion, the Big Ten went against the courts and banned players from returning from the NFL. The SEC announced it opposed the rulings, but wouldn’t stand in the players’ way.

Dae’Quan Wright spent training camp with the Eagles and Browns before agreeing to join Lane Kiffin at LSU. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It’s unclear if any other conferences will join the Big Ten and the SEC. But the courts probably haven’t had their final say on the matter yet, which is why the NFL is bracing for an even bigger mess.

“All that NIL money was bad enough. It basically wiped out the talent in the later rounds of the draft because too many marginal players could afford to stay in school,” the scout told me. “But now we’re going to have guys who would’ve stayed on the practice squad leaving too? We’ll spend 3-4 months investing in their growth, developing them as a player, only to watch them go back to LSU?”

“It all looks bad,” an NFL executive told me by text. “But we don’t know where all this is going yet. It feels like just the beginning of a really big mess.”

Not Everyone In The NFL Is Sounding The Alarm, Though

Eric D. Williams: The situation surrounding Wright and over a dozen other players has caused some to panic about the future of college football. However, not everyone in the NFL is worried about the recent court rulings and whether this will cause more players to return to college.

One NFL agent pointed out to me that what’s happening this summer is likely a one-time thing due to the NCAA’s new eligibility rules.

Former FSU QB Thomas Castellanos is among the former college football players who could benefit from a rules loophole. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

“It only applies to this tiny group of players this year who made a decision prior to the rule change,” the NFL agent told me. “It would never apply again because any other player in the future would make whatever decision they made after the college season based on the 5/5 rule, if it stays in effect.

“So, this really isn’t a long-term issue. It’s a one-off, so the NFL won’t and shouldn’t care about these few guys who weren’t making teams to begin with. These are the only players the ruling applies to – players who under the new rules would be eligible to play college in 2026 that under the old rules would not have been eligible. That’s it. A player at the end of 2026 who has a fifth year can decide to take it or not, and if he doesn’t and goes to the NFL, why would he get his eligibility back? He made the decision to leave knowing he had a year left. No different than a true junior leaving with two years left.”

Players can regain their college eligibility if they terminate their pro contract and repay any pro earnings. A handful of other players in this year’s draft class could benefit from this new ruling, like Wright. However, that loophole will be closed for the 2027 draft class and beyond.

What To Make Of Players Returning To CFB

Williams: If players wind up returning to college after signing with NFL teams, that also begs the question about what their future draft status will be.

Jack Pyburn, who is now with the Buccaneers, is among the players considering a return to college. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

No one seems to know what the NFL will do yet about the draft eligibility of those specific players. But an NFL scout told me league evaluators will have to reevaluate the prospects, while proposing an idea for the league on how to handle the situation.

“You have to reevaluate them because they will be getting more reps to develop and grade, similar to getting reps in the UFL or CFL,” a longtime NFL scout told me. “If they like them, then they should be considered as a street free agent to sign if they were previously in an NFL camp. That’s how the NFL should handle it in my eyes.”

N Forest 0 – 2 Leeds

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Leeds United registered a second win at Nottingham Forest in three days as they booked their spot in the Carabao Cup third round.

Daniel Farke’s side took the three Premier League points home on Saturday and earned a 2-0 victory in the League Cup thanks to goals from Dan James and James Justin.

Having not won at the City Ground since 1972 before the weekend, they have now triumphed there twice in 72 hours as the Yorkshire club enjoy a winning start to the new campaign.

It is not the start new Forest boss Oliver Glasner was looking for as things are yet to click, though additions are on the way with a £50m deal agreed for Chelsea striker Liam Delap.

Neither side will have been jumping for joy at the prospect of a rematch so soon after Saturday’s Premier League opener.

But Forest enjoyed some early promise as James Trafford was forced into a great save in the 10th minute when he had to fend away Ola Aina’s cross-shot, which almost left him wrongfooted.

Then Justin was in the right place at the right time to stop Igor Jesus’ header from going in.

Leeds came into it and should have gone in front midway through the first half when James got in down the right, but his pull-back was just behind Sean Longstaff, who shot straight at Matz Sels.

Image:
James Justin scores Leeds’ second goal at Forest

Both sides were going for it and Leeds defender Joe Rodon denied Chris Wood with a brilliant last-ditch tackle while Sels kept out James’ low effort at the other end.

The Wales international showed the required composure five minutes after the restart.

Aina’s wayward header allowed Longstaff to gallop forward and he played in James, who clipped home.

Forest almost hit straight back as Arnaud Kalimuendo’s cutback was perfect for Wood, but Trafford did brilliantly to stop his effort from going into the bottom corner, before Noah Okafor sent an effort just wide as Leeds staged a rapid counter-attack.

Leeds sealed the victory with 15 minutes remaining but there was nothing pretty about it.

Lucas Nmecha tried to claim it as his bundled effort was blocked on the line by Williams, with Justin finally putting the ball into the back of the net.

The managers…

Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner told Sky Sports

“This is a little bit the assessment after six weeks here, that maybe – and not just in the team, it’s maybe in the club – that there’s a little bit of ignoring the reality.

“Right now, we are far away from where we want to be, and what I’m really convinced in that where we will be.

“The fact is that this team had a relegation battle for nine months. Very turbulent season and it ended with a huge effort to stay in the league, and this is our starting point.

“It’s really very important not to blame anybody because sometimes I tell them facts and they say, ‘Oh, Glasner is complaining’.

“No, no, no. But then maybe your best midfielder [Elliot Anderson] leaves the club and now we expect we compete for European places because Oliver Glasner is in. Sorry, this is what I can’t deliver within six weeks.

“I’m no magician, no messiah, just hard work. That is what we have to do.

“It doesn’t make sense talking about seventh two years ago. It’s hard, it’s tough, but if you ignore the reality then you live in dreamland and this is never the best thing to do.”

Leeds boss Daniel Farke told Sky Sports:

“This is what we came for, and this was my main goal.

“You play a cup run to go through. Very happy with the level of the performance, because we had to wait very long for a win here at Nottingham and to do this two times within three days at such a tough ground, this remarkable level of performance was outstanding.

“Saturday was really a tight game, but today I think it’s not in doubt that it was a fully deserved win.”

NFL Catchup: Patrick Mahomes Update, Ja’Marr Chase Injures Knee, More Injury News

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We’re now at the point of the preseason where health is the priority for teams and stars around the league. Tuesday brought a bit of good and bad news in that regard.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to progress in his recovery from his ACL tear, while Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase avoided a potential scare on Tuesday. Elsewhere, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was on the good side of injury news.

As we’re just over two weeks away from the start of the regular season, here’s what you need to know from Tuesday’s news around the NFL.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes expressed confidence Tuesday that he is on track to start Week 1 against the Denver Broncos as he continues his recovery process throughout training camp following surgery on his left knee last December.

Mahomes is not expected to play in Friday’s preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks as he awaits final game clearance from team medical staff.

Josh Allen is worst decision-maker of Top NFL QBs 👀 Mahomes underrated, Joe Burrow concerns?

“Being able to go out there, day after day, and have the grind of a camp, that can even be harder than the regular season,” Mahomes said. “Honestly, the more we practice, the better I feel.”

Should Mahomes not play against the Seahawks Friday, it would mark the first time in his 10-year career that he has missed the entire preseason.

Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy pointed out Mahomes’ presence on the sideline during preseason action.

“With him not playing in the preseason, it could drive you crazy,” Bieniemy told reporters. “He’s like a coach on the sideline. But it’s a good thing because you know he’s itching to get back out there and do whatever he can do to help us win.”

The Cincinnati Bengals got quite the scare Tuesday afternoon when star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase landed awkwardly on a deep route and left practice with a knee injury.

Chase put minds at ease shortly after, appearing on Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530 to confirm he was “fine” after suffering a minor hyperextension. He added that he felt good enough to return and finish practice, but the team held him out strictly as a precaution.

With Joe Burrow declaring a “now or never” mindset for this season, keeping the Bengals’ offensive firepower fully healthy is more important than ever. If Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown can stay on the field, they will have all the tools needed for a deep playoff run.

Chase is coming off another monster season with the Bengals, even with Burrow missing half the year due to turf toe. Despite the quarterback instability, Chase hauled in 125 receptions for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns, featuring seven games with over 100 receiving yards.

The Bengals are set to open up the season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Chicago Bears right tackle Darnell Wright left practice early Tuesday after medical staff evaluated his right elbow.

Wright reportedly exited during red zone drills, which led to trainers taking off a brace on his right elbow as he was sidelined.

Wright suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the same elbow last season, playing through the injury with a protective brace as he went on to earn second-team All-Pro honors.

The team is monitoring the situation with the expectation that the setback will not impact his availability for the regular season.

Fresh off signing a four-year, $114 million extension, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is edging closer to his return. Head coach Shane Steichen announced that Pierce could hit the practice field as early as this week if all goes as planned.

The return marks a major milestone for Pierce, who underwent off-season ankle surgery shortly after signing his deal. Sidelined for months, Pierce has yet to participate in any training camp or team workouts this summer.

With Pierce’s status for the season opener and early in the season, the Colts signed veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen. Once healthy, the Colts will have a formidable trio of receivers in Pierce, Allen and Josh Downs, with quarterback Daniel Jones.

Pierce is coming off a breakout season with the Colts. He hauled in 47 receptions, a career-high 1,003 yards, and six touchdowns while recording 50 or more receiving yards in 10 different games. Not only did he have a career year, but he finished with 21.6 yards per reception, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier deep threats.

If the Colts can stay fully healthy, they figure to be in the mix in the AFC South race.

The Seattle Seahawks have now lost promising TCU rookie safety Bud Clark for the 2026 season. After suffering a broken ankle against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 of the preseason, Seattle is placing Clark on season-ending injured reserve, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald announced on Tuesday.

Clark was selected in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of TCU and was set to compete for safety reps alongside Julian Love and Nick Emmanwori. With Clark out for the season, Ty Okada is next in line at safety.

The now-injured safety closed out his five-year career at TCU on a high note, leading one of the Big 12’s best run defenses. In his final season, Clark stuffed the stat sheet with a total of 56 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass deflections, a sack and 31 solo tackles.

Injury News & Notes

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak gave no update on running back Ashton Jeanty’s ankle injury and says “he’s on the mend.”
ESPN reported that the Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz split backup reps during Tuesday’s practice.
Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta returned to practice on Tuesday after dealing with a hip injury.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans missed practice on Tuesday with a groin injury, per The Athletic.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters that quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. will start the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions and play the entire first quarter.
Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley told reporters that third-round pick wide receiver Chris Bell will play in Friday’s preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. Bell, a projected first-round pick before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in November, will play in his first game since the injury.

Enzo Fernandez transfer news: Manchester City to make late move for Chelsea midfielder – Paper Talk | Football News

August 26, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday’s newspapers…

ENZO FERNANDEZ

Chelsea are preparing to go back to Bournemouth for Alex Scott as Enzo Fernandez moves closer to a move to Manchester City – The Independent

Manchester City are poised to make a late move for Enzo Fernandez in what would be the biggest Premier League transfer of the summer – The Telegraph

Manchester City are expected to go back in for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez – Daily Mail

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Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett and Anton Toloui assess the business needed to be done by Premier League clubs before the window closes on September 1

ASTON VILLA

Aston Villa have indicated a willingness to offer Chelsea a £65m package for striker Nicolas Jackson, with the future of Ollie Watkins in doubt – The Telegraph

Ollie Watkins could earn an annual salary of £12m if Al Hilal strike a deal with Aston Villa in the final week of the summer window – The Telegraph

Aston Villa have made an offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but it fell considerably short of Palace’s valuation of the player – The Athletic

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Tottenham Hotspur are close to pushing their summer spending towards £400m by clinching the signing of Omar Marmoush from Manchester City – The Telegraph

Newcastle have launched a £35m bid for Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo – L’Equipe

Newcastle United have appointed former defender Paul Dummett to be part of their revamped loans department, which has been earmarked for a key role in the Newcastle 2.0 project – The i

Brentford are closing in on a deal to sign West Ham left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf – The Sun

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

PAOK are set to fight Celtic for Ermin Mahmic – Daily Record

Aberdeen are unlikely to follow up their interest in Killian Phillips in this window, unless St Mirren significantly drop their £500,000 asking price – Daily Record

Remembering Dolly Parton With The Late Country Icon’s Best Sports Moments

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Country music icon Dolly Parton died on Tuesday at the age of 80. The legendary singer-songwriter was best known for her music and acting career in film and television, but was also very involved in the sports world, from the NFL to the Olympics.

Here are some Dolly Parton’s best sports moments:

Thanksgiving Halftime Show

Parton was the halftime show performer for the Thanksgiving game between the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders in Dallas in 2023.

The 11-time Grammy winner performed a memorable halftime show where she some of her most popular hits like “Jolene” and “9-5,” and covers of “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions” by Queen. To tie in the Cowboys, Parton donned the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader uniform.

The Dollywood Racecar

Parton also made an impact on the motorsports world, as she sponsored NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick’s car for the 2019 Alsco 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series in Bristol, Tennessee.

Reddick went along in his Parton-themed car and took pictures in a curly blonde wig to highlight the singer. The Chevrolet No. 2 was a pink and white car that featured Parton’s face on the hood and “Dollywood” on the side, primarily to promote her record company.

(Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

2024 Paris Olympics

Parton found her way to the international sports stage, and collaborated with NBCUniversal for a promo music video ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The music video featured high profile athletes like gymnasts Suni Lee and Simone Biles and swimmer Katie Ledecky and a combined rendition of her covers “We Will Rock You” and “We are the Champions.”

Dollywood Comes To New York

Parton paid a visit to Yankee Stadium in New York City in 1987, where she met up with players in the Yankee’s iconic pinstripe uniform. The team even presented Parton with an official team jacket and hat.

Her famous visit and day spent with the team was used later in her television show, ‘Dolly.’ Most famously, Parton posed for a picture with former Yankees stars including Ron Guirdry, Mike Pagliarulo, Dave Righetti and Rick Cerone.

‘Rocky Top’ At Neyland Stadium

It’s only appropriate that Parton — a Nashville native — sang at one of Tennessee’s most iconic stadiums: Neyland Stadium. Parton performed Tennessee’s famous “Rocky Top” ahead of the Tennessee vs. Georgia rivalry in 2023.

What made her performance even more Tennessee-like was being escorted out by a Tennessee football legend, Peyton Manning.

Birmingham 1 – 6 Brentford

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Callum Wilson scored just six minutes into his full debut and captain Nathan Collins converted two headers as Brentford routed Championship side Birmingham 6-1.

The 34-year-old Wilson, who joined on a free transfer from relegated West Ham, seized his first opportunity with a crisp finish which took a deflection off defender Dael Fry, who had a debut to forget.

Brentford’s Premier League quality was evident throughout and although Blues equalised through Demarai Gray just before the half-hour they were level for just seven minutes.

Image:
Callum Wilson scored six minutes into his full Brentford debut

Lax defending saw Aaron Hickey and Collins score in quick succession to effectively seal the tie before half-time, with Mikkel Damsgaard getting on the end of a counter-attack to add the fourth.

Igor Thiago’s smart close-range finish sent fans streaming for the exit, missing Collins’ second header.

The Bees, quarter-finalists last season, had not beaten Birmingham in six previous meetings, the last a goalless draw more than five years ago in the Championship before they went on to bigger and better things which their ambitious hosts now hope to emulate.

Birmingham’s priority remains promotion so, after opening with two league draws, boss Chris Davies made six changes, including goalkeeper Ryan Allsop, Fry and Argentinian striker Luis Vazquez.

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Callum Wilson produced a composed finish to put Brentford ahead just six minutes into his first competitive start for the club.

However, the gulf to a Premier League squad was evident as Keith Andrews retained only three of the team which demolished Tottenham and saw three of his newcomers score and another, Yehor Yarmoliuk, run the midfield before he was forced off with injury.

Davies wants to meet the club’s aspirations by playing their way out of the Championship but it proved their undoing before they had even had chance to get a foothold in the game as they fell foul of Brentford’s high press at a short goal-kick.

Paik Seung-ho was slow to react to the loose ball and Yarmoliuk played in Wilson to fire home first-time from the edge of the area with the aid of a deflection.

But a miscontrol by Jannik Schuster saw the centre-back booked for bringing down Vazquez and from Paik’s short free-kick Gray drilled a deflected shot through a crowd of players.

It was a brief moment of joy in an otherwise chastening night as a failure to deal with Vitaly Janelt’s chip and Wilson’s strength allowed Hickey to fire home an angled shot.

Collins jumped in front of Fry to nod in a simple header from Jaidon Anthony’s cross but a ruthless Brentford went for the kill and, after bringing on the likes of Igor Thiago, Kevin Schade and Mamadou Sangare, scored three more after the break.

Tennessee Sports Betting: Best Legal TN Sportsbooks & Promos

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Sports betting is live in Tennessee, available exclusively online and to individuals 21 and older. As of 2026, there are 12 licensed online sportsbooks operating in Tennessee. This page will walk you through the best sportsbooks sites and apps, best promos, and key legal betting information. Let’s get into it:

Tennessee Sports Betting Overview

The table below breaks down everything you need to know about sports betting in Tennessee:

📆 Launch YearNovember 1, 2020📱Online Sportsbooks AvailableBetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook, DraftKings, Hard Rock, theScore Bet (formerly ESPN Bet), Action 247, Betly, Wagr, ZenSports, Bally Bet🏬 Retail Sportsbooks❌ Not Allowed🎂Legal Betting Age21+🏈 Can You Bet on College Sports✅Yes, but no individual player props🎮 Daily Fantasy Sports✅Legal (FanDuel, DraftKings, etc.)⚖️ Casino Gambling❌ Not Legal in TN🎥 Betting on Politics/TV Awards❌ Not Allowed

Best Legal TN Sports Betting Sites and Apps for August 2026

Below we’ll dive into the best sports betting sites in Tennessee:

BetMGM Tennessee (promo code: FOXSPORTS)

Best known for: flagship NFL and NHL markets, frequent profit boosts, deep same-game options, and MGM Rewards integration across the casino/resort ecosystem.
BetMGM has deep Tennessee roots in pro sports, including official partnerships with the Titans and the Nashville Predators—so you’ll see TN-centric boosts and featured markets around Sundays and home-ice slates.
Welcome offer: Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + $1500 Back in Bonus Bets, If Your First Bet Doesn’t Win with Code ‘FOXSPORTS’

DraftKings Tennessee

Best known for: depth of markets (especially alternate lines and player props), easy live betting, and fast pricing updates across NFL Sundays.
DraftKings is a long-time operator in Tennessee’s regulated market and routinely spotlights lines for the Titans, Grizzlies, Predators, and Nashville SC on local game days, with live totals and player props front-and-center.
Welcome offer: Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

FanDuel Tennessee

Best known for: easiest same-game parlay builder and SGP+ (combine multiple games), crisp live markets, and quick betslip math as you add legs.
FanDuel has a multi-year partnership with the Memphis Grizzlies, so expect Memphis-focused boosts and featured props during the NBA season, plus strong live markets on Titans Sundays and Preds nights.
Welcome offer: Bet $5 Get $350 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 Days.

bet365 Tennessee (promo code: FOX365)

Best known for: elite in-play betting, early-payout features, vast global menus, and very robust alternate totals/spreads.
bet365 launched in Tennessee in March 2025, bringing its internationally known live-betting interface to Volunteer State game days, great for Preds, Grizzlies, and Titans bettors who like to play totals and props in-game.
Welcome offer #1: Bet $10, Get $365 win or lose
Welcome offer #2: Up to $1,000 First-Bet Safety Net

Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.

Fanatics Sportsbook Tennessee

Best known for: the FanCash ecosystem, clean UI, solid live pricing, and seasonal promos tied to marquee events.
Fanatics Sportsbook launched in Tennessee in 2024, and often rolls out boosts around big local matchups like Titans divisional games or Grizzlies primetime spots. They also offer seasonal promos you can convert via FanCash.
Welcome offer: Bet $20, Get $350 in Bonus Bets

Caesars Tennessee (promo code: FOXDYW)

Best known for: competitive odds, regular Super Boosts, and Caesars Rewards (tier credits on every eligible wager).
Caesars is an official sports betting partner of the Memphis Grizzlies, complete with on-site branding and team-driven activations. They offer nice tie-ins for Memphis game nights and the playoffs.
Welcome offer: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code ‘FOXDYW’

Tennessee Sports Betting Promotions

Most Tennessee sportsbooks offer sign-up bonuses to entice new users. These generally fall into two buckets:

Bet & Get Bonuses: in this offer, you make a low-bar qualifying bet, then receive bonus bets regardless of outcome. It’s great if you want instant value without risking a big first wager. Use a quick-settling market to unlock the offer fast, then deploy the bonus bets on lines you actually like—totals, player props, or a small underdog flyer. Remember, a bonus-bet stake usually isn’t returned, only the winnings.
First Bet Insurance: in this offer, you take one swing. If it wins, great—you keep the profit and the promo is done. If it loses, you get bonus bets back. This can be useful for a plus-money side or a bigger confidence play.

Bet & Get Bonuses

How they work: you place a small qualifying wager (e.g., bet $5) and receive a fixed amount of bonus bets (e.g., get $150) win or lose. The bonus usually arrives as one or more “bonus bet” tokens you can use on future wagers.

Who they’re best for: new bettors who want immediate value without risking a big first bet, or anyone who prefers a quick unlock (via a fast-settling game) rather than tying up funds in a long futures play. Since the stake isn’t returned, consider using bonus bets on plus-money lines or splitting them across several picks.

Sportsbooks that offer Bet & Get promos: FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, Caesars (amounts and terms vary by state and season).

First Bet Insurance Bonuses

How they work: you place one qualifying first wager. If it loses, the sportsbook refunds your stake in bonus bets (sometimes site credit) up to a stated cap. If it wins, there’s no refund—you just keep the normal winnings and the promo is complete. Refunds usually arrive as one or multiple bonus-bet tokens with an expiry window. And again, with bonus bets, the stake isn’t returned—only the profit.

Who they’re best for: bettors who want to take a bigger first swing with reduced downside—e.g., a plus-money side, a confident spread, or an SGP—without risking a full cash loss. They’re not ideal for long-dated futures, since you won’t know if you’re getting a refund until the season outcome settles.

Sportsbooks offering First Bet Insurance: BetMGM, Fanatics Sportsbook (terms, caps, and eligible markets vary by state).

Ongoing Tennessee Sportsbook Promos

FanDuel Dinger Tuesday
BetMGM Lion’s Boost
Caesars Profit Boosts
Refer-a-frend bonuses

Is Sports Betting Legal In Tennessee?

Yes. Online sports betting has been legal statewide since November 1, 2020, and Tennessee remains a mobile-only market—there are no retail sportsbooks. Regulation is handled by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC). Tennessee was also the first U.S. state to launch with an online-only model.

As of 2026, Tennessee has 12 legal online sportsbooks (including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, Fanatics, theScore Bet (formerly ESPN BET), Hard Rock Bet, Action 24/7, Bally Bet, Betly, and VIP Play). You can always verify the live list on the SWC’s official page.

Quick Legal Timeline (TN)

2019: Legislature passes the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act (HB 1 / SB 16), creating the online-only framework.
Nov 1, 2020: online wagering launches statewide (announced by the Tennessee Education Lottery, the initial regulator).
Jan 1, 2022: regulatory authority transfers from the Tennessee Education Lottery to the Sports Wagering Advisory Council (now branded the Sports Wagering Council).
July 1, 2023: major update to tax/market rules—TN shifts to a 1.85% tax on handle and eliminates the former 10% hold requirement, solidifying its unique online model.

Regulator: Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC) — official site

How to Start Betting on Sports in Tennessee

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to start betting in Tennessee:

1. Choose a Legal TN Sportsbook

Compare welcome bonuses, odds quality, and app UX. Check for Titans, Grizzlies, Predators, or Nashville SC promos.

2. Register Online

Tennessee allows remote sign-up. You’ll typically enter: full name, email, date of birth, last 4 of SSN, and physical address. Verify location and age (21+).

3. Claim a Welcome Bonus

Click the “claim” button on this page to opt in. Read the terms and conditions for min. odds, qualifying bet, and expiry.

4. Deposit Funds

Common TN methods: credit and debit card, online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Play+ prepaid.

5. Place Your First Bet

Example: bet $5 on the Titans to win at DraftKings to unlock bonus bets. You can also try a simple total or moneyline.

6. Withdraw Winnings

Payout options usually include online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, and Play+. E-wallets often pay fastest, while bank transfers can take longer. Check processing times in the app’s cashier.

Tennessee Sports Teams You Can Bet On

Tennessee’s passionate sports culture gives fans plenty of local teams to bet on from NFL Sundays in Nashville to SEC football Saturdays in Knoxville. Betting on the teams you know best can sometimes be an advantage. Here’s a look at the state’s most popular betting options across major sports.

Each of these programs adds to Tennessee’s year-round betting landscape, giving fans no shortage of teams to back statewide.

Major Sporting Events in TN

Tennessee’s sports scene is as diverse as it is passionate, with year-round events that capture the attention of both fans and bettors. From SEC football Saturdays in Knoxville to NASCAR weekends in Bristol, the state offers major competitions across multiple sports that consistently generate strong local and national interest.

Tennessee Volunteers Football Season (Knoxville)
One of the state’s biggest annual traditions, the Vols’ SEC football season brings packed crowds to Neyland Stadium each fall. Games often carry national betting significance, especially in rivalry matchups like Tennessee vs. Alabama or Florida.

Nashville Predators NHL Season (Nashville)
The Predators’ season runs from October through April, with Bridgestone Arena hosting one of the league’s most energetic fan bases. Playoff runs in particular drive major betting action statewide.

Liberty Bowl (Memphis)
Held annually in late December, the Liberty Bowl pairs top college football teams from the Big 12 and SEC. It’s a long-standing postseason event that attracts regional attention and betting activity leading up to kickoff.

Bristol Motor Speedway Races (Bristol)
Known as “The Last Great Colosseum,” Bristol Motor Speedway hosts two NASCAR Cup Series races each year — one in the spring and one under the lights in late summer. Both events are major betting draws for racing fans across the South.

Memphis Grizzlies NBA Season (Memphis)
Running from October through April, the Grizzlies’ season anchors the state’s basketball betting market. The team’s dynamic roster and fast-paced style make them a popular option for NBA bettors.

Music City Bowl (Nashville)
Played in late December at Nissan Stadium, the Music City Bowl features teams from the SEC and Big Ten. It’s a staple of Tennessee’s holiday sports calendar and draws strong wagering interest during college football’s bowl season.

TN Sports Betting Laws & Regulations

Sports betting in Tennessee is regulated by the Sports Wagering Council (SWC). As mentioned earlier, the market is mobile only, so there are no retail sportsbooks. You must be 21 or older to place a bet. Tennessee was the first state to launch as an online-only market in 2020. In 2023, the state shifted to a 1.85% tax on handle and removed the former 10% hold requirement. As of 2026, there are 12 licensed online sportsbooks operating in Tennessee.

What You Can’t Bet on in Tennessee

Tennessee offers a wide range of legal betting markets, but there are still a few restrictions that bettors should be aware of. These rules are designed to maintain integrity and comply with state gaming regulations. Here’s what you can’t bet on in Tennessee:

College Player Props
Wagering on college sports is legal, but player-specific props— such as passing yards or total points— are prohibited for NCAA events.

Esports
Betting on esports competitions is not currently permitted under Tennessee law.

Entertainment & Political Markets
You can’t place bets on non-sporting events such as the Oscars, political elections, or award shows.

NFL Draft
Unlike some states, Tennessee does not allow wagering on NFL Draft outcomes or player selections.

High School Sports
All forms of betting on high school sporting events are strictly prohibited.

Tennessee Sports Betting Handle

Quick example: if bettors place $200 million in wagers and sportsbooks pay out $188 million, revenue is $12 million and the hold is 6%.

Responsible Gaming in Tennessee

Sports betting should be safe and fun. If it stops feeling that way, help is available. For free, confidential support 24/7, call TN REDLINE: 1-800-889-9789 or visit the TN Department of Mental Health. You must be 21 or older to bet in Tennessee.

Tools most sportsbooks offer:

Deposit, wager, and loss limits to control spending.
Timeouts and cool-off periods to take short breaks.
Self-exclusion programs for longer breaks from betting.

Set limits before you place your first wager, and reach out to the resources above if you or someone you know needs support.

Julian Alvarez transfer latest: Atletico standing firm on Barcelona as Arsenal become only get out for Argentine striker | Football News

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Julian Alvarez must take one of two paths before the transfer deadline: stay at Atletico Madrid and try to rebuild his connection with the fans or get his head around a potential move to Arsenal.

Atletico have told him again that they will not sell him to Barcelona and that – coupled with the reaction of the club’s supporters on Sunday – has left him “devastated”, according to well-placed sources in Spain.

The situation is now “extremely tense”, according to Atletico expert and journalist Ruben Uría.

“Neither Miguel Gil Marín (CEO of Atlético Madrid) nor the Apollo board want to sell the player to Barcelona,” he told Sky Sports News. “The entire Apollo board supports Gil Marín’s decision. Alvarez has been told.”

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On the Transfer Talk podcast, Sam Tighe and Daniel Storey debate whether Arsenal should gamble on signing Julian Alvarez despite the striker clearly wanting to sign for Barcelona

According to Uría, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has remained in contact with his former Atletico employers in recent days after Alvarez was booed off by supporters in the opening LaLiga game against Villarreal.

But Arsenal will need Alvarez to put Barcelona out of his mind and show he really wants to join Mikel Arteta’s project before any serious negotiations or any offers can be made. In that vein, Arsenal are not currently hopeful of getting him in before September 1 and they are certainly not currently expecting it at the Emirates.

Alvarez still has his heart set on Barcelona. The question is, will this be the case as the transfer window comes to an end? Will the deadline have any effect? Arsenal will always be ready and open to Alvarez should he change his mind but, at the moment, any move looks very unlikely.

If Alvarez shifts his thinking before the end and pushes for an escape, Atletico are believed to be ready to listen to offers of around £130m (€150m) from Arsenal. Indeed, according to Uría, some people around the Argentine think it is increasingly impossible for him to stay at Atletico given the current atmosphere.

Should Arsenal complete a deal for Alvarez, it would be the 10th £100m+ signing in Premier League history.

Premier League £100m+ transfers

Alexander Isak – £125m – Newcastle to Liverpool
Morgan Rogers – £117m – Aston Villa to Chelsea
Florian Wirtz – £116.5m – Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool
Elliot Anderson – £116m – Nottingham Forest to Manchester City
Moises Caicedo – £115m – Brighton to Chelsea
Enzo Fernandez – £106.8m – Benfica to Chelsea
Declan Rice – £105m – West Ham to Arsenal
Sandro Tonali – £100m – Newcastle to Tottenham
Jack Grealish – £100m – Aston Villa to Manchester City

It would also be the fourth this summer, after Morgan Rogers‘ switch to Chelsea, Elliot Anderson‘s move to Manchester City and Sandro Tonali joining Tottenham.

Uría also told Sky Sports News: “Julian and his agent believe that everything that’s happening is the fault of Gil Marín, Atletico Madrid’s CEO, who publicly asked them to say they wanted to leave Atletico.

“For their part, Atletico Madrid argues that Julian already knew how Atletico played under Diego Simeone when he signed for the club, that he knew what contract he was signing and what its clause was, and they deny that Atletico told him he could leave for a direct rival.

“We are waiting to see how events unfold regarding Julian, waiting to see how Arsenal reacts, and if they have genuine interest in the Argentina player. Atletico Madrid will not sell to Barcelona.

“Our information today is that the Julian Alvarez situation has become very tense, and according to several reliable sources, right now, in this crucial week, there are only two paths: stay at Atletico Madrid to fulfil his contract or listen to Arsenal’s offer and sign for the London club. Julian will have to make his decision.”

2026 NASCAR Cup Series Title Odds: Denny Hamlin Favored To Win It All

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The 2025 NASCAR season ended on a high note for champion Kyle Larson.

For Denny Hamlin, it couldn’t have ended worse, as the veteran driver watched his chances of securing his first title elude him once again.

Now, Hamlin has four wins this season and Larson has none. And as the series drives toward The Chase, Hamlin sits at the top of the title oddsboard.

Not only is Hamlin favored to win the championship, he’s already captured the regular-season title.

Here are the latest odds for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship at DraftKings Sportsbook as of August 25.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

NASCAR Cup Series Championship 2026

Denny Hamlin: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Ryan Blaney: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Christopher Bell: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Tyler Reddick: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Ty Gibbs: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)
Joey Logano: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Kyle Larson: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Chase Elliott: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Chase Briscoe: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
William Byron: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Carson Hocevar: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Bubba Wallace: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Chris Buescher: +7000 (bet $10 to win $710 total)
Shane van Gisbergen: +57000 (bet $10 to win $710 total)
Daniel Suárez: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Brad Keselowski: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Austin Cindric: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Ryan Preece: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)

Total Race Wins:

Bowman
Over 0.5: -170 (bet $10 to win $15.88 total)
Under 0.5: +125 (bet$10 to win $22.50 total)

Cindric
Over 0.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Under 0.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)

Dillon
Over 0.5: +145 (bet $10 to win $24.50 total)
Under 0.5: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)

Keselowski
Over 0.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Under 0.5: -135 (bet $10 to win $17.41 total)

Wallace
Over 0.5: -160 (bet $10 to win $16.25 total)
Under 0.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total)

Hocevar
Over 0.5: +130 (bet $10 to win $23 total)
Under 0.5: -175 (bet $10 to win $15.71 total)

Briscoe
Over 2.5: -135 (bet $10 to win $17.41 total)
Under 2.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)

Elliott
Over 1.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)
Under 1.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Buescher
Over 0.5: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)
Under 0.5: +150 (bet $10 to win $25 total)

Bell
Over 3.5: +130 (bet $10 to win $23 total)
Under 3.5: -175 (bet $10 to win $15.71 total)

Hamlin
Over 3.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Under 3.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)

Logano
Over 2.5: +135 (bet $10 to win $23.50 total)
Under 2.5: -190 (bet $10 to win $15.26 total)

Larson
Over 4.5: +135 (bet $10 to win $23.50 total)
Under 4.5: -190 (bet $10 to win $15.26 total)

Chastain
Over 1.5: +135 (bet $10 to win $23.50 total)
Under 1.5: -180 (bet $10 to win $15.56 total)

Blaney
Over 3.5: +135 (bet $10 to win $23.50 total)
Under 3.5: -185 (bet $10 to win $15.41 total)

Gibbs
Over 3.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)
Under 3.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)

Here’s insight from FOX Sports motorsports insider Bob Pockrass
(odds as of Jan. 28):

Denny Hamlin
+500 to win the Cup Championship

The driver who had the most wins last year and led until the final laps of the championship race will be a favorite in the new 10-race championship format. Many of the tracks in those 10 fit into Hamlin’s wheelhouse. I know, I know, every season begins with wondering if this year could be the year for Hamlin. This season? It really could be.

Chase Elliott
+850 to win the Cup Championship

Of all the drivers who could thrive in this new championship format that rewards consistency, Elliott possibly tops the list. He wrecked out of only two races last year, and he likes this format, which could go a long way when it comes to performance. Plus, Chevrolet has a new body that should result in improved results.

Brad Keselowski
Over 0.5 wins

Is Keselowski going to win this year? He only has one win in the last four seasons, and he broke his leg in the offseason. So why should we expect him to win? He had four top-three finishes in the last 19 races of 2025. If he builds on that, he’ll run in the top three enough that he will find a way to earn a trophy.

Kyle Larson
Under 4.5 wins

This is a tough one. Larson has only earned more than four wins just twice in his career. The Next Gen car makes things so even, that there is more parity. Getting to four wins seems so much more attainable than five, especially in a points system where the risk-vs-reward for a bold move is more dramatic.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

NASCAR is returning to The Chase postseason format. So which drivers are in, out or on the bubble?

Tyson Fury fight with Anthony Joshua will go ahead in 2026 in America, predicts promoter Frank Warren | Boxing News

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Frank Warren says he thinks a long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will go ahead in America despite claims the bout is in doubt.

Everything seemed to be in place for the British pair of former world champions to meet in London in November, but Saudi organisers Sela’s desire to instead hold the event in the USA has created a hold up.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has been pushing to keep the fight in London, which led to Fury claiming last week that the contest was in “serious doubt” because his rival was asking for “more money”.

However, Fury’s promoter Warren has allayed fears the fight could be called off, and insists The Gypsy King would also have preferred it to take place in the UK.

Warren told Sky Sports News: “I genuinely think it will happen. His Excellency, Turki Al-Alsheikh, he will announce that fairly soon.

“I know there’s been some issues with contracts with Matchroom and AJ; I believe they will iron all those out.

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Eddie Hearn claimed that Anthony Joshua feels a responsibility to UK fight fans that AJ vs Fury should happen in the UK.

“In the meantime, Tyson [Fury] has flown off to the States, he’s in Miami and he’s preparing for the fight.

“I think they both want the fight at Wembley, but it’s out of their hands now. That’s not quite right, actually, they could refuse to fight. We don’t get the fight we want to see.

“I think because of the amount of money involved, I hope I’m wrong, but I think it will go on in America.”

‘Nothing unusual’ for all-British clash to take place abroad

Warren says the fight taking place outside of the UK would be “nothing unusual” in terms of boxing’s history.

“You had two massive American heroes in Muhammad Ali and George Foreman,” Warren said. “Two American fighters, all the Americans wanted to see it, Vegas wanted to put the fight on, Madison Square Gardens wanted to see it, and it went off to Zaire.

“Everybody thought: ‘What on earth was that all about?’ But it became not just an iconic fight and an iconic moment in sport.

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Tyson Fury doesn’t hold back as he lashes out at Anthony Joshua as the wait goes on for the pair to confirm a much-anticipated showdown. Credit: @tysonfury.

“Ali had the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ with Joe Frazier. Joe Bugner fought Ali in Kuala Lumpur, it’s nothing unusual.

“I think it’s like all sportsmen, say, for example, David Beckham, he went off and played at the end of his career [abroad], and he did that because of the money.

“And that’s why these guys are doing this, they are professional boxers.

“Would I like to see it at Wembley? Would all the fans like to see it at Wembley? Of course they would. But they are in the hands of another broadcaster who wants the fight in America.”

Dysfunctional Astros Axe GM Dana Brown, And Owner Jim Crane Is Meddling In Baseball Operations Again

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Former Astros general manager Dana Brown was a lame duck this season, working under the final year of the contract he signed in January 2023. After missing the playoffs last year for the first time since 2016, Brown’s fourth season at the helm took the organization backwards.

Sure, the Astros entered Monday in a tie for first place in the AL West. If the regular season ended today, Houston would make the playoffs while being one game below .500. It’s just that, that’s not saying much. The AL West is noncompetitive. All five clubs in the division own losing records.

In the end, Brown’s inability to build a winning pitching staff — despite adding six pitchers to major-league deals this past winter, with the biggest disappointment of them all being Tatsuya Imai — became a stain on his Astros tenure. It will go down as one of his biggest flops.

This week, on the heels of Houston’s disappointing 3-6 homestand against divisional bottom feeders, it was a stain that, apparently, forced Astros owner Jim Crane to act immediately. So, on Monday, he fired Brown.

How else would he keep up the infamous reputation that he’s built? Since Crane bought the Astros for $680 million in 2011, Houston has been a high-pressure, highly results-driven hierarchy. Crane’s management style is hands-on, for better or worse, underlined by swift changes when those high expectations are not met. There is arguably no MLB owner more involved in day-to-day decisions than Crane.

Which is why we shouldn’t be all that surprised at the timing of Monday’s abrupt dismissal. Now that the draft and trade deadline were over, there wasn’t much for a GM like Brown to do. Waiting until the offseason to part ways with Houston’s front-office leader was expecting too much from Crane. The responsibilities that are left, Crane figured, could be handled by a front-office committee.

So who’s leading their baseball operations now?

Crane, of course.

Who else?

Since Jim Crane bought the Houston Astros for $680 million in 2011, Houston has been a high-pressure, highly results-driven hierarchy. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

In a statement released on Monday afternoon, the Astros said, “Brown’s responsibilities will be transitioned to the Astros assistant general managers Charles Cook, Gavin Dickey, and Connor Huff, and to senior advisor Jeff Bagwell. Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane will oversee baseball operations through the transition period as the team continues to focus on the American League West division race.”

Brown’s dismissal isn’t even half as stunning as when Crane fired former GM James Click a week after the Astros won the 2022 World Series. The collapse of that partnership also had a lot to do with Crane’s level of involvement in baseball operations. Crane and Click were in a very obvious public feud in his final season as GM. Crane and Bagwell, Hall of Famer and longtime senior advisor to the owner, led the front office for the majority of that offseason, until he hired Brown from the Braves to fill the role of GM.

In Atlanta, Brown was the vice president of scouting. He was hired by Crane to help rebuild a farm system that had been weakened in recent years, dating back to when the Astros lost their first and second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 drafts as a penalty for their 2017 sign-stealing scandal. Throughout Brown’s tenure in Houston, the Astros’ farm system consistently hovered around the worst in MLB.

Brown came to Houston with an aggressive agenda to pursue long-term contracts for young, talented players. That was a change of pace for the Astros, as Crane has historically refrained from handing out extended deals. At the time, Crane called Brown, “The perfect fit for us.”

HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 23: Cristian Javier’s performance has regressed tremendously since he signed a five-year $64 Million extension. (Photo by Kairi Mano/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Jump forward to now, when Brown was roughly five weeks shy of completing his fourth season as Astros GM, and homegrown shortstop Jeremy Peña remains unsigned to a contract extension. Peña is set to enter free agency after the 2027 season. One of Brown’s first moves as GM was signing pitcher Cristian Javier to a five-year, $64 million extension. Javier’s performance has regressed tremendously since that signing.

Brown also intended to keep former franchise cornerstone Alex Bregman in orange and blue, saying in February 2022 that the third baseman “should be a Houston Astro for life” alongside second baseman Jose Altuve. In Feb. 2025, Bregman signed with the Red Sox, though much of that decision fell on Crane’s shoulders at the time. The tandem of Crane and Brown also oversaw the trade that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs before the 2025 season.

So, as much as Brown will be faulted for taking the organization backwards during his first time leading a baseball operations department, it’s impossible to separate Crane’s involvement in all of it.

It was Crane, after all, who meddled and signed first baseman Jose Abreu to a three-year, $60 million albatross contract in 2023 that Brown inherited, and later expunged. Abreu was ultimately released with more than half of the money on his contract still owed.

It was also Crane who personally pushed for one of the worst deals in the franchise’s history when he re-signed pitcher Rafael Montero to a three-year, $34.5 million contract ahead of the 2023 season. Both decisions to sign Abreu and Montero were made under the Crane-Bagwell front-office duo after Click was fired and before Brown was hired.

In the six weeks that the Astros did not have a baseball operations leader, Crane managed to set the organization back with dreadfully expensive signings that directly impacted their apparent inability to offer contract extensions to stars like Bregman and Tucker. Crane is an exceptionally successful billionaire business executive, and the valuation of the Astros franchise has nearly quadrupled since he bought it, so these financial restrictions are largely self-imposed. And there is no reason to believe things will be different this time.

Once again, Crane is in the driver’s seat for the foreseeable future. Once again, Crane will rely on Bagwell, whose involvement in personnel decisions seems to increase every year, playing a sizable part in the friction of the Astros’ unstable front-office environment.

Brown was never going to be in the picture after this season ended. But the decision to axe him now, with weeks left to play and qualifying for the playoffs very much on the table, points to the sorry post-championship state of these Astros. Their window has long closed after their 2022 World Series title. Players aged, moved on, were injured, or traded. That’s part of it.

But the other, much more egregious part is who these Astros will be as long as Crane is poking his nose in the day-to-day operations.

Dysfunctional.

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Alycia Baumgardner to step up to Caroline Dubois’ division and fight Elif Nur Turhan for IBF world title | Boxing News

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Alycia Baumgardner will move up a division to fight Elif Nur Turhan for her IBF lightweight world title on November 8 in a seismic move that brings a blockbuster showdown with Caroline Dubois a step closer.

Baumgardner, the reigning unified WBO, WBA and IBF super featherweight world champion, will jump up five pounds to the 135lbs division to face the undefeated Turhan in the headline bout of MVPW-07 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

“When I set my mind to something, I see it through, and 135 will be no different,” Baumgardner said. “This is a super fight, the kind of fight boxing deserves, and the beginning of my next chapter.

“I know what it takes to become undisputed. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again.”

Turhan added: “Alycia is a boxer who steps into the ring determined to win, never even entertaining the possibility of defeat. I know I am facing an opponent who steps into the ring solely for victory.

“I do not want to lose either. As two boxers sharing a ‘win at all costs’ mentality, we guarantee a fierce, relentless battle where everything is left on the line. Two warriors, one fight and only one winner.”

Victory for Baumgardner would see her become a two-weight world champion in the same division as Dubois, who holds the WBC and WBO titles.

The 32-year-old is set to be ringside for Dubois’ clash with Amelia Moore on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.

Since December, Dubois has been vociferous in calling out Baumgardner, and those calls have only intensified since she beat Terri Harper to unify the division in April.

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Baumgardner dismissed the prospects of facing Caroline Dubois after her win over Bo Mi Re Shin. Instead, the fighter called out Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano

Baumgardner has maintained that, despite her status as a unified world champion, Dubois has yet to reach the level required for her to entertain a fight between them.

But should Baumgardner inflict a first career defeat on Turhan, all roads will surely lead to a blockbuster unification bout with Dubois, where the winner would move to within one victory of becoming undisputed champion.

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Dubois is determined to fight Baumgardner sooner rather than later

The co-main event on November 8 will see England’s Ellie Scotney fight the undefeated Tiara Brown over 10 rounds for the WBC featherweight world title.

Former undisputed super bantamweight champion Scotney will step up to 126lbs as she bids to become a two-weight world champion.

“MVPW-07 is one of the biggest championship events in boxing history, with four back-to-back world title fights, bringing together eight elite fighters from around the world with belts at stake in every match-up,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions.

Watch Mikaela Mayer vs Chantelle Cameron this Saturday with Caroline Dubois also in action, live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.

NFL Catchup: Browns Make QB Decision, Texans Trade For Patriots WR, More

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The final week of the NFL preseason is upon us, which means it’s decision week for all 32 teams around the league.

The Cleveland Browns made the biggest decision on Monday. They named Deshaun Watson their Week 1 starter, giving him the honor over Shedeur Sanders after his polarizing comments toward the fanbase.

That decision is one of many that will be made throughout the week as teams need to trim their rosters down to 53 players by Sunday evening. The Houston Texans and New England Patriots also made decisions on Monday, agreeing to a rare player swap in a trade that landed Houston a wide receiver.

As we’re just over two weeks away from the start of the regular season, here’s what you need to know from Monday’s news around the NFL.

The Cleveland Browns officially have a starting quarterback for the upcoming season.

Head coach Todd Monken officially announced on Monday morning that Deshaun Watson will be the team’s Week 1 starting quarterback. Following a competitive camp battle with second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Monken chose to give the nod to the veteran signal-caller.

“I took in the full body of work over the course of the offseason to training camp to the games, the joint practice, and ultimately felt like to start the season on the road, Deshaun [Watson] gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points,” Monken told reporters. “I mean, that’s really what it’s about.”

While highlighting the team’s ongoing belief in Sanders, Monken stressed that the choice was strictly about immediate offensive production.

“I think Shedeur [Sanders] has done a great job,” Monken told reporters. “Come a long way and we’re excited about his future, but this is not a week-to-week decision.”

Watson hasn’t played a full season since 2020 and has logged only 19 starts in a Browns uniform. In those starts, his play has been mediocre at best, falling drastically short of the massive three-first-round-pick haul Cleveland traded to bring him in.

Over three seasons in Cleveland, Watson has posted a 9–10 record while completing 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. With the decision now behind the Browns and Watson, all eyes shift towards Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Houston Texans agreed to acquire wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots on Monday in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick.

The Texans made the move to bolster their wide receiver depth following a season-ending ACL injury to Jayden Higgins during joint practice last week. Boutte will join Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones as new additions to the receiving room.

Boutte recorded 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns for the Patriots last season, but became expendable after the team traded for Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown. They also signed former Green Bay Packers pass catcher Romeo Doubs this offseason.

Boutte addressed the trade speculation surrounding him during training camp last week.

“I’m just blocking out the noise,” Boutte told reporters. “That’s the main thing. We all hear the stuff that’s going on. But like I always said, I’m where I’m at. My feet are here, so I’m not worried about what’s next or what’s behind me. Just being present.”

Boutte joins a Houston receiving group that features Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel and Tank Dell.

The Carolina Panthers received positive news on running back Chuba Hubbard on Monday morning. Head coach Dave Canales announced that Hubbard is on track to be ready for the Week 1 opener against the Chicago Bears.

Hubbard strained his hamstring earlier this month in training camp and still has yet to play in any of the Panthers’ preseason games while working his way back to full strength.

“He’s expected to be ready for Week 1,” Canales told reporters. “He hit over 20 miles per hour the other day, but that is on a controlled setting and right now we don’t want to put him back out there for someone to pull on his jersey and for him to have to pull his way through that. He’s ahead of schedule and he’s doing a great job.”

Hubbard is looking to bounce back after a frustrating and regressive 2025 season plagued by a calf injury. The injury opened the door for Rico Dowdle, who took over the starting job from Hubbard before signing a free-agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.

Not only is Hubbard expected to suit up for the opener against the Bears, but Canales revealed the Panthers plan to ease him in with a shared backfield. Former second-round pick Jonathon Brooks is set to share carries as part of a committee approach to start the season.

If Hubbard struggles once again this season, Brooks has a genuine path to take over the backfield. The second-round pick out of Texas has shown promise this preseason and possesses the talent to develop into a primary starter as long as he can find a way to stay healthy.

All offseason long, eyes have been on New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers and his knee recovery. Now, Nabers seems to be heading in the right direction to play against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1.

While head coach John Harbaugh refrained from making any blanket statements on Nabers’ timeline, he told reporters that “it’s reasonable to assume” the receiver will be ready for the start of the regular season.

Jaxson Dart is set for a big season, but a lot of that could depend on the availability of Nabers. Once Nabers is officially back on the field, he’ll join a balanced group that includes Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields, Darius Slayton and Odell Beckham Jr.

Nabers only played in four games last season, but when he was on the field, he was one of the most explosive receivers in the league. Across those four contests, he hauled in 18 receptions for 271 yards (15.1 yards per catch) and two touchdowns.

The Dart and Nabers connection was put on hold in Week 4 when Nabers suffered a season-ending ACL and meniscus tear against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Injury News & Notes

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson left practice early after slipping during a cut and had his right leg and ankle looked at, ESPN reported.
Former Cincinnati Bengals tight end CJ Uzomah officially announced his retirement from the NFL.
The Arizona Cardinals officially activated edge rusher Josh Sweat from the PUP list, first reported by ESPN.
The Cardinals waived injured RB Trey Benson, per ESPN.
Mike McCarthy told reporters that the Pittsburgh Steelers are at an “impasse” with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. as he remains sidelined on the physically unable to perform list.
Miami Dolphins third-round pick WR Chris Bell (knee) practiced without a red non-contact jersey Monday, per the Sun Sentinel.

Chelsea Women: Sonia Bompastor and Ellie Carpenter on Blues’ transitional moment as they target WSL and Champions League success | Football News

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

“Chelsea are going through a transitional moment and it takes time for the club to rebuild.”

Not pundit analysis, but the thoughts of Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor to Sky Sports ahead of the new WSL season.

And despite the hint of cliché, it works. There has been plenty upheaval over the last two years, starting with Bompastor replacing Emma Hayes.

Then, there was the shock departure of Paul Green as head of women’s football in February. Alongside Hayes, the duo oversaw years of unprecedented success. It is something hard to sustain and even harder to replicate.

But that is the task that falls at Bompastor’s feet. She managed to keep it going in her first season with an unbeaten domestic treble – some may say with Hayes’ influence still in play – but her second campaign exposed the realties. Chelsea were not the team of old and a new era was beckoning.

Now in her third pre-season with the Blues, Bompastor believes she has the backing of the club to do just that.

“I think now I understand what the club is about a lot more,” she said. “I also understand what we want to achieve and bringing my input into that.

“It’s good to be in a place where I feel the confidence and the trust coming from the hierarchy in the club. As much as I know my job, we need to get good results in order for me to stay as long as possible, but it’s also important to feel like we also have time to rebuild the team in order for us to compete against the best.”

How last season informs the next

Chelsea only won the League Cup last season and finished third in the league behind Manchester City and Arsenal. It was the first time in six years they had not walked away with the WSL title.

Bompastor reflected: “We wanted last season to be a more successful season because Chelsea is a club who is used to winning. We only won one trophy, but if you analyse it, we have some good learnings to take and that’s really important for us to reflect on.

“We spoke a lot about the environment and the culture we want to create here at Chelsea.

“It’s a lot about standards, behaviours, how you show up every day, how much you are committing to work hard to achieve your goals and what are the type of behaviours you want to show up every day, off and on pitch.

“Who do we want to be as a team? How do we want people to talk about Chelsea? These things are really important for us to be able to achieve the goals we have.

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Highlights of the Women’s League Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United.

“Chelsea are a club who are used to winning and we need to make sure we put everything together in order for us to achieve that.

“I’m quite happy with the squad of players I have, the quality we have, but it’s also important alongside that quality to bring the right mentality.”

Experience and youth informing transfer policy

This summer does have the air of a new start about it, especially in terms of playing personnel.

Players who have been the face of Chelsea for years have left. Former captain Millie Bright retired, legendary goalscorer Sam Kerr moved to the USA. Niamh Charles, Guro Reiten and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd also departed. They represent years of service, experience and trophies.

“We lost some really important players in terms of the environment and culture,” Bompastor said. “Some of them had been here for many years and it’s difficult to replace them.

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With both leaving Chelsea, Sam Kerr and Millie Bright were given a guard of honour following the final WSL game of the season

“So it’s for us, the staff and club, to think about how and what is the best way to replace them. It’s about the recruitment, but also again linked back to the environment and the culture we want to create.

“We have also great leaders who have the right mentality about when you are on pitch, it’s about winning games. Off the pitch, it’s about the behaviours you need and showing up every day in order for us to work hard on the pitch to achieve the goals.”

Chelsea’s transfer strategy of mixing experience and youth is clear and epitomised by two of their four summer signings so far in Katie McCabe and Nelly Las.

McCabe needs little introduction. Indeed, Bompastor herself told Sky Sports she did not need to speak on the defender’s quality, and it is clear she goes a long way in replacing some of the leadership Chelsea lost.

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Katie McCabe gives her first interview after joining Women’s Super League team Chelsea. Video credit: Chelsea FC

“She has already started to impact the squad in terms of the behaviours and the standards,” Bompastor added. “I’m really pleased she’s a Chelsea player now.”

Las, meanwhile, is an exciting 18-year-old prospect who joined from Leicester. She made 16 WSL appearances across the last two seasons, and has featured for England’s youth teams.

“It’s important to have the right balance between experienced players, but also the youth into the squad,” Bompastor said. “Players having versatility to play in different positions is also really important for me.

“I’m a manager who really loves to work with young players, to invest time to develop them and I’m really keen to bring these players into the squad and see how they can develop to contribute to the success we will have in the future.”

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Carrying on a legacy

There will always be pressure to win at Chelsea given their history, and they now have a balance to strike – maintaining that legacy while also forging a new way forward and meeting the standards Bompastor has set out.

That falls, in part, to the team’s senior players – no matter how long they have played for the club.

One of those is defender Ellie Carpenter. She may have only been at Chelsea for a year, but as a multiple-trophy winner and regular starter, she will likely now step into a leadership role among the group.

Image:
Ellie Carpenter (left) joined Chelsea last summer

“Chelsea are going through a bit of a transition phase at the moment. A lot of legends have gone and they left such a great legacy,” she told Sky Sports. “Now it’s our turn to do that, follow in their footsteps and to build on what Chelsea is as a club.

“As a footballer, you love those opportunities and moments in your career and it’s a perfect time to be stepping into that role for this club.

“Our aim this season is to fight for those trophies back and show what Chelsea is about. We want to do it as a team, winning in that way and enjoying it and hopefully getting the results on the way as well.

“We have a great team this season and pre-season has felt good so I’m excited.”

Champions League – is this the year?

Image:
Sonia Bompastor won the Champions League with Lyon – as did new Chelsea striker, Melvine Malard (right)

One way this squad can cement themselves into Chelsea history is by winning the one trophy that continues to elude them – the Champions League.

For a long time, the Blues’ recruitment strategy has been geared towards European glory while the domestic trophies took care of themselves.

Bompastor won it as a manager with Lyon and was a key reason for her appointment in 2024. Carpenter was in her victorious squad, as was new striker Melvine Malard and defender Kadeisha Buchanan. McCabe won it with Arsenal. Lucy Bronze – who signed a new Chelsea deal this summer – has been crowned Europe champion five times.

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Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh – now both at Chelsea – won the Champions League with Barcelona

But none of those have come in Chelsea blue and every year, we ask the same question: is this the year the wait is over?

“Winning the Champions League is one of the main goals for us,” Bompastor said. “We’ll work as hard as possible to achieve that and I know everyone is expecting Chelsea to always be at their best.

“But the competition now in Europe is getting higher and higher. Many clubs now are in a position where they can compete to win the Champions League. I don’t want to shy away from us and our ambitions, but I also know it’s difficult.

“But that’s the one trophy we’re missing in the club and we will try as hard as possible to fight for that.”

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Sky Sports’ Anton Toloui explains why the WSL have decided to change some of their kick-off times this season.

“It’s always what Chelsea want,” Carpenter added. “It’s what their ambition is, what the fans want, what everyone here wants and what we work towards every day.

“This squad is young, but multiple people have won it in the team, so that helps a lot to bring the experience and what it takes to win.

“But we’re just going to go game-by-game this season. We don’t want to put too much pressure on ourselves. When we’re enjoying football, we’re playing our best football.”

Getting comfortable with scrutiny

While it may seem a tedious back and forth on the Champions League each year, that is the kind of scrutiny that comes with being at Chelsea and despite changes elsewhere, will never alter.

It has perhaps been one of the learnings for Bompastor in her two years at the club, and something she must instil in the squad she is assembling.

“I’ve never been in a place before where the scrutiny is so high like at Chelsea, but I’m comfortable with it,” she reflected.

“It means people care about us and really think we are a really important club. That’s what comes with our standards and Chelsea being one of the best clubs in the world, so we need to get comfortable with that.

“We need to make sure when we go into the season, we don’t have any regrets and we give our all any time we step into the pitch.”

What is for sure is the Blues are in the process of morphing into something new. Consistent evolution was one of the secrets to Hayes’ success, and Bompastor will be hoping the same is true now.

Lane Kiffin Defends Recruiting Browns TE Dae’Quan Wright Following Court Injunction

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

After a stop in the NFL, former Mississippi tight end Dae’Quan Wright could be heading to LSU thanks to a court order that is creating havoc throughout college sports by allowing Wright and others an unexpected fifth year of eligibility.

Wright’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told The Associated Press on Monday that the tight end had been waived by the Cleveland Browns and, if he clears waivers, will join Lane Kiffin’s roster at No. 11 LSU.

If he joins the Tigers, Wright would be the first known player to return to college after playing in the NFL. He may not be the last.

At a news conference Monday, Kiffin declined to discuss any specific players, but he did say of the players in the lawsuit: “They’re available to recruit. So, ourselves, like many places around the country, are recruiting them.”

Not doing so, Kiffin said, could lead to a situation where “we may end up playing against them.”

Wright signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted rookie following the draft. After Philly released him on Aug. 11, the Browns signed him. Wright didn’t play in Cleveland’s two preseason games. Wright played two seasons for Kiffin at Ole Miss. Last year, he caught 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns for the Rebels.

Wright was among a group of players who sued in a Louisiana court, saying a new NCAA rule granting five years of eligibility to most athletes should apply to him and others who were not “grandfathered” into the rule, which did not include those who graduated high school in 2022.

In a statement released Monday evening, the Southeastern Conference said it firmly opposes professional athletes returning to play college sports.

“College athletes, not professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference,” the statement said. “Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition. Allowing that to occur will blur the line between college and professional sports, create significant competitive equity concerns and reduce opportunities for high school and current college athletes.”

The SEC concluded its statement by calling on Congress to pass a bill regulating college sports.

Wright and two others who played for Kiffin at Ole Miss — former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and Arizona Cardinals safety Wydett Williams — were among those granted a temporary restraining order last week. Former LSU and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Jack Pyburn also was among the plaintiffs.

The players can regain their college eligibility if they terminate their pro contracts and repay any pro earnings. Pyburn’s deal with the Bucs guaranteed him $115,000, including a $15,000 signing bonus.

“I’m just trying to maximize myself as a player and as a person and play my best football, wherever that is,” Pyburn told The Athletic last week.

A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31 in East Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The SEC has its own rule barring transfers inside the conference beyond a designated window in January. Commissioner Greg Sankey sent the schools a reminder about that rule earlier this month, though there’s no certainty on how it would play into Wright’s move to LSU in the wake of the court order.

The judge in Louisiana allowed for the fifth year and also ordered the football transfer portal, normally open only in January, to reopen for a week for the players in the lawsuit.

“In my opinion, knowing the information, it’s really wrong to be critical of these kids,” said Kiffin, whose move from Ole Miss to LSU last season also created tension between the SEC schools. “They were granted a fifth year by a judge, saying they were wronged by the NCAA. … It’s simply that a judge decided they should have a fifth year, like everyone moving forward will have.”

Kiffin suggested that the current recruiting by colleges of NFL rookies is a “totally unique circumstance that came about because of the five-for-five (ruling), and players feeling like they should have known about it before, and because of all the cases around the country. I don’t think we’ll have this (situation) again.”

Other coaches, though, have been less supportive.

“I think there’s a lot of negatives that are involved around this,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “Once you go to the NFL, to me, you’re in the NFL. You don’t get the opportunity to come back.”

Added Florida coach Jon Sumrall: “What I really struggle with is the rules are changing so daily based upon a court ruling, or what happens in a court in Colorado, or a court here, a court in Louisiana. We need to have some continuity and some consistency across the board.”

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel also made his feelings known Monday when asked to compare the two-game suspension given to Volunteers linebacker Arion Carter over a $427 plane ticket for a trip to an NFL training facility during the pre-draft process before he returned to college.

“You guys certainly have a clear picture of how I feel about that entire situation to begin with, even before some of the madness that is college football and rosters,” Heupel said.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Today on Sky Sports Racing: All-Weather action from Lingfield Park | Racing News

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We have a busy day’s racing on Tuesday with flat action from Lingfield Park, live on Sky Sports Racing…

3.00 Lingfield – Promising two-year-old, Lazurite seeks to bounce back on return

Promising two-year-old Lazurite seeks to bounce back on return in the Advice You Can Trust At gambling.com Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

Lazurite looked a useful prospect on guineas weekend when splitting the exciting, Efsixteen, and subsequent listed winner, Crownbreaker on debut. She got worked up before her next start, and did too much early on in the race however, she very much remains with potential and off a break in calmer waters, Lazurite could take all the beating.

Frankel-filly Ambience was bought at the Tattersalls December Foals sale for 850,000gns, but disappointed when sent off a short price in a hot maiden at Newmarket in May. She was very green that day, and if she has matured well during the four months off, she could show a much-improved performance.

Newcomer Cotai Jaunt is half-sister to five fairly good performers, and Owen Burrows-trained debutant, Thai Baht is well related to five- and six-furlong winners at two.

2.30 Lingfield – Havana Touch headlines competitive apprentice handicap

Havana Touch headlines a competitive Smarter Gambling Starts At gambling.com Apprentice Handicap.

John Butler trained, Havana Touch hit a flat spot at the start of the year but has been very progressive since a second at Wolverhampton in March. He only disappointed in a rare start on turf but quickly bounced back to form at Kempton in June when winning with a fair bit in hand over his rivals. The weak pace forecasted should aid this prominently placed runner, and if he is ready to go after a short break, he could be one of the leading fancies.

Great Blasket slightly disappointed when a close third at Sandown after being rejuvenated for a yard switch to James Owen when bolting up at Nottingham on stable debut. He should stake bold claims in his bid to return to winning ways.

Amused finished a place ahead of Great Blasket at Sandown and represents a more unexposed profile than most.

Renesmee lurks on a handy mark if returning to form, as Thapa Vc failed to complete a hat-trick last time, and although in great form, his hold up style may not suit this track or weak forecasted pace.

Dannick would warrant respect if lining up just three days after a poor effort over course and distance as he raced much too freely, so will need to settle better.

4.30 Lingfield – Dialstone bids to get off the mark

Dialstone bids to off the mark in the Celebrate National Racehorse Week Restricted Novice Stakes following a good second to Fortitudine.

Dialstone shaped with plenty of encouragement when running on to lose by a head on debut. He then went off favourite at Kempton but very much ran into one when suffering a 21-length defeat against Rebel Romance’s full-brother, Fortitudine, who clearly looked something potentially special.

Most of the field here have not shown much so far, but Devil’s Brigade showed a fair level of form at two and should improve for a step up in trip to a mile and a quarter with Billy Loughnane booked to ride on her first start at three.

State Express could hold half a chance if progressing again at his third attempt, although may still remain below the level required to win this.

Best of the rest

4.00 Lingfield – Musical Soldier bids for a hat-trick under Billy Loughnane.

Eight-race Deauville card – Notably, relative to Group Two winner at two, High Definition, House of Tudor makes debut for Coolmore, trained by Christopher Head (4.13pm).

Former Celtics, Jazz Player RJ Luis Jr. Cleared By Judge To Play For LSU

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

RJ Luis Jr., a former St. John’s standout who recently signed with LSU after spending time with two NBA clubs, was cleared by a court Monday evening to start practicing and potentially play for the Tigers this season.

Luis, who briefly was under contract with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics but never played in an NBA game, hugged LSU coach Will Wade after the ruling by East Baton Rouge Parish District Court judge Ronald R. Johnson.

After a five-hour hearing, Johnson granted the player’s request for a preliminary injunction against the NCAA, which had argued Luis was unlikely to win reinstatement after leaving college to turn pro in 2025.

“This is precedent. It’s monumental,” said Baton Rouge-based attorney Tony Clayton, who represented Luis along with Elliot Abrams of Raleigh, North Carolina. “This allows him to go practice, go play and we’ll let the legal process work itself out.”

(Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)

The timeline for that process was not immediately clear.

“I don’t know, but there’s a lot of discovery that Elliot and I have to obtain,” Clayton said. “We’ve got a lot of questions.”

Luis’ attorneys noted that the NCAA had granted exceptions allowing numerous players from overseas professional leagues to join college basketball programs, and argued that American players must be afforded the same opportunity.

They stressed that Luis not only had never played in an NBA game, but also had not played for the Celtics’ G League affiliate because of an injury, and had far less of a professional basketball resume than numerous college players who’d been recruited from abroad.

NCAA attorney Taylor Askew argued that Luis’ situation was not comparable to those who played for the developmental squads of pro organizations overseas because Luis chose to leave college for the NBA.

Askew noted that the only player in a similar situation to Luis was Alabama’s Charles Bediako, who won a temporary retraining order allowing him to play five games for Alabama last season before an Alabama judge ultimately sided with NCAA assertions that he was ineligible.

“I understand Mr. Luis is disappointed that he was not drafted and did not play in the NBA as much as he would have liked,” Askew said. “Actions have consequences. Decisions have outcomes and they’re not always the right ones or the ones that you want.”

As he made his ruling, Johnson said, “In the court’s mind, (Luis) did not actually play professional basketball,” and that whether Luis was properly advised of his options at the time he left college “lingers heavily before this court.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Ian Poulter undecided about his future with LIV Golf but hopes the league can continue, amid financial concerns | Golf News

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Ian Poulter hasn’t made up his mind on whether he will continue to play on LIV Golf next season, but hopes the league can continue to operate next year, amid concerns over its funding.

Alongside his Majesticks GC team-mate Lee Westwood, Poulter was among one of the first players to join the rebel league back in 2022.

But after LIV Golf concluded its 2026 season in Indianapolis last weekend, Poulter took to Instagram to explain he was undecided if he would play on the tour into next year, adding that he was ‘proud’ of what LIV has achieved.

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“This final phase has been tough and none of us knows exactly what comes next,” the five-time Ryder Cup winner said. “My thoughts are especially with the businesses and suppliers still owed money. Some are small businesses and I sincerely hope those situations are dealt with properly and quickly.

“It would be a real shame if LIV 2.0 doesn’t happen. There are players who would love a strong global platform to play on and countries and fans who want us back.

“Some players will stay, some may go. As for me, I may stay or take some time off. I genuinely haven’t decided yet.

“I know some people didn’t agree with my decision to join LIV. I’ve never hidden from the financial side.

“Golfers have received appearance fees around the world throughout my career and still do today. LIV gave me a significant opportunity late in my career and I took it.

“People make career decisions every day based on opportunity, family and financial security. Professional sport is no different.”

After paying off their fines for playing in the rebel league, Poulter and Lee Westwood will return to play on the DP World Tour in October and for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Image:
Poulter is set to play at the DP World Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links in October

It comes as speculation is continuing to mount over LIV Golf’s future and the futures of many of the players currently playing on the tour.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil announced earlier this month that it had found a new ‘unnamed’ lead investor, after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) revealed it would be cutting its funding to LIV Golf at the conclusion of the 2026 season, leaving LIV bosses looking for new investors.

A term sheet has been signed for the commercial arrangement, with O’Neil explaining that he was hopeful the league would enter into a transaction with its new investor in September.

LIV Golf’s Team Championship event in Michigan, which was scheduled to be played this weekend, was subsequently cancelled, raising more alarm bells over the league’s future.

Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau insisted “something fun was coming” and there was “a lot of potential” in LIV Golf to continue into next year.

Poulter, a three-time winner on the PGA Tour and a 12-time winner on the DP World Tour, has not won an individual or team title with LIV Golf in his five years on the circuit.

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Scottie Scheffler believes that some LIV players would add value to the PGA Tour

“It hasn’t always been easy, and it was never going to be,” Poulter said, reflecting on his time on the circuit. “Building something new and challenging the status quo was always going to bring challenges and criticism. I sincerely thank everyone who supported me, our team and LIV throughout the journey.

“We’ve taken this great game around the world to countries and cities that genuinely embraced us. Playing in front of crowds of over 100,000 fans at some events was truly special. To everyone who came out and supported us – thank you. You were class.

“A special thank you to my team-mates Lee [Westwood], Henrik [Stenson], Sam and Laurie [Canter], every member of the LIV and Majesticks staff and, most importantly, the fans who supported me.

“At Majesticks GC we built an incredible team, but what I’m most proud of is Littlesticks. We’ve taken golf directly into the PE curriculum of over 200 schools and put clubs into the hands of more than 40,000 kids. That’s a legacy our whole team should be incredibly proud of.”

Kalshi Promo Code FOXSPORTS Unlocks $25 Bonus for Monday’s MLB, Phillies vs. Mariners

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

MLB’s Monday slate gives baseball fans plenty of markets to trade on, and new Kalshi users can use promo code FOXSPORTS to unlock a $25 bonus. One of the biggest matchups comes later tonight when the Philadelphia Phillies visit the Seattle Mariners.

The Phillies enter on a nine-game winning streak and are led by Kyle Schwarber, who has an MLB-best 39 home runs. Zack Wheeler gets the start against Seattle’s Logan Gilbert in a matchup featuring two 10-game winners.

There are several other intriguing markets, including Cubs vs. Diamondbacks and Reds vs. Giants. Chase Burns, who owns a 14-2 record and 2.51 ERA, takes the mound for Cincinnati against San Francisco.

Use Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS to trade on Monday’s MLB action and unlock the $25 bonus.

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Create a new Kalshi account using your email address and basic registration details.
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MLB: Reds vs. Giants

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MLB: Phillies vs. Mariners

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Matchup: Philadelphia Phillies at Seattle Mariners (9:40 PM ET)

Storyline: Can anyone stop Kyle Schwarber and the Phillies? Philadelphia arrives in Seattle riding an incredible nine-game winning streak, capped by an insane 9th-inning, 6-run rally yesterday that featured a walk-off bomb from Schwarber (who leads MLB with 39 homers).
Tonight features an elite pitching matchup as Phillies ace Zack Wheeler (10-4, 2.92 ERA) squares off against the Mariners’ Logan Gilbert (10-7, 3.35 ERA). Seattle is trying to protect their razor-thin edge in an incredibly tight, chaotic AL West race.

Matchup: Cincinnati Reds at San Francisco Giants (9:45 PM ET, FS1)

Storyline: Massive attention shifts to Reds rookie sensation Chase Burns, who enters the game with an electric 14-2 record and a dominant 2.51 ERA. He will match up against Giants left-handed prospect Carson Whisenhunt.

Matchup: Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks (9:40 PM ET)

Storyline: Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has lit up August with six home runs in his last seven games. He brings his hot bat and MLB-best +24 fielding run value to Arizona to face Merrill Kelly, while Kevin Gausman goes to the bump for Chicago.

Rest of MLB Schedule Today

Away TeamHome TeamTime (ET) / TVStarting Pitchers Cleveland GuardiansLA Angels9:38 PMParker Messick (9-8) vs George Klassen (2-1)Minnesota TwinsAthletics9:40 PMZebby Matthews (7-8) vs Jeffrey Springs (3-11)Philadelphia PhilliesSeattle Mariners9:40 PMZack Wheeler (10-4) vs Logan Gilbert (10-7)Pittsburgh PiratesSan Diego Padres9:40 PMBraxton Ashcraft (13-5) vs Robbie Ray (1-1)Chicago CubsArizona Diamondbacks9:40 PMKevin Gausman (1-1) vs Merrill Kelly (8-11)Cincinnati RedsSF Giants9:45 PM (FS1)Chase Burns (14-2) vs Carson Whisenhunt (3-4)

Premier League season predictions: Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville pick the title winner and players to watch in 2026/27 | Football News

August 25, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville made their 2026/27 Premier League season predictions on Monday Night Football.

Title winners

Jamie Carragher – Arsenal

A few weeks ago, I thought Man City might have a chance – but it was all around Rodri. If Rodri stayed I’d maybe make a case for them, but without Rodri, I just can’t see it.

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Highlights from the Premier League match between Arsenal and Coventry.

Gary Neville – Arsenal

One hundred per cent Arsenal. They’re way out in front. With what they’ve got already now in defence and in midfield, with the good attackers that they’ve got, they’ve got a really good standard, then they’re fine.

Top-four finishers

Jamie Carragher – Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool

Man City are better than Chelsea but the European factor can play a huge part. We saw Manchester United last season. It gives them a big lift, Chelsea.

I think Liverpool would want more, but I think just looking at the Chelsea situation, Liverpool where they are right now, I don’t see any way they’d be in the top two, and I don’t see any way they can mount a title challenge.

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the Premier League match between Newcastle and Liverpool.

Gary Neville – Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd

Chelsea second? Just purely because of the fact that they’ve got no European football. If they keep Enzo Fernandez, with Moises Caicedo in midfield, with that front three, and they’re only playing 45 games, they’re going to amass an enormous amount of points.

That’s based upon the fact that they’re going to have more free weeks, they’re not going to have the injury pressures, they’re not going to have the travelling that comes with European football, and the mental fatigue that comes with that. I think they’ll just edge past Manchester City.

I can’t separate Man Utd and Liverpool in fourth place, I genuinely have no idea. I think City are in a better position than United. At the moment, I’m not convinced by United or Liverpool, but I do think they’ll finish fourth and fifth.

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the Premier League match between Manchester City and Bournemouth.

Fifth and sixth?

Jamie Carragher – Man Utd, Spurs

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Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi and Archie Gray believed they were outfought by Brentford but Jamie Redknapp believes that the squad selection was wrong.

Gary Neville – Liverpool, Brighton

Sometimes you look at Spurs going, ‘oh, they’ve spent a lot of money’ and thinking ‘quite exciting for Spurs fans, they’re finally splashing the cash’. But then I look at the team and I think, ‘where’s it all gone?’

Savinho and Omar Marmoush will make them a lot better, but I just don’t know whether they’ll pull it together and that’s the question.

I know Brighton are a good unit, they’re reliable, they’re consistent and I think Brentford and Brighton, those two teams this season may just get in there because they’re consistent and they know what they’re doing and they’re well-drilled.

A well-organised, well-drilled team will beat a team of talented players who are still trying to find their way.

European contender?

Jamie Carragher – Brentford

A lot of people say, when you’re managing a club like Brentford, which is so well-run behind the scenes and the hierarchy, it makes it easier for the manager. Of course it does – but watching them this weekend, watching them last season…

Brentford haven’t got European football, so I think that will be a big plus for them. I really love watching Brentford play, and for me, that was the best performance of the week [their win over Spurs].

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Jamie Carragher breaks down Brentford’s style of play to put three goals past Tottenham Hotspur.

Gary Neville – Spurs

Relegated

Jamie Carragher – Ipswich, Hull, Sunderland

Why Sunderland? The fact that they’ve got European football, they’re going to be doing a lot of Thursday-Sunday. I think Sunderland last season reminded me a little bit of Sheffield United under Chris Wilder, where they came up and had a really brilliant season, finished high up the table but a lot of the games, like Sunderland, you win by the odd goal.

I’m not saying it’s luck but their underlying numbers had them not far away from relegation.

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Highlights from the Premier League match between Hull and Manchester United.

Gary Neville – Coventry, Hull, Ipswich

I hope that one or two of the promoted sides stay up but I’ve not got the faith I had last season.

Having watched what I’ve seen this weekend, I’m going to go for the three promoted teams to go down.

Relegation risk

Jamie Carragher – Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace haven’t had a great pre-season. They lost the first game at Everton, which, to be fair, they were actually very unlucky when you look at the chances they had. I know they had Europe last season, but a new manager, new in the Premier League, lost a few players, still in Europe… I’d probably go Crystal Palace to have a scare.

Gary Neville – Fulham

Watching Fulham [against Chelsea], that’s a risk, that’s a big risk. Young players, splitting your centre-backs like that, being open…

Top scorer

Jamie Carragher – Erling Haaland

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Erling Haaland has shocked fans and Pep Guardiola after showing off a surprise new haircut ahead of the start of the new Premier League season.

Gary Neville – Erling Haaland

Impact signing

Jamie Carragher – Mateus Fernandes, Spurs

I really liked Mateus Fernandes last season at West Ham and I thought there might be another few teams in for him, better teams than Spurs.

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Arsenal’s new number 39! Bruno Guimaraes is revealed to the Gunners fans ahead of their pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund at The Emirates Stadium.

Gary Neville – Bruno Guimaraes, Arsenal

He’s the best signing by a mile.

If you take a player out of Arsenal’s team anywhere, probably David Raya is the other one, but in the outfield parts of the pitch, there isn’t a drop-off between the first and second choice anywhere, apart from Declan Rice. There’s a massive drop when Declan Rice moves out of the team. If Rice gets injured for three months, that would be a risk to Arsenal.

The signing of [Bruno Guimaraes] removes that risk.

He is a massive personality. A different player than Rice but you talk about personality and character on the pitch… he is a brilliant personality. He believes he can win every single football match for his team. He believes he can tackle, he’s aggressive, he’s somebody you’d want alongside you…And by the way, £75m compared to some of the others that have gone for more is value in this market.

Player to watch

Jamie Carragher – Jeremy Jacquet, Liverpool

He’s played one Premier League game and he’s only played one pre-season game for Liverpool. [Jeremy Jacquet] looked really good in both games but you know sometimes when you look at a player and they just look the part.

I think this is the first season where a player alongside Virgil van Dijk is going to have to play his own game and at times look after Van Dijk.

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Fulham’s match against Chelsea in the Premier League.

Gary Neville – Morgan Rogers, Chelsea

When you’re a £120m player you’ve got to hit numbers. You’ve got to be 12, 15 goals, you’ve got to be 10, 12 assists or else you’re going to come under pressure.

We know he’s a good player, Morgan Rogers. We’d all like him at our clubs. But £120m? Wow.

If he can deliver this season for Chelsea they can go and push Arsenal.

Manager to watch

Jamie Carragher – Matthias Jaissle, Newcastle

He’s only young but he’s got that little twinkle in his eye. I think Matthias Jaissle will be a fiery character in the Premier League. He’s coming to Newcastle, a huge football club, and put in that performance [on Sunday]. I think he’s got something about him.

Gary Neville – Xabi Alonso, Chelsea

If he gets the recruitment right and he keeps the players in those front areas of the pitch and he sorts the defence and the goalkeeper out he could be the emerging manager – out of that five that are below Mikel Arteta that are trying to win the league – he could be the next one to win the league

I think this season is critical for him because he’s got to finish second or a good third because if he doesn’t, without European football, with that squad that he’s amassed, then there would be questions.

He’s the manager of Chelsea – that means that he basically makes the final decision on transfers, on recruitment. If he goes and does one or two pieces of business in this next week or so, he’s got to look after himself and demand that he gets that one or two players in this next week and we know where those areas are.

Browns Making Another QB Error? 7 Takeaways From Week 2 Of The Preseason

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Two weeks of preseason games are in the books, and we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

This past week’s slate of preseason games, plus joint practices, brought us more glimpses of what we could expect to see in the regular season. But it brought some drama, too. Deshaun Watson was named the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback on Monday after making pointed remarks to the team’s fans following his lackluster performance on Saturday. There’s also an unusual storyline developing with players who might wind up playing college football in the next couple of weeks.

So, with only one more preseason week to go, here are our takeaways from the latest slate of preseason games.

1. Deshaun Watson Didn’t Deserve The Starting Job In Cleveland. He Got It Anyway.

Deshaun Watson was booed after completing just 5 of 12 passes in the Browns’ preseason game against the Bills on Saturday. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Ralph Vacchiano: Deshaun Watson showed everyone on Saturday why he shouldn’t be the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback, with a terrible on-field performance and an even worse one off the field.

Then, Todd Monken gave him the job anyway.

Maybe that’s a sign that the new Browns coach had nothing but bad options in his quarterback competition, but his choice still couldn’t have been any worse. He went with a 30-year-old who’ll surely be an ex-Brown next season over a somewhat promising young quarterback, Shedeur Sanders. And he did it two days after Watson was terrible in a preseason game against the Bills (5 of 12 for 36 yards and an interception) and then showed an incredible lack of self-awareness (and an abundance of immaturity) when he whined about being booed.

“I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do with the performance,” Watson said. “It’s a little more personal than that. So, I think that’s a disrespectful thing.”

OK, that’s a little rich and a lot outrageous, coming from the man who got the biggest fully-guaranteed contract in NFL history from the Browns in 2022 (five years, $230 million) even though he hadn’t played in two years and was accused of sexual misconduct by 27 women. He then rewarded that startling generosity by only being healthy enough to play in 19 games over the last four seasons — and not particularly well, either.

Even without that bad moment, though, Monken still made the wrong choice. The coach had been leaning this way, multiple team sources told me, in part because the Browns’ early schedule is overloaded with road games (their first two and six of their first nine), and Monken thought Watson’s veteran presence would help his young team. But Watson’s play didn’t warrant that faith. He was just 16 of 27 for 162 yards and an interception in two preseason games. His passer rating of 61.0 was even a notch below Sanders’ 65.2.

So while it’s true that there was no good option here, it’s also true that really is no upside to Watson, who is understandably reviled by what seems to be a majority of the Browns’ fan base. Starting Sanders at least would’ve given them hope that he can get better, something to look forward to other than the QB-rich 2027 draft.

Instead, Monken latched on to the anchor that has been scraping the Browns along rock bottom for the last five years. Sanders will surely get a shot later this season. But as usual in Cleveland, any hope for the future is delayed.

2. Yes, The Pipeline To The Pros Goes Both Ways

Jack Pyburn, who is on the Buccaneers, is one of a handful of NFL players who are in college football’s transfer portal. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Greg Auman: The most backwards trend of the NFL preseason? Marginal players testing the waters of playing in NFL preseason games and … going back to college.

It seems impossible, but these days, if you can get a judge to rule the right way, traditional lines of amateurism and eligibility can disappear. The NCAA’s shift to a five-year eligibility model wasn’t intended to be backdated for athletes who had exhausted their window – and signed a pro contract, gotten paid and even played for NFL teams.

But that’s really happening, leaving general managers to wonder if they’ll lose players off their roster to the allure of NIL money from colleges. Tight end Dae’Quan Wright, an undrafted rookie with the Browns, put his name in the transfer portal. Cleveland has since waived him, setting him up to play for LSU this fall.

“Man, ain’t this s— crazy?” Browns coach Todd Monken said. “I mean, I don’t even know what to say … I wondered why Lane Kiffin reached out a week ago. Now I know. I didn’t call him back, guess I should have.”

Speaking of LSU, consider Tampa Bay Buccaneers undrafted rookie linebacker Jack Pyburn, who had two sacks in Tampa Bay’s preseason opener. He’s also one of the players granted a temporary restraining order that could allow him to return to college football. He played at LSU last year, and that sets up the man-bites-dog possibility of an NFL player leaving early for college.

The fall semester at LSU started on Monday, and NFL rosters will be cut from 90 players to 53 by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. It’s unlikely the Bucs will keep Pyburn for their 53, but he has (had?) a good shot at their practice squad. That pays $247,500 for a full season, and Pyburn could make three or four times that much on the Van Wilder go-back-to-college route.

Pyburn said after Saturday’s preseason game that his agents had told the Bucs that college was a potential “backup plan,” but when pressed as to what he might decide if choosing between an NFL practice squad and going back to college, he was noncommittal.

“Ultimately, that’s a decision I’m going to have to make with my family, talk to my agents and see what’s the best business decision and what’s the best option for me and my future career,” he said.

Yes, it’s NFL “respect my decision” season.

Players would have to repay their NFL employers to regain college eligibility. Pyburn got a $15,000 bonus and $100,000 in guaranteed salary, but it’s possible that college NIL payments could also be covered by “offset” language standard in such contracts, normally intended so if NFL Team B pays a player to be on their practice squad, that subtracts from the money NFL Team A was on the hook for by their guarantee.

The league will have to sort out the ramifications. Can a player already passed over once in the draft get another shot, like baseball players do? This was already happening with basketball and G League players showing up on college rosters, but for NFL teams, it’s made roster-building even more complicated by the idea that players can make more money playing football at a lower level.

3. Stetson Bennett Commands Offense, Cements Role As Rams’ Backup QB

Stetson Bennett threw for 181 yards and led the Rams to a score in four of the five drives he played on Saturday. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)

Eric D. Williams: With Jimmy Garoppolo no longer on the roster, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay’s search for someone to fill that void, should reigning MVP Matthew Stafford suffer an injury during the regular season, appears to be over. In the battle between Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett, the Alabama product cracked the door open with a sparkling performance in a Week 1 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

But Bennett may have closed the door by playing well in a 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. The Georgia product finished with two rushing touchdowns in the first half, leading the Rams to scoring drives on four of his five possessions. Bennett finished 19 of 31 for 181 yards, with no touchdown passes and no interceptions for a 77.5 passer rating.

Ty Simpson also played solidly, finishing 8 of 12 for 73 yards in the second half. Simpson led the offense on one scoring drive. However, Bennett impressed McVay by the way he led the offense, with quarterbacks coach and associated offensive coordinator Dave Ragone calling the plays – although he didn’t like Bennett reaching for the pylon with the ball on his first rushing touchdown.

“I loved the fact that he used his legs,” McVay said. “We’ll learn from reaching the ball into the end zone, even though I challenged that and we were successful. We don’t want to leave ourselves susceptible to losing the ball out of the end zone where it goes for a touchback.

“But he did a great job. I thought he got an opportunity to really showcase a lot of his skills.”

4. Daniel Jones Primed To Pick Up From Where He Left Off Last Season

Daniel Jones is practicing in full just less than a year after his Achilles tear. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Ben Arthur: Watching the Indianapolis Colts quarterback at Wednesday’s joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons, it was impossible for me to tell that he tore his Achilles just eight months ago.

Everything you want your passer to do — drop back, scramble, throw on the move, evade pressure — Jones looked normal in doing so. Oh, and he was carving up the Falcons’ secondary as well. With Indianapolis’ rushing attack struggling, Jones was near perfect in the pass game, targeting various receivers.

We still need to see Jones move and perform in games. But all the early signs suggest that he can pick up from last season, when he was playing the best ball of his career before a broken leg slowed him down and the Achilles injury ended his season.

“I think with any major rehab process, you’re always kind of progressing and getting back and getting used to doing everything, building up the reps on it, building up just your conditioning level,” Jones said Wednesday. “I feel really good and there’s nothing I don’t feel good doing.”

The Colts’ pass-catching situation around Jones is a bit shaky at the moment, given star tight end Tyler Warren (groin) and wide receiver Alec Pierce (offseason ankle surgery) are currently sidelined. But when they return, they’ll add to a group that features one of the league’s best slot receivers in Josh Downs and recent signee Keenan Allen, who’s been a dominant force on third down.

That’s a cast of receivers Jones can find success with.

“I think it could be really special, to be honest,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said of the pass-catching group. “Alec (Pierce) obviously is a hell of a football player, which you guys know. [Josh] Downs, Tyler [Warren], and then adding Keenan [Allen] to the fold. I think we can do a lot with those guys and move bodies around and find matchups.”

5. Let’s Have A Conversation About Chiefs Breakout Rookie WR Cyrus Allen

Cyrus Allen has been one of the hiefs’ most productive receivers in training cmap. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Henry McKenna: If you’ve been following training camp for Kansas City, you’ve heard of Allen. If you’re the type who combs X for potential breakout stars in fantasy football, you’ve heard of Allen. If you’re obsessed with NFL rookies and the draft, you’ve heard of Allen.

His training camp highlights have been crazy. And Andy Reid didn’t slow the hype’s momentum.

“He’s done a nice job,” Reid said of Allen. “The quarterback trusts him.”

This was the first week of training camp. Allen was a sixth-round pick out of Louisiana Tech.

It felt like a big proclamation, particularly given that Rashee Rice has a history of missing time due to injuries and suspensions and Xavier Worthy has failed to live up to his first-round hype.

Since then, Allen has played well — steadily doing what he could to move up the depth chart. That included scoring touchdowns with the first-team when paired with Patrick Mahomes. That also included beating first-round cornerback Mansoor Delane in 1-on-1s and team drills (7×7 and 11×11), per reporters on the scene.

But here’s the truth for anyone expecting the second coming of Tyreek Hill. The folks at Arrowhead Pride broke it down with depth. But it’s likely — perhaps even overly optimistic — to project 60 for Allen. And only six receivers converted 60 targets into 500+ receiving yards in 2025.

But before he wows in the box score, he’ll need to land in the WR3 spot. Given that he was playing behind Tyquan Thornton and Jaylen Royals in the second preseason game, Allen appears to be WR5. For what it’s worth, Hill had 83 targets, 61 catches, 593 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season. That would be a great year for Allen.

So keep an eye on him. He’s a real playmaker. But let’s stay reasonable for a rookie in a Chiefs’ offense that has a lot of mouths to feed.

6. De’Zhaun Stribling Shows Kyle Shanahan Knows How To Evaluate WRs

De’Zhaun Stribling had four receptions for 46 yards in the 49ers’ preseason win over the Chargers. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

Williams: NFL draft analysts were up in arms over the San Francisco 49ers taking Ole Miss product De’Zhaun Stribling in the second round, believing the organization had reached for a player that some consensus draft boards had going later in the draft.

However, through two weeks of preseason play, Stribling has acquitted himself nicely. Stribling is tied for the league lead with 11 catches for 109 yards, with a long of 32 yards. He finished with four catches for 46 yards in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers this week.

I had a chance to watch Stribling in a joint practice at the Chargers’ facility. At 6-2 and 210 pounds, Stribling is an easy mover with suction-cup hands that can make contested catches in congested areas.

Along with that, Stribling has the potential for explosive playmaking ability to do something after the catch, a key attribute in Shanahan’s offense. With Ricky Pearsall out for the year and Brandon Ayiuk no longer on the roster, Stribling should find a significant role in San Francisco’s offense this season.

“I love how he handles himself,” Shanahan said about Stribling. “He takes coaching well and never seems to take anything personally. He’s been a real fun guy to coach so far.”

7. Bills’ Thin WR Corps May Be More Of A Problem Than Ever

Khalil Shakir missed practice time and the Bills’ preseason game against the Browns this past week. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Vacchiano: One great NFL mystery of this generation will surely be why the Buffalo Bills, with arguably the best quarterback in the league in Josh Allen, keep failing to surround him with top-end receivers. And once again, heading towards a season they hope will end in a Super Bowl, that failure is being exposed.

Though they are getting a solid performance this summer from D.J. Moore, the veteran “No. 1” wideout they acquired from the Chicago Bears, the rest of the corps is falling apart. Keon Coleman, their second-best receiver last season (38 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns), is nursing a concerning sprained toe. Khalil Shakir, last season’s top wideout (72 receptions for 719 yards and four touchdowns), missed the joint practices and preseason game against the Browns last week with an undisclosed injury. And rookie Skyler Bell, their fourth-round pick, has missed two weeks with a groin injury.

That leaves Allen right now with Moore, who cost the Bills a second-round pick in March, Joshua Palmer (22 receptions for 303 yards and zero touchdowns) last season, and … not much else.

That, of course, is not how the Bills see it. One team source told me their belief is that Allen can win with almost anyone around him, and that he can take what looks like a below-average group and make them much better. They are also convinced that Moore, at age 29, can reverse his steep, two-year decline simply by playing with an elite quarterback.

It’s a gamble, of course, because otherwise all the pieces are in place in Buffalo: A powerful running game led by James Cook, a top offensive line, a top-10 defense that gets a boost from the addition of edge rusher Bradley Chubb. And of course, the brilliance of Allen will always give them a shot.

Still, it’s hard not to imagine what this team would look like with just one elite receiver by Allen’s side. It would make their path to Buffalo’s first Super Bowl in 33 years look a lot easier than it currently is.

Cody Gakpo transfer news: Man City interested in signing Tottenham target from Liverpool but Reds don’t want to sell | Football News

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Manchester City are interested in signing Tottenham target Cody Gakpo from Liverpool.

City are looking at options to improve their forward line, with Savinho – and potentially Omar Marmoush – set to join Tottenham.

There have not been any club-to-club talks between City and Liverpool at this stage for Gakpo, who is under contract at Anfield until 2030.

Liverpool do not want to sell Gakpo as things stand and would likely need to bring in two wide forwards to be comfortable with letting him go.

The 27-year-old started and scored in the Reds’ Premier League opener against Newcastle last weekend.

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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the Premier League match between Newcastle and Liverpool.

They have been pursuing deals for PSG duo Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, while they have had multiple offers rejected for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.

Man City have already verbally agreed a deal with Palmeiras to sign Allan for £34m as a replacement for Savinho. Spurs have agreed to pay up to £85m for Savinho, who had a medical last week.

Sky Sports News reported last week that a deal for Marmoush was very close to being agreed by City and Spurs. He was named on the bench for City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth but did not come on.

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Danyal Khan and Michael Bridge discuss whether Manchester City need to sign another midfielder alongside Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi?

Man City reach Allan agreement

Latest from Sky Sports News’ Ben Ransom and Zinny Boswell:

Manchester City have reached an agreement with Palmeiras over the signing of Allan.

The deal for the winger is worth up to £34m. City are paying fixed fee of £32m plus £2m in add-ons.

Both clubs have a verbal agreement, but are yet to exchange documents for the 22-year-old’s transfer.

The player will be given permission to travel for a medical once this process has been completed to the satisfaction of both clubs.

Allan is being brought in to replace his fellow Brazilian Savinho, who is set to join Tottenham in a deal worth up to £85m.

Panthers Expect RB Chuba Hubbard To Be Ready For Week 1

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Panthers’ running back room is full of questions entering the 2026 season, but one of those has seemingly been answered. Coach Dave Canales said on Monday that the expectation is that injured back Chuba Hubbard will be ready for Week 1, per the Associated Press.

Hubbard is expected to be the starting running back with Jonathon Brooks the second option, but a strained hamstring suffered during training camp has kept Hubbard from appearing in a single preseason game to this point. Due to that – and Hubbard not yet focusing on cutting due to the Panthers’ caution, per Canales’ own admission – the duo will work in a running back by committee approach to begin the year, per The Athletic.

A calf injury limited Hubbard in 2025, which cost him starts in favor of Rico Dowdle: Hubbard appeared in 15 games but started just the first six, and went from averaging 13.2 attempts and 47 yards per game to 6.1 rushes and 25.4 yards per over his last nine appearances.

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Dowdle, though, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, opening space back up for Hubbard, as well as the returning Brooks. A second-round pick in 2024, Brooks appeared in just three games as a rookie before the 21-year-old suffered a second torn ACL and missed the rest of that season and the subsequent one recovering. Now healthy, he is listed as the second back on the Panthers’ depth chart, ahead of Trevor Etienne, AJ Dillon and Anthony Tyrus III, though, Brooks has just eight carries so far this preseason.

In 2024, his last healthy season, Hubbard had 250 rushing attempts for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns in 15 games, all starts. A fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, he has spent his entire career with the Panthers,

Toto Wolff says Mercedes ‘haven’t got the money’ to match McLaren, Ferrari’s current upgrade rate amid F1 title battle | F1 News

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Toto Wolff says Mercedes do not have extra money available to quickly respond to the growing threat from McLaren and Ferrari through car development.

The Silver Arrows continue to lead both world championship races, and grew their leads in both standings across the Dutch Grand Prix Sprint weekend, but have seen their early-season dominance eroded in recent months.

After winning the opening six rounds of F1’s new rules era, Mercedes have won two races in the last six, the same number as Ferrari and McLaren.

McLaren have taken the last two wins after upgrades to their car at each of the last two events, while Mercedes have brought only smaller revisions to their W17 since its last big update at the Canadian GP in late May.

All teams operate to a yearly budget cap governing car spend, which for 2026 was raised to $215m due to the huge change in regulations, and have to decide how they each allocate spend on car development through the season.

Wolff suggested Mercedes’ approach to the full year meant they could not accelerate any upgrades – or bring more – to their W17 earlier than already scheduled to counter what their chief rivals were doing.

“We haven’t got the money to put developments on the car,” he said.

“And I said it before that we are trying to evenly split that through the season based on our calculations of when we can bring the biggest updates and optimising the championship points.

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Highlights from the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix

“But we just can do what we can do. That’s why it is a development race. If you bring an update, each of the top teams will have a couple of tenths in it, at least, and that’s what we lose.

“The ride has been a bit tougher than at the beginning of the year.”

Put to him that Ferrari and McLaren seemed to have the money, Wolff said: “You will see towards the end of the season whether they are going to be able to deploy as much stuff on to the car as they do now.

“Someone might have a different strategy in spending more at the beginning and then in the middle of the year than towards the end.”

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Mercedes team-mates Kimi Antonelli and George Russell reflect on their Dutch Grand Prix race

Wolff did not explicitly state why Mercedes were not able to match their rivals’ current rate of bringing upgrades to the track.

He was asked whether they had forward-loaded their development spend to ensure they had started the season and F1’s new era of rules most strongly.

They won all six of the opening races – and have still remained a victory contender at most other rounds too – although reliability problems proved costly over the first half of the campaign with the loss of likely big points alone through driver retirements in Montreal, Barcelona and Silverstone.

“Did we spend much at the beginning in the initial development? I don’t think so,” replied Wolff. “I just think we’re an organisation and we have a certain size and infrastructure.

“In that respect, we had a very quick car. We left between 50 to 100 points on the table with reliability issues. That would have given us more of a gap than we have today.

“Other than that, we are continuing to execute that the plan was and what the financial realities mean for us.”

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Antonelli storms past Lando Norris to take the lead in the Dutch Grand Prix on the restart

When the Mercedes counterpart’s comments were put to him after Sunday’s race, McLaren chief Andrea Stella said he suspected their Brackley rivals still had plenty up their sleeve for the title run-in.

“I would like to believe you, but I actually don’t believe it,” said Stella.

“Thanks to the 2027 power-unit regulations [which will see a change in the power ratio], all teams will have an allowance in their reporting for the cost cap. If I’m not wrong, it’s $3m that you can use in the 2026 reporting for the cost cap calculations.

“And I’m sure that Mercedes, having seen that the rivals are kind of elevating the game, I’m sure they will now cash in on their development that surely is happening in the ground.

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Norris hunted down Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton to take the race lead at the Dutch Grand Prix

“I’m sure their car in the wind tunnel is quite a bit faster than the car they have on track. And they will want to now convert some of this potential into upgrades that make it to the real car.

“So I’m pretty sure that they will have upgrades. Obviously, it would be good if not, but I don’t even want to think it.”

Russell, Antonelli hopeful over next Mercedes upgrades

Mercedes’ drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell finished the Zandvoort race in second and third places respectively behind McLaren’s race-winning Lando Norris, who has now won back-to-back events either side of F1’s summer break.

Russell said: “I don’t think it’s a major surprise for us, seeing how competitive Lando was this weekend, considering he won in Budapest.

“It’s a very similar circuit with the long corners, high tyre degradation, with the two-stop strategy, so there’s a lot of similarities between the two circuits.

“This may continue for the coming two or three races until we start to bring more to the car, and fingers crossed our competitors don’t.”

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Watch Russell win the Dutch Grand Prix Sprint, as Norris loses second place to Charles Leclerc

Antonelli, who still increased his overall championship lead over Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton to 59 points, added: “We’re clearly not the fastest car anymore on the grid.

“We’re probably second or third, at least in today’s race, and McLaren has taken a huge step, especially since Hungary, since the big upgrade package they brought.

“But I’m confident with the team. You know, the team has been working super hard on this next package that is coming up, and they just want to make sure that it’s going to work out well once we put it on.”

The high-speed straights and tight chicanes of Monza at the Italian Grand Prix next week will represent a different challenge for the front-runners compared with the last two venues and Russell is hopeful Mercedes “will be slightly more competitive there”.

He added: “Monza may be slightly different, but I think they [McLaren] are the team to beat right now.”

Formula 1 heads to Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix on September 4-6, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

4 Takeaways From Ryan Blaney’s New Hampshire Win As The Chase Field Takes Shape

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Ryan Blaney won for the third time of the year, as he paced the field for 115 of the final 164 laps at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

It was his second win in five races, and it has Blaney feeling good. The NASCAR Chase starts in just two weeks. Only the regular-season finale Saturday at Daytona remains before NASCAR cements its 16-driver field.

Thirteen of those drivers are set after New Hampshire, and maybe none were happier than Blaney. He also won at New Hampshire in 2025 but this time, he had to come back from a bad pit stop in the final stage.

“It is cool to win here two in a row,” Blaney said in his television interview after the race.

Here are my takeaways:

1. Denny Hamlin Wins Regular Season title

Denny Hamlin is locked into The Chase and is Cup’s regular-season title winner.

Denny Hamlin clinched the regular-season title with a seventh-place finish. That means he’ll have a 25-point lead on the second seed and at least a 50-point lead on the majority of the 16-driver Chase field.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has 64 Cup wins but no Cup title.

“I feel good about where our team is right now. Everyone is kind of clicking well and we don’t have a whole lot of weaknesses,” Hamlin said, according to a Toyota news release. “We’re just not as strong as the Penske cars on these types of race tracks.”

2. Chase Field Taking Shape

Ryan Preece said that he’ll go into Daytona “swinging.”

Only seven drivers had clinched spots in the Chase prior to New Hampshire, but six drivers clinched a spot Sunday.

Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Chris Buescher, Carson Hocevar, William Byron and Daniel Suárez don’t have to sweat it at Daytona next weekend.

Bubba Wallace has a 75-point cushion on first-driver-out Ryan Preece and needs just two points at Daytona to clinch. Austin Cindric is up by 44 points and Shane van Gisbergen is last on the good side of the bubble at 31 points ahead of Preece.

Preece and Brad Keselowski are the only drivers who have a shot of breaking into the top-16 at Daytona. Keselowski (minus-66) would have to win the race and get help to do it.

“I’m on offense,” Preece said, according to a Ford news release. “I’m not playing defense, so we’ll go into Daytona swinging and we’ll keep digging.”

3. Blaney Wins Amid Penske Surge

Ryan Blaney said that everyone on Team Penske has been dedicated to getting better.

Blaney’s victory continues Team Penske’s surge, as it has won four of the last six Cup races.

Penske drivers won just once in the first 19 events. But both Blaney and Logano have two wins in the last six weeks.

“Everybody in our race shop is really dedicated to getting better if we need to get better [in] places,” Blaney said in his post-race news conference.

“We’re really executing at the places where we’ve been really good in the past. Props to them. They’ve been fantastic on figuring out where we need to go.”

4. Wallace, Berry Eyeing First Win

Bubba Wallace hasn’t gotten into Victory Lane in 2026 but is in good position to make The Chase.

Bubba Wallace (second) and Josh Berry (third) both had solid days but could have really used a victory.

Wallace still seeks his first win of the year but virtually locked himself into The Chase. Berry led 73 laps and showed that he can produce results as part of the Penske improved performance. Berry, who drives for Penske affiliate Wood Brothers Racing and is 29th in the standings, already knows he is out of a ride at the end of the year.

“I’m not doing anything different,” Berry said, according to a Ford news release. “Maybe I was a little rougher today than normal. I don’t necessarily like racing like that, but these guys know what I’m up against right now. I think most of them have a lot of respect for me, so I think they understand.”

4 ½. What’s Next: Daytona

Daytona won’t just be the site of the regular-season finale; it will also be the first for a new aerodynamic package with a reduced spoiler and reduced horsepower in hopes of allowing drivers to be less reliant on others to make a move.

Whether that encourages more racing and less fuel-mileage strategy remains to be seen. But how it performs will be pivotal in whether NASCAR attempts to make more changes prior to the 2027 Daytona 500.

Brydon Carse to miss England’s second Test vs Pakistan as Cricket Regulator conducts investigation into nightclub incident | Cricket News

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been withdrawn from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s from Thursday following an incident outside a Derby nightclub that is being investigated by the Cricket Regulator.

Video footage emerged of a handcuffed Carse being led away by police on Saturday night after Durham’s players had gone out to celebrate their win at Derbyshire in the County Championship.

Carse was seen talking to team-mate Matthew Potts with former England captain Ben Stokes also pictured in the background.

England squad for second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s

Joe Root (captain), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.

The second Test is live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10am on Thursday (11am first ball).

An ECB statement read: “Following a referral from the ECB, the Cricket Regulator have confirmed that they will investigate events on Saturday night in Derby. Brydon Carse will no longer be available for selection for the Second Men’s Rothesay Test Match while this investigation is ongoing and the full facts are obtained.”

Sonny Baker – who made his Test debut against New Zealand at The Kia Oval in June – replaces fellow seamer Carse in England’s squad.

The Carse situation comes less than two weeks after new England captain Joe Root removed the midnight curfew that had been installed following a number of drink-related issues across the winter tours of New Zealand and Australia.

Image:
Carse was seen in handcuffs outside a nightclub in Derby on Saturday night

Carse did not make the England XI for the thumping three-day win over Pakistan in the series-opening Test at Headingley and was subsequently released to play for Durham against Derbyshire, a game in which he took two wickets and scored 26 runs.

Carse was England’s leading wicket-taker during their 4-1 Ashes hammering but has not played for his country since due to injury.

Another off-field issue for England to manage

The paceman’s nightclub incident is another off-field episode for England to negotiate.

Image:
Carse (pictured) has been replaced by Sonny Baker in England’s squad

White-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a bouncer while out the evening before a one-day international in New Zealand last autumn.

Then, during The Ashes, an unverified video appeared to show batter Ben Duckett drunk while the team were on a mid-series break in the beach resort of Noosa.

Stokes and Atkinson were cleared of violent conduct but hit with written warnings after “breaching specific contractual obligations”.

Root had called for his players to “be adults” while announcing the removal of the curfew, so the Carse situation will raise further questions about the side’s relationship with alcohol.

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England Test captain Joe Root explains why he has removed the curfew that was previously imposed on his England team

Broad: Carse ‘pretty daft’ to be caught up in nightclub incident

Speaking on his For the Love of Cricket podcast, before Carse’s withdrawal from the squad for the second Test was announced, former England bowler turned Sky Sports pundit Stuart Broad said: “We can’t really make a judgement apart from it being, whatever’s happened, pretty daft.

“We’ll wait and see. We don’t know, it could have been 10 o’clock in the evening, it could have been two o’clock, but whatever.

“This is not really anything that anybody wants to be talking about any more, to be brutally honest.”

Watch day one of the second Test between England and Pakistan, at Lord’s, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10am Thursday (11am first ball). Stream with NOW.

England vs Pakistan Test series schedule

All games live on Sky Sports; all 11am starts UK and Ireland

Which NFL Teams Have The Best Skill Position Players? Ranking All 32 Groups …

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Nothing is more important in the NFL than the quarterback. But even the best quarterbacks need the right help.

That’s why the best and smartest teams in the NFL understand that they have to surround their quarterbacks with as many quality skill players as they can — reliable receivers who can turn any throw into a big gain, big tight ends who can make the tough catches in traffic, and explosive running backs who can keep the ball moving on the ground.

So, which NFL teams have the best skill players this season? We ranked all 32 groups across the league.

De’Von Achane is one of the best, fastest and most dangerous running backs in the NFL. Dolphins fans might want to stop reading right there, though, because even though new coach Jeff Hafley refuses to admit this team is rebuilding, one look at the skill position group (or lack thereof) shows the truth. After trading away Jaylen Waddle, their best receiver might be … Tutu Atwell? Jalen Tolbert? Take your pick between those two. Malik Washington could be a good third receiver, but might be forced into a larger role.

Miami did draft two receivers in the third round — Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas — so maybe they can do something. TE Greg Dulcich produced a 26-335-1 stat line over 10 games last season, so maybe he can give the Dolphins average production. But if they want to win any games this season, they better put the ball in Achane’s hands … a lot.

It’s easy to see why the Raiders don’t want to throw rookie QB Fernando Mendoza in right away, because they haven’t exactly surrounded him with a stellar cast. TE Brock Bowers is really good, assuming he’s over the knee issues that cost him five games last season. But other than that? RB Ashton Jeanty has loads of potential, but he was also a pretty huge disappointment as a rookie and now might be dealing with an ankle injury to begin the season.

If the Raiders choose to give rookie QB Fernando Mendoza more time to develop, their lackluster group of skill players could be a big reason why. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

And the receiving corps is a huge problem. Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor and Jack Bech are the top three options, but they’d all be No. 3 receivers with almost any other team. Right now, Bowers is the centerpiece — and really the only piece — of whatever new coach Klint Kubiak is trying to do there.

For a growing team that’s a few years away from contending, they’re in a good spot. They have loaded up on young, talented and promising skill players. They got a small look at a better future last season with the emergence of RB Quinshon Judkins and TE Harold Fannin. And they have since added first-round WR KC Concepcion and second-round WR Denzel Boston.

Add in enigmatic veteran wideout Jerry Jeudy and there’s a lot of talent — albeit mostly raw — for whomever is behind center. But the Browns’ plan is really more about the future because all of these players — except for Jeudy — are short on production but long on potential. That’s better for winning games down the line than right now.

Nico Collins is a No. 1 receiver. But beyond that, the Texans are short on promise. They used Day 2 picks on Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in 2025, with the former being their initial hope to take a big leap this season, but he’s now out for the year with a torn ACL. That leaves Noel, who needs to somehow become a viable No. 2, since there’s no way to know if WR Tank Dell has anything to offer after missing all of last season with a devastating knee injury.

The Texans do have a good, solid tight end in Dalton Schultz. And the trade for running back David Montgomery gives them a potentially decent backfield between him and Woody Marks. But it still looks like an offense that will lean heavily on Collins, which means it’s a team that will have to be led by its defense again.

Carolina struck gold with Tetairoa McMillan, the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Beyond him, there is at least some hope for more. WR Xavier Legette was disappointing as a rookie, but he was their 2024 first-round pick. And WR Jalen Coker had a late-season surge last year. But the Panthers are lacking at tight end, and while they do have the underrated Chuba Hubbard at running back, they lost their leading rusher (Rico Dowdle) in free agency. Maybe Jonathan Brooks, their 2024 second-round pick, will finally emerge. Beyond T-Mac, this is a skill group that has a ton of growing to do.

If Garrett Wilson were almost anywhere else, he’d probably be considered one of the 10 best wide receivers in the league. And running back Breece Hall is a good player who can be one of the most explosive backs in the league when he gets in the open field. If this list graded only the top two skill players, the Jets would be much higher. But even the Jets have no idea what else they have.

They have big hopes for two first-round picks — WR Omar Cooper and TE Kenyon Sadiq — to add some juice to their offense. They also have what Wilson called a “ticking time bomb” in WR Adonai Mitchell, a former second-round pick with the Colts whom the Jets acquired in a trade last year. But right now, all the excitement is about hopes and potential only. And the Jets have a long history of that not amounting to much.

26. Washington Commanders

Their skill group looked barren until early August when they signed 32-year-old WR Stefon Diggs. He may not be what he once was, but he was still a pretty good No. 1 receiver for the Patriots last season. And the Commanders sure could use that kind of help, because the only other dangerous weapon they have is the underrated Terry McLaurin, who is coming off an injury-filled season and is about to turn 31.

Josh Allen & Bills have ‘the right mentality’ for this season, Will Diggs help the Commanders? | FTF

Beyond him, there is only speculation. WRs Luke McCaffrey and Treylon Burks have been huge disappointments. The Commanders think they found a gem in TE Chig Okonkowo, but he has big shoes to fill left by Zach Ertz. Washington liked Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but he’s a part-time back who’ll be splitting carries with newcomer Rachaad White, another part-time back. And good luck identifying the No. 3 WR on this team. The Commanders desperately need Diggs and McLaurin to defy Father Time.

QB Cam Ward had nothing to work with as a rookie, and the Titans did a good job of trying to fix that in the offseason. Their big move was drafting WR Carnell Tate, who could be the next in a long line of Ohio State wideouts to star in the NFL. They also added WR Wan’Dale Robinson, a 5-8 dynamo coming off his best season (and a weapon that new OC Brian Daboll knows how to use). If veteran WR Calvin Ridley is healthy, Ward won’t have any excuses. They also have a solid, if unspectacular, RB duo in Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. This crew isn’t enough to win games for the Titans, but it should keep the chains moving.

This is a group that underachieved last season behind a crumbling offensive line that has the potential for a huge turnaround under new OC Mike McDaniel. It will be led by WR Ladd McConkey, who finished strong after a slow start last year, and RB Omarion Hampton, if he can shake off an injury-filled rookie season. Leading wideout Keenan Allen is gone, though, which means McDaniel needs to finally be the one to get more out of 2023 first-round receiver Quentin Johnston. There are other intriguing pieces, such as TE Oronde Gadsden and second-year WR Tre Harris. But McDaniel will have to get the top pieces going in the right direction first.

If the Giants are sure that both WR Malik Nabers and RB Cam Skattebo will be ready for the start of the season, this group could be ranked higher. But Nabers is still in the process of returning from a torn ACL and Skattebo is dealing with an ankle injury, so while the early reports are encouraging, the longer-term prospects are at least a little murky.

Giants QB Jaxson Dart might have a bit more to work with in his second season. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Nabers is the real key because he’s far and away the Giants’ most dangerous weapon. They’ll piece together the rest of the receiving corps with Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin and rookie Malachi Fields, and maybe what’s left of Odell Beckham Jr. New York is also hoping for a leap from TE Isaiah Likely, a John Harbaugh transport from Baltimore who often thrived in limited action behind Mark Andrews.

Liam Coen is so good at running an offense that it’s almost a given that the Jaguars will be more than the sum of their parts. Still, those parts have some work to do. WR Brian Thomas had a terrible season to follow up on his stellar rookie campaign. WR Parker Washington was good in his place, but miscast as a No. 1. Jacksonville did get strong production from WR Jakobi Meyers after a midseason trade, but it remains to be seen if he can sustain that.

The real question, though, is at RB where the Jags let Travis Etienne walk after an 1,100-yard season. Coen has a lot of faith in Bhayshul Tuten and newcomer Chris Rodriguez, who has a history with Coen from their time together at the University of Kentucky. Coen thinks he has the pieces for an offensive juggernaut. But that might depend on how well Thomas rebounds.

James Cook is a phenomenal RB and one of the best ground weapons in football. So that’s great. But nothing else about Josh Allen’s weapons comes close to matching that level. As always, his WR group is lacking. The Bills brought in DJ Moore, who is 29 and in decline. Beyond him, their best hope is Khalil Shakir, who is a decent No. 2 receiver.

Buffalo does have a nice TE duo in Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, who combined for decent numbers last season (75-988-9). But it remains one of the NFL’s great mysteries why the club has ignored saddling its MVP-caliber QB with a better No. 1 receiver since trading Stefon Diggs after the 2023 season. Without that elite go-to guy, this team’s firepower is all about Allen and Cook. Maybe that’s enough. But the Bills sure could have made their lives easier.

WR Emeka Egbuka looked to be a lock for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award before a late-season fade cost him the vote. It didn’t help that injuries to most of the rest of the offense put too much of a burden on his young shoulders. The Bucs have high hopes that he’ll be back on track quickly this season, though it’s a little concerning that he already has a toe injury and coach Todd Bowles’ has cast doubt on his availability for Week 1. Egbuka’s health is obviously important, but he also could use a healthier group around him.

The Bucs have a good group of skill players with WRs Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan, and RB Bucky Irving could again be a good lead back (with new addition Kenneth Gainwell as his handcuff). But none of them were healthy last season. They all still have to prove that they’re fully back.

The outlook for the Saints looked a lot rosier before the news that rookie Jordyn Tyson, who some scouts thought was the most explosive WR in the NFL draft, could be out until October with a hamstring injury — something he frequently dealt with in college, too. That’s a significant blow to a young, improving team that coach Kellen Moore is building around young QB Tyler Shough.

The second-year starter does still have a true No. 1 WR in Chris Olave. He also already has a vastly underrated tight end in Juwan Johnson. And newly signed RB Travis Etienne, who ran for 1,000 yards in three of his first four NFL seasons, gives the Saints a reason to move on from aging and injured Alvin Kamara. It’s still a promising group, but it sure would look better with Tyson. Without him, New Orleans will be hoping Devaughn Vele, a fourth receiver at best, can step into a much bigger role.

The trade for WR Jaylen Waddle provided a huge boost to a really good team that was remarkably lacking in reliable weapons. With Waddle and Courtland Sutton, the Broncos have the potential for a really good top two at the WR position, and Tony Franklin could be one of the best third receivers in the league. The problem is things thin out after that. J.K. Dobbins is a good RB when healthy, but he’s never healthy. RB R.J. Harvey scored 12 touchdowns but averaged just 3.7 yards per carry as he struggled in situations as a lead back.

Better season: Patriots or Eagles? Bo Nix wants Broncos to be BEST offense in NFL 👀 | FTF

Denver got nothing out of the TE position, where Evan Engram is in an obvious decline. If the RBs stay healthy and improve, the Broncos will have more than enough weapons for a Super Bowl run. But that might be a big “if.”

Their big hope for a dangerous skill group is that Rashee Rice stays out of trouble and stays healthy, in which case he could become an elite WR. Xavier Worthy has the speed to be dangerous, too, though he’s been underwhelming as a pro. Last year, in fact, TE Travis Kelce was still Kansas City’s most dangerous weapon, despite being 36 and in obvious decline. He’s still useful, but a far cry from what he once was. The big boost for the Chiefs, though, should come on the ground after signing Kenneth Walker III in free agency, giving Andy Reid the kind of workhorse back that his aging core probably needs.

Since QB Lamar Jackson doesn’t count as a skill player, this is really a two-man group. And it’s led by 32-year-old Derrick Henry, who remains one of the toughest, best and most durable RBs in the league. Eventually, he’ll start to decline, but that hasn’t happened yet. The Ravens also have a dangerous No. 1 WR in Zay Flowers. But beyond that? Not much.

TE Mark Andrews is getting old and coming off his worst season. He also lost his sidekick in Isaiah Likely, who departed for the Giants. And former first-round pick Rashod Bateman is a study in unrealized potential. Baltimore has waited five years for him to develop into more than a decent third receiver being forced to play the No. 2 spot.

They have surrounded 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers with some intriguing pieces for his theoretical NFL swan song. DK Metcalf hasn’t played like an elite receiver in recent years, but he’s still dangerous and capable of big plays. Adding Michael Pittman and drafting Germie Bernard in the second round gives the Steelers depth they didn’t have last year. And they have decent TEs in Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, whom they should find a way to use more.

Their most interesting new piece, though, is RB Rico Dowdle, a Mike McCarthy favorite from his days in Dallas. Pittsburgh didn’t have much of a running game last year, but there’s potential with a Dowdle-Jaylen Warren tandem.

There were times last season when the Seahawks offense was a two-man show, with WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba and RB Kenneth Walker III. JSN is still there, and he’s good enough on his own. But Walker left and backup Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL. That could put a lot of pressure on first-round pick Jadarian Price, who was a backup himself at Notre Dame. Settle’s other WRs are the aging, declining Cooper Kupp and Rashid Shaheed, who is better as a kick returner. And A.J. Barner is a very low-impact TE. That likely means that JSN is often going to be a one-man show for the defending champs, especially early in the season.

Justin Jefferson is coming off his worst season as a pro, and he still put up pretty good numbers despite some terrible QB play. That shows you he remains in the running as the best WR in the league once the Vikings’ QB situation gets sorted out. And he’s flanked by Jordan Addison and newcomer Jauan Jennings, which means double-teaming JJ isn’t necessarily an easy choice.

New Vikings QB Kyler Murray could be guiding one of the best offenses in football if he returns to form himself. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

TE T.J. Hockenson hasn’t been the same since his 2023 knee injury, but better QB play could also help him return to form. The real issue with this team is RB, though. Aaron Jones is 31 and injury prone and Jordan Mason is one-dimensional. Together, they form little more than one average back.

There is potential for greatness in this group, but that’s always the case and it’s often unrealized. No doubt, Josh Jacobs is one of the toughest backs in the league, when healthy. Tucker Kraft was one of the NFL’s best tight ends before tearing his ACL last season. The Packers also have a potential No. 1 WR in Christian Watson, when he’s healthy, and former first-round pick Matthew Golden. And Jayden Reed could be a strong No. 2 or 3 if he’s over his foot injury. All of them have injury concerns, not to mention unfulfilled potential. So the ranking is probably lower than they’d like, but the ceiling is definitely high.

This group of skill players is top-heavy, but it’s a pretty impressive top. It’s hard to find a better RB than Jonathan Taylor. TE Tyler Warren was one of the NFL’s best rookies last year. And WR Alec Pierce is one of the most dangerous deep threats in the league. The problem is he’s Indy’s No. 1 receiver now, and it’s unclear if he can carry that load. He’s got a strong No. 2 in Josh Downs, but the Colts don’t go deeper than that. They were better before they traded away WR Michael Pittman. Still, the trio of Taylor, Warren and Pierce is a pretty good place to start.

If the Cards can ever find a quarterback, their path to respectability might be pretty short, because that QB will be surrounded by an array of talented weapons. WR Marvin Harrison may be an underachiever so far, but he’s only 23 and was the No. 4 overall pick just two years ago. Michael Wilson has put up good numbers for a No. 1 WR while waiting for Harrison to develop. And Trey McBride is the best and most productive receiving TE in the league. Now Arizona boasts a RB room with a potential star in rookie Jeremiyah Love, former starter James Conner and solid backup Tyler Allgeier. That’s a lot, if only the quarterback position wasn’t such a black hole.

It feels like this was years in the making, but the Falcons finally saw their Big 3 come together last season. Bijan Robinson continued to show he’s the best RB in football. WR Drake London was on his way to a second straight elite season before missing four games with a knee injury. And Kyle Pitts, in his fifth season, finally had his breakout year at TE. The Falocons are pretty thin beyond those three, though. Their next two WRs are Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson and Brian Robinson is the backup running back. That leading trio is so strong, though, that it can carry Atlanta a long way in the NFL’s weakest division.

There are age and injury issues, to be sure, but let’s start with this: The 49ers will line up three skill position players headed toward the Hall of Fame: RB Christian McCaffrey, TE George Kittle and WR Mike Evans. And that’s before you get to another trio of wideout additions: second-round pick De’Zhaun Stribling, free-agent signee Christian Kirk and the returning Deebo Samuel.

Geoff Schwartz Says It’s Time to SELL Stock in the 49ers

On talent alone, the Niners deserve a higher spot in these rankings. But the age and injury concerns are real. Evans is already nursing a quad injury, Kirk is already nursing a calf injury, and WR Ricky Pearsall, a former first-round pick who missed half of last season with a knee injury, is already lost for this season. The depth is there, but only if they can keep it.

Not many teams can trade away a No. 1 receiver (A.J. Brown) and still have one on the roster (DeVonta Smith), but that’s exactly why the Eagles felt comfortable making that trade. They also added Dontayvion Wicks and Hollywood Brown this offseason and drafted Makai Lemon in the first round to make sure the position was still a strength. Of course, they’ve got lots of strength beyond that.

Saquon Barkley is coming off a down year, but he remains one of the NFL’s best and most elusive running backs. And when Dallas Goedert is healthy, he’s a dangerous and reliable tight end that gives Jalen Hurts one of the best underneath options in the league. This group was better and deeper with Brown, to be sure. But it’s still fantastic without him.

It takes a little speculation to rank the Bears this high. But with coach Ben Johnson directing things, every player here has a chance to be explosive. The way Luther Burden III played down the stretch last year, the Bears may have two No. 1s with him and Rome Odunze.

Colston Loveland was one of the NFL’s most dangerous tight ends from November on. And the power duo at running back of D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai gave Chicago one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks last season. Those are five near-elite weapons — or players st least capable of playing at an elite level. That’s more than enough to give defensive coordinators nightmares all season long.

Let’s face it: If the Patriots had this group of skill position players last season, they might be the reigning Super Bowl champs right now. But they saw what was missing around their near-MVP QB, so they went out and added an elite No. 1 receiver in A.J. Brown and a pretty good No. 2 in Romeo Doubs. They already had an outstanding running back duo in TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson, and a reliable tight end in Hunter Henry.

The Pats even have good No. 3 receivers (Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte) who should be productive in a reduced role this year. QB Drake Maye couldn’t ask for much more as he chases the MVP award and Super Bowl championship that he narrowly missed last year.

Their 1-2-3 can match up with anyone in the NFL. Ja’Marr Chase is the NFL’s most talented receiver. And, with QB Joe Burrow healthy, Tee Higgins is going to put up No. 1 receiver numbers, too. Chase Brown has also proven to be one of the best all-purpose backs in the league over the past two seasons. That’s a Big 3 that few teams can match. It’s after that where things drop off a bit. The Bengals are OK with Andrei Iosivas as their third receiver, but tight end is a wasteland (Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki). Chase, Higgins and Brown are so good, though, that it may not really matter what other weapons the Bengals have.

Dallas had one of the best offenses in the NFL last season, and it went way beyond QB Dak Prescott. He’s got two of the best, most explosive receivers in the NFL (CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens) — maybe the best duo outside of Cincinnati and the L.A. Rams. He also has an impressive array of No. 3 receivers that have been pretty productive, led by Ryan Flournoy and Kavontae Turpin. And while TE Jake Ferguson isn’t explosive, he’s proven to be remarkably reliable.

The Cowboys seemed destined to boast a great offense again. But will they be a good team? (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Javonte Williams even finally gave the Cowboys the running game they’ve needed the past few years, proving he can handle an increased workload. So all the pieces are in place. There are no excuses for this team to not be an offensive juggernaut again.

Amon-Ra St. Brown might be the most unheralded elite receiver in the league. Few can match his numbers the past four years. And Jameson Williams (17.2 yards per catch) is one of the best deep threats in the league. The Lions also long had the best 1-2 RB punch, and there shouldn’t be much of a drop-off now as Isiah Pacheco replaces David Montgomery as Jahmyr Gibbs’ sidekick.

Detroit could easily be No. 1 on this list if TE Sam LaPorta bounces back with a healthy season and if third receiver Isaac TeSlaa builds off his strong finish to last year. Those are two “ifs” worth watching this summer. But even if everything doesn’t work out perfectly, this offense should still be explosive.

Puka Nacua has been as productive as any receiver in football the past three years, when he’s been healthy. And while Davante Adams is 33 and not what he used to be, he’s still dangerous and became a touchdown machine down the stretch last season. The Rams are also backed by the 1-2 punch of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, which last season accounted for almost 2,000 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns. Things thin out a little behind them, especially at receiver.

But L.A. is deceptively good at tight end, where the trio of Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen combined for 92-897-14 last season — elite numbers for that spot. If 38-year-old QB Matthew Stafford is healthy, he has everything he needs for one last Super Bowl run.

Carabao Cup 2026/27: Watch Nottm Forest vs Leeds, Chelsea vs Luton, Tottenham vs Charlton and more with every game LIVE on Sky Sports | Football News

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Carabao Cup is back for the 2026/27 season, with every second-round tie live on Sky Sports!

The 11 Premier League clubs not involved in European commitments will enter the competition at this stage, setting up some tasty ties ahead of the nine remaining sides joining in round three.

That includes a case of deja-vu with an all-Premier League clash between Nottingham Forest and Leeds on Tuesday, as Oliver Glasner’s side look to get revenge from their late league defeat at the City Ground only three days earlier.

On Wednesday, you can see Newcastle hope to clinch a first win under Matthias Jaissle when West Brom visit St James’ Park, while Tottenham look to bounce back from a 3-0 humbling at Brentford at home to early Championship pace-setters Charlton.

The same night, David Moyes will make his first return to Deepdale since leaving Preston in 2002 when he visits with Everton, before Chelsea host Luton and Fulham likewise with AFC Wimbledon in Thursday’s double header.

Second-round schedule in full

All ties kick off at 7.45pm (BST) unless stated otherwise

August 25

Cardiff vs Norwich – kick-off 7pm
Doncaster vs Middlesbrough – kick-off 7.30pm
Barnsley vs Crewe
Blackburn vs Sheffield United
Blackpool vs Lincoln
Cambridge vs Millwall
Fleetwood vs Shrewsbury
Ipswich vs Leicester
Plymouth vs Coventry
Sheffield Wednesday vs Wolves
Southampton vs West Ham
Stevenage vs Reading
Stoke vs Hull
Walsall vs Leyton Orient
Watford vs Peterborough
Birmingham vs Brentford – kick-off 8pm

August 26

Bradford vs Burnley
Newcastle vs West Brom
Tottenham vs Charlton
Preston vs Everton – kick-off 8pm

August 27

Chelsea vs Luton – kick-off 7.30pm
Fulham vs AFC Wimbledon – kick-off 8pm

Catch up with all the goals so far!

Keep across all the first-round ties with drama, action and goals as sides from the Championship, League One and League Two sought a spot in the second round.

You can catch up with all the highlights here

Image:
Manchester City are the current holders after beating Arsenal 2-0 in last season’s Carabao Cup final

Sky Sports customers can watch matches on Sky Sports+, with games available on the Sky Sports app and the Sky Sports website.

In case you can’t be in front of a TV, you can still keep up with all of the action with our dedicated first-round blog on Saturday, plus plenty more live blogs throughout the competition.

The competition will continue throughout the season, with round two taking place in the week commencing August 24.

The nine Premier League sides in Europe – Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace – come in for the third round.

See the full Carabao Cup first-round draw and schedule on Sky Sports

Carabao Cup 2026/27 round dates

Round two: w/c August 24

Round three: w/c September 7 and w/c September 14

Round four: w/c October 26

Round five: w/c December 14

Semi-final first leg: w/c January 11

Semi-final second leg: w/c February 1

Final: Sunday March 21

Freedom 250 Winner Kyle Kirkwood Wants To Be More Than ‘King Of The Streets’

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Washington — Kyle Kirkwood won on another street course, continuing to earn his moniker as “king of the streets.”

And while that is a nice title to have, it kind of irks Kirkwood.

The Andretti Global driver wants to be known for more than just strength on street courses.

But Sunday sixth time on a street course, as he captured the victory in the inaugural race on the streets of Washington. It was his second street victory of the season to go along with the inaugural race at Arlington.

“It’s a great thing I won here today, but it’s a bad thing for that title that I have that I’ve been trying to kick,” Kirkwood told me with a laugh after his victory.

“It’s the only negative I can take away from today.”

Freedom 250 winner Kyle Kirkwood said he wants to be known for more than just winning on street courses.

To win a championship, Kirkwood will have to do more than win on streets. He’ll have to win on ovals (as he did last year at Gateway for his only non-street course victory) and on road courses.

Three races remain in the 2026 season — a doubleheader next weekend at Milwaukee and then the season finale at Laguna Seca.

“I think I have to win at Milwaukee and a win at Laguna so I can say I have another win at an oval and a road-course win,” Kirkwood said. “I have a lot of top fives on road courses, but that elusive win has not come to me.”

The 27-year-old Kirkwood is establishing himself as a perennial championship contender.

He was seventh in the standings in 2024, fourth in the standings last year and sits second in the current standings. However, he is still a somewhat distant 91 points behind Alex Palou.

“Every year we elevate our game. I elevate my game, the team elevates their game,” Kirkwood said. “From seventh to fourth to now, I’m running second. If we can hold off that, that’s once again [cutting it in] half again and the next step is to win.”

Kyle Kirkwood is feeling confident about Milwaukee.

Andretti Global has won the last two races and appears to be surging.

“We’re going to be really good at Milwaukee,” Kirkwood said. “I think we’re going to be really good at Milwaukee. We had a phenomenal test there. … We’d like to be thought about as one of the big teams. It’s no longer the “Big Two” [of Ganassi and Penske]. It might be the Big Three with the amount of wins that we’ve had this year.”

But if he (and the team) don’t win in the final three races, he might not feel that way.

The strong vibes can be fleeting and even though there is a long offseason, Kirkwood feels how he finishes 2026 will impact 2027.

“Momentum is a real thing,” Kirkwood said. “Even when you’re out of the car. You want to come off the season as strong as possible to carry that momentum. Because last year, I had a phenomenal first part of the year, but the second part of the year wasn’t that strong.

“That momentum kind of hurts you if you don’t have great momentum going into the offseason with yourself, your work ethic, the team’s work ethic. When you’re determined, you tend to do things a lot better. It will be good to come out of the season with a very solid finish.”

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Harry Kane wins a trophy with Bayern, Anthony Gordon makes his Barcelona debut plus lots more in the Euro Debrief | Football News

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Welcome to The Euro Debrief, a new Sky Sports column in which Adam Bate rounds up some of the key stories from the latest matches across the continent. This week:

Kane bags another trophy with Bayern
Mourinho wins late while Gordon shines
Amorim’s Milan win but Inter look strong
PSG start slowly compared to Marseille
Salah scores two in win for Trabzonspor

Kane wins Supercup with thanks to Brown

Being in Dortmund for the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, the expectation was that Harry Kane would add to the 73 goals that he scored last season for Bayern Munich. Instead, the opener in their 2-1 win at Borussia Dortmund was scored by Nathaniel Brown.

The summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt is better known as a left-back but was preferred in the No 10 role to fellow new arrival Ismael Saibari and responded by whipping the ball low into the corner inside the first half. He could have had more too.

Image:
Nathaniel Brown’s Bundesliga heat map for Eintracht Frankfurt shows his usual role

Brown, 23, fired just wide of the far post after getting away down the left channel in the 43rd minute and drew roars from the away end when he charged forward just after the hour. He then sprang another attack with a smart turn that led to Kane firing just over.

Speaking to Kane afterwards, he praised his new partner. “It was a great performance. Not his natural position but he has had spells there in pre-season. He is obviously a smart player, really good on the ball, good in tight areas, and you saw that with his finish.”

Image:
Nathaniel Brown’s touch map for Bayern Munich against Borussia Dortmund

Kane described Brown as “a very versatile player” and pointed out that he had already scored in pre-season. But some adjustments will be required. Brown barely touched the ball prior to his 28th-minute goal, often being missed out of their passing sequences.

Vincent Kompany will have to be patient with Jamal Musiala following his unfortunate health scare, twice collapsing on the pitch. Saibari will be able to help with that. But the creative use of Brown could prove useful when the Bundesliga kicks off next weekend.

LaLiga: Mourinho wins late, Gordon’s impact

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Jude Bellingham scored Real Madrid’s first goal in their win over Espanyol

The big two in Spain both won away as their LaLiga campaigns began, but the victories could hardly have been more different. While Barcelona battered Elche 5-0 – Anthony Gordon getting two assists on debut – Real Madrid needed a 90th-minute winner at Espanyol.

The identity of the scorer delighted Jose Mourinho, beginning his second spell in charge at Madrid. Carlos Espi latched onto a loose ball inside the Espanyol area to win the game 2-1 and was rewarded with a big hug from Mourinho – his ‘neighbour’ in Madrid.

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Real Madrid’s Carlos Espi celebrates with his Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho

Player and coach are both living at the club’s training ground, having breakfast together every day. Those morning meetings just got a little easier for the 6’4″ striker signed from Levante. He is not the highest profile player at Madrid but he could be a key weapon.

Thibaut Courtois has already described Espi as “Joselu Junior” – a reference to the former striker who scored so many crucial goals for the club, including two famous ones late on against Bayern Munich on the way to winning the Champions League for Madrid in 2024.

Espi, 21, brings something different and could be a potential game-changer under Mourinho who has always been fond of a robust centre-forward. The contrast with Barcelona could hardly be more stark where it is the mobile Raphinha is playing the role for now.

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Highlights of the La Liga clash between Elche and Barcelona as Anthony Gordon impresses

The Brazilian scored twice against Elche as Hansi Flick’s embarrassment of riches in the wide areas was made clear. Lamine Yamal was quiet but that was no problem as Karim Adeyemi got a goal on his debut and Gordon came off the bench to set up a couple.

Having been at St Andrew’s to see Hamza Abdelkarim impress against Birmingham in pre-season, do not rule out him playing the Espi role for Barca. Maybe they don’t need Julian Alvarez anyway. He was booed by Atletico Madrid fans in their 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

LaLiga results: Real Betis 1-0 Real Sociedad, Athletic Club 1-3 Sevilla, Valencia 0-0 Celta Vigo, Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid 2-2 Villarreal, Getafe 1-0 Racing Santander, Elche 0-5 Barcelona.

Serie A: Amorim starts with win, Inter impress

Ruben Amorim made a winning start to life at AC Milan as they beat Torino 2-1 away from home as Serie A got under way in Italy. Scotland striker Che Adams scored an imaginative volley but it was not enough to deny Amorim’s encouragingly organised side.

Juventus and Napoli also got good away wins, Kevin De Bruyne scoring late on for the latter. Maurizio Sarri made a positive start at Atalanta with a win over Sassuolo as well. However, it will be difficult for any of these clubs to dethrone champions Inter.

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Inter’s Pio Esposito celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal against Monza

The double winners made a particularly strong start to their title defence with a 4-1 win over Monza. Hakan Calhanoglu’s eye-catching opener was spectacular. Pio Esposito’s backheeled finish for the third was even better. Both goals were set up by Andy Diouf.

Inter have spent much of the summer searching for a new right wing-back having lost Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid. It is a position that is so important to the team under Cristian Chivu and England’s Djed Spence is expected to take on the role in the long term.

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John Stones made his Serie A debut off the bench in Inter’s win over Monza

But Diouf, a midfielder playing out of position there, was magnificent. It underlines the depth that Chivu has at his disposal, further emphasised by John Stones coming off the bench for Manuel Akanji as Spence and Curtis Jones looked on from the stands.

Serie A results: Inter 4-1 Monza, Udinese 1-1 Como, Genoa 0-2 Napoli, Parma 0-1 Cagliari, Frosinone 0-1 Juventus, Venezia 0-2 Lecce, Atalanta 2-1 Sassuolo, Torino 1-2 AC Milan.

Ligue 1: Slow start for PSG, drama at Marseille

Paris Saint-Germain’s uncertain start to the season continued as they dropped points at Rennes, needing two goals from World Cup hero Ferran Torres to salvage a 2-2 draw in a game moved from Paris because of the poor condition of the Parc des Princes pitch.

Having been in Salzburg to see PSG scrape past a weakened Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup, and then follow that up with defeat to Lens in the Trophee des Champions – despite Lens being down to 10 men for the whole second half – this was not a big shock.

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Ferran Torres scored twice for Paris Saint-Germain to salvage a point against Rennes

It will be interesting to see how Luis Enrique manages the players’ minutes again this season. Will he do anything as drastic as Paulo Fonseca did for Lyon’s game against Toulouse, though? The Portuguese coach changed all 11 of his line-up – and won 2-0.

It was a strategic decision by Fonseca with Lyon in the middle of a two-legged Champions League play-off with Fenerbahce that will have a huge impact on the club’s finances. Beat the Turkish side in midweek and it could prove to be a masterstroke.

But the standout performance in France came from Marseille as they won 4-0 against Strasbourg. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been stripped of the captaincy but responded by scoring the final goal, the celebrations reflecting his popularity within the squad.

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Highlights of the entertaining Ligue 1 match between Rennes and Paris Saint-Germain

Hojbjerg turned down a transfer, much to the frustration of Marseille’s ownership who are desperate to get his wages off the books with no Champions League football. “It is not a decision I agree with,” said head coach Bruno Genesio of the captaincy call.

It was interesting that Genesio went public with that. He is in an awkward spot but distancing himself from his bosses looks like the smart play – for now – given this show of unity by the players. Unfortunately, Marseille could lose a number of them very soon.

Ligue 1 results: Marseille 4-0 Strasbourg, Lens 5-2 Auxerre, Le Mans 2-2 Brest, Nice 0-0 Lorient, Toulouse 0-2 Lyon, Troyes 0-0 Paris FC, Angers 0-2 Lille, Le Havre 0-1 Monaco, Rennes 2-2 PSG.

Elsewhere… Salah scores two for Trabzonspor

AZ Alkmaar are already the only team left in the Eredivisie with a perfect record, while newly promoted Maritimo briefly went top of the table in Portugal – check out this interview with their president on why being back matters so much to the island of Madeira here.

But the biggest story outside the biggest leagues came 5000 kilometres away across the other side of the continent as Mohamed Salah scored twice on his home league debut for Trabzonspor in a 2-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir. There were glimpses of vintage Salah.

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Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring for Trabzonspor in their win over Istanbul Basaksehir

The first goal was scrappy but the second was sensational. Salah had said on arrival that he had never seen anything like his reception in Turkey before but what he did on the pitch was incredibly familiar. A clever give and go. The ball slotted low into the far corner.

He had two more goals disallowed for offside and was booked for a dive so it was certainly eventful. If Salah can produce more performances like this then the excitement surrounding a player some are calling the biggest star ever to go to Turkey will only grow.

49ers, Saints Reportedly Swap Depth Pieces In A Trade Ahead Of Regular Season

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints are helping each other to fix some depth issues ahead of the final week of the preseason.

San Francisco is sending running back Zamir White to New Orleans for linebacker Deion Jones, ESPN reported Sunday.

For the Saints, the trade came a few days after running back Alvin Kamara suffered an MCL sprain that will reportedly sideline him for a month. Their running back depth was further hampered by Devin Neal’s departure from Saturday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.

So, with the injuries, White now goes from competing to be the 49ers’ primary backup running back behind Christian McCaffrey to potentially being Travis Etienne’s backup with the Saints to start the season.

White signed with San Francisco earlier in the offseason after a four-year tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders. He’s rushed for 736 yards on 3.7 yards per carry and two touchdowns in 45 career games.

Jones, meanwhile, joins a 49ers linebacker room that has plenty of talent at the top, but not as much depth. San Francisco has Fred Warner back after he suffered a gruesome ankle injury that ended his 2025 season prematurely. It also brought back Dre Greenlaw in free agency. However, the rest of its linebacker room is relatively inexperienced.

The trade also reunites Jones with a coach he’s familiar with: Raheem Morris. Morris, who is now the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, coached Jones when they were together with the Falcons from 2016-20.

Jones, 31, recorded 29 total tackles with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. He had at least 100 tackles in five of his first six seasons in the league.

Mayer vs Cameron: Claressa Shields open to facing Mikaela Mayer if she does not secure Lauren Price fight | Boxing News

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Claressa Shields says Mikaela Mayer could be part of her future plans before she achieves her “goal” of retiring with a perfect record.

The multi-weight world champion has been in talks for a middleweight fight against Britain’s Lauren Price, who is a fellow Olympic gold medallist.

But if Price is not her next opponent, then Shields could switch her attention to Mayer, who faces Chantelle Cameron in a super-welterweight world title unification fight on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.

“Anything is possible,” Shields told Sky Sports. “I came down [in weight] specifically to fight against Kaye Scott and then hopefully have a big showdown with Olympic champions, me and Lauren Price.

“If the fight with Lauren Price can’t happen, I would love to get in the ring with Mikaela Mayer.

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Tune in to watch Mikaela Mayer vs Chantelle Cameron, with three world titles on the line in a high stakes showdown

“I know that she came from a smaller weight class and now she’s at 154lbs, but my skills are still better than hers.

“I’m still faster than her. We have the same experience but I have better experience. I’ve been to the Olympic gold medal match twice, she hasn’t.

“I beat everybody. It doesn’t matter the name that you put. Claressa versus whoever, I beat them.”

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Mayer is fully focused on defeating Cameron, but admits that fights against Shields and Price are still on her hitlist.

“Obviously, I would love to get the fight with Lauren Price,” Mayer told Sky Sports.

“Claressa Shields and I have spoken about potentially fighting at 160lbs which I would love to do.

“In a perfect world, I would get all three of those fights back-to-back and sail away into the sunset.”

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Mayer is supremely confident that she’ll beat Cameron, live on Sky Sports

Shields became a middleweight world champion for a third time after ruthlessly stopping Kaye Scott this month, racking up her 19th straight victory in the professional ranks with no defeats.

Floyd Mayweather, who stepped away from his pro career after 50 wins, was watching from ringside and Shields believes she can emulate him by preserving her perfect record.

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Shields celebrates her world title win with promoter Dmitriy Salita [Pic courtesy of Stephanie Trapp/Salita Promotions]

“I had the biggest names there. I sold the arena out. It was insane,” said Shields.

“I put on a great performance. I’ve been building my career to this point, so I’m happy.

“I believe that I can retire undefeated, that’s my goal. I don’t know if I’ll ever get 50 fights, but 30 is good for me.”

Watch Mikaela Mayer vs Chantelle Cameron this Saturday with Caroline Dubois also in action, live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.

NFL Catchup: Jeanty Injured, Kittle Activated, Browns QB Drama & More

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We’re finally entering the last week of the preseason, which means the regular season is right around the corner.

Sunday only brought us one preseason matchup, with the Tennessee Titans taking down the Seattle Seahawks. But there was also a bit of good and bad injury news on Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers got a couple of key stars back, while the Las Vegas Raiders might be without one of their promising young players to open the year.

But the biggest news of the weekend might have come on Saturday, when Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson called out the team’s fans after getting booed for his outing against the Buffalo Bills.

As you begin your week, here are some of the things you need to know about what happened around the NFL this weekend.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty left Sunday’s practice with an ankle injury after colliding with cornerback Darien Porter while diving for a catch. However, the injury might not be as serious as initially expected. Jeanty is believed to have a high ankle sprain, according to ESPN.

Jeanty remained on the ground before being helped off the field without placing weight on his right leg.

Head coach Klint Kubiak planned to feature Jeanty as a focal point of the offense alongside tight end Brock Bowers. If Jeanty is forced to miss time, fourth-round rookie Mike Washington Jr. is listed second on the depth chart and would take over primary backfield duties.

Jeanty recorded 975 rushing yards and five touchdowns in his 2025 rookie season. The Raiders open their regular season at home against the Miami Dolphins.

The San Francisco 49ers activated tight end George Kittle from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Sunday. Kittle took individual reps in full pads for his first practice session since suffering a torn right Achilles in January.

Running back Christian McCaffrey also returned to practice after sitting out sessions since August 10 due to tightness, participating in individual drills and team period work. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak spoke about the impact of having both players back on the field.

“It definitely just gives us energy,” Kubiak said. “It just changes things. You have two Hall of Fame-caliber players out there who are back out there and getting their work in, and they practice at a high standard, and they lift everybody up. It’s good to see them back out there.”

Kittle expressed hope regarding his potential availability for the regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Rams while acknowledging the full length of the schedule.

“I want to play in every football game that I possibly can play in but I’m also aware it’s an 18-week season,” Kittle said. “If you miss Week 1 and you’re playing Week 2, hey, it is what it is. I’m just going to keep that as my goal and then we’ll adjust from there if we need to.”

McCaffrey addressed his recent practice absence, explaining that the time off was part of a planned workload management strategy leading up to September.

“Obviously when you don’t practice, the way the media works now it’s a firestorm,” McCaffrey said. “But this was kind of part of the plan from the jump was to ramp up pretty big, get nine, 10 practices in, kind of come back down and then ramp back up so we’re fresh for the duration. Our staff’s done a great job of coming up with specific plans. And again, I feel great. I feel fresh, and it’s good to be back out there.”

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson addressed fan reaction after receiving boos during Saturday’s 31-7 preseason loss to Buffalo. Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and an interception in his first home action since his 2024 Achilles injury. Watson called the crowd reaction personal.

“I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance,” Watson said. “It’s a little bit more personal than that.”

Watson recalled the crowd’s reaction when he suffered his Achilles injury in 2024 when evaluating his relationship with local fans.

“Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles. And that same fanbase, they cheered when I got hurt,” Watson said. “So what does that have to do with anything about performance? When a person gets hurt, especially for your own city, and they cheer?”

Our Greg Auman argues Cleveland should cut Watson, citing his bellow .500 winning percentage as the Browns starter, performance struggles, and fractured relationship with the fanbase, despite significant salary cap penalties.

Asked if he held any regrets regarding his time with Cleveland, Watson doubled down.

“I don’t regret anything in my life,” Watson said.

Addressing the crowd atmosphere for the upcoming schedule, Watson noted that “maybe it’s 17 away games” in terms of environment.

Auman wrote that Cleveland should move on and cut Watson despite the financial impact, which includes $127 million in dead money against the salary cap over two seasons.

Head coach Todd Monken told reporters he hopes to name a starting quarterback Monday, potentially bringing an end to competition between Watson and second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders ahead of Week 1.

Cam Ward put up a respectable stat line for the Titans in their victory over the Seahawks on Sunday night, even if he only led Tennessee to three points. He completed 8 of 12 passes for 69 yards over three drives, setting his team up for a 55-yard field over his outing.

But the Seahawks’ offensive backups had a pretty strong night. Backup quarterback Drew Lock completed 12 of 14 passes for 102 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown to tight end Elijah Arroyo, as he got the start on Sunday. Running back Jacardia Wright added a 69-yard rushing touchdown, helping Seattle take an early 16-3 lead.

Seahawks rookie safety Bud Clark left Saturday’s preseason game against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter after suffering a lower leg injury on the Titans’ opening offensive series. Clark was carted off the field with what appeared to be an air cast applied to his leg following the play.

The second-round rookie was expected to provide depth in Seattle’s secondary during his rookie season. Head coach Mike Macdonald previously told reporters about Clark’s development and workload during training camp.

“Bud’s one of those rookies that we’re asking a lot of him right now, and I’m impressed with how he’s handling it,” Macdonald said. “It’s not perfect, but how he goes about his business is what we’re looking for.”

With Clark facing a potentially extended absence, Seattle will look to backup safeties AJ Finley and D’Anthony Bell to step into increased depth roles.

On offense, rookie first-round running back Jadarian Price has positioned himself as the clear primary back following Kenneth Walker’s free-agent departure and Zach Charbonnet’s ongoing recovery from a torn ACL suffered late last season.

Seattle has decided to sit Price for the remaining preseason games to protect his health.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton made a strong push for the backup job behind Dak Prescott during Saturday’s preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. Milton started the contest, completing 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown before giving way to Sam Howell.

“I was able to go out there and showcase what I got, what we’ve been working hard towards this whole camp, so it was great,” Milton said.

Milton, who joined Dallas in 2025, stated he feels a “major difference” in his comfort level with the offense compared to a year ago as he finds himself in a competition with Sam Howell for the Cowboys backup position.

“That’s out of my control,” Milton said about the final decision. “The only thing I’m able to do is go out there and call the play, and just make sure the offense is moving. Whatever they decide, they decide.”

The Cowboys will evaluate both quarterbacks through the remainder of training camp before determining their Week 1 depth chart.

Injury News & Notes

The Los Angeles Chargers reportedly placed starting center Tyler Biadasz on season-ending injured reserve Sunday after he suffered a left knee and ACL injury during joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers. Second-round rookie Jake Slaughter is expected to take over starting duties.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Alex Wright was reportedly placed on season-ending injured reserve Sunday after rupturing his Achilles in practice against the Buffalo Bills. According to ESPN, Cleveland signed veteran pass rusher Derek Barnett to a one-year deal to help bolster their edge depth.

BMW Championship: Rory McIlroy third as Wyndham Clark blows big lead before closing out PGA Tour victory | Golf News

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Wyndham Clark overcame blowing a five-shot lead to edge out Rory McIlroy with a dramatic three-shot victory at the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship.

Clark saw his big overnight lead disappear during a thrilling Sunday at Bellerive Country Club, where the US Open champion bogeyed three of his first 10 holes to give hope to McIlroy and the chasing pack.

McIlroy found three birdies in a four-hole stretch around the turn to sit level with Clark heading into the closing stretch, only for his playing partner to post a three-birdie finish to cap off a roller-coaster victory in style.

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Rory McIlroy’s chances of victory slipped away with a bogey on the 17th at the BMW Championship

A level-par 70 was enough for Clark to end the week on 17 under and close out a third PGA Tour victory of the season, following on from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and the US Open, with Patrick Cantlay claiming solo second to progress through to next week’s season-ending Tour Championship.

McIlroy was tied for the lead with three to play but ended four back after a penultimate-hole bogey and Clark’s impressive birdie burst, while Gary Woodland, Collin Morikawa and Chris Gotterup shared fourth place.

How Clark held off McIlroy to BMW Championship win

Clark’s overnight advantage was immediately cut with a two-shot swing at the first, where he three-putted from 65 feet for bogey as McIlroy holed from 10 feet for birdie.

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Rory McIlroy makes a dream start on the final round of the BMW Championship to chase Wyndham Clark, who bogeyed the first

McIlroy failed to get up and down to save par at the fourth but holed from seven feet to avoid back-to-back bogeys, as Woodland – two groups ahead – made three birdies in his first five holes to get within two.

Clark bogeyed the par-three sixth after a clunky chip from just off the green, with Woodland halving his advantage by birdieing the par-five eighth before inexplicably topping his tee shot into water at the next.

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Gary Woodland made a huge error by topping his tee shot on the ninth at the BMW Championship

McIlroy made a two-putt birdie at the eighth and picked up a shot at the ninth to reach the turn two back, only to pull level with a birdie at the 11th after Clark had started his back nine with a bogey.

Cantlay also briefly shared the lead until a double-bogey at the 11th, while McIlroy and Clark traded pars to leave the pair tied at the top of the leaderboard with three holes to play.

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Rory McIlroy had overturned a five-shot deficit to share the lead with Wyndham Clark late in the final round

Clark was birdie-free during the final day until he edged ahead with a 15-footer at the 16th, before adding another at the par-five next – after McIlroy went from bunker to bunker and carded a bogey – to extend his advantage.

Cantlay reduced the lead by birdieing each of his final three holes to set the clubhouse target at 14 under, as Clark closed out his fifth PGA Tour win by pouring in a 15-foot birdie to extend his winning margin.

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Watch the late birdie burst that saw Wyndham Clark close out BMW Championship victory

“As much as I would have loved to have run away with this, it was fun to get the juices going,” Cantlay told CBS Sports. “I think it shows that I’m one of the best players in the world. Three wins in one season is my best year yet, coming off my worst year ever and I’m just very pleased with where I am at right now.”

On claiming third, McIlroy said: “I’m still not in a spot where I’m super happy with where my game is or where my swing is, so I just have to keep working on it. It’s nice to know even when I’m not super happy with everything I can still piece it together and get it around and still give myself a chance to win tournaments.”

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Watch Rory McIlroy’s roller-coaster round at the BMW Championship, where he threatened a Sunday comeback

Morikawa delivered a stunning eagle at the par-five 17th but bogeyed the last to finish on 12 under with Woodland and Gotterup, who carded a final-round 69, as Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre extended his season after a five-under 65 lifted him to tied-seventh.

What’s next?

The PGA Tour season reaches its climax at the Tour Championship at East Lake GC, where only the top 30 players in the standings are eligible to compete for the FedExCup and $10m first prize.

Who will win the FedExCup? Watch all four rounds exclusively live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins Thursday from 5pm on Sky Sports Golf. Get latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

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Jon Rahm Claims Season Points Crown At LIV Golf Finale In Indianapolis

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Jon Rahm finished the LIV Golf season Sunday in style — claiming his third straight season points title and his second team crown in a row at the revised season finale in suburban Indianapolis.

Now the 31-year-old Spaniard is ready to head home and contemplate the future.

“I’m looking forward to going home and helping my very pregnant wife with the kids,” Rahm said. “The fourth one is due in October, and I’m happy to be dad for a few days before I get back to grinding for the Irish Open, and mainly looking forward to a haircut because I need one badly.”

Rahm closed with a 7-under 63 for his second straight runner-up finish in Indy. He ended up a stroke behind 22-year-old Michael La Sasso, the 2025 NCAA individual champ at Mississippi. La Sasso finished with a 65 to get to 18 under.

Despite the historic flooding in central Indiana that forced organizers to improvise how to get spectators parked and shuttled to The Club at Chatham Hills, in many ways things went off largely as expected.

Organizers set up electronic scoreboards and video boards as well as temporary suites around the course. There were advertising signs for Riyadh Air and other sponsors, chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” as La Sossa rolled in his 2-foot putt on No. 18 to secure the win and the celebratory champaign spray.

Those who attended last year’s first tourney at The Club at Chatham Hills thought things went even better at the expanded four-round event.

“It was more well managed from the way they had the ropes set up, just getting in a little cleaner with the traffic so the operation itself was more smooth than last year,” Westfield resident Jacob Meyer said.

Meyer’s friend, Jackson Gangwer, added: “It’s just more relaxed. Last year it seemed a little more intense since it was the first year being out here.”

Last year’s attendance for the three-round event drew more than 60,000 fans, an American record for a LIV event. Organizers did not announce this year’s tournament.

But the tour brought top-flight men’s golf back to metropolitan Indianapolis for the first time since it hosted the 2012 and 2016 BMW Championships, and it opened the door a new group of fans, some of whom had never attended a major pro event.

And after playing in front of the Indy fans each of the past two years, Rahm had a message for those who came back.

“I just want to say think you. It’s been incredibly fun to play in front of a crowd this enthusiastic,” Rahm said. “I’m sure everybody here has friends, family or themselves who have had to deal with some of the flooding issues and you know my heart goes out to all those people that lost their homes and lost loved. But the fact so many people came out and supported us means a lot.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cincinnati Open: Arthur Fils defeats Frances Tiafoe in historic ATP Masters 1000 final between two Black players | Tennis News

August 24, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Frenchman Arthur Fils may have played himself into contention to win the US Open after sealing the biggest title of his career at the Cincinnati Open on Sunday.

The 21st seed, who won the Barcelona Open in April, added the Cincy crown to his growing list of achievements with a topsy-turvy 6-3 1-6 6-0 victory over Frances Tiafoe in Ohio.

Fils became the third Black man to win a Masters 1000 title, joining Ben Shelton, who won the Canadian Open twice, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who won Paris in 2008 and Canada in 2014.

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Is it written in the stars for Fils?

🏆 2023 Cincinnati – Djokovic

🏆 2023 US Open – Djokovic

🏆 2024 Cincinnati – Sinner

🏆 2024 US Open – Sinner

🏆 2025 Cincinnati – Alcaraz

🏆 2025 US Open – Alcaraz

🏆 2026 Cincinnati – Fils

🏆 2026 US Open – ?

“That feels good,” said Fils, who dominated the deciding set to end France’s 12-year wait for a Masters 1000 title. “There’s a lot of training, a lot of sacrifice. Injury. To be able to win a title like this, it means a lot to me.

“I don’t have any words to describe this. It feels so good. A little bit of relief as well.”

Fils made a flying start by breaking early to establish a 3-0 lead in the opening set before ‌Tiafoe got on the board with a hold of serve.

The Frenchman maintained relentless pressure from the baseline, attacking Tiafoe’s second serve and forcing errors as he moved 5-3 ahead. Fils was untouchable on ⁠serve, closing out the ⁠set with three successive aces without dropping a point in the final ‌game.

Tiafoe, playing in his second Cincinnati final, responded in kind in the second set.

The 28-year-old broke in ‌the second game en route to a 3-0 lead, with his forehands pulling Fils wide. Although Fils got on the board with a hold to ⁠love, the 17th seed Tiafoe broke again for a 5-1 advantage before forcing a decider.

Fils quickly regained control in the third set, breaking twice to race into ⁠a 4-0 lead as Tiafoe’s backhand errors piled up.

The 22-year-old’s pace and movement proved too much ⁠for the American, and he closed out the match with a bagel final set after a lengthy rally to lift the trophy.

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Tale of the Tape

Now 32-10 for the year, Fils is up eight spots to fifth in the ATP Live Race To Turin as a result of his run.

‘Fils is like a ballet dancer’

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Annabel Croft, speaking on Sky Sports Tennis:

“He talked about the sacrifices he made and the injuries he has had but what a performance that was in the final set. He played flawless tennis in the first set but he regrouped so well in that final set and breath-taking movement to watch him courtside.

“He’s so agile, he’s like a ballet dancer, and we saw every kind of shot that he could possibly come up with to win this title and to take on a home crowd as well it was really impressive.”

Croft added: “He’s so mature on the court. He’s physically very mature and that was the aspect for me just how well this guy moves across the court. It’s very dynamic. It’s the take-off speed but it’s also the agility. He can be on the front foot and attacking, but when he’s pushed defensively he can turn on a sixpence and then put in the slices and defend so well.”

Watch the ATP and WTA Tours live on Sky Sports. The US Open is also live on Sky Sports from August 30. Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App.

Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty Reportedly Leaves Practice Early With Right Knee Injury

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

With the NFL season just weeks away, the Las Vegas Raiders could be bracing for bad news after star running back Ashton Jeanty left practice with an injury,

Jeanty left practice with a knee injury after diving for a catch and colliding with cornerback Darien Porter on Sunday, according to The Athletic. After lying on the ground for a few moments, Jeanty was helped off the field, unable to put any weight on his right knee.

After Jeanty left the field, the entire team reportedly took a knee in prayer.

ESPN reported that the team had no immediate statement at this time regarding Jeanty’s injury status. His return remains uncertain as he will likely undergo further evaluation in the coming days.

First-year head coach Klint Kubiak is expected to make Jeanty the centerpiece of the offense this season alongside tight end Brock Bowers. They also added depth by drafting Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round to add more versatility.

Jeanty and Washington Jr. were expected to form a potential 1-2 punch for the offense, although Jeanty likely would’ve received the majority of the touches out of the backfield. Kubiak previously deployed one of the league’s top running back duos with the Seattle Seahawks last season that featured Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet.

If Jeanty misses any time due to injury, Washington Jr. is next in line at running back for the Raiders offense. He’s currently listed as Las Vegas’ second-string running back on its depth chart.

Jeanty struggled for good portions of his rookie season after the Raiders took him with the sixth overall pick. He rushed for 975 yards and only five touchdowns while averaging just 3.7 yards per carry, which ranked 45th in the league.

With Jeanty’s injury status up in the air, all eyes shift to the Raiders’ Week 1 matchup, where they are set to host the Miami Dolphins.

Beau Greaves: ‘Beau and Arrow’ defeats Lisa Ashton and Aileen de Graaf to close in on her 60th title on the Women’s Series circuit | Darts News

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Beau Greaves defeated Lisa Ashton and Aileen de Graaf on Sunday to close in on her 60th title on the Women’s Series circuit.

Sunday’s Women’s Series double-header saw Events 19 and 20 take place at the Matiolli Arena, as Greaves returned to winning ways on the circuit after missing yesterday’s action.

Greaves opened her account Sunday morning with three consecutive whitewash victories over Jane Hawtin, Sue Lowther and Vicky Pruim respectively,

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Highlights of the Women’s World Matchplay final between Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock in Blackpool

The 22-year-old was almost denied a 58th Women’s Series title, as she fought back from 3-2 down to beat Gemma Hayter to book her spot in the quarter-final stage.

Greaves raced into the semi-final, as she beat Aileen de Graaf 5-1 with an average of over 96, before booking her place in the Event 19 showpiece as she raced past Kirsty Hutchinson 5-2.

In a repeat bout of the 2025 Women’s World Matchplay semi-final between ‘Beau ‘n’ Arrow’ and Lisa Ashton, it was Greaves’ who came out victor in the final as she beat Ashton 5-3.

Despite dropping the opening leg in the final, Greaves responded with three legs of her own in quick succession to gain a two-leg advantage on Ashton, before sealing the victory with a brilliant 14-dart leg.

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Chris Murphy suggests Greaves should be given more opportunities to play against the men after she won the Women’s World Matchplay

Greaves opened her Event 20 campaign in the same manner as she did earlier in the day, winning back-to-back matches in quick succession, beating Leanne Halls and Felicia Bay 4-0.

The Doncaster star – who only dropped three legs in the entire event – won consecutive matches 4-1 over Louise Pearson and Rhian O’Sullivan respectively, before dispatching Angela Kirkwood 5-0 to seal her spot in the final four.

There, she raced into the final, as Greaves beat Karolina Ratajska 5-1, opening her account in that match with a brilliant 11-dart leg.

De Graaf’s below-par performance in the final meant that Greaves was victorious once again and claimed her 59th Women’s Series, averaging upwards of 91 and whitewashing the Dutchwoman.

Greaves remains on top of the Women’s Series rankings, with Ashton and Sherrock solidifying their positions in second and third respectively, as Hayter sits just behind the pair in fourth spot and in the final qualification spot for the 2026/27 World Darts Championship.

The top three players from the final PDC Women’s Series rankings will qualify to compete in the 2026/27 Paddy Power World Darts Championship, with the top-ranked player also qualifying for the 2026 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts.

2026 PDC Women’s Series
Sunday August 23, Mattioli Arena
Event 19
Quarter-Finals
Jo Locke 5-4 Lauren Bloomfield
Lisa Ashton 5-0 Angela Kirkwood
Kirsty Hutchinson 5-3 Joanne Oldershaw
Beau Greaves 5-1 Aileen de Graaf

Semi-Finals
Lisa Ashton 5-0 Jo Locke
Beau Greaves 5-2 Kirsty Hutchinson

Final
Beau Greaves 5-3 Lisa Ashton

Event 20
Quarter-Finals
Aileen de Graaf 5-3 Fallon Sherrock
Jo Locke 5-3 Deta Hedman
Karolina Ratajska 5-3 Gemma Hayter
Beau Greaves 5-0 Angela Kirkwood

Semi-Finals
Aileen de Graaf 5-1 Jo Locke
Beau Greaves 5-1 Karolina Ratajska

Final
Beau Greaves 5-0 Aileen de Graaf

Who will win this year’s BoyleSports World Grand Prix? World No 1 Luke Littler will be defending his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.

Rinus Veekay Calls Out Christian Rasmussen After Early Freedom 250 Crash

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Not all drivers will be in a celebratory mood after the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.

Rinus Veekay called out Christian Rasmussen following a multi-car restart crash at the Freedom 250, but broadcast replays appeared to reveal Marcus Armstrong as the driver who triggered the lap 42 collision on Turn 5.

Veekay was running in second place following a timely pit stop before the restart. However, as the field accelerated through the blind corner, Marcus Armstrong made contact with Christian Rasmussen, who sent Veekay into the outside wall, knocking Veekay out of the race while Armstrong was able to continue.

When asked if he could have done anything differently on the restart line, Veekay did not hold back on his critique of Rasmussen.

“Honestly, if Rasmussen’s around, you know you’re gonna crash,” Veekay said. “Either he does or you do. So, it sucks, it’s stupid. It’s a long race, some people seemingly don’t know that.”

Veekay continued to voice his frustration after the race, describing how the impact felt from inside the cockpit without having seen the full sequence behind him.

“I got hit from behind, and I was a passenger after that,” Veekay said. “We got a very lucky break on that yellow, I already pitted, and it went yellow right after, so really good luck there.

“But unfortunately, I got put into the wall right afterwards. I didn’t see the actual incident, but I think from where I was, it was a pretty vicious hit from the left rear to put me into the wall.”

However, replay footage showed that Armstrong made initial contact with the rear of Rasmussen’s car entering Turn 5.

That initial bump forced Rasmussen directly into Veekay through the turn, meaning Veekay was directing his post-race frustration at the wrong driver in the heat of the moment.

Veekay nor Rasmussen have responded publicly following Veekay’s comments.

INDYCAR Related Stories

Rothesay County Championship: Somerset ramp up the pressure on Division One leaders Nottinghamshire | Cricket News

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Somerset ramped up the pressure on County Championship Division One leaders Nottinghamshire with an eight-wicket victory at home against Essex.

The home side required only 19.2 overs on day four to reach their target of 102, with Tom Lammonby finishing 39 not out, as they moved to within two points of the top of the table.

Essex put up resistance in their second innings but Jack Leach took 5-81 to finish with nine wickets in the game.

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Lammonby and Josh Thomas, who got 31, made a stand of 59, but two wickets for Harmer were merely a consolation for Essex.

Struggling Leicestershire won for only the second time this season as they beat Glamorgan by 42 runs.

Kiran Carlson looked as though he might haul Glamorgan to victory with a promising 99 but after he fell to Ajaz Patel the visiting team’s challenge faded.

For Leicestershire, Ian Holland took three wickets on day four, taking him to nine for the match, clinching things when last man Raymond Toole’s wicket fell.

Hampshire remained bottom of the table after losing by 39 runs to Yorkshire.

In Division Two, Northamptonshire beat Lancashire by 316 runs at Old Trafford, with South African Ricardo Vasconcelos scoring a second-innings century before the hosts were skittled for 129 in 52.2 overs.

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Kent kept up the pressure on leaders Durham as they won by 46 runs against Middlesex to move into second place.

A fine 144 by Dan Lategan helped Worcestershire to a comfortable eight-wicket over bottom side Gloucestershire, assisted by 107 not out from Jake Libby.

Watch day one of the second Test between England and Pakistan, at Lord’s, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10am on Thursday (11am first ball). Stream cricket and more contract-free with NOW.

England vs Pakistan Test series schedule

All games live on Sky Sports; all 11am starts UK and Ireland

INDYCAR Freedom 250 Course In DC: A Complex Road To Completion

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

WASHINGTON — There’s something about Washington that breeds bureaucracy.

Just to create a 1.7-mile racetrack, Penske Corporation needed 1,350 pages of permits. Compare that to 200 or so for a similar-sized course in Detroit.

And there in Detroit, the organizers would work with local and state police with a little bit of help from the FBI. Maybe 200 officers in total.

Washington? More than 500 National Guard will work the event, in addition to 1,300 Metro Police Department personnel, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms personnel, FBI, Capitol Police, U.S. Parks Police and the Secret Service.

Penske Corporation President Bud Denker, who has spent most of the last seven months living in Washington D.C., said he expects 140,000 people each day on Saturday and Sunday. What has been the biggest challenge since President Donald Trump signed the executive order in late January to make the event possible?

“Complexity in a compression of time,” Denker told me as he drove me around in a parade car on the nearly completed course Wednesday morning.

Freedom 250 Grand Prix Chairman Bud Denker admits there were complexities preparing for the race.

Such is the challenge for what INDYCAR hopes will be an epic event on Sunday — 147 laps (250 miles) on a course that includes Pennsylvania, Constitution and Independence Avenues.

“The places that we’re racing on [are] the three most important streets in our country,” Denker said.

In order to have a 40-foot-wide racetrack and a pit road (with a 17-foot-wide pit box and two 11-foot-wide driving lanes) and the walls, they need a 91-foot-wide ride.

Pennsylvania Avenue is 92 feet wide.

They had 288,000 requests for tickets, the bulk of which were free and will either be inside the track perimeter or in the National Mall area outside the perimeter. There will be approximately 70,000 fans on each side, and their tickets likely won’t let them go both inside and outside the track perimeter.

Denker estimates that 40 percent of the fans will come from outside the metro area, with many from the East Coast, where INDYCAR doesn’t have many races.

While all street races disrupt local life, the fact that Congress is not in session and school is starting across America, means this is not as busy a time for hotels and restaurants, according to Denker.

The concrete barriers for the course were built in Fredericksburg, Virginia. There were 1,800 of them. The pit road walls, which were not as big, came from Chicago.

The concrete barriers for the course were built in Virginia.

More than 200 manhole covers had to be welded and several had to be covered with a temporary surface because they were recessed into the street.

There was also one area from Independence to Maryland Avenue where they had to remove part of a median and take out a traffic light. Rarely would that be done at other tracks, Denker said. Adding to the complexity was the ownership of land that is part of the footprint, which includes various federal properties (such as the Smithsonian, federal office buildings, the National Mall) and city properties.

There are reports that Penske has spent $35 million on this race. Denker indicated it was more than that. They have massive three-story temporary suites that should rake in millions to help offset the costs, but they also spent a pretty penny on them.

Typically, the temporary suites wouldn’t have restrooms built into them and they would be at the bottom of the structure. But these have them on each floor, at a cost of $1 million, according to Denker.

They brought in viewing platforms from the Long Beach Grand Prix (also a Penske race) for those with general admission tickets.

The race also has attracted sponsors such as Starlink and Boeing, companies that typically aren’t active in motorsports but whose government business is precious.

Penske Corporation only had 13 full-time staff come in from Detroit to do much of the pre-event work.

Monumental Sports — which owns the NBA Washington Wizards and the NHL Washington Capitals — handled the suite sales. Harbinger Events, another local company, is handling much of the interior fencing and logistics.

The transit authority has been helping get the word out about the traffic disruptions as well as trying to get the word out for people coming to the track on the best way to get there and the entry points.

“The INDYCAR Series, Penske Entertainment, they’re working on the event as a whole and making it pretty incredible for everybody that’s going to tune in and we’ll be a part of that,” two-time series champion Josef Newgarden told me on Monday.

“I more so want to focus on what the track’s going to be like and what do we need to be doing to win the race?”

The first thing he’ll have to do is manage the unique start.

Assuming Trump waves the green flag, he most likely can’t be in the flagstand. He would do it from the bulletproof-glass-encased suite in Turn 1. So drivers will take the green just after coming off a turn, which could be an adventure in and of itself.

That probably isn’t going to be the easiest way to start a race, but it’s part of the challenge in putting on this spectacle.

As workers continued construction of that area, it was pretty easy to see that security measures were being put in place.

It is a lot for what will likely be a one-time effort. This was such a big lift, but Denker feels he could do it again.

“I could race this course again,” Denker said. “Everybody’s been that cooperative. That’s not the issue. The issue is you only have one 250th anniversary.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

The inaugural Freedom 250 hits the streets of D.C., on Sunday. Here’s all the details on the one-of-a-kind INDYCAR event.

Deauville: Aventure ends Diamond Necklace’s unbeaten record with Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet win | Racing News

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Diamond Necklace tasted defeat for the first time as Aventure served up a reminder of her top-class credentials in the Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet at Deauville.

Aidan O’Brien’s daughter of St Mark’s Basilica was expected to dazzle once again in France, as she had done when landing the Prix Marcel Boussac, Poule d’Essai Des Pouliches and Prix de Diane on her travels during what was an unbeaten six-race career to date.

However, she had no answer to the experience of her Christophe Ferland-trained elder, who added to last year’s Group One strike in the Prix Vermeille and earned herself a quote of 20/1 for another crack at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe from bookmakers, a race in which she finished second to Bluestocking in 2024.

In a close-up third was the Charlie Johnston-trained Timeforshowcasing, who ran a big race in the hands of Jack Mitchell.

More to follow…

Senorita Bonita proves jet-propelled in Prix Morny

Senorita Bonita demonstrated her devastating turn of foot to scorch to Sumbe Prix Morny glory.

The 900,000 guineas top lot from April’s Craven Breeze-Up sale, Simon and Ed Crisford’s filly arrived on the Normandy coast looking to follow up her victory in Newmarket’s Duchess of Cambridge Stakes, a win that received a timely boost by Lowther Stakes scorer Libertango earlier this week.

Held up towards the rear by Oisin Murphy, with Clive Cox’s Royal Ascot winner Orthodox ahead, the daughter of Starspangledbanner had plenty of ground to make up on Aidan O’Brien’s front-running Carry The Flag entering the final third of the contest.

However, once the champion jockey stepped on the accelerator the response was instant, as not only did Senorita Bonita rapidly eat away at the deficit but then surged readily clear of the long-time pace-setter for a thoroughly impressive victory.

Simon Crisford said: “She’s shown a great turn of front and obviously they set some very good fractions up front but she finished off super well – she galloped out strongly.

“She was a little bit slow out of the gates and behind the bridle early, but they were going quick and the race set up for the closers and she was the best of the closers.

Image:
Winning rider Oisin Murphy with Senorita Bonita

“At halfway I briefly thought we might have a mountain to climb here, but she’s got such a good turn of foot that at the furlong pole you could see she was going to come home strong.”

It was the father and son training team’s second victory in the Group One race after Vandeek in 2023, while it continues the fine record of fillies in the contest following on from Venetian Sun’s triumph for Karl Burke 12 months ago.

The Victorious Racing-owned Senorita Bonita will now go in search of further top honours in Newmarket’s Cheveley Park Stakes and was made 5/2 by bookmakers for a race where she could meet former foe Libertango once again, as well as another recent York winner, Sun Goddess.

“All roads lead to the Cheveley Park now at the end of September and that was a fantastic performance,” continued Crisford.

“It was a deep, deep renewal and it was a really, really pleasing effort and she’s looked really impressive there.

“Any Group One is fantastic to win and we are all just delighted. It’s a great testament to the staff back at home and everyone involved and it’s great to win for Shaikh Nasser (bin Hamed Al Khalifa) and Shaikh Khalid (bin Hamed Al Khalifa).”

Jeep AVCA First Serve, Highlights, Match Recaps: Badgers Sweep, ASU Upsets Texas

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

A new era of women’s college volleyball began Saturday.

With FOX set to broadcast 35 matches this season, action started with the Jeep AVCA First Serve double-header. The nonconference showdown began with No. 7 Louisville facing No. 6 Wisconsin at 4:00 PM ET, followed by No. 2 Texas and No. 12 Arizona State at 7:00 PM ET on FS1.

Here are the top moments and results from each match:

Wisconsin Sweeps Louisville

In the first set, Wisconsin broke away from Louisville with a 7-1 scoring run. Grace Egan aced a serve and the Badgers celebrated, mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Sui’ celebration. An ace and a kill from Audrey Flanagan extended their lead to 21-13. After three unanswered points from the Cardinals, Flanagan’s kill secured the set for Wisconsin.

Wisconsin dominated the early part of the second set. Egan delivered a kill from the right side to give the Badgers a 15-7 lead. An ace from Chloe Chicoine helped Louisville cut the margin to 20-16. Wisconsin regained control with a bump from Charlie Fuerbringer and a block from Jaela Auguste. Eva Travis’ kill concluded the second match for the Badgers.

The Badgers controlled the third set as well, holding a healthy lead throughout. They took a 22-16 advantage after Chicoine’s hit sailed out of bounds. Louisville challenged, believing the ball deflected off Wisconsin, but lost. A kill from Flanagan set up Wisconsin’s match point, and an error by Louisville sealed the result.

It was an emphatic victory for Wisconsin in straight sets to open the Jeep AVCA First Serve. Flanagan led the Badgers with 13 kills, and Wisconsin held Louisville to a .234 hitting percentage.

Arizona Delivers Shocking Upset Over Texas

National champion runner-ups Texas faced Arizona State for their first catchup in the Jeep AVCA First Serve tournament.

The first set went to the Sun Devils with a 25-17 win. Especially facing a talented No. 2 ranked Texas, Arizona State went out on top early. Through the first set, Texas only took one lead, jumping to 7-6 over the Sun Devils. However, Arizona State stormed back to take the lead back and clinch the first set. Una Vajagic, Noemiie Glover and Maeva Schalck tacked on four kills a piece.

Arizona State’s first set translated into the second, defeating Texas 25-17. It was a dominant defensive performance when they took the lead after being tied 6-6 with Texas and never looked back. The Sun Devils registered a .345 average through their first two sets to take a 2-0 lead into the third set.

The third set is when the Longhorns responded. Texas took set three 25-19 to stay alive, recording six blocks. Nya Bunton led the way with her six kills heading into the fourth set.

While Texas’s momentum should’ve translated into the fourth set, the Sun Devils were merely unstoppable. Arizona State climbed all the way up to a 20-10 lead over the Longhorns, which set them up for their first win over Texas since 2013 and a shocking upset to open the season. Glover finished the day with 13 total kills and Vajagic was right behind her with 12.

Erling Haaland haircut: Manchester City forward reveals fresh shaven style ahead of new Premier League season | Football News

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Erling Haaland revealed a fresh haircut before Manchester City’s Premier League curtain raiser against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon, live on Sky Sports.

The striker ditched his trademark long, tied-back look and returned to a shorter hairstyle reminiscent of his early Borussia Dortmund days.

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The 26-year-old posted another image on X showing the various stages of his haircut, which he captioned “New hair don’t care”.

In a July interview on Fox Sports, Haaland said he kept his previous style on the advice of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, another prolific long-haired Scandinavian striker.

Haaland said: “Zlatan – you know what he told me? ‘Never cut your hair because the strength is in the hair.'”

He unveiled his new look on his ever-growing social media accounts on Sunday morning ahead of Bournemouth’s visit.

Haaland emerged from the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament’s biggest social media stars after helping Norway reach the quarter-finals.

The 26-year-old scored seven goals during Norway’s run and gained more than 32m Instagram followers during the 39-day tournament, the biggest growth of any player involved.

His growing profile away from the pitch has added another dimension to Haaland’s status as one of football’s biggest global stars, with his personality and social media content attracting a new audience beyond his performances for club and country.

That audience will get its first look at Haaland’s new hairstyle in competitive action when Manchester City begin the post-Pep Guardiola era.

Sunday 23rd August 1:00pm

Kick off 2:00pm

Guardiola stepped down at the end of last season after more than a decade in charge, with Enzo Maresca taking over as City’s new head coach. Maresca will oversee his first Premier League game at the Etihad.

Haaland remains the focal point of the new-look City side and will be expected to lead the line as Maresca begins his reign.

City suffered a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield last weekend, but Maresca has backed his squad to respond as they begin their league campaign.

NFL Catchup: Shedeur Sanders Outplays Deshaun Watson; Stetson Bennett Stars In LA

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Plenty of quarterbacks thrived on Saturday in Week 2 of the NFL preseason, some with jobs on the line.

In Cleveland, it was Shedeur Sanders leading a touchdown drive as he competes for the starting job against Deshaun Watson. Out on the West Coast, Stetson Bennett IV took a strong step toward potentially being the backup for the Los Angeles Rams.

A familiar face in Jameis Winston also played well, although the best QB performance may have come from an undrafted rookie out of a Division-II school.

Shedeur Outperforms Watson In Latest Browns QB Auditions

After Watson started the Browns’ preseason opener, it was Sanders’ turn on Sunday. The second-year quarterback was 8-of-11 for 74 yards with a touchdown and interception.

On the Browns’ first drive, Sanders led an 11-play, 65-yard march to the end zone. He started with an eight-yard completion to wide receiver Isaiah Bond and later kept the Browns’ drive alive with a 16-yard connection to tight end Blake Whiteheart to convert a fourth-and-2.

Sanders found running back Ahmani Marshall out of the backfield to get Cleveland into the red zone before he hit wide receiver Luke Floriea for an eight-yard touchdown.

Sanders played three more series, finishing out the first half, but he couldn’t replicate the success he found on the Browns’ initial drive. On Cleveland’s second drive of the second quarter, Sanders targeted tight end Jermaine Terry II on a crossing route, but the Bills’ defense deflected the pass, and it fell into safety Damar Hamlin’s hands.

Watson, meanwhile, did not have things go his way. The veteran started the second half and finished 5-of-12 passing for 36 yards and an interception, adding two rushes for 13 yards. There were plenty of boos for Watson in Cleveland, which he said he didn’t understand after the game.

Sanders, to his credit, spoke out against the booing of Watson after the game, saying, “It’s a respect that I feel should be there.”

It looks like Bennett, not Ty Simpson, may start the season as Matthew Stafford’s backup in Los Angeles.

After Simpson shined in the Rams’ preseason opener, it was Bennett’s turn on Saturday against the New Orleans Saints. The former University of Georgia star was 19-of-31 for 181 passing yards with two carries for nine yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns.

Bennett started the game and played into the second half. Simpson came in and was solid, going 8-of-12 for 73 yards.

The Rams offense hummed with Bennett under center. Former Auburn standout and second-year running back Jarquez Hunter had 12 carries for 68 yards, while rookie wide receiver CJ Daniels (out of Miami) had eight receptions for 68 yards.

The game was a blowout. Journeyman safety Alex Cook had the game’s most memorable play when he intercepted Saints QB Spencer Rattler and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.

If it were the regular season, Harrison Butker would have kicked the longest field goal in NFL history on Saturday night.

In the Chiefs’ matchup against the Buccaneers, the veteran kicker was good from 69 yards – and the kick had more to it than just that distance. It was an impressive feat that would have broken the NFL record for the longest in a real game, which was set by Jaguars kicker Cam Little last season.

As the Vikings quarterback competition continued to brew, quarterback J.J. McCarthy took the stage during Week 2 of preseason. However, after four series, McCarthy left the field “banged up,” according to head coach Kevin O’Connell.

“It’s always a moving target; maybe one more drive would have been great to get him based upon where he was snapcount-wise, but he was a little hobbled there. I’ll have an update for you, but he seemed to be fine,” O’Connell said after the Vikings’ preseason loss to the Ravens.

McCarthy and quarterback Kyler Murray have been competing for Minnesota’s starting quarterback role, but Murray could be making a jump to earning the role. McCarthy finished the day going 5-for-10 for 81 yards and zero touchdowns.

Six weeks ago, Winston was moonlighting as a World Cup correspondent for FOX Sports. Now, he’s back to his day job, which is being one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL.

The Giants’ QB2 put up impressive numbers against the Dolphins on Saturday, going 15-of-21 for 150 yards through the air with an 11-yard touchdown run, as well.

Winston wasn’t the only veteran player who stood out on the Giants’ offense. Running back Devin Singletary had eight carries for 40 rushing yards and a touchdown, while wide receiver Darius Slayton led the team with 58 receiving yards on four catches.

The most impressive performance of the day probably came from Falcons quarterback Jack Strand, who lit up the box score in a dominant 34-6 win over the Colts.

Strand, an undrafted free agent out of Division-II school Minnesota State-Moorhead, was 12-of-17 for 212 yards for a whopping 12.5 yards per attempt with two touchdowns (one passing and one rushing).

Strand is unlikely to make the Falcons’ roster with Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa and veteran Cooper Rush ahead of him on the depth chart, but he’s making a case to be employed at least on some team’s practice squad this season. Neither Penix nor Tagovailoa played on Saturday, while Rush started and was a strong 10-of-11 for 86 yards.

Atlanta out-gained the Colts 461-164. Obviously, it’s the preseason, so the result doesn’t matter, but Indianapolis surely won’t be happy with this performance.

Teofimo Lopez takes Rolly Romero’s WBA welterweight title to become three-division world champion | Boxing News

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Teofimo Lopez beat Rolly Romero in Las Vegas on Saturday night to capture the WBA welterweight title and become a three-division world champion.

In his welterweight debut, Lopez secured a majority decision over his friend and sparring partner at the T-Mobile Arena. One judge scored the bout 114-114, while the other two had it 115-113 and 116-112 for Lopez.

It was an impressive return to form from Lopez after his loss to Shakur Stevenson in their WBO super lightweight title fight in January.

“I need to tell you guys, if you lose and you come back, then you never lost because you’re a winner,” Lopez said afterwards. “I’m a winner. I’m a true example of what winning is, and it ain’t about losing. It’s about never giving up.”

In what was Romero’s first appearance since taking the WBA title in an upset decision over Ryan Garcia in May 2025, he landed just 73 of 352 punches thrown, according to Compubox. Lopez landed 124 of 530 total punches.

“I got hit with two punches the whole fight that barely grazed me,” said an outraged Romero after suffering his first loss since an eighth-round defeat to Isaac Cruz in March 2024. “I was never in any trouble. When I heard 114-114, I knew it was a robbery.”

Romero knocked Lopez off-balance with a counter left hook in the fourth round and had him visibly hurt with a right hand in the fifth, but Lopez recovered quickly and responded with some of his best work in the sixth and seventh rounds.

“I expected something similar to this, just a little more combinations from [him],” said Lopez, who sparred with Romero multiple times in his amateur and early-professional career.

“There was a shot he hit me with that woke me up, and I told him, ‘You got to do better than that.’ I just kept saying, ‘You ain’t going to take me out. It’s not that easy.'”

The 29-year-old has plenty of potential options in his new division, including WBO champion Devin Haney, the winner of next month’s WBC clash between Garcia and Conor Benn, and IBF champion Liam Paro.

The current WBA mandatory challenger is Jack Catterall.

How to Bet on the Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez Fight

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Boxing fans can bet on Rolando “Rolly” Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez, a championship bout between two former two-division champions Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Romero puts his WBA welterweight championship on the line after improving to 17-2 with 13 knockouts. He has not fought since upsetting Ryan Garcia in May 2025 and was elevated to full WBA champion after Jaron Ennis vacated his titles.

Lopez enters as the challenger and brings championship experience of his own. The fight gives bettors several potential markets to consider, including the winner, method of victory, decision props and round betting, depending on which markets are offered.

When betting on Romero vs. Lopez, compare the available odds across FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, bet365 and more.

FanDuel

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Create a FanDuel Sportsbook account.
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Apply your Bet Reset Token when placing a wager to activate protection.
If your wager loses, you’ll receive a refund in Bonus Bets (up to $200 per token).
Refunds are issued within 72 hours after bet settlement as Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days.
Bet Reset Tokens expire 24 hours after being issued.

Romero vs. Lopez Odds

*Odds may differ each site*

Rolando Romero+230Teofimo Lopez−300Over 10.5 Rounds−500Under 10.5 Rounds+320

DraftKings

Claim the New User Offer No Promo Code Needed

Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account.
Deposit funds (minimum $5).
Select the New Customer Token.
Place a $5+ cash bet (-500 odds or longer).
You will receive $150 in bonus bets instantly, regardless of the outcome of your qualifying wager.
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Method of Victory

*Odds may differ each site*

Rolando Romero by KO/TKO/DQ+750Rolando Romero by Decision or Technical Decision+400Draw+1400Teofimo Lopez by KO/TKO/DQ+400Teofimo Lopez by Decision or Technical Decision−140

Kalshi

How to Claim the Kalshi Welcome Bonus

Click this ‘Claim Now’ link to visit Kalshi and start the signup process.
Create a new Kalshi account using your email address and basic registration details.
Enter Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS during signup, so the welcome offer is attached to your account.
Complete identity verification, which Kalshi requires before users can deposit and trade.
Deposit funds and trade at least $25 in prediction markets to receive up to $25 in trading credit.

Rolando Romero37%37¢64¢Teofimo Lopez63%65¢36¢

Caesars Sportsbook

Sign Up and Claim the Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

Click here. This will take you directly to the Caesars Sportsbook betting app or website, where you can select your state. Make sure promo code FOXDYW is applied.
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Place a $1+ cash wager on any eligible market.
Receive 10 × 100% Profit Boost tokens in your account.
Apply the boosts to wagers (up to $25 each) within 14 days to increase potential winnings.

Exact Method of Victory

*Odds may differ each site*

Rolando Romero by KO+2000Rolando Romero by TKO+1100Rolando Romero by Disqualification+10000Rolando Romero by Unanimous Decision+550Rolando Romero by Split Decision+1600Rolando Romero by Majority Decision+3000Draw+1400Teofimo Lopez by KO+1000Teofimo Lopez by TKO+600Teofimo Lopez by Disqualification+10000Teofimo Lopez by Unanimous Decision+100Teofimo Lopez by Split Decision+550Teofimo Lopez by Majority Decision+1600

bet365

How to claim bet365 Promo with Bonus Code ‘FOX365’.

Click this “Claim Bonus” button to go directly to bet365.
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Make a minimum first deposit of $10 using an accepted payment method (PayPal, debit card, online banking, etc.).
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Bonus bets are credited within 24 hours of the qualifying wager settling.

Main Card Details

8 p.m. ET, DAZN PPV, DAZN Ultimate, Amazon Prime Video PPV
WBA welterweight title: Rolando Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez
Middleweight: Yoenli Hernandez vs. Francisco Daniel Veron
WBA interim super bantamweight title: Victor Santillan vs. Gary Antonio Russell

BetMGM

How to Sign Up and Claim the BetMGM Sportsbook Bonus Code

Click here. This will take you directly to the BetMGM app or website and automatically apply the promo code.
Select Sign Up and create a new account by entering personal details (name, email, date of birth, address, and last 4 digits of SSN).
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Make your first deposit of at least $10 using an accepted payment method (PayPal, Venmo, debit card, online banking, etc.).
Place your first real-money wager on any eligible sport:
If claiming the $1,500 First Bet Offer → refund is triggered only if the first bet loses.
If claiming the $10/$150 Alt Offer → the bet must win to receive the $150 bonus bets.
Bonus bets are credited to your account within 24 hours once the qualifying bet settles.

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Today on Sky Sports Racing: Brighton, Worcester and Deauville feature live on Sunday | Racing News

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We have a busy day’s racing on Sunday with action from Brighton, Worcester and Deauville, live on Sky Sports Racing…

3.25 Deauville – Diamond Necklace seeks fifth top-level success

All eyes will be on Diamond Necklace as she heads a stellar field for the Group One Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet.

Aidan O’Brien’s crack three-year-old filly has won all six starts with four coming in Group One company. A dominant winner of the Nassau at Goodwood last month, she again tackles her elders and will be expected to make it seven in a row.

Rebel Moon is a lively contender for Joseph O’Brien with Dylan Browne McMonagle in the saddle. She caught the eye when fourth in the Irish Oaks and may be capable of better.

Last year’s Prix Vermeille winner Aventure looks the main danger for Christophe Ferland. She probably was not at her best behind Calandagan at Saint-Cloud and is better judged on her Group Two victory in May.

Red Letter rates the best of the rest.

2.50 Deauville – Orthodox, Man’s Best Friend and Senorita Bonita clash

A stunning renewal of the Sumbe Prix Morny sees Orthodox and Man’s Best Friend among eight runners.

Aidan O’Brien is triple-handed with Man’s Best Friend the pick of Ryan Moore. Fourth on debut, he stepped forward to land a Naas maiden before running out a ready winner of the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. That form puts him in the mix with the promise of better to come.

Great Barrier Reef had a setback after winning the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and must be tracked in the markets.

Norfolk Stakes winner Orthodox is a fascinating runner for Clive Cox. He stormed away over that stiff five furlongs and the step up to six furlongs should hold no fears.

Senorita Bonita outpointed Libertango at Newmarket on her last start and with that runner scoring at York this week, she must be feared.

3.50 Brighton – Hat-trick seeking Arnaz faces in-form rivals

A fiercely-competitive rendition of the Brighton Summer Series Final as the Blackmore Equestrian Construction Handicap arrives at 3.50pm.

Arnaz represents Mark Loughnane with son Billy in the plate. He is in great spirits after a pair of wins at Chepstow and should remain of interest in this warmer heat.

Plenty have each-way chances with last-time winners Diomed Spirit and Big Time Rascal of most interest.

Top-weight Prefer The Sister warrants respect having hit the front two on her last five starts.

Best of the rest

12.58 Deauville – Group Two Prix du Calvados – Dee’s Funny Girl represents Donnacha O’Brien.

1.33 Deauville – Group Two Prix Kergorlay – Santorini Star will be popular. Defiantly runs for Joseph O’Brien.

4.20 Brighton – Sea Suite tops Class Four field.

DraftKings Sportsbook: How to Bet on Rolly Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez and Claim $150 in Bonuses

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

New users on DraftKings can bet on Rolly Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez while taking advantage of a $150 bonus bets offer.

Romero puts his WBA welterweight championship on the line Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The two-division champion enters with a 17-2 record and 13 knockouts after upsetting Ryan Garcia in May 2025.

Teofimo Lopez, also a two-division champion, looks to add another major win to his résumé in a matchup between two of boxing’s biggest personalities. Bettors can look for markets on the fight winner and other available boxing props.

Use DraftKings to bet on Romero vs. Lopez and claim $150 in bonuses while following Saturday’s championship fight.

DraftKings

Claim the New User Offer No Promo Code Needed

Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account.
Deposit funds (minimum $5).
Select the New Customer Token.
Place a $5+ cash bet (-500 odds or longer).
You will receive $150 in bonus bets instantly, regardless of the outcome of your qualifying wager.
Works the same on desktop & mobile.

Romero vs. Lopez Odds

Rolando Romero+230Teofimo Lopez−300Over 10.5 Rounds−500Under 10.5 Rounds+320

Method of Victory

Rolando Romero by KO/TKO/DQ+750Rolando Romero by Decision or Technical Decision+400Draw+1400Teofimo Lopez by KO/TKO/DQ+400Teofimo Lopez by Decision or Technical Decision−140

Exact Method of Victory

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Rory McIlroy: World No 2 pulls himself back into contention at the BMW Championship after five-under par third round | Golf News

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Rory McIlroy pulled himself back into contention at the BMW Championship with a strong finish for a five-under par third round in St Louis.

McIlroy has been looking for a response after labouring to an eight-over finish at last week’s St Jude Championship, and shot a fine six-under opening round for a share of the lead, before following that up with a 69 on Friday.

The back-to-back Masters champion again appeared in steady form during the front nine on Saturday, turning at one under after a birdie on the par-three second before another on 11.

World No 2 McIlroy then stepped things up with a run of four birdies from the 13th, sandwiched by a bogey at 14.

The Northern Irishman found both bunkers with his opening two shots on the 18th, but then almost chipped in with a fine recovery effort before saving par.

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Wyndham Clark remains the front-runner at Bellerive

McIlroy finished the day at 12 under, looking to keep pace with Wyndham Clark, whose own strong back nine was pulling him clear at 17 under.

Patrick Cantlay was alongside McIlroy at 12 under, with Gary Woodland and Chris Gotterup a shot further back.

JJ Spaun, though, saw his challenge fade fast after dropping to two over.

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler – who had coasted to an impressive victory at last week’s St Jude Championship, but was two over after a first-round 72 – sits in a group on five under after his 68.

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Live coverage of the BMW Championship concludes on Sunday from 5pm on Sky Sports Golf and 7.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event. Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW

Browns’ Deshaun Watson Reacts To Boos After Preseason Showing

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Deshaun Watson finished his preseason with more negative fan reactions than positive.

The veteran quarterback appeared in the Cleveland Browns preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, and fans were not thrilled about his performance. Watson finished his day going 5-for-12 for 36 passing yards and one interception.

As Watson exited the field, fans began to boo him. Following the loss, Watson spoke about the post-game reaction and his feelings towards it.

“Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles and that same fan base, they cheered when I got hurt,” Watson said after the game. “So what does that have to do with anything about performance? When a person gets hurt, especially for your own city, and they cheer.”

Watson suffered a torn Achilles in October 2024 that sidelined him for the season, leaving the keys to Jameis Winston as the Browns’ starting quarterback. However, he re-tore his Achilles in 2025, which ended his season, giving quarterback Joe Flacco the green light.

However, when Flacco was traded to the Bengals to take Joe Burrow’s place, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel competed for the starting role. However, Sanders has continued to cement his candidacy as starting quarterback from the end of the season up until this preseason.

Sanders also spoke about the negative feelings towards Watson since he’s been back.

“I don’t appreciate that at all,” Sanders said of Watson getting booed. “Just regardless of competition with all human beings… However y’all feel about Deshaun and everything, I think it’s more about [a] bigger purpose than just respect. It’s a respect I feel should be there.”

The Browns enter the 2026 season coming off a 5-12 record and with a brand-new coach in Todd Monken. Monken previously served as the Ravens offensive coordinator and took over as Cleveland’s head coach when Kelvin Stefanski took over as the Falcons head coach.

Watson emphasized how he’s able to go about the negative reactions, stating there’s only so much he can do.

“So that’s why I say it’s more personal. So you, it is what it is. … There’s only so much you can do to change that,” Watson said. “At the end of the day, I just have to continue to work on that and strive to be better mentally moving forward.”

The Browns open the 2026 season on the road at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Sept. 13.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

NFL Related Stories

Super League: St Helens keep play-off hopes alive with victory against Castleford as Toulouse and Hull both win | Rugby League News

August 23, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

St Helens built on a strong first half and relied on six different try-scorers to beat 10-man Castleford 36-12 at the Brewdog Stadium to keep their play-off hopes alive.

It has been a dramatic week for Castleford, whose former head coach Ryan Carr announced he was leaving the club for “personal reasons” on Friday.

Saints also announced a coaching change this week, with Kevin Walters due to join from next season.

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Jackson Hastings was sent off for punching Tyler Dupree, then clashes continued off the pitch between St Helens and Castleford Tigers

The Australian’s new side took an early lead, and tries from Jack Welsby, Shane Wright, Jacob Douglas, Tom Humphreys and Tristan Sailor made it 30-0 before the break.

Hastings had added five goals, but lost his cool and was sent off after an altercation with Tyler Dupree for violent conduct.

Dupree was sin-binned for the same incident, and tempers continued to flare as the teams disappeared down the tunnel for the break.

Nene McDonald added a sixth try for the hosts after the break, making a Castleford comeback look increasingly unlikely.

Louis Senior and Laulu-Togaga’e finally got them on the board, and Saints finished the game with 10 men after Alex Walmsley and Chris Matagi were both sent to the sin bin.

St Helens interim boss Eamon O’Carroll told BBC Radio Merseyside: “I said I wanted to see the attitude of the players, and what better way to display that than when you go down to 10 men for 45 minutes?

“The players were fantastic. We simplified a few things, which probably helped, because everyone knew what the role was and their position.”

Commenting on Hastings’ dismissal, Castleford director of rugby Chris Chester told Sky Sports: “Scott Murrell just jumped (in the way of Dupree). We all know the rules, you can’t punch people in the face.

“We’ll let the disciplinary (match review panel) deal with those kinds of things. That’s what they’re there for.”

Hull KR slump to another home defeat

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Highlights of the Super League clash between Hull KR and Toulouse Olympique

Hull KR slumped to a second home defeat of the week as Toulouse ran out deserved 32-12 winners following a ruthless second half at Craven Park.

The Robins were beaten at home by play-off rivals Warrington on Tuesday night, and head coach Willie Peters dropped both Tevita Pangai Junior and Mikey Lewis following their upcoming bans which were handed out in the wake of the 34-28 defeat against the Wolves.

It was a scrappy start – much to the frustration of the expectant Hull KR fans – as Toulouse dug in during the opening 20 minutes and then exerted some control before Mathieu Jussaume scored the opening try on the half-hour when he broke through down the right.

The defending champions, chasing a home play-off berth, finally sparked into life when substitute Elliot Minchella went over in the 35th minute after a surging run by Peta Hiku, with Rhyse Martin adding the extras to make it 6-6 heading into half-time.

Toulouse opted to kick for a penalty early in the second half after a late tackle from Tom Amone, but Cesar Rouge saw his 35-metre attempt bounce off the crossbar.

Hull KR continued to be pushed back and Toulouse deservedly did get themselves in front again after 57 minutes when Benjamin Laguerre burst down the left and fed Romeo Tropis to go on to touch down under the sticks.

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Toulouse further extended their advantage when Anthony Marion got on the end of a kick through and barged over, with the try given following a lengthy video review which showed the ball had been grounded after Hull KR initially had looked to have held him up.

Hull KR, who face leaders Wigan next week, crumbled again when Paul Ulberg was played into space down the left corner after 65 minutes before Tropis burst clear through down the other channel. Luke Polselli added another late scrappy Toulouse try after a kick bounced off the post and Louix Gorman got a consolation score for the home side in the closing stages with a fast break down the left.

Arthur’s late drop goal seals Hull fightback

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Highlights of the Super League clash between Catalans Dragons and Hull FC

Hull half-back Jake Arthur landed a late drop goal to seal his side’s thrilling fightback as they beat Catalans Dragons 27-26 at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium.

Arthur coolly slotted over a match-winning one-pointer with six minutes left to clinch Hull victory over former boss John Cartwright’s Catalans and just their second win in 10 Super League games.

Hull trailed 26-14 early in the second half, but came storming back through converted tries from Harvie Hill and Aidan Sezer to tie the scores before Arthur’s match-winning effort.

The visitors led through early tries from Logan Moy and Lewis Martin and led 14-12 at half-time after Catalans had hit back through touchdowns from Charlie Staines and Kruise Leeming.

Catalans appeared to take control of the match when Edenn Rogers-Smith and Leo Darrelatour both went over early in the second period, either side of Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet’s penalty, to put them 26-14 ahead.

But Hull launched their fightback as Hill and Sezer both went over for converted scores in the space of six minutes and Arthur had the final word.

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Hull have climbed up one place to 11th in the table, while Catalans sit ninth after their 15th defeat of the season.

Hull interim head coach Andy Last said: “It was a nail-biting game, it went right down to the wire. I’m just really proud of the playing group.

“I spoke all week about showing our personality and our performance when it gets tough and to make sure you answer those questions with your effort and your actions.”

Sky Sports will show every game of the Super League live this season, including two matches each round exclusively live. The remaining five matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports+.

Jeff Gordon Sweeps IROC Races In D.C. As INDYCAR’s Freedom 250 Appetizer

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

WASHINGTON — Jeff Gordon enjoyed a trip down memory lane by winning both of the International Race of Champions events Saturday on the streets of Washington, D.C. ahead of INDYCAR’s Freedom 250 on Sunday.

The 10-lap exhibition races featured eight famous drivers who had competed in the previous version of IROC, a series that pitted the best from various forms of motorsports into equally prepared cars.

In Pontiac Firebirds, the races featured former NASCAR drivers Gordon, Rusty Wallace, Bill Elliott, Bobby Labonte and Kurt Busch; former full-time INDYCAR drivers Tony Kanaan and Hélio Castroneves and road-racer Tony Kendall.

The races were a support event for INDYCAR’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix weekend on a 1.7-mile course that includes Pennsylvania, Constitution and Independence avenues.

“Just being out here, being a part of this special event, the fans are everywhere, celebrating 250 years of this great country — this is super special,” Jeff Gordon said in his FOX Sports interview after the sweep.

A tape-delay telecast of the races will air Sunday at 10 a.m. ET on FS1.

“This is just such a blast,” Gordon said in his television interview after the first race. “To be on the track with this group of drivers — legends, right? … It’s going to be hard to wipe this smile off my face for a very long time.”

The four-time NASCAR Cup champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer continued smiling all the way from coming from the rear of the field to the front in the second race.

Gordon had previously competed in six IROC seasons — they were just four races — from 1995-2000 and won just once.

“It’s a real honor to be a part of this event,” Gordon said. “I’m truly blessed.”

Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta in ‘frequent contact’ with Julian Alvarez amid hope of luring Atletico Madrid star – Paper Talk | Football News

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have been in ‘frequent contact’ with Julian Alvarez and haven’t given up hope of signing the unsettled Atletico Madrid striker – Sunday Mirror

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The Friday Night Football panel discuss whether Arsenal are still shy of a world-class attacker that would see them get over the line to win their first UEFA Champions League title

Jean-Philippe Mateta is arguing that the final months of his Crystal Palace contract are invalid and has taken his challenge to FIFA – Mail on Sunday

The Prime Minister shook his fists in delight as he revelled in Everton’s opening-day Premier League victory over Crystal Palace – Sunday Telegraph

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Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

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Bruno Fernandes slammed Manchester United for failing to learn from their “mistakes in every away game” – The Sun on Sunday

Peter Schmeichel has slammed Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven for their role in Manchester United’s shambolic defending during their humiliating defeat to Hull City – The Sun on Sunday

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Michael Carrick promises improvements in his Manchester United side following their surprise opening-day defeat to Hull City, but insists that he won’t change the way he does things.

EFL FOOTBALL

Fuming West Ham fans were up in arms after their side lost 2-1 to Charlton with raging supporters rushing online to demand manager Nuno Espirito Santo immediately get the sack – Sun on Sunday

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Highlights of West Ham against Charlton in the Sky Bet Championship

Blackpool defender Jordon Brown had to spend some time in hospital after he played through a chest infection during the opening EFL weekend – Sunday Star

WORLD FOOTBALL

Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed the full extent of the abuse he faced following his departure from Liverpool but says he will always hold his boyhood club dear and watches every match – Sunday Express

Former West Bromwich Albion footballer Quevin Castro has sadly died at the age of 25 after collapsing on the pitch during a friendly for Real Massama – Sunday Express

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Rangers could be ready to hit the button on six exits before the transfer window closes, with Nico Raskin, Connor Barron and John Souttar among the players potentially leaving – Scottish Sun on Sunday

PSV Eindhoven boss Peter Bosz took another swipe at Rangers after including Couhaib Driouech in their squad for their game on Saturday – Scottish Sun on Sunday

Seattle Seahawks’ Jake Bobo Reportedly Placed On Season-Ending Injured Reserve

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Seattle Seahawks received unfortunate news on Saturday: Wide receiver Jake Bobo was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury, ESPN reported Saturday.

The wide receiver from UCLA originally sustained an injury on Friday in the Seahawks’ joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. Later that day, Bobo underwent tests on his knee.

Bobo was an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has spent his entire NFL career with the Seahawks. Notably, Bobo caught a 17-yard touchdown pass in Seattle’s 31-27 NFC championship win over the Los Angeles Rams. Additionally, Bobo appeared in all 17 regular season games in both 2023 and 2024.

However, the Seahawks acted fast to fill the place with Bobo. Seattle signed wide receiver Julian Hicks to take Bobo’s place. Hicks signed with Seattle last week but was waived to make room for cornerback Trevon Diggs. Prior to Hicks signing with the Seahawks, he was initially with the Green Bay Packers on the practice squad.

In March — when Bobo was a restricted free agent — the Jacksonville Jaguars offered Bobo a two-year, $5.5 million deal, but the Seahawks met the offer to keep him in Seattle.

While Bobo’s season has come to an end, Seattle’s wide receiver room is still stacked. The Seahawks return star receivers Cooper Kupp and Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba with quarterback Sam Darnold.

“It hurts, man,” Darnold said. “He’s one of those guys that he works with, he talks a lot of stuff, and he’s kind of like (Devon Witherspoon) in a way, offensively. He brings the juice every single day, and he just does his job. So it sucks to lose Bobo, but I know he’s going to attack it and be better whenever he comes back.”

The defending Super Bowl Champions open their 2026 campaign in Seattle home against the New England Patriots on Wednesday, September 9.

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South Africa vs New Zealand: All Blacks emerge worthy winners as they outscore Springboks in first Test upset | Rugby Union News

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

New Zealand outscored hosts South Africa ‌five tries to one to win the first Test 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday and go one-up ‌in the four-match series.

The Boks led 13-12 at half-time, but New Zealand took over in the second half to close it out and end South Africa’s unbeaten streak.

The All Blacks had been underdogs going into the first international of their eight-match tour but took full ⁠advantage of the ⁠home side’s numerous handling errors and ill discipline ‌for a statement victory that ended a 12-match winning streak for ‌the Springboks and will rock the confidence of the world champions.

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The All Blacks perform a spine-chilling haka at Ellis Park ahead of the opening Test against South Africa in the four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. New Zealand are touring South Africa for a full series for the first time in 30 years

“I’m incredibly proud, the score might be convincing but there was nothing in it and it was an absolute arm wrestle,” said winning coach Dave Rennie.

“We defended and defended and we were clinical when we got our ⁠opportunities. It’s a great result for us,”

Will Jordan extended his run as ⁠New Zealand’s record try scorer with two tries that bookended scores from Josh Moorby, Fabian Holland and Luke ⁠Jacobson.

Ruben Love kicked over four conversions.

South Africa’s try came ⁠from Andre Esterhuizen with three penalties and a conversion from Cheslin Kolbe but they lost their discipline towards the end, after multiple turnovers, and finished with 13 players as Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach were sent to the ‌sin bin in the final 10 minutes.

“In hindsight there were two or three big moments where we let the game get away from us because New Zealand forced us into ‌errors by being intense and sharp,” said coach Rassie Erasmus.

The series moves to sea level in Cape Town next Saturday and New Zealand are now the surprising front-runner in the first full series between the teams in 30 years.

Watch every minute of New Zealand’s tour of South Africa, exclusively live on Sky Sports. Stream rugby and more sport contract-free with NOW

‘Everything’s On The Table’ For Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton After Another Calf Injury

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton sustained a strained left calf, manager Aaron Boone announced on Saturday.

According to Boone, Stanton’s injury happened while “running, a couple of days ago.” Stanton had been recovering from a right calf strain that occurred in April. With the news of the new calf strain, Stanton reportedly might miss the remainder of the 2026 season.

“Everything’s on the table,” Boone said.

Stanton hasn’t appeared in a game since April 24th, when he tweaked his right calf. He played in 24 games for the Yankees before that, holding a .256 batting average and .724 OPS.

New York (73-55) sits three games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for the lead of the AL East, and holds a four-game advantage over the Boston Red Sox for the top Wild Card spot in the American League. The Yankees are 9.5 games clear of missing the postseason.

They’re staying above water despite Stanton’s absence, and without superstar outfielder Aaron Judge, as well as OF Cody Bellinger and LHP Max Fried.

Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton share the field as both Yankees try to recover from injury. (Photo by Michael Urakami/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Judge sustained a stress fracture in his ribs on April 26, but played through the pain until being shut down in the end of May. He’s progressed to taking swings off a tee, and could return in September.

Fried was recently placed on the 15-day injured list with a bone bruise in his left elbow, whereas Bellinger could return as soon as Sunday from a left hamstring strain he sustained in late July.

Dutch GP: Lando Norris beats George Russell and Kimi Antonelli to Zandvoort pole with Lewis Hamilton in fifth | F1 News

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Lando Norris beat Mercedes duo George Russell and Kimi Antonelli to pole position at the Dutch Grand Prix in a hectic end to qualifying.

Rain threatened to cause an anti-climax to qualifying but the track remained dry enough for the McLaren and Mercedes drivers to battle it out for top spot, with Norris edging out Russell by 0.102s and championship leader Antonelli by 0.133s.

Oscar Piastri was just 0.142s off in fourth in another tight session – a continuation of the trend throughout the Sprint weekend at Zandvoort – and sets up a fascinating race on Sunday when the lights go out at 2pm (build-up from 12.30pm), live on Sky Sports F1.

Norris won the last race before the summer break but is 90 points behind championship leader Antonelli, who opened up a 53-point lead in the title race following Saturday’s Sprint as his closest challenger Lewis Hamilton struggled.

Russell won the Sprint and will look to make further inroads into his 56-point deficit to Antonelli while Hamilton has work to do after only qualifying fifth.

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Lewis Hamilton had a nervous moment during Dutch GP qualifying where he found gravel just out of the first corner

The Ferrari drivers were the last to complete their laps in Q3 but they did not have the speed to challenge at the front. However, Hamilton outpaced Charles Leclerc for the first time in a competitive session this weekend.

Red Bull have also been disappointing at Max Verstappen’s final home event – with the Dutch Grand Prix falling off the calendar after this year. Verstappen qualified seventh behind Leclerc and only one tenth ahead of Liam Lawson, who has replaced Isack Hadjar at Red Bull this weekend after the Frenchman suffered a wrist injury last week.

Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto continued his strong performances in ninth, as did Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad in 10th while his team-mate Yuki Tsunoda qualified 12th.

Aston Martin would have been expecting more from their engine and aerodynamic upgrades but both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll went out in Q1 in 18th and 19th.

Dutch GP Qualifying Timesheet

Driver
Team
Time

1) Lando Norris
McLaren
1:11.163

2) George Russell
Mercedes
+0.102

3) Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
+0.133

4) Oscar Piastri
McLaren
+0.142

5) Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
+0.331

6) Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
+0.395

7) Max Verstappen
Red Bull
+0.455

8) Liam Lawson
Red Bull
+0.570

9) Gabriel Bortoleto
Audi
+0.916

10) Arvid Lindblad
Racing Bulls
+1.022

Knocked out in Q2

11) Pierre Gasly
Alpine
1:12.616

12) Yuki Tsunoda
Racing Bulls
1:12.627

13) Nico Hulkenberg
Audi
1:12.797

14) Franco Colapinto
Alpine
1:12.800

15) Esteban Ocon
Haas
1:13.137

16) Alex Albon
Williams
1:13.182

Knocked out in Q1

17) Carlos Sainz
Williams
1:13.574

18) Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin
1:13.650

19) Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
1:13.818

20) Oliver Bearman
Haas
1:13.826

21) Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac
1:14.371

22) Sergio Perez
Cadillac
1:14.600

More to follow…

Sky Sports F1’s live Dutch GP schedule

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With the last Formula 1 race coming up at Zandvoort, look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the Dutch Grand Prix

Sunday August 23
9.35am: F1 Academy Race 2
10.50am: Porsche Supercup Race 2
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up
2pm: THE DUTCH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP reaction

Formula 1 is at Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix with Sunday’s race at 2pm and build-up from 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

MLB Schedule Today: How to Watch, TV, Streaming

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

There are 15 games on today’s MLB schedule. Four will air on FOX or FS1: Nationals at Marlins nationally on FS1, followed by a regionalized FOX window featuring Pirates at Dodgers, Giants at Red Sox and Cubs at Mariners. The Dodgers and Cubs enter the weekend with two of baseball’s strongest records, while Boston is above .500. Viewers will receive one of the three FOX matchups based on their market and should check local listings. The FOX and FS1 coverage available in each market is streaming live and on demand on FOX One.

MLB Schedule for August 22 on FOX Networks

Nationals at Marlins

Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
TV: FS1
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
Venue: loanDepot park, Miami, Florida

Washington and Miami enter the weekend clustered near the middle of the National League standings. Nationals probable starter Jake Irvin (2-7, 5.80 ERA) faces Marlins probable starter Eury Pérez (6-9, 3.23 ERA).

Pirates at Dodgers

Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
TV: FOX (regionalized window; check local listings)
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
Venue: UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles enters the weekend with one of baseball’s top records, while Pittsburgh is trying to climb into the National League postseason race. Pirates probable starter Jared Jones (2-5, 4.78 ERA) matches up with Dodgers probable starter Tarik Skubal (7-7, 2.85 ERA).

Giants at Red Sox

Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
TV: FOX (regionalized window; check local listings)
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
Venue: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

Boston enters the weekend above .500 and in the American League postseason chase, while San Francisco is looking to gain ground in the National League. Giants probable starter Blade Tidwell (0-0, 4.33 ERA) faces Red Sox probable starter Sonny Gray (15-3, 2.65 ERA).

Cubs at Mariners

Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
TV: FOX (regionalized window; check local listings)
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
Venue: T-Mobile Park, Seattle, Washington

Chicago brings one of the National League’s strongest records into Seattle, while the Mariners are trying to move back into the American League postseason picture. Cubs probable starter David Peterson (7-7, 5.29 ERA) faces Mariners probable starter Bryan Woo (9-8, 4.10 ERA).

MLB Related Stories

Other August 22 MLB Games

1:35 p.m. ET: Blue Jays at Yankees (Rogers SportsNet, YES TV – New York)
2:10 p.m. ET: Braves at Brewers (Braves Vision, Milwaukee Brewers TV Network)
6:05 p.m. ET: Cardinals at Phillies (NBC Sports – Philadelphia, St. Louis Cardinals TV Network)
7:05 p.m. ET: Angels at Rangers (Angels Broadcast Television, RSN)
7:05 p.m. ET: Rays at Orioles (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, Tampa Bay Rays TV Network)
7:10 p.m. ET: Mets at White Sox (SportsNet New York, Chicago Sports Network)
7:10 p.m. ET: Athletics at Astros (NBC Sports – California, Space City Home Network)
7:15 p.m. ET: Tigers at Royals (Detroit SportsNet, Kansas City Royals TV Network)
8:10 p.m. ET: Reds at Diamondbacks (Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds TV Network)
8:10 p.m. ET: Guardians at Rockies (CleGuardians.TV, Colorado Rockies)
8:40 p.m. ET: Twins at Padres (San Diego Padres, Twins.TV)

Teoscar Hernández crushes three-run home run, giving Dodgers lead over Brewers

Teoscar Hernández crushed a three-run home run, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers the lead over the Milwaukee Brewers.

How to Watch MLB Games

FS1 carries Nationals at Marlins nationally. FOX’s 7:15 p.m. ET window is regionalized, so viewers will receive Pirates at Dodgers, Giants at Red Sox or Cubs at Mariners based on their market. Check local listings for the FOX game in your area. The FOX and FS1 coverage available in each market is streaming live and on demand on FOX One

Kimi Antonelli to take grid penalty at Italian GP in Monza for engine change, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirms | F1 News

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

World championship leader Kimi Antonelli will take a grid penalty at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed.

Each driver is permitted a capped amount of various power unit parts for the season, and two separate technical issues for Antonelli have left Mercedes resigned to the fact the Italian will need to exceed the limit before the end of the campaign.

If possible, teams will generally choose to incur grid penalties at tracks where overtaking is easier, which is why Mercedes are set to install a new power unit for Antonelli at his home race in Monza from September 4-6.

Antonelli, who turns 20 on Tuesday, holds a 53-point lead over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton at the top of the drivers’ standings after extending his advantage over the Brit by finishing fourth in the Dutch Grand Prix Sprint on Saturday.

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Antonelli gained a place at the start of the Dutch GP Sprint

Looking ahead to the rest of Antonelli’s weekend as he spoke to Sky Sports F1 after the Sprint in Zandvoort, Wolff said: “We need big points.

“Kimi is going to probably lose some in Monza starting in the back, so hopefully we can pocket some here.”

George Russell, who reduced his championship deficit to his team-mate Antonelli to 56 points by winning Saturday’s Sprint, is in a similar position in terms of power unit parts used and is expected to need to incur a penalty before the end of the season.

Neither Mercedes nor Russell have yet to offer any indication as to where the Brit will take his penalty.

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Antonelli suffered a nervy moment as he went off into the gravel during SQ1 at the Dutch Grand Prix

The severity of Antonelli’s punishment in Monza will depend on how many different parts Mercedes install, given he is one away from breaching the limit for several elements.

The penalty will be a minimum of 10 places, but if multiple parts are installed Antonelli could be consigned to starting at the back of the grid regardless of where he qualifies.

Before the start of the Sprint, Antonelli’s father Marco had hinted to Sky Sports F1 that his son would be taking a penalty in Monza.

Antonelli snr said: “Monza we will see. It will be difficult, for sure – for a lot of reasons.”

Sky Sports F1’s live Dutch GP schedule

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

With the last Formula 1 race coming up at Zandvoort, look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the Dutch Grand Prix

Sunday August 23
9.35am: F1 Academy Race 2
10.50am: Porsche Supercup Race 2
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up
2pm: THE DUTCH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP reaction

Formula 1 is at Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix with Sunday’s race at 2pm and build-up from 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

‘Betrayed’: D-Backs Manager Opens Up About Mysterious Ketel Marte Absence

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the middle of a sizzling playoff race with 34 games remaining as of Friday, trying to eliminate distractions and play their best baseball as they work to return to the postseason for the first time since 2023.

Ketel Marte has made that basically impossible.

Four days after the three-time All-Star’s mysterious disappearance during a road trip in Boston, the D-backs were still trying to figure out how to move forward after one of their best players essentially ghosted teammates and management during a crucial moment in the season.

“Once I saw what was unfolding, I became extremely frustrated,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “I felt betrayed. And that’s a whole different type of pain and frustration. But I’m through that.”

Marte, D-backs Brass Meet On Thursday

(Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Lovullo said he met with Marte on Thursday, along with general manager Mike Hazen and Marte’s agent. The 32-year-old second baseman was put on the 10-day injured list with left knee inflammation shortly after the meeting.

Lovullo didn’t get into many of the details of the discussion, but did say Marte had some frustration about his ailing knee. The switch-hitter was scheduled to be the team’s designated hitter on Monday night before his no-show.

Marte — who is hitting .249 with 21 homers and 67 RBIs this season — was not in the clubhouse during media availability on Friday.

“There’s right ways to handle things and wrong ways to handle things,” Lovullo said. “I think the conclusion that was drawn up yesterday was that we could have been better. Ketel could have been better, specifically. Admittedly so.

“I want to manage baseball games. I want to do what I love doing between the white lines and not have to answer these types of questions. … I don’t love the drama that follows this ballclub. I want to be a good baseball team and we’ve got to figure this out.”

The D-backs might be more willing to deal with Marte’s baffling behavior because he’s currently the longest-tenured player on the team and one of the most productive hitters in franchise history. The Dominican has 1,215 hits and 189 homers since joining the club in 2017 and is generally well-liked in the clubhouse. He also is under contract through 2030 with a player option for 2031.

“I love Ketel Marte — my relationship with him is not going to change,” Lovullo said.

But there’s little doubt the mercurial Marte has put the franchise in a tough situation.

And it isn’t the first time he’s had a strange disappearance.

Last season, he went on the restricted list when his home in Arizona was broken into during the All-Star break. He missed three games after flying back to his native Dominican Republic and later apologized for his absence.

D-backs Teammates In The Dark

(Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Regarding Marte’s latest absence, many of his teammates said that didn’t know much about the situation and were essentially reading media reports to figure out details.

Reliever Kevin Ginkel said the situation was disappointing, but he also cared about Marte and wanted him to be healthy, both mentally and physically.

“There’s really no explanation for it,” Ginkel said. “But we’ve got 30-something games left and hopefully we can get him back and it’ll give us a nice little push into the playoffs.”

Ginkel said teammates were eager for Marte’s side of the story. It’s unclear when, or if, that might come.

“I think it’d be nice to hear it — for sure,” Ginkel said. “I think a lot of players are kind of frustrated about how it happened. But first and foremost, it’s him getting his knee right and mentally being in a good place to where he can come back and help contribute.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

England player ratings: Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue take top marks after three-day victory over Pakistan in first Test | Cricket News

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We rate England’s players after the thumping innings win over Pakistan at Headingley as Joe Root’s side took a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series…

Ben Duckett – 4

15 off 28 balls

Duckett suffers here from the fact Pakistan did not make England bat again, leaving him unable to add to his score with a second knock after a 28-ball 15 first time around.

The opener – who has rediscovered his mojo following a tough Ashes, impressing against New Zealand and in The Hundred – will hope to play a more central role in the Tests at Lord’s and Edgbaston.

Emilio Gay – 6

33 from 31 balls

Gay came into this game off the back of a pair in a warm-up match so nerves would have been fluttering – but he eased those with a number of sweetly-struck boundaries before nicking off shortly after Duckett’s dismissal.

The Durham man does look vulnerable to balls angled across him yet has shown plenty of promise early in his Test career, with two fifties versus New Zealand. Will hope for a big knock soon.

Image:
Jordan Cox impressed batting at No 3 for England in Leeds

Jordan Cox – 8.5

73 from 100 balls

He may only be keeping the No 3 spot warm until Jacob Bethell (knee) is fit again but Cox put in a good case to stay in the XI long term with an authoritative half-century at first drop. He was aided by some poor Pakistan bowling but still looked the part.

It may be that Cox’s best route into the XI going forward is as wicketkeeper-batter so an impressive next two Tests as well and he could pressure Jamie Smith for that post.

He took two catches at slip on the third and final day in Leeds, including a superb diving effort after the ball had ballooned up off gloveman Smith’s thigh.

Joe Root – 9

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Sky Sports’ Nasser Hussain and Stuart Broad were impressed with Root’s return to captaincy

66 from 112 balls

Almost everything Root touched in this Test, on his return to the permanent captaincy, turned to gold, bar his limp shot and even worse review on the second day.

He had batted with his usual brilliance before that and was excellent as captain, having had the fortune of winning the toss and inserting Pakistan under leaden skies.

Root, who largely stood at mid-off to have the ear of his bowlers, showed a ruthless streak by hooking Jofra Archer after two underwhelming overs in the first innings.

His funky field placings, including deploying himself at leg slip at one point, also paid off as England secured just a third win in their last 11 Tests. A fine start to the new era.

Harry Brook – 9

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England’s Harry Brook was heartbreakingly dismissed for 91 on his home ground

91 from 93 balls

If fears over maturity was a reason Brook was overlooked when it came to deciding Ben Stokes’ successor as Test skipper, then the vice-captain showed signs of growth in Leeds, with his near-run-a-ball 91 enterprising, of course, but not reckless.

Brook told Sky Sports the morning after that the Headingley pitch meant he did not need to play any “rash shots”, something he has been guilty of in the past.

The Yorkshireman could have been caught at slip on one – and if he had questions over his temperament would probably have arisen again – but he made Pakistan pay before heartbreakingly falling in the 90s in a Test on home turf for the second year running.

Dan Lawrence – 8

Image:
Dan Lawrence scored a half-century at Headingley – but is he the long-term answer at No 6?

51 from 79 balls
0-0 from one over in second innings

Lawrence had the unenviable – and impossible – task of replacing Stokes in the XI. His part-time spin bowling was only used for one over with the game moving so quickly but his batting starred as he struck nine fours in his fifty, around the odd jittery moment.

A bigger role with the ball may come if Pakistan improve. Only then will we probably know if Lawrence is the right fit in the post-Stokes era or more tinkering is needed.

Sam Curran’s injury means Lawrence will probably see out the summer at least.

Jamie Smith – 6

Image:
Jamie Smith was excellent with the gloves in Leeds but guilty of a soft dismissal

25 off 42 balls

Smith was faultless behind the stumps but will be annoyed by his avoidable dismissal, ballooning a short ball tamely to midwicket. That said, he was left with the tail and his exit did not make any difference to the result.

If he can get back to scoring the regular runs someone of his talent should and maintain his Headingley standards with the gloves, then there will be no questioning his place.

It not, and Cox continues to flourish, then England could have a big decision to make when Bethell is fit again.

Gus Atkinson – 5

0-40 from 12 overs in first innings
1-11 from eight overs in second innings

Much like fellow seamer Archer, Atkinson looked a little rusty in the first innings. Understandable perhaps considering he had just come off a long run of white-ball cricket – a bit for England and lot for Hundred champions Manchester Super Giants.

And much like Archer, he was better in the second innings, bagging his sole wicket of the game when he cleaned up Mohammad Rizwan to put his side on the brink.

This was a new role for Atkinson to what he has been accustomed to of late, moving from new-ball man to first change as Archer and Ollie Robinson shared the fresh Dukes.

Ollie Robinson – 10

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Ollie Robinson took five wickets on day one of the Headingley Test

5-51 from 18 overs in first innings
3-29 from 11 overs in second innings

Simply irresistible. Worries over Robinson’s durability may remain – this was his first Test since the opening game of the summer against New Zealand having suffered a niggle – but there is no doubting his skill and control. He has the ball on a string.

The Sussex seamer pinned Azan Awais lbw to the first ball of the match and was a constant menace with his probing line and length and subtle variations and seam movement. He was helped by conditions and a fragile batting line-up but that’s taking nothing away from him.

Now, though, he needs to stay fit.

Jofra Archer – 7

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Jofra Archer dismissed Pakistan openers Imam-ul-Haq and Azan Awais in the second innings

23no from 25 balls
0-26 from nine overs in first innings
3-50 from 10.3 overs in second innings

Archer lacked rhythm and was a bit too leg-side in the first innings. However, he got back in the red-ball groove on day three, bowling with a big smile and real snap.

He made light work of Pakistan openers Imam-ul-Haq and Azan to reduce the tourists to 13-2 before picking up the match-clinching wicket of Mohammad Abbas.

Archer will also be pleased with his batting – he struck the game’s sole six and added two fours as well to help England take their first-innings lead in excess of 200.

Josh Tongue – 10

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England’s Josh Tongue claimed five wickets during the first day of the Test against Pakistan

5-46 from 9.1 overs in first innings
3-43 from seven overs in second innings

We had the peculiar sight of the ball being cut in half and Tongue and Robinson taking a segment each after their first-innings five-fors and when they both ended up with eight wickets in the Test, it must have made picking player of the match a tough ask.

Robinson took that accolade but we can’t split the seamers in our ratings – each get 10 out of 10.

Tongue built on Robinson’s early work in Pakistan’s first dig, nipping in to break a 91-run third-wicket stand and then scything through the lower middle order, while his three wickets soon after lunch on the third day largely guaranteed we would not have a fourth.

Hailed as England’s “best and most valuable bowler” and “a real trump card” by Sky Sports’ Stuart Broad, Tongue will have a massive role to play moving forward. He shone in the last Ashes and his success in the next one, in 2027, could be crucial.

Watch day one of the second Test between England and Pakistan, at Lord’s, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10am Thursday (11am first ball). Stream contract-free with NOW.

England vs Pakistan Test series schedule

All games live on Sky Sports; all 11am starts UK and Ireland

Can You Bet on the TikTok Live Fight Between Amanda Serrano and Lucrecia Anabella Manzur?

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

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Serrano enters the fight with her WBA and WBO featherweight titles on the line and has a chance to make history. The 37-year-old needs just one knockout to break the all-time women’s boxing knockout record.

Manzur enters with a 14-4 record and seven knockouts, setting up a title fight that can be watched live on TikTok.

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Today on Sky Sports Racing: Chester, Lingfield and Newton Abbot feature live on Saturday | Racing News

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We have a busy day’s racing on Saturday with action from Chester, Lingfield and Newton Abbot, live on Sky Sports Racing…

2.40 Chester – Useful stayers Lazy Griff and By The Book headline

The feature event of the afternoon is the Listed Chester Stakes where quality pair Lazy Griff and By The Book headline a field of eight.

Charlie Johnston fields Lazy Griff who has shown a decent level of form this summer building on his reappearance to score with aplomb at Sandown and he must shoulder a three-pound penalty for that success. Only seventh in the Goodwood Cup last month, he will need to return to his best if he is to land this prize.

By The Book is a big danger for Charlie Appleby and Billy Loughnane. The five-year-old ran a creditable second in this grade at Beverley in early July and remains lightly raced for his age.

Fantasy World rates a fascinating contender for the Andrew Balding team as he switches back to the level having been over obstacles earlier this year.

4.15 Newton Abbot – Improving Handlethekettle seeks a hat-trick

Handlethekettle seeks a hat-trick in a competitive edition of this Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot.

The Jamie Snowden-trained charge was highly tried as a novice but has excelled since entering handicap company and arrives bidding for a third success on the bounce with Isabelle Ryder claiming a handy five pounds.

Supreme Yeats showed a great attitude to record a sixth career success at Bangor on his last start and will be expected to go close over this extra yardage.

Daisy Hitchen’s Kitty Foyle is a consistent performer over hurdles and should be fit from a spin on the flat last month.

2.05 Chester – Asuka bids to go 4-4 on the turf

George Boughey’s Asuka looks to maintain his unbeaten record on the turf in an excellent renewal of this Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap.

The yard has been in flying form with Libertango taking the Lowther at York this week and Asuka has obvious claims here. Beaten at Wolverhampton in July, he justified odds of 1-50 at Lingfield before scoring on handicap debut at Thirsk and a three-pound rise might not stop him following up.

Whip Cracker has plenty of solid form in handicaps and showed his wellbeing when runner-up over further here in May. He cannot be ruled out on this return.

Collecting Coin landed a course and distance event 28 days ago, while Yanifer and Two Tempting must be feared having won the last two editions of this race.

Best of the rest

7.30am Randwick – Group One Winx Stakes where Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi clash in a blockbuster contest.

3.15 Chester – Nicely and Kentucky Rain feature for Amo. Bated Benevolence has looked decent too.

3.05 Newton Abbot – Gore Point bids for a four-timer.

1.55 Newton Abbot – Paddy Brennan’s King’s Scholar tops six runners for this novices’ hurdle.

5.10 Lingfield – Class Four with Epictetus among nine runners.

1.31 Deauville – Listed race. Majnoun and Big Money Man could be above average.

11.07pm Saratoga – Grade Two Sunlit Uplands represents Stuart Williams and Johnny Velazquez.

11.42pm Saratoga – Grade One Alabama Stakes.

2am De Mar – Joseph O’Brien’s Sandringham winner features in Grade One Oaks. Kensington Lane debuts for Philip D’Amato.

2.30am Del Mar – Not Live – Grade One Pacific Classic – Knightsbridge and Hit Show involved.

3.50 Chester – 700,000gns yearling Ivory Moon debuts for Boughey.

Running Back Nick Chubb Announces Retirement From The NFL After 8 Seasons

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Running back Nick Chubb has announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday, he announced via Instagram.

Chubb played eight seasons in the league, competing for both the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Texans.

“Twelve year old me could never imagine this day, and 30 year old me is wondering where all the time has gone. I’ve known for some time now, but I’m finally ready to share that I’m done playing football,” Chubb wrote on Instagram. “I wanted to end my career on a healthy note, and I was able to do that.”

The 2018 second-rounder instantly made his mark in his rookie year with Cleveland. Chubb rushed for 996 rushing yards, eight touchdowns and added 149 receiving yards and two touchdowns through the air. On top of his impressive rookie campaign, Chubb went on to amass four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Browns, which led to four Pro Bowl nods.

However, Chubb suffered an injury in 2023 — on the same knee he injured in 2015 at Georgia — sidelining him for over 20 games between 2023 and 2024.

While Chubb signed with the Texans in 2025, his production did not match his early-career performances pre-injury. Chubb finished the year with 568 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Not only did Chubb succeed in the NFL, but he was a legend at Georgia. As a bulldog, Chubb recorded 4,769 total rushing yards, 44 total touchdowns, an SEC Championship title and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2017.

Chubb also added a note to his teammates, alluding to the setback he faced when dealing with injury:

“I say this to all my brothers still on the field, still in the heat of it: there’s a life waiting for you after football. And health is the real wealth. I end my career in a great place.”

Arsenal transfer news: Julian Alvarez would add ‘magic’ to Gunners’ frontline says Gary Neville as he urges them to sign Atletico Madrid striker | Football News

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Defending Premier League champions Arsenal would become Champions League winners if they land Julian Alvarez in the final days of the transfer window, says Gary Neville.

The Gunners have made an impressive start to the new campaign, backing up their Community Shield win over Manchester City with a 3-0 demolition of newly-promoted Coventry.

However, Sky Sports pundit Neville says Arsenal still need “a bit of magic up front” and believes Atletico Madrid’s Alvarez is the player who would deliver it.

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Highlights from the Premier League match between Arsenal and Coventry

Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs keen on Argentina international Alvarez, although Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil said earlier this summer that they do not want to sell Alvarez and would not even accept £170m for the forward.

Neville has encouraged Arsenal to test Atletico’s resolve in a bid to take themselves to the next level.

“What a squad [Mikel Arteta] has built,” said Neville. “If he puts another forward into that, if they could get Julian Alvarez somehow, that would light this place up as you’d have a world-class striker to go with all the world-class defenders and midfielders.

“They wouldn’t just become Premier League title winners they’d go the next step and win a Champions League. It’s a massive 10 days. He needs a bit of magic up front – someone that can win a game for you when you don’t play well.”

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta insisted “the main focus has to be to improve our players and the connection between them”. He noted how little Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Ben White played together down the right flank last season due to injuries.

However, Neville reckons Odegaard would be even more destructive if he had a striker like Alvarez to target.

“He [Odegaard] is exceptional. If there was an Ian Wright-type player up front for Arsenal who makes those short runs he’d be even better,” said Neville.

Image:
Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard celebrates scoring his side’s third goal against Coventry

“As [Kai] Havertz and [Viktor] Gyokeres always come to the ball, Odegaard has to play possession rather than playing the slip passes. If Arsenal were to sign Julian Alvarez then he’d go up a level as it would be perfect for the style of play.”

Fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher agreed Arsenal still need something special in the attacking areas, although he reckons Odegaard and Saka are showing signs of being able to reach world-class levels.

“I still think Arsenal lack a world-class player in the front four,” he said. “About two years ago I thought Saka and Odegaard would make that next step. For whatever reason it’s not happened due to injuries or Arsenal not being at their best. Those two were close to getting to the levels shown by Man City and Liverpool players, like [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Erling] Haaland or [Mohamed] Salah and [Sadio] Mane. They took their teams to the title.

“Arsenal won the league without [Saka and Odegaard] doing it. They did it by having a great defence and goalkeeper. But I still think Saka and Odegaard can get back to where they were a couple of years ago.”

Carragher added: “The psychological factor of being champions now will take this Arsenal team to another level rather than buying a superstar player.”

Analysis: Odegaard and Tzolis rejuvenate Arsenal attack

Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz at the Emirates Stadium:

Vinicius Jr this, Morgan Rogers that… Arsenal have shown that their transfer window was better than many made out.

Tzolis looks like a gem, a real livewire down the left wing. After a stale opening five minutes on the pitch, he set it alight with two shots and two chances created in the space of four minutes.

It was no surprise to se him strongly involved in the two goals that put this game to bed, winning the ball high up for the first, then crossing for Saka for the second.

But Odegaard’s start to the season cannot be overlooked either. He backed up the stunning Community Shield display with a first goal of the season here, equalling his league tally last season that saw him miss 30 matches in all competitions.

In fact, this was just the second time since December 2024 that Saka, Odegaard and Havertz had started together. All three scored against Coventry.

Odegaard is like a new signing. And with three open-play goals, Arsenal look like a new team.

NFL Catchup: Geno Smith Delivers In Preseason, Tyreek Hill Still In Recovery Mode

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Preseason stars continue to emerge, free agents continue to ink new deals and injuries still headline the news. But one free agent has a bigger question mark than others: Tyreek Hill.

After Hill’s season-ending injury early last season – and being released by Miami in February – his priority still remains his health and recovery, rather than joining a new team. On the other hand, the Houston Texans acted fast after wide receiver Jayden Higgins suffered a season-ending injury, and signed two new wide receivers on Friday.

In terms of preseason starts, Jets quarterback Geno Smith needed one drive to put points on the board for New York, and Carolina Panthers’ running back Jonathan Brooks found the end zone early.

However, the defending-champion Seattle Seahawks await serious injury news regarding the status of wide receiver Jake Bobo.

Catch up with all the updates across the NFL:

Former Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill has been a big question mark this offseason; where will the free agent land next?

Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, joined the Pat McAfee show on Friday to discuss Hill’s timeline in terms of signing with a new team.

“I don’t expect Tyreek to sign before the season starts,” Rosenhaus said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday. “He sent me videos of him running hills yesterday, and he looked great.

“I do think when he does sign, he will be the kind of guy that will impact the playoff race and will certainly be successful.”

Hill spent the last four seasons with the Dolphins, and six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs prior to signing with Miami.

However, after Hill’s Week 4 season-ending knee injury last season, Rosenhaus emphasized that Hill’s priority is getting back to full health before he inks a new deal.

“Tyreek Hill is gonna take his time and pick the right team,” Rosenhaus added. “He’s gonna come back fully healthy and he wants to help a team win a Super Bowl.”

So Hill still expects to return at some point, but he’ll be calculated in determining his team and timeline.

Geno Smith played one drive on Friday night, and he made it count.

Starting the Jets’ preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith went 7-for-7 for 65 yards and a touchdown pass to tight end Jelani Woods. The drive featured a 21-yard completion to wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and 10-yard completions to tight end Mason Taylor and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

This was Smith’s first preseason action this year. Rookie Cade Klubnik relieved Smith after an impressive preseason debut last week against the Buccaneers that saw him go 5-of-7 for 56 yards. The Clemson product may see time later in the regular season, but Smith will likely be the guy in Week 1.

In the second game of the night, running back Jonathon Brooks showed that he might finally be ready to make a difference for the Carolina Panthers.

Bryce Young marched the Panthers’ offense down the field, going 5-of-6 for 49 yards in his two drives, including two completions for a total of 25 yards to wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Brooks completed the Panthers’ second drive with a one-yard touchdown run. He totaled five carries for 18 yards on Friday.

Brooks was a second-round pick in 2024 out of Texas and was drafted after having sustained a torn ACL during his last season in college. He suffered the same injury in Week 14 of his rookie year, again in his right knee, just the third game of his rookie season after returning from the initial injury. Brooks then sat out all of 2025.

Since the end of last season, running back Rico Dowdle signed with the Steelers, leaving Chuba Hubbard as the lead back for Carolina. That also gives Brooks a chance to compete for carries — if he can stay healthy.

Texans Sign Two WRs After Higgins Injury

The Houston Texans wasted no time once wide receiver Jayden Higgins was placed on the season-ending injured reserve. Houston signed veteran receivers Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones on Friday, according to NFL Network.

Shepard spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jones was with the Arizona Cardinals for two seasons.

With Higgins out, the additions of experienced receivers like Jones and Shepard can benefit quarterback C.J. Stroud and the offense. Jones and Shepard join a Houston receiving room that includes Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, and Tank Dell.

After Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo was carted off during Friday’s joint practice with the Tennessee Titans, he will undergo tests to determine the severity of his knee injury.

Bobo’s shining moment from last season came in Seattle’s NFC Championship win over the Rams, when he hauled in a 17-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Sam Darnold in the third quarter.

Seahawks head coach Mike Maconald called Bobo’s injury “serious” and that it could leave Bobo sidelined for most of the regular season.

“Our heart goes out to Jake Bobo,” Macdonald said after practice. “It seems like it’s going to be a serious knee. We’re going to get an image, but early returns, you know, just looks like it is a long-term injury. So, that’s unfortunate.”

Arsenal transfer news: Atletico Madrid finally shift Julian Alvarez position and now willing to sell striker to the Gunners – Paper Talk | Football News

August 22, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Saturday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Atletico Madrid have finally shifted their position and are now willing to sell Julian Alvarez to Arsenal – Daily Express

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The Friday Night Football panel discuss whether Arsenal are still shy of a world-class attacker that would see them get over the line to win their first UEFA Champions League title

Brighton have rejected a second bid from Liverpool for Yankuba Minteh, with the Seagulls insisting they want £70m for the winger – Daily Mirror

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Andoni Iraola says he is looking forward to leading Liverpool this Premier League season as he looks ahead to the opening match against Newcastle

Chelsea are progressing in slashing their number of centre-backs before the summer window closes, with Xabi Alonso only interested in working with up to five in the coming season – Daily Mail

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

Manchester United are working hard to get signings over the line as the new Premier League season kicks off – Daily Star

Premier League record-breaker Max Dowman has collected his GCSE results and is leaving school for his first season full-time as a professional footballer – Daily Mail

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Highlights from the Premier League match between Arsenal and Coventry

WORLD FOOTBALL

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is exploring a bid for the UK to host the men’s World Cup alongside plans for a Northern Olympics – The Independent

Former Liverpool hero Mohamed Salah enjoyed a heartwarming reunion with inspirational Liverpool fan Isaac Kearney in Turkey – Daily Mirror

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Rangers could turn to Lens striker Rayan Fofana as a short-term replacement for crocked star Youssef Chermiti – Scottish Sun

Alistair Johnston is facing an extended spell on the sidelines in a major injury blow for Celtic, forcing Martin O’Neill to now explore several right-back options in the final two weeks of the transfer window – Scottish Sun

Jim Goodwin has revealed Will Ferry is out of the Dundee derby but not on his way out of Tannadice just yet, despite the speculation surrounding the United left-back throughout the summer transfer window – Scottish Sun

TENNIS

Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open as he continues to recover from a right knee injury – Daily Express

Jack Draper will miss the US Open due to a long-running bone bruising injury which has derailed his last season and a half – The Independent

Yankees Place Ryan McMahon On 10-Day IL As Max Fried Gets Closer To Return

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Ryan McMahon was placed on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 2 left thumb sprain Friday, but the New York Yankees third baseman said he’ll just miss the minimum amount of time.

“Not great news. Could have been worse,” McMahon said before the Yankees opened a three-game series with Toronto. “Obviously I’m not happy with it, but thankful that most likely no surgery and just the minimal time.”

McMahon was injured on a play at second base in Wednesday’s 5-3 win at Baltimore. He singled in the second inning and jammed his thumb when he was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double.

“Just felt like it probably would have been a couple more days where he’s maybe a little bit compromised,” manager Aaron Boone said. “So I kind of don’t want to create anything habit-wise that’s bad, so just felt like probably the right thing to do here.”

(Photo by Colton Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

McMahon said he felt fine in the field, but was having a difficult time swinging — though he was able to take swings in the batting cage.

“I feel like with what these games meaning as much as they are down the stretch, me going out there at 50% probably wasn’t the best,” McMahon said.

McMahon is hitting .218 with 10 homers and 32 RBIs in 108 games. McMahon also missed 10 games earlier this season with a throat infection.

To fill McMahon’s roster spot, Max Schuemann was called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. Schuemann batted .194 in 40 games earlier this season, but his stay on the Yankees could be short if Cody Bellinger is ready to return from a left hamstring strain.

Bellinger started his minor league rehabilitation assignment Thursday, was scheduled to play again Friday before taking Saturday off and could return Sunday.

Max Fried to throw side session Saturday

(Photo by Michael Urakami/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Fried will throw a side session Saturday and if it goes well, the left-hander could be on track to return from the 15-day injured list when first eligible next week.

Fried was placed on the IL on Monday and the move was retroactive to last Friday, a day after he pitched five innings in a 1-0 loss to Seattle.

“I’ve been feeling good,” Fried said. “Not ideal coming out of my last start with a little soreness, but all in all we’re really encouraged.”

Fried missed 57 games with the same injury from May 14-July 22 after exiting a start in Baltimore with pain following three innings on May 13.

“Before, it was definitely more intense, more pain,” Fried said of the differences between injuries. “I would say that it felt similar, but on a smaller scale. I just wanted to be as transparent as I could be with the medical staff and coaching staff.”

Fried is 4-4 with a 2.81 ERA in 15 starts this season. He’s 0-1 with a 1.82 ERA in five starts since returning from his first IL stint July 22.

“We’re encouraged,” Boone said. “I think the last couple of days have been good for him. Kind of talking to him, he probably could have made his last start maybe, but hopefully this gives (it) a chance to calm down a little bit, too. If everything goes well with that side tomorrow, then we could do a live (throwing session) at some point early in the week to hopefully set him up when he’s eligible.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Super League: Wigan Warriors ease to top of table with club-record 12th straight win over Wakefield Trinity | Rugby League News

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Wigan eased to the top of the Betfred Super League table with a club-record 12th straight win after seeing off gutsy Wakefield 26-12 at the Brick Community Stadium.

Matt Peet’s men brutally exploited a series of handling errors by the visitors to muscle into a 20-point half-time lead, then repelled a fine fightback with Jai Field’s length-of-field interception just past the hour mark to seal their win.

The manner and timing of their move into pole position looks ominous for their top-flight rivals, not least long-time leaders Leeds who are now under pressure when they head to York on Sunday.

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It marked a fourth straight loss for Wakefield, who started well and were aggrieved to be denied the opening try when Oliver Pratt sent Max Jowitt sliding over, but he was ruled to have knocked on in the process of grounding.

Moments earlier, Wakefield rode their luck to stay level after a rare error from Bevan French, who sent Zach Eckersley over in the corner from a forward pass.

Luke Thompson came close for Wigan while Wakefield continued to benefit on the short side as a high-quality contest moved past the quarter-hour without a point on the board.

But Wigan proceeded to capitalise on a pair of Wakefield errors to run in three tries in the next 10 minutes and give themselves an almost insurmountable advantage.

French ruthlessly punished a careless pass by Jowitt by powering over the halfway line to open the scoring, and six minutes later Wigan built on a penalty pass with Kian McDermott’s superb ball gifting Liam Marshall the second in the corner.

Marshall was in for his second almost immediately after another handling error gifted Wigan the advantage. Three kicks from Adam Keighran – coupled with a penalty on the hooter – sent Peet’s men in at the interval four scores to the good.

Wakefield might have been all but resigned to another defeat but they will take great heart from the way they refused to accept the seemingly inevitable at the start of the second half.

They seized on a sustained spell of pressure to narrow the deficit on 52 minutes when Jake Trueman’s clever kick eluded French and gave Corey Hall the chance to touch down.

Trinity pushed again on the back of a penalty and a repeat set, and could have further reduced the deficit but for Hall’s foot straying into touch as he flicked the ball back for Jowitt to go over.

The visitors’ hopes were finally dashed when a spill from Mike McMeeken sent Jai Field scurrying the length of the field to score Wigan’s fourth. A late effort from Wakefield’s Ky Rodwell made the final scoreline more respectable.

Sky Sports will show every game of the Super League live this season, including two matches each round exclusively live. The remaining five matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports+.

Best LBs In The NFL: Has Fred Warner Been Dethroned As League’s Best Linebacker?

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

No player has arguably been better than their peers at their respective position than Fred Warner since the turn of the decade. But as the San Francisco 49ers’ star returns from a gruesome ankle injury that ended his 2025 season prematurely, is Warner still the NFL’s best linebacker ahead of the 2026 campaign?

We ranked the 10 best linebackers in the league as we prepare for the new year. Warner, a four-time first-team All-Pro, was one of two players to receive first-place votes in our rankings, with the Detroit Lions’ Jack Campbell and the Baltimore Ravens’ Roquan Smith among those vying for the top spot.

Here’s a full look at our top 10 linebackers entering the 2026 season.

Devin Lloyd had a Pro Bowl year with the Jaguars in 2025, landing him a rich deal with the Panthers. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Greg Auman: Can takeaways be what takes Carolina’s defense from bad to good? In defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s first year in Charlotte in 2023, the Panthers had an NFL-low 11 takeaways, improving to 17 in 2024 and 21 last year. Lloyd signed a three-year, $42 million deal after a breakout Pro Bowl year with the Jacksonville Jaguars, in which he had five interceptions to help his former team record 31 takeaways, second-most in the NFL.

It’s concerning that Jacksonville let Lloyd walk from the middle of its defense, but he and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips are two high-dollar additions to Carolina’s defense as they try to improve enough to repeat as NFC South champs. Lloyd is 27 and needs to show last year’s splash plays — notably absent his previous two years — can continue as a defensive spark.

Nick Bolton recorded over 100 tackles for a second straight season in 2025. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

Ben Arthur: Bolton has been one of the NFL’s most steady off-ball linebackers since entering the league in 2021, helping the Chiefs win two Super Bowls. The former second-round pick is coming off his second straight season of 100-plus tackles, six pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble. In 2025, he tied for third in run stops (86) and 10th in hustle stops (15) among linebackers, according to Next Gen Stats.

With Kansas City’s secondary undergoing a makeover this offseason, Bolton will take on a more pronounced role in Steve Spagnuolo’s back-seven as the green dot. Pass coverage is an area for improvement, though. Opposing quarterbacks had a 93.8 passer rating when targeting him in coverage last season, the third time in five seasons he’s allowed a 90-plus passer rating, per NGS.

Ernest Jones IV earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2025. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Eric D. Williams: Only 26 years old, Jones has won two Super Bowl rings in six NFL seasons. Since Seattle made a midseason trade for the South Carolina product with the Tennessee Titans in 2024, Jones has been the green-dot playcaller and a leader for one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. Jones finished with a career-high five interceptions (a franchise record for a linebacker) and 126 combined tackles in 2025, earning second-team All-Pro honors for the first time in his NFL career.

Jones has finished with at least 100 tackles for four straight seasons. Jones spent his first three seasons in the league with the Los Angeles Rams, setting a single-season franchise record with 145 tackles in 2023, including a career-high 4.5 sacks.

Azeez Al-Shaair was named a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career in 2025. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Arthur: Once in the shadows of Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw in San Francisco, Al-Shaair has come into his own as a star linebacker the last couple of years. His aggressive play style sets the tone as the green dot of the Texans’ juggernaut defense. In 2025, the former undrafted free agent registered his third 100-tackle season and posted career-highs in interceptions (two) and pass breakups (nine) to make his first Pro Bowl.

Overall, Al-Shaair is one of the league’s best coverage linebackers. Among qualified linebackers last season, he ranked ninth in both tight windows forced rate and coverage EPA and 20th in ballhawk rate, per NGS.

Jordyn Brooks led the NFL in total tackles in 2025. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Auman: Brooks, 28, is the rare Dolphins star the franchise chose to keep this year, locking him up with a three-year, $48 million deal. He earned first-team All-Pro honors last year, leading the NFL with 183 total tackles, but he’s been productive for a while. Over the last five years, he has the third-most tackles in the league, with more tackles for loss (45) than anyone else in the top five. He’s aggressive at the line of scrimmage, with 3.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss last year, and he’ll need to be as part of a rebuilding Dolphins roster under new head coach Jeff Hafley.

Can the Dolphins win enough games to stay ahead of the Jets and avoid the AFC East cellar? Brooks is a core piece in Miami that’s part of their past and part of their future as well.

Zack Baun had another standout season in 2025 following his surprise breakout 2024 campaign. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Ralph Vacchiano: It is still absolutely remarkable that the Eagles viewed Baun as little more than a special teams player when they signed him away from New Orleans in 2024, and instead they got a two-time Pro Bowler and one of their best defensive starters. He was one of the best defenders in the league in 2024 and he had almost identical production last season when he had 123 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions.

Baun’s the perfect versatile linebacker for Vic Fangio’s scheme. He’s got the speed to rush the passer and drop back in tight coverage, and he has better instincts than many linebackers in the league. Linebacker hasn’t always been a strength in Philadelphia. But thanks to the 29-year-old Baun, it is now.

Carson Schwessinger won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2025. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Bucky Brooks: The second-year pro quickly established himself as a tackling machine in the middle of the Browns’ defense. Schweisinger’s instincts, range, and awareness as a “see ball, get ball” defender shrink the field for the opponents, leading to fewer explosive plays against the ultra-aggressive unit.

With the youngster also controlling the game as the green dot wearer, the Pro Bowler’s intelligence and communication skills set him apart from others at the position.

Jack Campbell had the second-most tackles in the NFL this past season. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Henry McKenna: Let’s just start with last season when he had 176 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, five sacks and four pass breakups. Sort of like a quarterback whose rare arm talent allows him to use every blade of grass, Campbell has the athleticism, range and awareness to be a threat in just about every part of the field. There really isn’t a defensive phase where he doesn’t make an impact.

I’m not sure Campbell gets the love he deserves, in part because he’s a defensive playmaker and in part because his position is no longer considered “premium.” But to that point, it takes a truly special linebacker to justify the draft position of 18th overall, where the Lions got Campbell in 2023. And he has absolutely made that pick worth it.

Roquan Smith has logged at least 100 tackles in all eight seasons of his NFL career. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Williams: One of the most explosive linebackers in the league, Smith can make plays from sideline to sideline and is one of the best tacklers in the NFL. A four-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro, Smith has eclipsed 100 tackles in all eight of his NFL seasons.

But Smith will have to adjust to a new system with defensive-minded head coach Jesse Minter taking over as the team’s head coach. Smith is looking to take the ball away this season after finishing with zero forced fumbles, sacks and interceptions in 2025.

Fred Warner missed the majority of the 2025 season due to a dislocated and broken ankle. (Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Brooks: The NFL’s prototype at the position displays a rare combination of size, speed, intelligence, and violence. Warner is a menacing sideline-to-sideline defender who covers ground like a gazelle, but attacks runners and pass catchers like the Lion King tracking his prey.

Given Warner’s penchant for producing big plays as a run defender and in coverage, the All-Pro is the “Mike” linebacker that every defensive coordinator would choose as a foundational piece.

Curtis Jones transfer news: Inter Milan sign midfielder from Liverpool in £30m deal with sell-on clause included | Football News

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Inter Milan have confirmed the signing of Curtis Jones in a £30m (€35m) deal from Liverpool.

Sky Sports News understands a 10 per cent sell-on clause has been inserted in the deal.

The 25-year-old had entered the final year of his contract at Liverpool and his move to Italy brings an end to his 16-year association with the Reds, having joined the club at the age of nine.

After making his Liverpool first-team debut in the 2018/19 season, Jones appeared 228 times for the club, scoring 22 goals.

Jones is the third England international to move to Inter in this transfer window, after John Stones and Djed Spence also completed moves to join Cristian Chivu’s side.

During his time at Anfield, Jones won two Premier League titles, two Carabao Cups, the Club World Cup and the FA Cup – as well as finishing as a Champions League runner-up in 2022.

How will Jones exit affect Liverpool’s midfield options?

Sky Sports’ Rich Morgan:

Jones’ departure from Liverpool leaves Andoni Iraola with some interesting questions over the make-up of his midfield.

Jones made 49 appearances under previous head coach Arne Slot, 34 of which came in the club’s disastrous Premier League title defence, sharing the workload with Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, while he was also often used as a makeshift right-back.

The new Reds boss, though, has indicated he will utilise Florian Wirtz in his preferred No 10 role going forward in a 4-2-3-1 formation, meaning Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Gravenberch competing for two midfield spots in front of the back four.

The Basque will also be able to call upon Wataru Endo and Trey Nyoni, who has really caught the eye in pre-season, and do not rule out either the club reinvesting the £30m Jones fee in a replacement.

More College Sports Eligibility? Federal Appeals Court Says Not So Fast

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

A federal appeals court on Friday temporarily halted a court order that would have granted thousands of athletes who left college after last season an extra year of eligibility.

The lawsuit was filed by players who graduated high school in 2022, whose college eligibility ended last season and who were not included in the NCAA’s controversial new rule that grants most players five years of eligibilty, beginning next season.

After winning a ruling in district court last month, many of those players were trying to figure out how to return to their former schools to play another year. Football season opens over the next two weeks.

This 2-1 ruling from a panel of the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver puts that on hold until the appeal can be heard in total. It could tamp down the chaos from a series of rulings in courts around the country that had cleared the way for players to come back.

Kellan Wyatt had planned to return to the defending champion Indiana Hoosiers. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

A big portion of the case rests on the idea that some athletes were trying to regain spots on rosters that had already been locked in. The plaintiffs argued it was a matter of fairness: They shouldn’t be restricted from a fifth year — and the educational and NIL compensation opportunities that go along with it — that a player one year younger was entitled to.

But, the NCAA countered in its legal filing, “fairness is in the eye of the beholder.”

“Countless student-athletes already on campuses, and schools who built their rosters in reliance on the rules the NCAA’s membership wrote and agreed to follow, do not believe it is fair for thousands of formerly-ineligible athletes to return to competition at the start of the 2026–27 season,” it said.

Among those planning returns were defensive linemen Kellan Wyatt and Stephan Daley, both members of the national champion Indiana roster from last season.

The ruling is not a guarantee to end the confusion across college sports. The NCAA is on the losing end of a number of lawsuits filed in other state and federal courts over essentially the same issue, and it’s hard to tell how this case will impact those.

Making headlines this week was the return of former Ole Miss starters Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris and Wydett Williams, who won rulings from a state court in Louisiana giving them another season of eligibility even though they’d signed with NFL teams this summer. The NCAA could still directly appeal this ruling, making the participation of these players no sure thing, either.

College Football Related Stories

Basketball teams have longer to figure this out — no team wants a player on the roster who might later be declared ineligibile. Gonzaga, for one, recently added Dayton’s Javon Bennett and Florida State’s Chauncey Wiggins, each of whom won eligibility lawsuits in different courts. Former St. John’s player RJ Luis, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the NBA’s Boston Celtics before being waived and then signing with the Utah Jazz, has also filed suit to return to college basketball.

“Some of us coaches told the NCAA over and over again, if they waited longer to announce this, they probably wouldn’t have this issue,” Zags coach Mark Few said in a recent interview. “So I don’t know why anybody would not be open to it. Maybe you don’t need it, but if you do … these are good guys.”

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has been vocally opposed to allowing pros to return to college sports, saying that it “fuels disruption,” per ESPN. “These rules are grounded in the principle that athletics are an integral part of the academic experience. The rules align the time permitted for college athletics with the pursuit of an undergraduate education and further the important purpose of preserving opportunities for future student-athletes to participate in college sports.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Ezri Konsa: Arsenal complete £55m deal for Aston Villa and England defender | Football News

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Arsenal have completed the £55m deal to sign defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.

“It’s a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world,” Konsa said after Arsenal announced the move.

“I want to keep winning, hungry to win and that’s what I’m here for. I’m here to win. I’ll do everything in my power to continue bringing success to this club.”

The England international has signed a four-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months after passing his medical. He joins for a fixed fee of £51m with a potential £4m in add-ons.

The 28-year-old could now make his Arsenal debut against his old club at Villa Park in the Monday Night Football on August 31, live on Sky Sports.

Monday 31st August 6:30pm

Kick off 8:00pm

Konsa has become Arsenal’s fifth major summer signing after Piero Hincapie joined permanently from Bayer Leverkusen and the arrivals of Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes.

Konsa’s arrival comes after the Premier League champions were looking for a new defender with William Saliba out for an extended period of time, while Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a long-term groin problem.

Villa had initially held out for £60m, with Arsenal hoping to pay much less, but the two clubs found a compromise on Thursday to strike a deal for the former Brentford defender.

Arsenal also looked into a potential move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah but have chosen to sign his England team-mate Konsa. Both players have a similar profile and can play at right-back and centre-back.

Image:
Arsenal have completed a deal to sign Konsa from Aston Villa

Konsa: I love defending!

Arteta joins a host of Arsenal defenders including Saliba, Timber, Gabriel, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera.

Asked what he will bring to Mikel Arteta’s “Defending. I know he loves defenders who can really defend and defenders who are calm on the ball. His style suits me so I can’t wait to get going.

Meanwhile, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, said: “Ezri is a defender of high quality, whose athleticism, composure and tactical intelligence have established him as one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers.

“Being comfortable in both central defence and at right-back, Ezri will bring valuable versatility to our squad while maintaining the high defensive standards which are fundamental to our challenge of winning major trophies.

“We are welcoming a player with proven Premier League and international experience, and strong leadership qualities, who will adapt seamlessly to our style of play.

“Just as importantly, we are welcoming a player with the character and mentality to make an immediate impact within our club. We welcome Ezri and his family to Arsenal.”

Analysis: Konsa is a perfect Arteta player – here’s why

Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz:

If there’s one thing you need to know about Mikel Arteta, it’s that he loves players that win duels. Nobody was better at it than Ezri Konsa last season.

He won more duels on the ground than any other Premier League player last season – finishing quite some distance ahead of his nearest challengers Virgil van Dijk and Gabriel – his new team-mate.

With both Saliba and Timber out injured, Arsenal were in need of a player who can cover both right-back and centre-back roles.

The Gunners do have Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White as cover in those roles – and both performed well in the Community Shield win over Manchester City – but the latter has a lengthy injury record over the last two seasons.

Arsenal also saw the importance of having good depth at right-back when Mosquera was forced to start the Champions League final with PSG out of position – with the young Spaniard conceding a penalty.

Now a move for Konsa has been completed, Arsenal have filled an important part of their team – and would be very close to completing their transfer window from an incomings point of view.

Can they find the forward player they have been looking for?

INDYCAR Drivers, Executives Take In Washington Ahead Of Freedom 250

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

U.S. CAPITOL AND WHITE HOUSE (Washington) — Scott McLaughlin had never been to Washington, D.C., so he expressed a somewhat simple emotion anticipating his first visit.

“I’m excited to go there,” he told me a week ago.

On his first visit Thursday, like many first-time visitors, he went to the White House. But he was in the White House. In the Rose Garden.

Penske Corporation President Bud Denker, Graham Rahal, Santino Ferrucci, Pato O’Ward and Alex Palou with the Winning Owner’s trophy in front of the US Capitol. (Photo by Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images)

The Team Penske driver — a native of New Zealand who became a U.S. citizen last year — was among the drivers who presented a racing helmet to First Lady Melania Trump during an event Thursday afternoon.

McLaughlin, Scott Dixon, Graham Rahal and Alexander Rossi made the visit to the White House, while Rahal, Santino Ferrucci, Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward visited the U.S. Capitol grounds and the Cannon House Office Building, the city’s oldest congressional office building.

“I know I’m not from this country, but this country has given me so much. Just the opportunity to be here as a car driver, be a winner and a champion and to create a family here in the U.S.,” four-time (and likely soon-to-be five-time) INDYCAR champion Palou, who is from Spain, said during a news conference.

“So this has been incredible.”

Drivers and executives are exploring Washington D.C. as it prepares to host Sunday’s Freedom 250.

If the government is going to let you race on their grounds, you’ve got to make the stops before getting to the track for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix this weekend.

INDYCAR drivers will practice and qualify on Saturday and then race Sunday. In what most likely will be a one-and-done event, the course includes iconic Washington streets like Pennsylvania Avenue, Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue.

“We will have this weekend an amazing, iconic 250-mile Freedom Grand Prix,” Penske Entertainment Corp. Chairman Roger Penske said in speaking at the White House. “And it will cap off 250 years, an anniversary of our country.”

For the most part, the event will bring with it a typical street-course vibe. Some locals don’t love streets being closed. There’s debate about whether it’s bringing in enough tourism dollars to justify the needed local spend. All the while, people are stopping at the course admiring the setup and asking if they can go on the track just to take a photo. For what it’s worth, it seemed that security was accommodating.

But then there are also things that just make the mind explode.

The start-finish line is across from the U.S. Capitol. The western part of the course has a great view of the Washington Monument. The local metro transportation authority put an INDYCAR show car on a subway rail and shuttled it throughout the system Thursday to remind people the best way to get to the race.

Drivers are hopeful they can put on a good show. The pre-race spectacle includes six flyovers, one for each branch of the military. That is scheduled to begin after the FOX pre-race coverage begins at 11:30 a.m. ET.

INDYCAR’s Freedom 250 will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The race is 147 laps around a 1.7-mile (seven-turn) course. President Trump is expected to wave the green flag shortly after 1 p.m. for what could be a three-hour marathon. An executive order from President Donald Trump allowed the race to happen by fast-tracking approvals, permits and any road alterations.

“It’s not one [political] side of the other,” A.J. Foyt Racing driver Santino Ferrucci told me and other reporters Thursday standing in view of the U.S. Capitol. “It’s the nation coming together.”

As part of the White House event, INDYCAR and FOX Sports announced they are jointly donating $2 million to Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future” initiative to fund scholarships for those who grew up in foster care.

FOX Sports owns 33 percent of INDYCAR.

“Together, we aren’t just creating pathways for these incredible students, we are also making history this weekend,” FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks said during prepared remarks at the White House. “FOX Sports presents a landmark event this weekend with the Freedom 250 INDYCAR Grand Prix, right here in Washington, D.C., racing through the nation’s capital to celebrate our 250th birthday.

“This is going to be a celebration of our great country unlike any other.”

Sunday’s street course will race past some of the nation’s most historic landmarks.

Drivers don’t get on track until Saturday but most likely will be on the course Friday afternoon during the track walk. That will be the first time many will get to see how the course is laid out versus the models.

“Other than the [Indianapolis] 500, this is the event that I feel like you want to win, especially with it potentially just being a one-off,” Ferrucci said. “You really want to be able to go home with that trophy because that’s history.”

Rahal will have a stop to make first. He is going to visit Arlington National Cemetery, where his grandfather is buried.

It will be a solemn moment for Rahal but one that reminds him of what it took for there to be a 250th birthday, a Freedom 250. And he admitted he will take in as much scenery as he can.

“When you get to come to Washington, you’ve got to take the time to soak in all the history that’s here,” Rahal told me Thursday.

“It’s a spectacular place for sure.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

The inaugural Freedom 250 hits the streets of D.C., on Sunday. Here’s all the details on the one-of-a-kind INDYCAR event.

Lee Westwood hits back at Rory McIlroy’s ‘typical’ comments questioning the value of LIV Golf players to PGA Tour | Golf News

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Lee Westwood hit back at Rory McIlroy questioning the value of LIV golfers and claimed the comments were “typical” of the reigning Masters champion.

McIlroy warned ahead of the BMW Championship that it could be a “tough road back” for players wanting to return to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, with speculation ongoing around LIV Golf’s long-term future.

Scottie Scheffler said some LIV Golf players could bring value to the PGA Tour if they return, although warned there should be penalties for any who come back, a notion McIlroy appeared to disagree with.

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Scottie Scheffler believes that a few LIV players would add value to the PGA Tour, but says they should still receive penalties before being integrated back in

“I would argue, have they brought value to LIV?” McIlroy told reporters earlier this week. He later added: “I feel like I’ve kept my position consistent that LIV has never been a good thing for the game.”

Westwood will make his Legends Tour debut next week ahead of returning to the DP World Tour in October at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, with the Englishman one of multiple LIV Golf players to have accepted a sponsor’s invitation.

“I really don’t care what people think, to be perfectly honest,” Westwood told TNT Sports at LIV Golf Indianapolis.

Image:
Lee Westwood last featured at a DP World Tour event in 2023

“It [Alfred Dunhill Links Championship invite] illustrates the fact that people like LIV players in their events. Promoters and sponsors, no matter which tour they’re on, they [LIV golfers] bring quality to tournaments.

“I heard Rory’s comments. I thought Scottie [Scheffler] answered the question well and Rory’s answer was just typical of Rory, really – it wasn’t well thought out.

“There’s a lot of players on this tour [LIV Golf] bring value to tournaments.”

LIV Golf announced they have found an unnamed investor to help move into ‘the next chapter’, with chief executive Scott O’Neil warning they have a “very compressed timeline” to finalise funding to continue beyond the end of the 2026 season.

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Bryson DeChambeau said in May that LIV Golf players were left ‘surprised’ by the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s decision to withdraw funding

“Look, it’s tough – it’s not easy,” said Bryson DeChambeau, who has yet to confirm whether he will extend his own LIV Golf contract. “We [LIV Golf] definitely have a lot against us.

“Behind the scenes, we’ve got a lot of people that are working hard to make this possible for not only all the players that are out here, but all the fans that have come out to these events.

“If it works, it works and that’s awesome. If it doesn’t, we’ll figure things out and time will move on. I would say that time heals things. I hope people can see that we actually bring value to the game of golf. My wish is that people give us one more shot and be open-minded.”

Watch the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, majors and more throughout the season live on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.

Oklahoma Signs Brent Venables To Two-Year Extension: What’s Next For The Sooners?

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is sticking around for a little longer. Venables signed a two-year contract extension on Thursday, keeping him in Norman all the way through January of 2032.

Venables took over the program after former head coach Lincoln Riley left and went west to become USC’s head coach. Since he’s led the program, the Sooners have compiled a 32-20 overall record and one College Football Playoff appearance.

Especially since joining the SEC in the 2024 season, Venables has had to navigate the success of jumping from the Big 12 to the SEC. While the Sooners closed out their first SEC campaign 6-7 overall and 2-6 in conference play, they finished last season with a 10-3 overall record.

Last season was the program’s first double-digit winning season under Venables along with posting a 6-2 record in conference play.

(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

In terms of development off of Venables’ success, athletic director Roger Denny emphasized the importance of keeping Venables in place as head coach.

“Since I arrived at Oklahoma, I’ve had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Coach Venables, his staff and our student-athletes,” said Denny, who started as OU’s AD in February. “It didn’t take long to see how well suited he is to lead Oklahoma Football. Coach Venables is elite at building culture — not just in the locker room, but throughout the entire program. Our players are drawn to him. They trust him, they believe in him and he has a unique ability to connect with young men and bring out the best in them.

But how does an extra two years help the Sooners in the long run?

Especially in the evolving landscape that is college football, having a strong foundation in aspects like recruiting is important. While Venable’s background as a defensive coordinator has brought in elite defensive talent, Venables also helped bring in transfer quarterback John Mateer.

Mateer finished his first season in Norman with 2,885 passing yards, 22 total touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Despite Mateer facing some lingering injuries, he was seen as one of college football’s strongest quarterbacks.

Defensively, the Sooners went after star safeties Prince Ijioma and Dakoda Fields in the portal to play alongside safety Reggie Powers III. The program also added defensive lineman Patrick Payton, who is coming off a 10.5 sack season with the LSU Tigers.

As the College Football Playoff continues to navigate future formats, having Venables in Norman for the long-haul will be vital to the Sooners establishing dominance in conference play and the postseason. With two 10-win seasons under his belt and his first CFP, Venables has the tools to carry Oklahoma on the same path in the seasons to come.

The Sooners kick off their 2026 season at home against UTEP on Friday, Sept. 4.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Isack Hadjar: Red Bull driver hopeful of Monza return after wrist injury forces him out of Dutch Grand Prix | F1 News

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Isack Hadjar is hopeful he can return for the next Formula 1 race after a wrist injury forced him to miss this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.

Hadjar suffered the injury while boxing in training during the summer break earlier this month and will be replaced by Liam Lawson, who becomes the first driver to race again for Red Bull having previously being dropped by the team.

Yuki Tsunoda will take over Lawson’s seat at Racing Bulls alongside full-time driver Arvid Lindblad.

Sky Sports News understands Hadjar suffered a small crack in a bone in his wrist late last week in a routine workout before discussions with Red Bull medical staff led to the decision to miss the Sprint weekend at Zandvoort to allow more time for recovery before the next race at Monza.

Hadjar is at the track this weekend at Zandvoort to support Lawson and is hopeful of a return at the Italian Grand Prix, which takes place on September 4-6.

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Hadjar tells Karun Chandhok he’s pleased with how he’s performed alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull

Lawson: I’m much more comfortable compared to 18 months ago

Lawson was dropped from Red Bull after two disappointing races last year but did enough over the remainder of the 2025 season at Racing Bulls to retain his seat for this year.

The 24-year-old has been one of the stars in the midfield this season with eight points finishes and sits ninth in the Drivers’ Championship – only behind the Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull drivers.

“I’ve had a lot more races since then [being dropped from Red Bull]. I feel much more comfortable racing in this sport, but it’s going to be a very challenging weekend, for sure,” said Lawson.

“It’s a Sprint weekend, so it’s going to be a quick learning process. But that’s what we’re focused on, that’s what we tried to do in the simulator. If we can try and speed up that learning process as much as possible, then that would help our weekend.”

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Lawson sits down with Sky Sports F1’s Crofty to reveal his the tracks he’d take with him to a desert island

Tsunoda has been watching from the sidelines this year and has an opportunity to impress to find a seat on the grid in 2027, albeit his options appear to be limited following the recent re-signings of Verstappen at Red Bull plus Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon at Williams.

The Japanese driver revealed he was on holiday in Greece before getting a call on Tuesday to get ready to drive for Racing Bulls.

“When I heard, I was like half excited, half still doubtful because anything can happen, but I was super excited too,” he said.

“It was all confirmed that I’m racing this weekend. I’m super excited and physically I’m feeling ready. I’ve done a couple of TPCs [Testing of Previous Cars]. It will be my first time in this car but still, I’m very excited.

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Yuki Tsunoda admits he feels excited, but ‘half doubtful’ about the pressure of stepping up into the RB seat for the Dutch Grand Prix

“As far as I understand, I will be in the seat for now – this weekend – and also it depends on Isack’s recovery. I hope that recovery goes pretty fast. I’m not sure about the next Grand Prix but my objective is to have fun. I’ve been waiting for a long time. I was watching the screen for the last few months.

“Since the season started, I’ve been dying to be in the car and compete with the drivers. This moment I will just enjoy, and obviously give my 100 per cent performance. Hopefully that will bring some good results.”

Sky Sports F1’s live Dutch GP schedule

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With the last Formula 1 race coming up at Zandvoort, look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the Dutch Grand Prix

Saturday August 22
8.15am: F1 Academy Qualifying
10am: Dutch GP Sprint build-up
11am: DUTCH GP SPRINT*
1.30pm: F1 Academy Race 1
2.20pm: Dutch GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: DUTCH GP QUALIFYING*
5pm: Porsche Supercup Race 1

Sunday August 23
9.35am: F1 Academy Race 2
10.50am: Porsche Supercup Race 2
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up
2pm: THE DUTCH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Dutch GP reaction

*also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is at Zandvoort for a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix with every session live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

New Dolphins HC Jeff Hafley Sets Tone At Line of Scrimmage, Doing So Unconventionally

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — All coaches have their preferences and quirks, and new Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley has one: He doesn’t like 7-on-7 drills in practice.

They’re great for wide receivers and defensive backs, and some coaches like that it gives the big guys on both lines a period of relative rest, but Hafley, laying out the ground rules for Thursday’s joint practice with the New York Giants, insisted there would be no 7-on-7 work.

“We want to play real football,” he told reporters before practice, “and I want to see if we can block them, if we can pick up the pressures and our protections, if the quarterback can get rid of the ball on time, if the receivers can run the right routes so the ball can get out on time. So it’s going to have to be a team thing.”

It’s a bold move against a talented Giants front — there were plenty of would-be sacks whistled dead Thursday — but if you’re trying to stress the importance of winning the line of scrimmage, the message was appreciated there.

“Absolutely,” said center Aaron Brewer, a second-team All-Pro in a breakout season last year. “I can’t play 7-on-7, so whenever we’re out there and all working, that’s what it’s going to be. I feel like it translates from practice to the game. There are no days in a game where you’re running 7-on-7.”

New Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley has been setting the tone in practice. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

That’s echoed by defensive tackle Zach Sieler, the longest-tenured Dolphins player, here since 2019 and a leader in a locker room loaded with new arrivals.

“My thing is, how do we play on Sundays? It’s 11-on-11,” he said. “When you put every piece together, that’s how the game is played. You want to put game-like stress in practice, pushing us to the limits on every single play, and that’s something we focus on a lot this year.”

Miami went 7-10 last year, but traded off key players as part of a rebuild that included hiring Hafley and a new general manager in Jon-Eric Sullivan. There are few NFL teams with lower outside expectations than the Dolphins, too. The oddsmakers’ projected win total for the Dolphins is 4.5.

However, you won’t hear Hafley or his players use the low-hanging fruit of the perceived slight to fuel motivation.

“I just believe that if that’s what we’re using to motivate, we’re worried about the wrong things right now,” Hafley said. “That stuff wears off after a while. There’s only so much you can use it, only so much you can care about it. I want the motivation to come from within. I want the motivation to come because the players want to be great and the coaches want to be great, because they don’t want to let their teammates down … if you do that, it will last.”

Other Observations

The Giants’ defensive front is intimidating. One look late in practice had Pro Bowler Brian Burns and second-year pro Abdul Carter at edge, with Kayvon Thibodeaux as an interior rusher and rookie linebacker Arvell Reese standing directly over the A-gap as another potential rusher. They’ll miss Dexter Lawrence inside for sure, but they could easily improve on last year’s 39 sacks as a team. They’ll have a chance to show it early, opening the season against last year’s top two teams in total offense, the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams.
How much does Odell Beckham Jr. have left in the tank? At 33, his last NFL snaps were with the Dolphins in 2024, but he’s back where he started with the Giants. He’s wearing No. 3 now, but the stands were loaded with his old No. 13 on Thursday, and he took time to do selfies and autographs with fans after practice. New York’s top veteran receivers (Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin) combined for just seven touchdown catches last year, so even if he’s used as a red-zone specialist, he can help the group there.
I’ve been to a dozen or so morning practices in Tampa in the past month, and Miami is so much hotter. The Dolphins have lots of shaded seating for fans at their practice facility and for media as needed. On the sidelines, with only two 10-minute periods where reporters can take video clips of practice, my trusty iPhone didn’t make it. I got the “TEMPERATURE” black screen of death popping up midway through the second period. My trifecta of way-too-hot Florida NFL camps concludes next week with two days of joint practices for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jaguars in Jacksonville, where there’s little relief from the August sun.
Newly signed Giants running back Najee Harris looked healthy Thursday, showing little sign that he tore his Achilles tendon last year with the Los Angeles Chargers. He signed a league-minimum, non-guaranteed contract, but if he can showcase himself in the next two weeks, the Giants have a tough decision regarding their running back depth. Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy seem safely entrenched as the top two backs, so the odd man out might be Devin Singletary, who already took a major pay cut to stay with the team. In the last eight games last season, he totaled 28 carries for 83 yards, less than three yards a carry, even with Skattebo out with injury.

Players To Watch

Offensive guard is not a sexy position for a high draft pick, but the Giants and Dolphins both took guards in the top 12, with New York getting Miami (Fla.)’s Francis Mauigoa at No. 10 and Miami getting Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor at 12. Proctor is massive, listed at 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds and already making a strong impression.

“He’s a big guy. He’s fast, he’s physical, and he’s just a smart young guy,” Brewer said of Proctor. “He buys in and gives his effort, so he’s just a great football player.”

Miami left tackle Patrick Paul is 6-7 and bigger than the 326 pounds he’s listed at, so Miami could have the largest left side in the NFL.

Quote Of The Day

“Overall, dominant. I feel like we didn’t play to the standard that I hold us to, or our leaders hold our defense to because coming out as our first joint, trying to be smart, make sure everybody gets taken care of, but at the same time, they’re not our team. So, when you have an opportunity to hit them, you hit them. And you hold them up and they get hit again.

“We started to do that later on, towards the middle of the day and the rest of the day on. But we had splashes in the beginning, but I wanted to swarm from when we first got out here and it just took a little bit to get going, but I understand it’s our first joint [practice]. But I let it be known, we don’t wait to get punched in the mouth. That didn’t happen, but we don’t wait to get punched in the mouth to fire off on somebody.”

— Giants edge rusher Brian Burns on his team’s physicality against the Dolphins.

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Flat action from Ffos Las | Racing News

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We have a busy day’s racing on Friday with flat action from Ffos Las, live on Sky Sports Racing…

2.10 Ffos Las – Recent winners Sixtygeesbaby and Safari Dream headline

The opening Ascona Ladies Fuelled By Fashion Handicap is a belter where Sixtygeesbaby and Safari Dream headline six runners.

Sixtygeesbaby had been showing signs of a revival on his last few starts before claiming a Carlisle handicap earlier this month and a similar effort would put him in the mix.

Safari Dream looks an obvious threat for Rod Millman and Finley Marsh. Rated much higher in the past, he bounced back to winning form over this course and distance and makes plenty of appeal despite a two-pound rise.

Pull The Rug could be the pick of the remainder.

3.20 Ffos Las – Korbut, Likeness and Reader seek elusive first victory

A trappy affair with just the three runners for this Ascona Ladies In Lace Maiden Stakes at 3.20pm.

Korbut has claimed silver on five of her seven starts including the last four runs this summer. Rated 73, she should make a bold bid if able to reproduce her latest run back on the turf.

Marcus Tregoning saddles Reader who has a little to find of official figures but is lightly raced and may have more to give over this extra distance.

Likeness will be popular as he makes his debut for Jack Channon having left the George Boughey team. Top-rated on 74, she will need to be monitored in the betting on this return from 138 days off.

2.45 Ffos Las – Kaleidoscope Eyes and Oviedo face off

Kaleidoscope Eyes and Oviedo face off in the Ascona Ladies Chic Fashion Handicap at 2.45pm.

Oviedo was third in an Acomb back in 2022 and he now contests much shallower waters for the Alexandra Dunn yard. He showed he still retains plenty of ability when winning by a staggering 12 lengths at this track last week and he is well-in under this five-pound penalty.

Kaleidoscope Eyes is an infrequent winner but, having been narrowly denied here in July, she went two better when scoring on her last start and can go well again here.

Others to note include Rod Millman’s Cypriot Diaspora.

Best of the rest

2.15 Clairefontaine – Interesting contest.

NFL Catchup: Fernando Mendoza Misses The Mark, George Kittle Gets Positive Update

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

If Fernando Mendoza felt like he was on top of the world with his standout performance in his preseason debut last week, then the Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback received a slice of humble pie on Thursday.

Mendoza’s outing against the Texans highlighted another busy day of news across the NFL. The rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall pick played the entire first half of the Raiders’ win over the Texans, but had his fair share of struggles.

Elsewhere, a San Francisco 49ers star received good news on the injury front, while the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints were disciplined for their several fights at Wednesday’s joint practice.

Here’s what you need to know about what happened around the NFL on Thursday.

Expectations were high when news broke that No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza would start Thursday night for the Las Vegas Raiders, but the former Indiana Hoosier quickly ran into trouble against the Houston Texans.

Mendoza threw a pick-six on his third pass of the game. Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz jumped his pass over the middle, returning it 80 yards for a score.

It set the tone for a relatively underwhelming night for Mendoza. He completed 8 of 16 passes for 86 yards, leading Las Vegas to just three points as he played the entirety of the first half.

Aidan O’Connell had better luck against the Texans’ defense. The Raiders’ backup quarterback completed 15 of 24 passes as he led his team to a 22-20 comeback victory, erasing a 20-3 halftime deficit.

There is a real scenario where San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle could return as early as the regular season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Kittle had a visit with Dr. Neal ElAttrache that was “encouraging” on Wednesday, as it’s believed he’s ahead of schedule with his recovery from an Achilles tear he suffered in January, ESPN reported.

Kittle hasn’t been a full participant in 49ers practice yet this training camp. However, he expressed optimism that he could return by the start of the regular season when he met with reporters earlier in the week.

Despite missing time due to injuries he suffered prior to his Achilles tear, Kittle was efficient for the 49ers last year. In 11 games, he racked up 57 receptions, 628 yards and seven touchdowns.

Adding Kittle back would be a positive development for San Francisco’s offense and quarterback Brock Purdy. The unit has already lost wide receiver Ricky Pearsall for the entirety of the season, causing them to sign veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel after camp started.

After missing the playoffs for three straight seasons, Joe Burrow is done waiting. The Cincinnati Bengals’ star quarterback made it clear on Thursday that the time for “next year” excuses is over and it’s now or never for a Super Bowl run.

“I’m trying to put it out into the world,” Burrow told reporters. “I’m trying to manifest it. I’m trying to show our guys the urgency that I have and that I want us to have as an organization to go and make it happen.”

Burrow iterated that the urgency starts now for the Bengals.

“Life is too short to keep pushing things down the road, and I’m trying to instill some urgency and some intensity in everybody to go and be great every day and try to make it happen,” Burrow said.

Despite being limited to just eight games in Cincinnati, Burrow produced impressive numbers. He completed 66.8% of his passes for 1,809 yards with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also threw at least three touchdowns in three of those eight appearances for the Bengals last season.

Cowboys, Saints Fined

The NFL fined the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints $500,000 each on Thursday following altercations during their joint practice in Oxnard, California.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters that he plans to appeal the fine. But he also expressed remorse over his team’s actions.

“All of that makes it a real focal point of the league to stay within good sport, and the taking of helmets off, swinging and hitting, and that type of thing is not good for anybody, and it’s certainly not what we want to represent to our fans and as a league or as a team,” Jones said.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke about his team’s conduct following the joint practice.

“Not the way we like to do business,” Schottenheimer said. “Got to be better, but I’ve got to look at the film. We’re certainly not going to take s— from anybody.”

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta missed multiple practices this week with a hip injury, putting his status for Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints in doubt.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell was blunt when asked if LaPorta would be able to go when the regular season starts.

“I don’t know. I feel like we’ll be OK, but I don’t know,” Campbell told reporters.

“It flared up a little bit, it’s a little aggravated. But we feel good long-term about him. We’ll rest him for a little bit here and letting it calm down,” Campbell added.

LaPorta played nine games in 2025 before a disc injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year.

Injury News & Notes

The Houston Texans started quarterback C.J. Stroud against the Las Vegas Raiders. He only played one series, completing 4 of 6 passes for 27 yards and leading Houston to a touchdown.
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken announced that running back Quinshon Judkins was held out of practice Thursday due to a “nagging injury.”
The San Francisco 49ers withheld both running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Mike Evans from Thursday night’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Quarterback Brock Purdy played, completing 4 of 6 passes for 29 yards.
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters that quarterback Geno Smith will play in Friday’s preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Smith didn’t play in the Jets’ preseason opener against the Buccaneers

Premier League predictions & Jones Knows’ best bets: Champions again, ole, ole? Arsenal to make fast start on FNF | Football News

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Arsenal vs Coventry, Friday 8pm, live on Sky Sports

Arsenal look ready to go again. They are the team to beat.

And this is a lovely pipe opener for the season, where they are 1/6 with Sky Bet to get off to a winning start against the new boys. It should be relatively straightforward.

For a betting angle, Myles Lewis-Skelly is being seen as a genuine central midfielder now and, in the seven games he has started in that position, he has averaged 4.3 foul involvements (fouls won + fouls committed) per 90.

The four-or-more line has landed in six of those seven matches and it’s a great bet to land again at 10/11 with Sky Bet.

Coventry have deliberately added power and athleticism to their midfield ahead of their return to the Premier League which bodes well for fouls in central areas. Frank Onyeka, on loan last season, is the obvious example. He averaged 2.5 fouls drawn per 90 last season, while club-record signing Caleb Yirenkyi brings another energetic, aggressive presence into the middle of the pitch.

Lewis-Skelly will be in the thick of it.

SCORE PREDICTION: 3-0 | JONES KNOWS’ BEST BET: Myles Lewis-Skelly +4 foul involvements (10/11 with Sky Bet)

Hull City vs Manchester United, Saturday 12.30pm

Can Michael Carrick turn last season’s third-place finish into something sustainable and does the squad have enough depth to carry them through what will be a relentless schedule? I’ve got doubts.

Carrick has a squad packed with attacking quality, while adding greater technical ability and physicality in midfield. He also appears to have created a more flexible possession structure.

But United still have issues about preventing games becoming chaotic and offering up chances to the opposition. Under Carrick they averaged 1.5 expected goals against per 90 last season – but only conceded 1.05 goals per game.

Even in pre-season, their collapse against AC Milan offered a warning that not much has changed in that regard.

Fuelled by their strong start to the season, Hull can add to the goals in what promises to be a high-scoring encounter. Both teams to score looks a solid play at 10/11 with Sky Bet.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-3

Everton vs Crystal Palace, Saturday 3pm – PLAY SUPER 6 HERE!

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was outstanding in pre-season, earning the penalty from which Iliman Ndiaye scored in the 1-1 draw with Lille and was named man of the match. This isn’t a surprise based on what we saw from him last season for Everton where he ranked 11th for all midfielders in the Premier League for goals and assists per 90 at 0.41.

His relentless energy gives David Moyes a midfielder who can arrive late in the box, press and carry the ball forward. He is 11/8 with Sky Bet to score or assist in a game Everton will fancy taking maximum points from.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-0

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Sky Sports writers have given their Premier League predictions ahead of the new season, including their hot take and one to watch!

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds, Saturday 3pm – PLAY SUPER 6 HERE!

Morgan Gibbs-White was phenomenal towards the end of last season, finishing with 15 Premier League goals and scoring seven in his last six games. The change of manager is an exciting one for Gibbs-White’s numbers this season.

Tactically, Gibbs-White is perfect for the two attacking-midfielder positions behind the striker that Oliver Glasner likes to employ. And when Glasner gets his hands on a talented forward playing his vertical style, the result is usually a huge improvement in goal returns for that player.

Gibbs-White can get off the mark here at 9/4 with Sky Bet in the anytime goalscorer market.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1

Ipswich vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

Second season syndrome could be about to bite Sunderland, especially with the added stress of a European campaign to negotiate.

Since Leicester won the Premier League title in 2016, non “big-six” teams who undertake a European campaign following a season of no European football on average take 12.5 fewer points in the next season.

The extra workload and potential prioritisation of the European competition later in the season do have a negative impact on Premier League form. Even if looking at last season in isolation provides a great snapshot of the issue with Newcastle (-17), Nottingham Forest (-21) and Crystal Palace (-8) all regressing their league form whilst competing in Europe.

They also overachieved by 13 points last season based on Opta’s expected goals model and were a bottom three team based on those metrics. The last seven teams to have finished five or more places higher than their expected finishing position have suffered regression in terms of their league position in the next season.

Sunderland look a bet to be relegated at 3/1 with Sky Bet and Ipswich might just set the tone for the season ahead with a home win at 8/5 with Sky Bet.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1

Brentford vs Tottenham, Saturday 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports – PLAY SUPER 6 HERE!

Roberto De Zerbi is one of the most exciting yet volatile managers in world football. He makes Spurs a thrilling prospect this season, but Micky van de Ven’s absence for the opener creates opportunities for those looking to side with Brentford.

You don’t want a brand-new centre-back partnership facing Igor Thiago, Kevin Schade and Dango Ouattara in the first competitive match of the season. Especially when Tottenham are likely to defend with a high line while trying to dominate possession. De Zerbi’s possession game should create opportunities for Brentford’s transition tactics.

Goals look on the menu so backing the Bees to score over 1.5 goals at evens rates as a tasty angle.

SCORE PREDICTION: 3-2

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Sky Sports’ Dave Reed explains how no European football for Spurs and Chelsea this season could help them climb further up the Premier League table and maybe even inspire a title charge.

Brighton vs Aston Villa, Sunday 2pm, live on Sky Sports – PLAY SUPER 6 HERE!

Sunday 23rd August 1:00pm

Kick off 2:00pm

Brighton have spent the summer refining whilst Aston Villa have spent it rebuilding.

That explains why the Seagulls are being priced up as the favourites at 6/5 with Sky Bet.

However, Unai Emery has been through this kind of rebuild before and is renowned for his consistency and ability to overcome the loss of key players. Since taking over at Valencia in 2008/09, he has finished every season in the top seven of the league he has managed in – 15 out of 15, with an average finishing position of 4.3.

It makes the argument for him being the best pound-for-pound manager in the league right now very watertight. With Emery in their corner, I’m going to be backing Villa to win games a lot this season – starting here on the draw no bet at 5/4 with Sky Bet.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2

Manchester City vs Bournemouth, Sunday 2pm, live on Sky Sports – PLAY SUPER 6 HERE!

Marco Rose is about as logical a replacement as Bournemouth could have found. His Red Bull background should preserve the aggressive pressing, vertical attacking and willingness to turn matches into transition battles. Crucially, he was appointed early enough to oversee a proper handover rather than having to start from scratch in August.

I’m expecting Bournemouth to be ready to go here whilst Man City’s new system is still bedding in without Pep Guardiola.

Both teams to score in a game where the goals go over 3.5 is an option to consider at 5/4 with Sky Bet through their BuildABet function.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-2

Newcastle vs Liverpool, Sunday 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports – PLAY SUPER 6 HERE!

Sunday 23rd August 4:00pm

Kick off 4:30pm

Alexander Isak is walking back into the lion’s den.

A year ago, the Swedish striker detonated the situation with Newcastle by declaring that his relationship with the club “cannot continue”, citing broken promises and a lack of trust. What followed was an acrimonious £130m move to Liverpool and a summer of fury on Tyneside.

The interesting betting angle isn’t whether he scores.

It’s whether Newcastle kick him. And Sky Bet offer a “to be fouled” market, which is the perfect way to attack an Isak bet.

Image:
Liverpool’s Alexander Isak is 4/1 to be fouled +2 times

His historical fouls-won numbers are actually quite low, which explains why the bookmakers have priced this market so generously. We can get [10/11] on him being fouled once or more and [4/1] on two or more. Both are fantastic wagers as the market is pricing Isak’s usual foul-winning profile. It isn’t pricing the narrative.

Isak is going to have a target on his back.

Every time he gets the ball, the noise will go up. Every time he turns a Newcastle defender, there will be a reaction.

And if one of Newcastle’s midfielders or defenders clatters into him?

St James’ Park will erupt.

There is an incredibly easy way for a Newcastle player to get the crowd involved: put Isak on the floor.

I’m not suggesting anything premeditated, but rather the natural aggression that comes with a fiercely competitive opening-day game, amplified by an atmosphere that is likely to be particularly hostile towards one man.

SCORE PREDICTION: 2-2 | JONES KNOWS BEST BET: Alexander Isak to be fouled +1 times (10/11 with Sky Bet) & Isak to be fouled +2 times (4/1 with Sky Bet)

Fulham vs Chelsea, Monday 8pm, live on Sky Sports

Chelsea have appointed a manager in Xabi Alonso with a proper, recognisable football philosophy rather than another coach who will simply try to get the best out of the existing squad. His work at Bayer Leverkusen shows the real Alonso and he can be forgiven for being swallowed up by the Real Madrid circus.

To get the Blues competitive in a season when they have the advantage of no extra games is hardly an impossible task. They could even emerge as Arsenal’s closest challengers. If that is to be the case, then winning away at a Fulham side now shrouded in uncertainty over their future would be a significant step. Marco Silva provided tactical clarity, Premier League know-how and, at the very least, the security of consistent mid-table finishes. With that safety net gone, Fulham are now playing a risky game.

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Morgan Rogers speaks to Sky Sports for the first time after his big money move to Chelsea, explaining why the Blues felt right and how he’s going to play with mate Cole Palmer.

Chelsea look one of the good things of the weekend at 17/20 with Sky Bet.

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2 | JONES KNOWS’ BEST BET: Chelsea to win (17/20 with Sky Bet)

Jones Knows’ best bets…

1pt on Myles Lewis-Skelly +4 foul involvements (10/11 with Sky Bet)
1pt on Chelsea to beat Fulham (17/20 with Sky Bet)
1pt on Alexander Isak to be fouled +1 times (10/11 with Sky Bet)
1pt on Alexander Isak to be fouled +2 times (4/1 with Sky Bet)

Could A Freedom 250 Win Cement Alex Palou As This Series’ Best INDYCAR Driver?

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The inaugural Freedom 250 is the first race of its kind and could provide a turning point in terms of champions; as driver Àlex Palou is on the brink of a near fourth-consecutive INDYCAR title.

Palou has been the driver to beat this season, clinching wins in the Grand Prix St. Petersburg, Grand Prix of Long Beach, Detroit Grand Prix, Music City Grand Prix in Nashville and most recently the Grand Prix of Portland.

A win for Palou – and a ninth place or lower finish for Kyle Kirkwood – would solidify Palou’s title. If Palou does not place first, he has three more chances: Milwaukee Mile Race 1 and 2 and the Grand Prix of Monterey.

Following his win at Portland, Palou surged to a 542-point lead, with Kirkwood trailing by 133 points with 409. Ahead of the Freedom 250, Palou has the chance to cement his title win.

Christian Lundgaard joined Thursday’s edition of First Things First to talk about the expectations for Palou ahead of Sunday’s race.

“He has proven well enough by now that he’s not going to crack under pressure. We can try as hard as we want…To catch him it is mathematically possible,” Lundgaard said on First Things First. “He’s probably the best INDYCAR driver the series has seen… He just keeps proving us all wrong.”

While Palou emerges as the favorite to take home his seventh win, it’s hard to look past other talented drivers competing for a victory in Washington D.C.

Kirkwood will be a driver to watch come Sunday. Although his performance at Markham was decent – started 22nd and finished 21st – he still sits in second place. Kirkwood’s last win came in Arlington in March.

Freedom 250 is slated to begin Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET, on FOX and the green flag for the main race is expected to wave around 1:13 p.m. ET.

INDYCAR Related Stories

Bryson DeChambeau hopes LIV Golf gets ‘one more chance’ as league has ‘a lot’ against them in bid to secure future | Golf News

August 21, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Bryson DeChambeau admits LIV Golf has ‘a lot’ against them to secure their long-term future but hopes the circuit will get ‘one more shot’ to survive beyond this season.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced in April they would end their financial backing to LIV Golf beyond the 2026 season, which is finishing a week early due to the cancellation of their Team Championship.

LIV Golf announced they have found an unnamed investor to help move into ‘the next chapter’ but uncertainty continues around the league, with speculation over players potentially leaving and how the schedule may look going forward.

Image:
Bryson DeChambeau captains Crushers GC in the LIV Golf League

DeChambeau has remained heavily involved in conversations about the league’s next steps, despite his LIV Golf contract expiring after this season, with the two-time US Open champion still optimistic about a positive resolution.

“Look, it’s tough – it’s not easy,” DeChambeau said after his opening round 65 in Indianapolis, leaving him three strokes behind early pacesetter Laurie Canter. “We [LIV Golf] definitely have a lot against us.

“I think, behind the scenes, we’ve got a lot of people that are working hard to make this possible for not only all the players that are out here, but all the fans that have come out to these events.

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Scottie Scheffler believes that a few LIV players would add value to the PGA Tour, but says they should still receive penalties before being integrated back in

“The economic impact that we’ve made in all of these places, whether it’s South Africa, here in Indianapolis or Australia and numerous places across the world, the UK and all the different places we’ve been in the US.

“I think we just have a bit of a responsibility to continue to show this. If it works, it works and that’s awesome. If it doesn’t, we’ll figure things out and time will move on.

“I would say that time heals things. I hope people can see that we actually bring value to the game of golf. My wish is that people give us one more shot and be open minded.”

The American’s comments came a day after LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil warned of a ‘very compressed timeline’ to finalise fresh investment, where he also praised DeChambeau’s support in trying to secure the league’s future.

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“I have a lot of time for Bryson – I talk to him quite a bit,” O’Neil said in his pre-tournament press conference.

“Having spent 30 years in this business of sports, spending time with professional athletes for most of it, I’ve never met one who’s truly… not what they say but what they do, truly focused and be mission driven.

“He cares about the global game of golf. He cares about building this next generation of fans. I don’t think anybody works harder on or off the course. Bryson has become a good friend, a good advocate of the league.

Image:
DeChambeau has been working with O’Neil in a bid to help secure LIV Golf’s future

“I certainly hope he’s with us for the future. He’s been extremely supportive, as I can say most of the big guys have been.”

LIV Golf remain hopeful their 2027 schedule can feature five marquee Team Championships across five continents, with five team Signature Events positioned around majors, while the new proposed investor met players ahead of this week’s event.

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Bryson DeChambeau said in May that LIV Golf players were left ‘surprised’ by the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s decision to withdraw funding

“It has definitely been an uncertain time the last few months and that’s probably played on a lot of guys’ minds,” Dean Burmester said after his opening round. “But we had a great meeting with our investor this week and I feel it went really well.

“The proposed LIV 2.0, whatever you want to call it, I think it’s very promising and it looks great. I think the model is certainly sustainable, very sustainable.

“The trickle-down effect of all of those things is going to do massive things all over the world. All of this is way bigger than life, and it’s probably above my pay grade, but it was a really positive meeting and long may it continue.”

Watch the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, majors and more throughout the season live on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.

Joe Burrow Is Trying To ‘Manifest’ Super Bowl Win For Bengals This Season

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

It’s now or never for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals; Burrow made that crystal clear on Thursday morning when speaking to reporters.

The Bengals’ star quarterback is done with the “next year” talk and patience. For him, the time to win is right now.

“I’m trying to put it out into the world,” Burrow said. “I’m trying to manifest it. I’m trying to show our guys the urgency that I have and that I want us to have as an organization to go and make it happen.”

The front office loaded up the roster, putting all the pressure squarely on Cincinnati to deliver before this championship window starts to officially close for good in a competitive AFC North.

After missing the postseason for three straight years following their 2021 Super Bowl run, the clock is ticking for this Bengals core. If Burrow has made anything clear, it’s that this season might be their final shot together.

“You can keep pushing it down the road, or you can talk about it now and say this is the year, and I’m tired of saying next year, next year, next year,” Burrow said. “This is it.”

(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Ever since Burrow and the Bengals nearly beat the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI, expectations have remained high. However, Burrow has struggled with injuries, and the defense has arguably been one of the most inconsistent units in the league.

The offensive unit has been one of the most explosive in the league with Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and the emergence of running back Chase Brown. On paper, it has the potential to be the top overall offense in the league, but inconsistency has been its Achilles’ heel.

That urgency peaked during Thursday’s press conference, where Burrow made it clear he is tired of waiting for next year.

It remains unclear if Burrow was subtly hinting that this could be his final run in Cincinnati, framing it as his last real opportunity to push for a ring with the franchise. Trade speculation had already surfaced during the offseason, with rumors suggesting he might be looking for an exit.

Whether Burrow was hinting at an eventual departure remains to be seen, but he made his goals clear.

Arsenal transfer news: Gabriel Jesus of interest to Everton and Ipswich as Gunners consider Eli Junior Kroupi move – Paper Talk | Football News

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal have fielded enquiries from Everton and Ipswich for Gabriel Jesus as the Brazilian eyes a Premier League stay – Mirror

Arsenal are reportedly lining up a potential January swoop for Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi – The Sun

Adam Wharton is set to stay at Crystal Palace this season amid interest from Manchester City – The Sun

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has told any of his team-mates not up for the challenge this season to leave the club – Mirror

Man Utd are reportedly set to see their transfer coffers boosted with former star Willy Kambwala close to joining Como – The Sun

Premier League players will again take the knee following a discussion between club captains – Daily Mail

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Sky Sports’ Ben Ransom takes a look at who Manchester City will now target in the final stages of the transfer window following the departures of nine players this summer

WORLD FOOTBALL

Gianni Infantino wants to split the European and North American coalition that is seeking to oust him by attending a junior tournament in the Dominican Republic this weekend in another gamble to cling on to power from the FIFA president – Guardian

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Rangers have reportedly made a “strong” transfer push to snap up Girona forward Minsu Kim this summer – Daily Record

Celtic are reportedly the latest top side to declare an interest in Girona winger Yaser Asprilla – Daily Record

Rangers have held talks with Besiktas over a move for Vaclav Cerny – but fear they will be priced out of a sensational swoop for the former loan star – Daily Record

TENNIS

Former World No1 tennis star Simona Halep has hit out at Nick Kyrgios following the Australian’s positive cocaine test bombshell – Daily Mail

CRICKET

A second cricketing etiquette storm has exploded at the Over-60 World Cup in Canada just weeks after Saltburn’s ‘Clicky Ponting’ became international news – Daily Mail

RUGBY UNION

Leicester Tigers have been mocked for their new alternate shirt, which fans have compared to pyjamas – Telegraph

CYCLING

Josh Tarling will start the Vuelta a Espana this weekend just eight days after the tragic death of his brother Finlay, his team have confirmed – Daily Mail

Patriots WR A.J. Brown Shows Eagles Who’s No. 1 In Dominant Performance

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — A.J. Brown wears the number one on his jersey. And that made sense in just about every way during the New England Patriots’ joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles this week.

He was the best receiver on either team during the sessions. He was the Patriots’ No. 1 weapon. He was worth a first-round pick — a “1” — in a trade between the two teams this offseason. And he was the No. 1 point of interest as fans and media members watched practices.

It’s because of the trade, of course. It’s because of the drama that unfolded between Brown and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. It’s about Brown’s criticisms of the “passing game” when he was in Philly. It’s about Brown openly mocking his own lack of production in 2025.

And it’s about the fresh start in New England.

“He looks a little better, a little faster,” Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell said after practice Wednesday. “He’s going to keep getting better. … He just gives you so many tough battles and tough assignments. It was really just great to go out there and compete with him again today.”

With Brown’s unpredictability, however, there’s always the wonder of: What will he do next — on the field and off it? (And will something go wrong?) That’s why a reporter asked Hurts if he’d give any advice to Patriots quarterback Drake Maye about getting the most out of Brown.

“I think Drake has had a lot of success already, so I don’t know what my advice would do,” Hurts said Wednesday. “I just think he needs to continue the progression that he’s on.”

Brown didn’t speak to Hurts before or after that first practice. Nor did Brown connect with Eagles WR1 DeVonta Smith on day one. But during the second day, Brown walked over to Smith to chat for a few minutes. Brown then found Hurts after practice on Thursday.

“It’s not about no closure or anything,” Brown said after Wednesday’s joint practice. “It’s love. I won a Super Bowl ring with them. It’s always going to be love no matter how anyone feels. I love Philly and I will always love Philly. But I’m here now and this is where my feet are and that’s where I’m focusing.”

It felt inauspicious when Brown started competitive drills on Wednesday in a one-on-one against former teammate Quinyon Mitchell. Though Brown created easy separation on a fade route, running directly downfield for the end zone, Maye underthrew the ball and Mitchell logged a relatively easy pass breakup. But Brown argued it wasn’t exactly clean.

“Q got away with a little holding,” Brown said with a laugh. “I won, he pulled himself back into the play, and I just have to finish the play. My right hand didn’t get to the ball quick enough. My left hand got on the ball. That’s on me. … That could have been a 40-yard bomb, but now it’s a long foul ball. Those are the things I’m focusing on.”

That play did not, however, prove predictive of how Brown would fare over the two days when he had more than 10 catches in team drills and countless touchdowns. He spent most of the two days running against Mitchell — with a few matchups against cornerback Riq Woolen, the No. 2 option in Philly.

In one case, Maye’s ball placement to Brown proved simply impossible to defend, with the Patriots QB dropping the pass over Woolen for a big catch-and-run for Brown.

Brown’s most dominant play came in an 11-on-11 red zone drill. He couldn’t get open in the end zone, trying to work to the sideline, where Mitchell had outside leverage (blocking Brown’s path). Maye looked at the situation and, while it was a no-throw look, the QB threw it that way anyway. Brown fought back for the ball and a touchdown. It was a sign of how much Maye has come to trust Brown. They had no business attempting — let alone completing — the play.

They did it, anyway.

The Eagles, meanwhile, were feeling Brown’s absence — and then some. Top receivers Smith and rookie Makai Lemon were both out with hamstring strains, which left Hurts to work with Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks and Britain Covey, among others. Hurts threw three interceptions in 7-on-7s on Wednesday and then threw two more in 11-on-11s on Thursday.

This passing offense might require patience from the fans in Philly. I’m just not sure that we can expect patience from the fans in Philly.

Other Observations From Patriots-Eagles Joint Practice:

Saquon Barkley Looks Ready To Take Over Philly’s Offense (Again)

Saquon Barkley looked about as quick and explosive as I’ve seen him. This is the time of year when teams blow smoke about breakout players and resurgent players and best-shape-of-their-life players. But it’s not an exaggeration to say that the 29-year-old running back dominated the Patriots’ defense on the first day of practice. He was solid on day two.

(Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)

It was all the more impressive considering the Eagles’ struggles in the passing game. It’s easy to imagine that, without Brown, Barkley could become the lifeblood of the unit, both as a runner and pass-catcher.

“We’ll see the Saquon of two years ago,” Eagles tackle Lane Johnson said after day one. “We’ll see the big plays. We’ll see him flexed out at receiver. We’ll see him in the screen game. You saw a bit of it [Wednesday].”

If that’s true (and it looked like it might be), the Eagles will once again be dangerous, even without Brown.

Beware Of Dontayvion Wicks And Other One-On-One Wonders

Be careful of what you see in one-on-one drills (like in the video below) — as opposed to what’s reported about team drills. They can tell two different stories. Don’t get me wrong, it’s incredible to watch the drama unfold in a one-on-one. But it’s also not exactly real football like an 11-on-11 or even a 7-on-7. (There’s also a reason you’ll mostly see one-on-one clips on social media. Because of team rules, it’s generally OK to record one-on-ones but it’s not allowed, league-wide, for reporters to record 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s.)

So that’s all to say: Some guys shine in one-on-ones and then disappear in 11-on-11s … when it counts. And in these practices, Eagles receiver Dontayvion Wicks was one of those guys. Many members of the fantasy community have already turned him into their darling — or sleeper.

I’d like to offer a word of caution: Wicks had every reason to shine in team drills, with Smith and Lemon injured — and Patriots cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis also injured. Yet in all his work with Hurts on day one, Wicks had two catches on three targets — and the missed pass wasn’t just an incompletion (in 7-on-7), it tipped off Wicks’ hands and deflected into the hands of Patriots safety Charles Woods. On day two, Wicks had another drop and, later, he saw Marcus Jones undercut his route for an interception on Hurts.

Patriots LT Will Campbell Has A Big Booster After Postseason Struggles

After the Super Bowl, there was as much interest in Patriots left tackle Will Campbell as any offensive lineman in recent memory — at least in New England. Campbell struggled mightily during the playoffs, and those issues culminated in the Super Bowl when he allowed 14 pressures and a sack against the Seattle Seahawks.

It was a terrible performance by the rookie, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But listen to what five-time All-Pro tackle Johnson had to say about spending the offseason working with Campbell.

“Will just kind of reminds me of myself in a way. Just a country kid, drafted first round, so I know the kind of pressures that are on guys like that. And so, for me, I thought he had a really good rookie season,” Johnson said Wednesday. “You can see him getting better. He looks thicker, bigger. He’s healed up from his knee injury.”

I’ve referred to Gonzalez’s absence already in this postcard. The Pro Bowl corner was not on the field for any of the Patriots’ three joint practices with the Eagles and the Colts. It feels like it wasn’t that big of a storyline, because the opponents’ top receivers (Smith and Alec Pierce) weren’t on the field either.

But Gonzalez is the Patriots’ most important defender. It’s a big deal he’s not there.

It’s a bigger deal that New England still hasn’t exactly clarified why he’s not there. Head coach Mike Vrabel hasn’t outright said that Gonzalez is injured. The coach also hasn’t outright confirmed that Gonzalez is holding in. But that’s what’s clearly happening, even if no one will admit it.

The cornerback wants a big contract, and while the Patriots and Gonzalez’s camps did discuss an extension back at the combine in February, per a source, there doesn’t seem to have been much progress.

“Josh [McDaniels] is incredible, man. He’s making my job a lot easier, and he’s creating matchups for me, moving me around.” — A.J. Brown, who worked with four different offensive coordinators in four years in Philly

Long-Term View

For the Eagles, it’s really about getting their top two receivers, Smith and Lemon, healthy. Barkley, Hurts and tight end Dallas Goedert are good players. But this offense will need help at receiver to truly reach its full potential.

That isn’t to say Philly should rush Smith and Lemon back. The Eagles have the Commanders in Week 1 and the Titans in Week 2. Both are beatable — perhaps even without those two guys. But by Weeks 3 and 4, when they’ll have to face the Bears and the Rams, the Eagles will want their receivers healthy and in-sync with Hurts.

Philly’s defense is definitely going to be good — but maybe not transcendent. Given what we saw from the Patriots’ offense (which posted really strong performances), it seems good teams will be able to move the ball on the Eagles. And so the offense won’t be able to rely quite as much on the defense.

For New England, it’s really starting to look like Super Bowl or bust. The Patriots have now drubbed the Colts and the Eagles over three total days of joint practices. Drake Maye appears to have continued to progress in the ways the Patriots wanted. He had a boneheaded interception each day, so it’s not perfect. But Brown makes life a whole lot easier. And defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones and receiver Romeo Doubs, both offseason additions, are quietly proving their worth, too.

The Patriots still need some help off the edge. There are also some lingering questions about the quality they’ll get from their interior offensive line. But on the whole, this team will be in terrific shape when it gets Gonzalez and Davis back in the starting lineup. There’s continuity. There’s more talent. There might be a tougher schedule, but the Patriots took the time and spent the money to fortify themselves against the increased degree of difficulty.

NFL Related Stories

Carlos Alcaraz: Fabrizio Romano breaks news US Open champion is to make comeback from wrist injury at Flushing Meadows | Tennis News

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Carlos Alcaraz will make his comeback from a wrist injury at the US Open as he seeks to defend his title at Flushing Meadows.

The seven-time grand slam champion has not played on the ATP Tour since April, when he withdrew from the Barcelona Open with a wrist issue, with Alcaraz missing his defence of his French Open title and Wimbledon.

Alcaraz was due to return at the Cincinnati Open this month before withdrawing from that event, then enlisted the help of football transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano to announce his US Open comeback.

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Both posted the news on Instagram, while Alcaraz also shared Romano’s ‘here we go’ catchphrase on X along with the United States flag.

Romano said on Instagram: “Here we go! Carlos Alcaraz will return to the tour at the US Open after spending four months sidelined with a right wrist injury. Ready to come back.”

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The Spaniard remains at No 2 in the world rankings despite his long injury lay-off, having beat Jannik Sinner in last year’s US Open final before starting this season with Australian Open victory.

The 23-year-old also won the ATP 500 Qatar Open and reached the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters before his injury, with Alcaraz now ready to step back on court at Flushing Meadows later this month.

Alcaraz will be chasing his third US Open title, live on Sky Sports from August 30, having won his first grand slam title there in 2022 to reach world No 1 before lifting the trophy for a second time last September.

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Tim Henman joined Danyal Khan to reflect on how Carlos Alcaraz’s 2025 US Open victory

Sinner and Alcaraz both missed the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open, with no male since the beginning of the Masters format in 1990 winning the US Open without playing at least one of those two events.

The US Open has announced another bumper increase in prize money, with an overall purse of $108m (approximately £80m) the biggest in the sport’s history and a 20 per cent rise for the second consecutive year.

Watch the ATP and WTA Tours live on Sky Sports. The US Open is also live on Sky Sports from August 30. Stream tennis with NOW.

Last Night In Baseball: Sweeps, Sweeps And More Sweeps

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Sweeps. Lots of sweeps. As well as a home run that was and another that wasn’t. Wednesday’s MLB action provided all that and much more.

Here are all the best moments from last night in Major League Baseball:

Phillies Sweep Marlins

Not only were there loads of sweeps on Wednesday as series concluded, but they had postseason race implications. What a treat! Unless the team you were rooting for was on the wrong side of one of the sweeps, that is.

The Marlins still have wild-card hopes, for instance, but they shrank considerably in the last three days thanks to the Phillies. Philadelphia swept Miami at home, knocking the Marlins to .500 at 64-64, and four games back of the third wild-card spot, behind two other teams closer to it than they are. Aaron Nola shined for the Phils, throwing seven innings with eight strikeouts against a single walk, and mostly scattering five hits to give up one run.

With a little help from the defense, Nola’s strong effort wasn’t wasted. Here’s left fielder Brandon Marsh making a heck of a play in foul territory in the eighth, with two runners on and the Marlins threatening.

The game-winning hit came much earlier than that, however, courtesy trade deadline acquisition Luis Arraez. The second baseman hit his sixth home run of the season, a two-run shot off Sandy Alcantara in the third, to give Philadelphia a 3-0 lead.

The Phillies would hold on, 4-1, and reach 70 wins in the process. Philadelphia is two games up on the Padres for the second wild-card spot in the NL, and four games behind the Cubs for the top one. Meanwhile, the Marlins will now try to get back above .500 and close the gap with San Diego as they face the Nationals over the weekend.

And Dodgers Sweep Rockies

The Rockies aren’t playing for much at this point in terms of wins and losses, other than trying to avoid a fourth-straight 100-loss season, or having the worst record in the majors. Facing the Dodgers doesn’t exactly help with either of those goals, either in theory or practice: Los Angeles swept the Rockies, and did so with a couple of doses of Mookie Betts.

In the fourth, Betts added on to the Dodgers’ lead with his 16th homer of the year, a 375 footer off starter Kyle Freeland.

Betts would then drive in the dagger in extras, after first baseman Freddie Freeman broke the tie with a sac fly in the top of the 10th. The shortstop picked up his third hit of the day and second RBI with a single to center, making it 6-4, Dodgers.

Betts’ season line is never going to fully recover after a poor start that saw his OPS fall to .591 on June 12. However, he’s batting .273/.313/.458 with 10 of his 16 homers and 10 doubles in the 56 games and 230 plate appearances since, which will certainly play when combined with his glove: Betts has now managed to get to a league-average two wins above replacement with over a month of games left to improve on that. There have been far worse worse seasons than this one.

And! Twins Sweep Braves

Phillies over Marlins and Dodgers over Rockies? Those are the kinds of sweep you maybe don’t expect, but aren’t surprised by. The Twins over the Braves, though? That’s an upset. The Twins are under .500 even after winning three of three from Atlanta, while the Braves were, before this series, right there with the Dodgers fighting for a bye of the Wild Card Series.

Kody Clemens had something to say about all that, though. The Twins’ second baseman and left fielder hit a two-run double scoring outfielders Byron Buxton and Luke Keaschall in the fourth inning, driving in the runners that reliever Luke Dodd inherited from AJ Smith-Shawver.

And then, with the game tied 4-4 following three unanswered runs from the Braves, Clemens did it again, this time singling in DH Josh Bell in the seventh to make it a 5-4 game.

That would prove to be the game-winner: after reliever Kody Funderbunk allowed three runs to tie things back up, Atlanta couldn’t get back on the scoreboard against Minnesota’s other four relievers. The Braves have been stuck at 74 wins for a few days now — three behind the Dodgers — while the Twins are actually in possession of the AL’s final wild-card spot, with a half-game lead over the Rangers.

White Sox? Avoid A Sweep

You know who wasn’t swept? If you read the section heading, then yes, what an inane question to ask. The White Sox lost the first two games of this series to the Cubs thanks to walk-off hits, but managed to win the third and pull even with the other Chicago squad for the season, 3-3.

Most of the White Sox offense came in the eighth, when right fielder Braden Montgomery hit his 11th double of the season two drive in a pair and give the Pale Hose a 3-0 lead.

That would be all the scoring in the game, too: the White Sox got two innings out out of Sean Newcomb to start, then six scoreless from José Urquidy. While trade deadline pickup Clay Holmes gave up one run over 5 ⅓ for the Cubs, that was one run too many.

The Cubs can afford a loss or two no problem, as they are six games up on the next-best team outside the wild cards, but the White Sox needed a dub to keep their distance from the Twins, who now sit four back in the AL Central.

Pirates Walk Off Tigers

The Pirates lost the series opener but picked up the next two wins, which is a little bit of a surprise given the opposing direction the two teams have been going in of late, but don’t discount what having Oneil Cruz back in the lineup and in the field means. Cruz went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk in his second game back, and just as importantly both the bullpen and the lineup picked things up for Paul Skenes after he departed: Skenes allowed three runs in 4 ⅓ innings, but that’s all Detroit would get.

In the ninth, catcher Rafael Flores Jr. — who had entered the game as a pinch-hitter for Henry Davis in the seventh — clubbed a solo homer to tie the game 3-3: it was his second dinger of the day, as he also went yard during that pinch-hit appearance. Closer Kenley Jansen had blown the save against just the second batter he faced, but things were about to get worse: second baseman Brandon Lowe came up with no one on and two outs, and he drilled a middle-inside cutter over the fence for a walk-off homer.

That was Lowe’s 27th dinger of the season, and Jansen’s fifth loss and fifth blown save. The Tigers have slipped to just 1.5 behind the Twins for the last wild-card, but with five other teams in between the two, while the Pirates have narrowed the gap between themselves and the Marlins, and are 5.5 back of the Padres after picking up a game on San Diego with this W.

Alonso Hits 2 No Wait 1 Homer

Orioles DH Pete Alonso hit his 29th homer of the year in the third inning against the Yankees on Wednesday. No one disputes this version of events. Look, here it is, video evidence.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, with the Orioles and Yankees tied 3-3 and the bases empty with two outs, Alonso hit a home run. Or at least, he thought he did, as did a stadium full of fans and a whole lot of people on social media, too.

The call on the field went under review, but was not overturned: Alonso thought he had his 30th homer of the season and a 4-3 lead for Baltimore, but instead, he missed the next two pitches he swung at and struck out to end the inning, with the game still tied.

New York would score two more and end up winning, giving them the series win — the Orioles have a chance at avoiding the sweep on Thursday, though, when the two play their series finale. Baltimore needs the win more than New York, too: the O’s are 1.5 back of a wild-card spot after briefly holding onto one earlier this week.

D-Backs Bend But Don’t Break

It took extra innings, but the Diamondbacks defeated the Red Sox and avoided being swept, and on the same day that the Padres lost to the Mets — that leaves Arizona just a game back of San Diego for the final wild-card spot in the NL, despite dropping the first two games of this series to Boston.

The D-Backs were up 5-2 after the top half of the sixth, but then DH Mickey Gaspar hit his third homer of the year, a three-run shot to tie it up.

The score would stay tied through nine, and Arizona would strike first in extras. DH Nolan Arenado singled in a run to make it 6-5, and a bases-loaded walk to third baseman Jose Fernandez gave the D-backs the insurance they needed to win. Boston would push a run across in the bottom of the 10th, but thanks to that free pass, it didn’t matter.

The Red Sox are still 5.5 up on the Rangers for the last wild-card, with plenty of space between Boston’s spot as the second wild-card and the Twins as the third, given the Sox are nine games over .500 and Minnesota is below it. Arizona, meanwhile, just needs to stay as close to the Padres as possible from here on out: the two end their season in San Diego with a three-game series.

Nationals Knock Rangers From Wild-Card

The Rangers just can’t seem to get over the hump. After losing this series to the Nationals, Texas is 62-65 and half-a-game out of the AL’s last wild-card spot. Cade Cavalli saw to that: he struck out 11 batters in six innings, allowing four baserunners and no runs.

Washington was already ahead 3-0 at this point, but got the W with some additional emphasis: in the seventh, DH Andrés Chaparro went yard with his eighth homer of the season, a 397-foot shot that came off the bat at nearly 105 mph.

Chaparro has played in just 56 games this year, but he’s made the most of the opportunities he’s had: after two seasons of replacement-level play, the 27-year-old is batting .250/.360/.543 in 136 plate appearances.

The Nats might be seven games back of a wild-card spot, but there’s still over a month to play spoiler like this, if nothing else.

Kalpana wins Yorkshire Oaks as gutsy display enough to see off Sparan Nua on day two of Ebor meeting | Racing News

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

King George heroine Kalpana just held on to land the Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks at York after a mighty scare from Sparan Nua.

Aidan O’Brien’s outsider Sugar Island was immediately sent to the front and Ronan Whelan quickly distanced himself from the field, extending the advantage to 20 lengths turning for home.

But as the main players began to eat into that lead, Colin Keane sent Kalpana to give chase over three furlongs out, hitting top gear two furlongs from home, only for Jim Bolger’s Sparan Nua – who got a little squeezed at one stage – to make up plenty of ground and close the gap.

The line just came in time for the 10-11 favourite to hold on by a short head, giving Keane, Andrew Balding and owners Juddmonte a second Group One in the space of 24 hours, after Item had landed the showpiece Juddmonte International on Wednesday.

“You knew after going a couple of furlongs it was going to be messy and passing the three (furlong marker) I thought the pacemaker was gone,” said Juddmonte’s European racing manager Barry Mahon.

“Colin had to commit probably a bit sooner than he wanted. When he saw himself the pacemaker was gone he had to chase her down a little bit, so she was always going to be vulnerable to something closing late, but she’s gutsy and knows where the line is.

“She put her head down and got the job done. It’s not pretty, but she got the job done and that’s the main thing.

“Fast ground, slow ground, 12 furlongs – you wouldn’t even be afraid to drop her back to 10. She’s just very versatile and the ultimate pro now. She’s fully matured now at five years of age and keeps answering all the questions, so it’s wonderful.”

Connections must now consider how to split their aces, with either Kalpana or Item likely to get a shot at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Should Item be given the green light to head for ParisLongchamp, Kalpana – who finished seventh in last year’s Arc – will almost certainly bid to win the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot later in October.

Mahon added: “We have the horse from yesterday too, so whether he’ll go to the Arc and we wait for Ascot with this filly – we have to sit down in a week or two and discuss all that, but it’s a nice problem to have.

“The horse from yesterday has joined the fray, so we’ll decide all those sort of things in the next couple of weeks with the owners and see what they want to do.

“Item is definitely a top of the ground horse. He got away with the good to soft here yesterday. Funnily enough Colin actually said this filly doesn’t enjoy the softer ground as much as she did last year, he said she felt like she enjoyed the faster ground in Ascot more the last time than she did today.

“I wouldn’t have thought we’d run both in the Arc. Again that will be the owners’ decision, but it wouldn’t be my first preference.

“I suppose with Item being a colt, if the ground comes up good he’d probably have the preference, and with this filly Ascot was always the target, so it would make sense to sidestep the Arc if the ground is good – but that’s a big ‘if’.

“She probably will retire at the end of the year. Whether she’ll finish at Ascot or if she doesn’t go to the Arc whether she’ll go to the Breeders’ Cup – there’s a lot of variables to work out.”

How to Watch Nationals vs. Rangers: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Washington Nationals visit the Texas Rangers on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:05 p.m. ET from Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX.

The Texas Rangers enter at 62-65, while the Washington Nationals sit at 61-67. Jacob deGrom (8-8, 3.95 ERA in 120.2 innings) takes the mound for the Rangers, opposed by Andrew Alvarez (2-4, 3.72 ERA in 75 innings).

The Nationals bring an active running game into this contest with their 131 stolen bases are the most in the MLB in the 2026 regular season. Meanwhile, Jake Burger is three hits away from reaching 500 in his career.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Nationals vs. Rangers

When: Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:05 p.m. ET
Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
TV: FS1
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports

Players to Watch

Jacob deGrom

Pitcher · Texas Rangers

This matchup starts with deGrom because Texas has a clear edge when he is available to set the tone on the mound. He is the projected starter, he is on the active roster, and he threw a bullpen Tuesday after dealing with triceps fatigue. The latest update said he felt good and was a candidate to start here.

For the season, deGrom is 8-8 with a 3.95 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, 147 strikeouts in 120.2 innings, and an opponent average of .237. That matters against a Washington lineup that has been one of the most productive in baseball, leading the majors in home runs, runs batted in, and stolen bases. If deGrom controls the top of the order and keeps traffic off the bases, Texas can turn this into the kind of game it wants.

CJ Abrams

Shortstop · Washington Nationals

Abrams is the Nationals hitter who most directly pressures this Rangers staff in every phase. He brings middle of the order production and speed into a game against a Texas pitching group that has allowed 77 stolen bases this season. Washington has built its offense around impact swings and aggressive running, and Abrams sits right in the middle of that formula.

Heading into this game, Abrams is batting .280 with a .355 on base percentage and a .531 slugging percentage, along with 29 home runs, 91 RBI, and 24 stolen bases. Washington also leads the majors in home runs and stolen bases, so his ability to reach base changes the whole shape of the matchup. If Abrams gets on early, he can force deGrom and the Rangers defense to play under pressure.

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Jake Burger

First Baseman · Texas Rangers

Burger is worth watching because Texas needs his power against a Washington pitching staff that has been vulnerable to damage contact all season. The Nationals have a 4.731 team ERA, a 1.393 WHIP, and have allowed 177 home runs, one of the clearest pressure points in this matchup. Burger is one of the Rangers bats best positioned to exploit that.

He enters this game with 21 home runs and 73 RBI, both team highs among projected Texas starters. His .424 slugging percentage gives the Rangers a needed power source in a lineup that ranks 19th in home runs and 24th in RBI. Against projected starter Andrew Alvarez, Burger is the kind of hitter who can change the scoreboard with one swing, like a line drive that suddenly turns the whole ballpark loud.

Andrew Alvarez

Pitcher · Washington Nationals

Alvarez is the Nationals player to watch on the mound because his individual numbers have been stronger than the overall profile of Washington’s staff. He is the projected starter, he is active, and he comes in with a 3.72 ERA over 75 innings. That stands out on a team whose pitchers have posted a 4.731 ERA and a 1.393 WHIP this season.

His season line also includes a 1.33 WHIP, 69 strikeouts, and a .240 opponent average. The challenge is specific here. Texas is only middle of the pack offensively by season ranking, but it has enough right now to punish mistakes, and Corey Seager is coming off a two hit game Tuesday and is batting .302 across 15 games since returning from the injured list. If Alvarez can navigate the middle of the Rangers order and limit free baserunners, Washington has a real chance to keep this game in its preferred range.

Nationals vs. Rangers Odds

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Premier League managers 2026/27: Record new bosses, manager changes and tenure | Football News

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

There’s a sense of unpredictability surrounding the new Premier League campaign.

And perhaps with good reason: nine of the 20 clubs will start the season with a manager appointed since the end of 2025/26 – the biggest summer reset of the Premier League era.

According to Opta, nine managers taking charge of their first league game for a club on the opening weekend is the most in an English top-flight season since 1946/47 – the first campaign after World War II.

Marco Rose (Bournemouth), Xabi Alonso (Chelsea), Pierre Sage (Crystal Palace), Alvaro Arbeloa (Fulham), Gary O’Neil (Ipswich Town), Andoni Iraola (Liverpool), Enzo Maresca (Manchester City), Matthias Jaissle (Newcastle) and Oliver Glasner (Nottingham Forest) will all take charge of their new clubs for the first time in the Premier League in the opening round of fixtures.

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And the upheaval reaches right to the top. Three of the Big Six begin the season with managers appointed this summer, while Manchester United and Spurs have bosses who arrived only in January and March respectively.

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Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett talks to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta about the club having the ‘ambition and desire’ to win back-to-back Premier League titles and how they are targeting elite players to be the best club in the world.

The clear outlier is Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal boss is now the Premier League’s longest-serving current manager, having spent 2,432 days in charge by August 19.

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The upheaval is part of a longer-term trend towards shorter managerial reigns.

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Mikel Arteta says the performance by his Arsenal side in the Community Shield victory against Man City is the standard they will attain for the season ahead.

Looking across completed tenures, the five-season rolling average now stands at just 1.9 years. That is the fourth-lowest level on record.

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The extraordinary volume of change this summer has also left clubs entering the new campaign with historically little managerial continuity.

Across the 20 clubs, managers have been in their current jobs for an average of just 474 days going into 2026/27 – the lowest opening-day figure of the Premier League era.

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Methodology

Analysis covers every Premier League season since 1992/93. Tenure is measured from a manager’s original club appointment, including pre-promotion. Caretaker and interim-only spells are excluded; uninterrupted caretaker-to-permanent spells are merged. Relegated managers retain continuous tenure if they return the club to the Premier League, otherwise tenure is capped before the next Premier League season. Ongoing spells are excluded from completed-tenure averages, but retained in current-manager tables. Dates are primarily sourced from Soccerbase, with Transfermarkt used for role classification and profile data.

Next-gen bosses

The average age of managers going into 2026/27 is 47.1 years – the youngest in 20 years and fewer than two years above the Premier League-era low of 45.3, recorded at the start of 1993/94.

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Arteta fits that bill at just 44 years of age, but his longevity at the Emirates also fits a wider Arsenal trend.

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Of every club to have played in the Premier League, the Gunners have recorded the lowest rate of managerial turnover since 1992/93, averaging just 0.23 changes per year.

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In a new Prime Video documentary series ‘A Beautiful Obsession’, behind-the-scenes footage shows Pep Guardiola breaking down in tears prepping his Manchester City leaving speech. Video credit: Prime Video

At the other end of the scale, among clubs with at least 10 Premier League seasons, West Brom, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Leicester and Southampton have recorded the highest rates of managerial turnover.

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Frequency of change tells only part of the story. We can also look at how long completed managerial spells associated with Premier League clubs actually lasted.

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Take a look at the best bits from Andoni Iraola’s first Liverpool press conference.

Chelsea have recorded 23 completed qualifying managerial spells, the most in our analysis, ahead of Southampton with 22 and Tottenham with 19.

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Every completed Premier League managerial tenure

Against that backdrop of diminishing managerial continuity, Arteta stands out.

The Arsenal manager has already climbed into the upper reaches of the longest qualifying managerial tenures – although Sir Alex Ferguson remains in a different stratosphere.

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Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick talks to Sky Sports about the transfer window, how he will reintegrate Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo’s World Cup disappointment and his expectations for the season ahead.

Ferguson’s Manchester United tenure lasted 9,691 days, ahead of Arsene Wenger‘s 7,896 at Arsenal and Brian Clough‘s 6,697 at Nottingham Forest.

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Arteta would still need roughly another two decades in the Arsenal job to challenge Ferguson’s record.

But he can only beat those in front of him. Arteta has vowed to make Arsenal “the best club in the world”, and the likes of Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex are reminders of what continuity can build.

The question now is whether Arsenal can turn stability into dominance.

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August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

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DraftKings has become one of the most recognized names in online sports betting, known for its deep market coverage, smooth mobile experience, and enticing promotions. The current DraftKings new user promo gives players the chance to bet $5 and get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly, with no promo code required.

Fernando Mendoza returns to action as Las Vegas faces Houston in the opening game of NFL preseason Week 2. The Yankees and Orioles also meet with Gerrit Cole on the mound, while the Chargers and 49ers close out the football doubleheader

Current DraftKings Promo: Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly, No Promo Required

DraftKings has an exciting offer for you with no promo code needed, as new users can sign up and unlock $150 in Bonus Bets instantly when you place your first bet of $5 or more.

As one of the top sportsbooks in the U.S., DraftKings offers some of the best promos on the market. On this page, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the $150 in Bonus Bets instantly, including how it works, how to claim on their betting app, and how the promo compares to its competitors.

BonusBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyBonus TypeBet and GetMinimum Deposit$5Minimum Wager$5Bonus Format6 x $25 bonus betsExpirationBonus bets expire in 7 daysLegal StatesAR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY or WV

DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Who’s Eligible: New customers, 21+ (18+ in DC/KY/NH/WY), in eligible states (AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY or WV).
Qualifying Bet: $5+ cash bet at -500 odds or longer using the New Customer Token.
Bonus: Get $150 in Bonus Bets (6×$25) instatntly.
Expiration: Bonus Bets valid for 7 days.
One per customer; void/cashed-out bets don’t qualify.

Today’s Top DraftKings Promos for Existing Customers

MLB SGP Boost: Get a SGP Profit Boost on Any MLB game Today!

How to Sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook and Claim the New User Bonus

Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account.
Deposit funds into your account.
Place a $5+ cash wager on any eligible sport.
Receive $150 in Bonus Bets instantly (6 × $25), regardless of the bet result.
Use the Bonus Bets within 7 days
The DraftKings welcome bonus is easy to claim— deposit $5, and place a $5+ bet, and you’ll instantly receive the bonus bets in your account.

DraftKings Promos for Existing Customers

Profit boosts and ongoing promos are one of DraftKings’ strengths — it’s not just about new users.

Let’s take a look at a few of the promos of existing customers.

DraftKings PromoDescription⚾️ MLB Parlay BoostGet a Profit Boost to use on an MLB Parlay, SGP, or SGPx bet today!⚾ B/R Betting MLB 33% Profit BoostGet a 33% Profit Boost token to use on any MLB bet today, brought to you by B/R Betting!🏈NFL Tickets GiveawayUse My Budget Builder for a shot at two tickets to an NFL game!🏈CFB Week 1 No SweatGet a No Sweat for Week 1 of College Football⚽️ Soccer SGP(x) Profit BoostGet a profit boost to use on a soccer SGP(x) bet today!⚽️ MLS Season Pass Bet and GetMake any $5+ Soccer bet and get an MLS Season Pass Subscription on us!

DraftKings Single-Game Parlays, Profit Boosts & No Sweat Bets

DraftKings is a leader in the sports gambling space when it comes to these options. Check the promotions tab to see any current SGP boosts or No Sweat SGPs.

DraftKings also offers SGPx (Same Game Parlay Extra) which allows you to combine multiple SGPs from different games into one single wager. For example:

Dolphins vs. Jets: Tyreek Hill Anytime TD Scorer and Justin Fields Anytime TD Scorer
Chiefs vs. Bengals: Patrick Mahomes Over 275.5 Passing Yards and Joe Burrow Over 285.5 Passing Yards

All four legs are part of one parlay, but they’re from different matchups.

DraftKings Referral Bonus

DK also offers bonuses for referrals. If you refer a friend (new user), and they deposit at least $25 into their account, you get $100 bonus bets.

DraftKings Promo Comparison vs. Other Sportsbooks

SportsbookOffer TypeWelcome BonusDraftKingsBet and GetBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyBetMGMFirst-Bet Safety NetGet a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if First Bet Loses with Promo Code FOXSPORTSFanDuelBet Reset TokensBet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Daysbet365Bet and GetBet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets, Win or Lose with promo code FOX365CaesarsProfit BoostsBet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code ‘FOXDYW’FanaticsBet Match10 x $100 Bet Matches In FanCash with promo code FOX2026

How Does the DraftKings Sign-Up Bonus Compare to the Competition?

DraftKings has one of the best promos available, mainly because you get the bonus bets whether you win or lose on that $5 bet, which is great for new bettors who don’t want to risk too much.

The FanDuel promo does not apply whether a bettor wins or loses, and the First-Bet Safety Net at BetMGM only triggers if the first bet loses, which is higher risk and best for large wagers.

Where is DraftKings Legal?

StateWelcome OfferRegulating BodyArizonaBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyArizona Department of GamingColoradoBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyColorado Division of GamingConnecticutBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyConnecticut State Department of Consumer ProtectionDCBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyDC Office of Lottery and GamingIllinoisBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyThe Illinois Gaming BoardIndianaBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyIndiana Gaming CommissionIowaBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyIowa Racing and Gaming CommissionKansasBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyKansas Racing and Gaming CommissionKentuckyBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyKentucky Horse Racing CommissionLouisianaBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyLouisiana Gaming Control BoardMarylandBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyMaryland Lottery and Gaming Control AgencyMassachusettsBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyMassachusetts Gaming CommissionMaineBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyMaine Gambling Control UnitMichiganBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyMichigan Gaming Control BoardNew HampshireBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyNew Hampshire Lottery CommissionNew JerseyBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyNew Jersey Division of Gaming EnforcementNew YorkBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyNew York State Gaming CommissionNorth CarolinaBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyNorth Carolina Education LotteryOhioBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyOhio Casino Control CommissionOregonBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyOregon State Police: Gaming EnforcementPennsylvania Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyPennsylvania Gaming Control BoardTennesseeBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyTennessee Sports Wagering Advisory CouncilVermontBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyVermont Department of Liquor and LotteryVirginiaBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyVirginia LotteryWest VirginiaBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyWest Virginia LotteryWisconsin(None)Wisconsin Division of GamingWyomingBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets InstantlyWyoming Gaming Commission

DraftKings Sportsbook Review 2026

DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the highest-reviewed books in the market. Let’s get into the particulars.

User Experience & Interface: Navigation is straightforward: pick a league → game → market, with clear tabs for main lines, alternates, and props. The betslip is intuitive, updates payouts instantly, and building SGPs feels seamless.
Mobile App: The iOS/Android app is polished and responsive, with quick bet acceptance and smooth scrolling on busy NFL Sundays. Odds changes and notifications surface promptly without feeling cluttered.
Market Depth: DraftKings offers one of the deepest menus in the U.S.—massive player-prop catalogs, plentiful alternate spreads/totals, and robust futures across every major league.
Betting Tools & Innovation: Standouts include Same Game Parlay+ (combine legs across games), custom stat filters, and detailed game/prop pages. Select markets also feature integrated live video (BetVision, where available) and rich data visualizations.
Live Betting: Excellent in-play hub with fast odds refresh, wide live markets (including player props), and live SGP/SGP+ support. Streaming and real-time stats (availability varies by event/state) make reacting midgame easier.
Promotions: Frequent odds boosts and timely football promos, plus rotating “Bet & Get” offers for new and existing users. Ongoing parlay boosts and profit boosts help stretch smaller bankrolls.
Banking & Withdrawals: Plenty of options: online banking/ACH, debit card, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay (where supported), and wire/Play+. Deposits are instant; most withdrawals arrive in 1–3 business days depending on method.
Trust & Support: Licensed in numerous states with strong responsible-gaming tools (deposit/time limits, timeouts, self-exclusion). Customer support is available 24/7 via help center, chat, and email.

DraftKings User Experience & Interface

DK has one of the smoothest user experiences on mobile and desktop, and is extremely beginner-friendly. Key pages/features — such as Met Bet, Live Now and SGP Builder — are easy to find and load fast. Navigation between sports, promos, and bet slip is intuitive, and there are real-time stat integrations.

DraftKings Mobile App Review

DraftKings is available on Apple and Android devices, and has Face ID/Touch ID. The app also features push notifications for odds boosts, bet results and promos. It’s fast nav, in-app stats, intuitive build, and feature-rich platform makes this one of the best sportsbooks app out there.

PlatformApp Store RatingiOS4.4 / 5Android4.3 / 5

Market Depth & Betting Options

DraftKings is recognized for its market depth, with betting options that stretch across every major sport as well as niche events. Standard spreads, moneylines, and totals are available for all games, complemented by a wide range of player props and creative specials. Bettors can explore both mainstream and alternative markets:

Sports You Can Bet On With DraftKings:

Key Events You Can Bet On With Draftkings:

Every game mentioned above has standard spread, moneyline, totals, and a wide variety of player props you can bet on. But the platform doesn’t stop with the major leagues, as it also features odds on entertainment and alternative markets such as the Oscars, eSports, lacrosse, and table tennis. This breadth of coverage helps explain why DraftKings frequently appears in roundups of the best NFL betting sites and top sportsbooks in the U.S.

Betting Features & Innovation

DK is an industry leader, feature-rich, and one of the most innovative books in the U.S. market. SGPs/SGPx are one of the best builders in the industry, especially for the NFL, and it is one of the best apps for live betting. There are options for early cashout, built-in stats hub, free-to-play pools, and there is NFL BetVision, which allows users to stream in-network and nationally televised games directly inside the DraftKings Sportsbook app. To access a stream, you must place a bet on the specific event.

DraftKings Live Betting

DraftKings delivers a smooth in-play experience with odds that refresh quickly after key moments, so you can react to momentum swings in real time. The interface is clean and intuitive, with a betslip that updates potential payouts instantly and accepts bets fast.

You’ll find a wide range of live markets, including updated spreads and totals, next drive result in the NFL, next team to score, and plenty of player props as the game unfolds. Early Cash Out is available on many markets, letting you lock in profit or limit losses midgame, and the mobile app mirrors the full live offering for easy wagering on the go.

DraftKings Promotions

DraftKings has one of the best welcome offers and ongoing promos for existing users, where a new user can bet $5 and get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly.

There are also No Sweat Same-Game Parlays (often available for primetime games), Profit Boost Tokens (usually issued on weekends or for big events), occasional deposit matches and no-deposit offers for returning users.

DraftKings Banking: Deposit & Withdrawals

Deposits can be made on desktop or mobile app, and to make a deposit, click “deposit” on the top right corner (app and desktop), select the amount, and add payment details.

MethodDepositWithdrawalApple PayYesYesBank Wire TransferYesYesCash at CageYesYesCash at Retail StoresYesNoCredit CardYes (some jurisdictions)NoGift CardYesNoChecksNoYesDebit CardYesYesOnline BankingYesYesPayPalYesYesTrustlyNoYesVenmoYesYes

Trust & Safety

DraftKings Sportsbook is legally available online in 24 states plus Washington, D.C., with additional retail locations in Nevada, Washington, and Mississippi. Expansion is expected to continue, with Missouri being the latest state to legalize sports betting. The platform also emphasizes player protection, offering responsible gaming tools such as real-time check-ins, deposit and loss limits, timeouts, and exclusion options. For customer support, users can access live chat or email assistance, while secure payment processing and multi-factor authentication ensure that both transactions and accounts remain protected.

DraftKings Sportsbook Pros & Cons

Pros:

Strong welcome offer.
SGP builder.
Market depth.
Fast payouts.
Great mobile experience.
Frequent promotions.

Cons:

Bonus bets expire in 7 days.
Some promos have low max wager limits.
Odds are sometimes less competitive than those from other sportsbooks.

DraftKings Dynasty Rewards Loyalty Program

The Dynasty Rewards Program is the rewards program for DraftKings and Golden Nugget Online Casino. With Dynasty Rewards, your play can earn Crowns and Tier Credits for your play to receive exciting perks and redeem for a variety of rewards.

Dynasty Rewards Program Tier Credits Information

Learn more about Tier Credits.
Important Note: While you earn Tier Credits by playing on DraftKings products, you can also earn Tier Credits for your play in our partner company Golden Nugget Online Casino! Any Tier Credits earned from gameplay in our partner company Golden Nugget Online Casino will contribute to your Tier Status for your DraftKings account and your Golden Nugget Online Casino account.
Crown and Tier Credit accrual rates are subject to change. Your participation in the Dynasty Rewards Program is governed by the Dynasty Rewards Rules & Policy. Learn more about the Rules and Policy.
Please be aware your Tier Credit balance won’t be visible within the DK Horse app or website. For up-to-date information on your Tier Credits, view your Tier Credits balance with any of the other DraftKings Products.

DraftKings Promo Code FAQ

What is the current DraftKings promo code and how does it work?

The current welcome offer is: DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $150 instantly.

Do I need to enter a promo code to get the DraftKings welcome bonus?

No, you do not need to enter a promo code for the $5 → $150 offer. You typically claim it by registering as a new user and placing a qualifying first bet.

What states allow DraftKings?

Click here to see where DraftKings is legal.

How do you claim the DraftKings $150 promo?

Be a new user in a legal state.
Register for a DraftKings Sportsbook account (verify identity as required).
Deposit at least $5 using an accepted payment method.
Place a first wager of at least $5 on any eligible market. Win or lose, this bet triggers the $150 bonus bets.
The bonus bets are credited (often in increments or tokens) and usually expire after a certain period (commonly 7 days) for use.

Can I cash out DraftKings in another state?

As long as you’re in a state where DraftKings is legal and you have an account in good standing, you can generally request a withdrawal regardless of whether you’re physically in your home state or traveling (geolocation typically applies only for placing new bets, not for withdrawals). Some withdrawal methods may not be available in every state. Also, you must meet identity verification (KYC) requirements.

How long does DraftKings take to payout?

Withdrawal times depend on method:

Withdrawal MethodTypical TimeframeDebit cardUp to 24 hours after processing DraftKings SupportOnline banking (real-time)Up to 24 hours DraftKings SupportPayPal / VenmoUp to 2 days DraftKings SupportTraditional ACH / Online Banking (non-real time)2-5 business days DraftKings SupportCheck withdrawalsVaries: small checks (~$100 or less) up to 7-14 business days, larger ones somewhat less; tracking depends on amount.

Can I use DraftKings in a state I don’t live in?

Yes, if you are physically located in a state where DraftKings is legal and you meet all the licensing / verification requirements, you can use the service. You cannot use it from states where DraftKings is not licensed, even if you are a resident of another state. Geolocation requirements mean the app/site verifies you’re in a legal jurisdiction before you can bet.

How do I contact DraftKings customer service?

Via the Help Center on the DraftKings app or website, using the chatbot.
You can also request a callback (for Sportsbook / Casino customers in the U.S.) via the chatbot.
By email: support@draftkings.com is the main customer service email.
On social media: Twitter/X via @DK_Assist.

Can you bet on presidential elections on DraftKings?

It depends on the state and whether DraftKings has been allowed to offer political betting markets in that jurisdiction. In many U.S. states, betting on political events (like elections) is not allowed under state gambling laws.

How do you redeem crowns on DraftKings?

Crowns have no direct cash value, but you can use them to enter contests, buy items in the DraftKings Shop, or convert them into DK Dollars or Casino Credits (in states where DraftKings Casino is available).
The conversion rate is 550 Crowns = $1 in DK Dollars or $1 in Casino Credits.
To redeem for Casino Credits, you navigate in your app: Rewards → Dynasty → “Redeem Crowns” → select “Get Casino Credits” (or DK Dollars if you prefer).

Caleb Yirenkyi is Coventry’s unique midfield powerhouse tipped by Michael Essien to thrive under Frank Lampard | Football News

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

One story sums up Caleb Yirenkyi. It was a training session with the first team early in his time at FC Nordsjaelland. Alexander Riget, then technical director, felt compelled to intervene. “He was smashing into many of our key players,” Riget tells Sky Sports.

Such was the ferocity, the coach could not take the risk. “I needed to say, ‘Caleb, get out,’ just so he could calm down a little bit and find out how to use his energy.” It is an amusing anecdote now. But it reveals something about Coventry City’s new signing.

There are no half measures with the Ghanaian midfielder. From day one in Denmark, he was eager to impose himself and make the most of the opportunity. He even lived at the Nordsjaelland facility, taking advantage by spending hour after hour doing extra work.

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William Bitibiri breaks down whether Caleb Yirenkyi could be the next Michael Essien…

“He just wanted to stay here so that he could get the right food and get the right sleep,” recalls Riget. “He even had a bicycle in his room so that he could do these things. Every time that the players have been off, he has been in the gym a couple of hours per day.”

Nordsjaelland is a Danish top-flight club that, unusually, is owned by an academy – Right To Dream – rather than the other way around. The organisation has its roots in Ghana, developing a stellar reputation for bringing through high-quality talent to Europe.

Even so, Yirenkyi is different. With him, it is more than just appetite, more than a mere desire to succeed. “He is a player with a unique character, just to be completely honest,” says Riget. “I have never seen a player like him from a personality perspective.”

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What exactly does that mean? “In his case, he is something special, so humble. I have never seen someone like that.” Riget describes a player so focused on achieving his goals that he is able to shut out “all the other noise” and devote himself to football.

There have been guiding figures along the way, nobody more so than Michael Essien, the former Champions League winning midfielder. “It is crazy that we have a world star at the training ground.” He is a major influence on the team’s young Ghanaian players.

“Where should I begin?” says Essien when asked about Yirenkyi. “He has always been a hard worker with a great mentality, but also a great listener. Of course there were a few bumps in the road in the beginning, but he always kept at it. And that has really paid off.”

Those bumps in the road are a reference to the fact that Yirenkyi did not go straight into the first team upon his arrival, spending a year with the development team in Denmark. “He had so much power inside him and he just wanted to get it out,” Riget explains.

“We really needed to spend some time in the first year with him in terms of getting him more calm on the ball and his positioning and so on. Now he is at a good level on the ball but he is especially good without the ball. That is definitely what he is best at.”

Image:
Coventry signing Caleb Yirenkyi in action during the pre-season friendly against Monaco

Riget talks of the “power that he can bring into the duels and put pressure on the opponent winning second balls” – qualities that are going to be crucial for Coventry under Frank Lampard. As a newly-promoted club, that off-the-ball work is going to be key.

“It will suit him very well,” says Essien. “It is a league that fits his qualities. He is very strong and physical, aggressive and really good with the ball at his feet. It is the perfect league for him, and Coventry is a great club for him to develop his game even more.”

It will be a new challenge for him, of course. “First and foremost, I have no doubt on the physical side. His ability to run, his power in the duels, it is really quite unique. He is ready for the Premier League. But the time on the ball will be more limited, for sure.”

Image:
Caleb Yirenkyi’s passing for Ghana during the 2026 World Cup

Yirenkyi’s in-possession game is improving, although Riget concedes that more work is required if he is to truly thrive in the Premier League. “I still think that needs some further development.” But even during this summer there has been evidence of growth.

In Ghana’s opening World Cup game against Panama, it was Yirenkyi who raced into the box to score the late winner for his country. “Caleb is not a player who scores a lot of goals but that was his signature run, 60 metres up the pitch. It was a brilliant moment.”

His performance in the next game against England was arguably even more instructive from a Coventry perspective. Yirenkyi, still only 20, showed that he could handle it. “Against some of the best players in the world, he could play on that level,” points out Riget.

Image:
Ghana’s Caleb Yirenkyi goes up against Declan Rice of England at the World Cup

The Premier League will ask more of him on a regular basis but the hope is that Yirenkyi will benefit from his development having been carefully managed by Nordsjaelland. They waited before selling. “We could have sold him two windows ago,” says Riget.

“But we have made a good plan with him in terms of what would be the right move and he also had a big desire to go to Coventry.” The result is that Yirenkyi is not as raw as before. “He leaves Nordsjaelland as our best player in the current squad,” says Essien.

“I am sure he will develop a lot under Lamps. He is a legend and will be able to teach him a lot, so he should be very happy with him as manager. I also know some of the coaches there from my time at Chelsea. To me, it looks like the perfect setup for Caleb.”

Essien adds: “Frank is a manager who is not afraid to play the younger players so I expect Caleb will get the chance he needs to show what he is made of. And he really deserves it, because he is a great kid and he is loved by everyone here at the club.”

NFL Catchup: Vita Vea Gets His Deal, Sparks At Eagles-Patriots Practice & More

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Wednesday in the NFL brought us a little bit of everything.

Vita Vea and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended their contract dilemma, agreeing to a deal that will make the defensive tackle among the highest-paid players at his position. In terms of on-field matters, the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots had a competitive joint practice just months after the teams agreed to the A.J. Brown trade.

There’s also plenty of injury news around the league, with the Houston Texans losing a key contributor on offense for the rest of the season. Here’s what you should know about what happened around the NFL on Wednesday.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and star defensive tackle Vita Vea reached an agreement on a one-year, $30 million extension, our Greg Auman confirmed on Wednesday.

The deal keeps the two-time Pro Bowler under contract for the next two seasons while giving him a $6 million raise for 2026, boosting his salary to $24 million this year. The extension is fully guaranteed, locking in $48 million over the next two seasons.

Vea had demanded a trade at the onset of training camp, believing he and the Buccaneers were far off from agreeing to an extension. However, Tampa Bay reportedly had no desire to trade him and now has him under contract as it seeks to make the postseason after falling short last season.

Vea has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier interior defensive linemen and the centerpiece of head coach Todd Bowles’ defense. Through eight seasons with Tampa Bay, the 347-pound nose tackle has logged 256 total tackles, 35 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He anchored a defense that ranked top-three in total yards allowed from 2019 to 2021 while surrendering just 92.6 rushing yards per game, playing a pivotal role in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had himself a day against the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense. Maye reportedly finished the day 16 of 19 and completed 13 consecutive passes.

Maye reportedly spread the ball amongst his receivers, with receptions from Pop Douglas, Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, and top offseason acquisition A.J. Brown before orchestrating a crisp two-minute drill that set up a 52-yard field goal from Andy Borregales.

Hurts reportedly went 19 of 27 through the air and threw three interceptions and one of those picks was returned for a touchdown by the Patriots’ defense, according to reporters in attendance.

Hurts enters a pivotal 2026 season adjusting to offensive coordinator Sean Mannion — his seventh playcaller in seven pro seasons. The quarterback contrast was compounded by Brown, who caught seven total passes from Maye in his first action against his former team.

Brown also revealed to reporters following Wednesday’s practice that he hasn’t spoken to Hurts, who is the godfather to his daughter, since he was traded to New England in June.

The Seattle Seahawks secondary added more depth on Wednesday. The Seahawks locked in former All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs on a one-year deal, first reported by ESPN, giving their defense a high-upside playmaker.

Heading into his age-28 season, Diggs is set to play for his third team in less than a year. After spending his first six years with the Dallas Cowboys, Diggs made a brief late-season pit stop with the Green Bay Packers before officially signing with the Seahawks.

The Seahawks also reportedly agreed to a deal to add former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, though the move is on hold. Arnold is expected to head straight for the commissioner’s exempt list since he faces eight felony counts of armed robbery and kidnapping.

Diggs joins a defense already stacked with talent, pairing him with All-Pro Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe at cornerback, while Julian Love and Nick Emmanwori hold down the safety position. His versatility gives them an adaptable weapon to move around the secondary.

The Seahawks aren’t new to building their roster around familiar connections and established culture.

Diggs was teammates in Dallas with DeMarcus Lawrence, Dante Fowler Jr., and Noah Igbinoghene, and he also shared a secondary at Alabama with Jobe under defensive backs coach Karl Scott. It seems that familiarity played a key role in Diggs’ decision to sign.

Under head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks could be the ideal landing spot to revitalize Diggs’ career. He hasn’t reached the same heights since his standout 2021 season with the Cowboys, when he led the league with 11 interceptions.

The Houston Texans’ offense was dealt a tough blow on Wednesday. Tests confirmed that wide receiver Jayden Higgins tore his ACL in Tuesday’s joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders, ending his 2026 season, according to NFL Network.

Higgins’ season-ending injury leaves a gaping hole in the Texans’ passing attack as Tank Dell continues to work his way back to full health. Without Higgins, the team will lean heavily on Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins alongside Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel.

The Texans’ 2025 second-round pick put together a strong rookie season. Higgins hauled in 41 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns while proving to be a consistent playmaker in the offense.

The Pittsburgh Steelers won’t have their projected starting quarterbacks take the field against the New York Jets in their upcoming preseason game. Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph will sit out Friday’s matchup.

Instead, quarterbacks Will Howard and third-round pick Drew Allar will get the nod against the Jets. Howard is set to start before giving way to Allar as the two battle for the third-string spot and one of them potentially battling for the backup job down the line.

Allar is coming off a strong preseason debut against the Green Bay Packers. After entering in the second half, he completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and accounted for three total touchdowns, highlighted by a 74-yard strike to Kaden Wetjen.

Howard, a 2025 sixth-round pick out of Ohio State, finds himself in a tight battle to make the final 53-man roster. Allar has a chance to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback as early as next season and McCarthy has been on record calling Allar a first-round talent.

The New Orleans Saints were already signaling a changing of the guard by signing free-agent running back Travis Etienne this offseason. Now, Alvin Kamara is sidelined after suffering an MCL sprain during Tuesday’s joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys, ESPN reported.

Kamara is expected to miss at least a month, putting his status for the start of the season in serious doubt. While Etienne steps into the undisputed lead role, Kamara was still expected to play a role in the Saints’ offense. The five-time Pro Bowler has seen his production dip in New Orleans over recent seasons. In 11 games last season, Kamara posted 471 rushing yards and a single touchdown, adding 33 receptions for 186 receiving yards.

Kamara’s 3.6 yards per carry last season was the lowest mark of his career. Surprisingly, he has never recorded a 1,000-yard rushing season, which is something Etienne has already accomplished in three of his four years in the league.

With Kamara and No. 8 overall pick in wide receiver Jordyn Tyson out to start the year, Chris Olave and Etienne will have to shoulder the load offensively. Head coach Kellen Moore and second-year quarterback Tyler Shough certainly have their work cut out for them.

Injury News & Notes

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren left Wednesday’s joint practice early after sustaining an apparent groin injury, head coach Shane Steichen announced.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton announced that quarterback Bo Nix will play in the team’s preseason Friday against the Green Bay Packers.
The Indianapolis Colts officially announced the signing of veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen.
With Christian McCaffrey sidelined for the San Francisco 49ers, third-round Indiana running back Kaelon Black has been taking first-team reps, The Athletic reported.
Los Angeles Chargers center Tyler Biadasz suffered ACL damage and additional left knee injuries during Tuesday’s joint practice with the 49ers and is out indefinitely, ESPN reported.
Baltimore Ravens’ potential starting center Danny Pinter was carted off at the joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday morning, per NFL Network.

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Lingfield Park and Newcastle | Racing News

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We have a busy day’s racing on Thursday with flat action from Lingfield Park and Newcastle, live on Sky Sports Racing…

7.24 Newcastle – Exciting pair Spirited Gesture and Angel In My Heart clash

Exciting duo Spirited Gesture and Angel In My Heart clash in a classy edition of this Compare Betting Sites At gambling.com Fillies’ Novice Stakes at Newcastle.

A daughter of Kingman, Spirited Gesture is a sister to the high-class Calyx and made a sparkling winning debut at Newmarket 19 days ago. That was a taking display and she rates a top-class prospect.

Adrian Keatley’s Angel In My Heart stepped up on her debut to land a Pontefract novice by just a neck and further improvement cannot be ruled out.

Newcomers All I Know and Rubyroo look best of the rest.

2.45 Lingfield – Irish raider One Number faces seven rivals

A deep renewal of this Free Tips On attheraces.com EBF Maiden Stakes sees Joseph O’Brien’s One Number bid for a first success under David Probert.

Rated 100 after four starts including when third in a Listed contest at Naas in July, this son of Jack Christopher sets a huge standard for the others to reach and should prove a hard nut to crack as he heads back up to a mile.

The opposition is headed by a host of well-bred individuals with Royal Acclamation catching the eye for Charlie Appleby. This Zarak colt is closely related to Lilt and merits respect under Connor Planas.

Minsmere and Blueabad are others to note in the betting.

8.24 Newcastle – Azuinthejungle bids for a four-timer

In-form Azuinthejungle bids for a four-timer in this Knox Hydrate Handicap at 8.24pm.

The Nigel Tinkler-trained four-year-old capitalised on a sliding mark when rattling off a treble this summer, all under this rider Alex Jary, and could be hard to beat under this 4lbs higher mark.

Too Much scored at Newcastle last month and she must be feared if able to reproduce his all-weather form on the turf.

Copper Knight will be making his 123rd career start for Tim Easterby and might find this easier than his past few runs, while Little Mi Mi is another to note. She arrives seeking a hat-trick after wins at Newcastle and Hamilton and remains of interest up in class.

Best of the rest

2.10 Lingfield – Novice where Birkacre Brow will be fancied for Tate.

6.54 Newcastle – William Haggas’ Queen’s Home headlines.

7.54 Newcastle – Fair contest with Influencer Man heading six runners.

Lionel Messi’s 13th MLS Goal Not Enough As Inter Miami Settles For Tie In Philadelphia

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Lionel Messi had a goal and assist as Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union played to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night.

Messi’s cross was headed by Luis Suarez into the path of forward Daniel Pinter for the first Inter Miami goal in the 21st minute.

Messi cut inside to his preferred left foot from 12 yards out in the 26th and curled a shot into the corner of the net for his first goal since returning to action following the death of his father.

Messi has 13 goals and nine assists in 17 MLS games this season. He has six goals and four assists in six matches in all competitions against the Union.

Indiana Vassilev scored on a volley in the first half to give the Union the lead, then 18-year-old defender Neil Pierre headed home his third goal in five games this season in the 58th minute to tie the score. Cavan Sullivan, the Union’s 16-year-old midfielder, was credited with his seventh assist of the season on Vassilev’s goal.

Union forward Milan Iloski appeared to put the Union ahead in the 62nd minute, but the goal was reviewed and waved off with Pierre offside in the buildup.

The game ended with a pair of red cards in stoppage time to Yannick Bright and Sullivan for a scuffle off the ball.

Inter Miami (11-3-6) entered the game in second place in the Eastern Conference after losing to first-place Nashville on Saturday, 4-1. Messi played 90 minutes in that loss, in which he missed a penalty, hit the post twice and assisted on Telasco Segovia’s goal. He had a game-high 11 shot attempts.

Miami had lost three straight games in all competitions entering Wednesday, having lost to a pair of Mexican clubs in the Leagues Cup. The Nashville loss ended a seven-game unbeaten run in MLS (6-0-1) dating to May 9.

Messi appeared as a sub in the Aug. 12 loss to Leon, playing 45 minutes. He missed the Aug. 8 match against Monterrey to travel home for the funeral of his father, Jorge, who died on Aug. 7.

The Union (5-10-5) are unbeaten in five games (4-0-1) since Ryan Richter was named interim coach.

Rodrigo De Paul, who like Messi was part of Argentina’s runner-up team at the World Cup, was suspended Wednesday night for yellow-card accumulation.

Inter Miami beat the Union, 6-4, on May 24, the last game before the World Cup break for both teams. Messi didn’t have a goal, but Suarez scored a hat trick in helping Miami rally from first-half deficits for 2-0 and 3-1.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil ‘optimistic’ over league’s future but warns of ‘compressed timeline’ over funding | Golf News

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil insists he is optimistic about the league’s long-term future but has warned of a ‘very compressed timeline’ to finalise fresh investment.

The 2026 season finishes a week early in Indianapolis and offering a reduced prize purse compared to other regular events, with next week’s Team Championship cancelled and uncertainty over their next steps.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced earlier this year they would not bankroll the league beyond this season, having spent over $5bn (£3.6bn) over five years, with LIV Golf now looking to finalise a deal with a new unnamed investor.

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Scottie Scheffler believes that a few LIV players would add value to the PGA Tour, but says they should still receive penalties before being integrated back in

That investor met with players ahead of LIV Golf Indianapolis, where no players had pre-tournament press conferences and O’Neil addressed the media to discuss ‘the next chapter’ for the circuit.

“It [LIV Golf] certainly was disruptive and at times divisive and there’s no question that several years have been challenging for the game of golf,” O’Neil said. “I believe we’re at a really special inflection point.”

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LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil addressed the media to discuss their future

Recent reports have claimed multiple vendors and contractors are yet to be paid by LIV Golf, while several of their high-profile players – including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau – have been linked with returns to the PGA Tour.

O’Neil addressed the financial challenges facing the circuit and its ambition to fit within golf’s traditional ecosystem, plus discussed how the players have reacted to their plans and how he expects LIV Golf to progress.

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“This has been an extremely challenging several months for all of us,” O’Neil added. “We didn’t sign up for this. We didn’t ask for this but yet they’re here. My confidence level is high [for LIV Golf to survive] because the facts are good.

“We have work to do. We have things we have to accomplish. There are hurdles we have to jump over. It’s a very complex transaction we’ll have to deliver. But man, I wouldn’t bet against us.”

Here’s a look back at some other key comments from O’Neil’s press conference…

Image:
Joaquin Niemann has won more individual titles in LIV Golf than any other player

On competing with ‘rival’ tours:

“It’s time to move forward – let’s once again put the game first. I spent time over the last several weeks speaking with many of the guardians and stewards of the game of golf, and I heard a real appetite to put the parochial friction of the past behind us.

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Relive the LIV Golf League’s rocky relationship with the rest of the golfing world

“I want to be crystal clear: that’s what LIV Golf wants. The philosophy is simple. If you’ve been around me before, you’ve heard it: it’s complete, not compete. Golf doesn’t need one tour to win and everyone else to lose.

“We shouldn’t live in a world where one group of golfers is uniquely restricted from playing elsewhere. Our goal isn’t to replace or restrict any tour. Our mission is to bring something distinctive to the ecosystem that elevates it and makes the game better.”

On how the ‘next chapter’ would work:

“This next chapter is fundamentally different. We are building towards a league majority owned by its players. Players aren’t simply playing for LIV Golf – they have an opportunity to own it.

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Tom Watson suggested at The Masters that players returning from LIV Golf should be made to play the Korn Ferry Tour for one year to qualify for the PGA Tour

“They get equity in what they’re building. They regain a majority of their commercial rights and teams become real businesses with real assets. The interests of the league and the players become truly aligned around building long-term value together.

“We certainly are going to lean more into teams, lean into teams and the national identity.

“Our vision is five marquee Team Championships on each of the five continents we play along with five team Signature Events, positioned around major championships, to make sure our players who are playing in the majors have a proper place to prepare.”

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Eamon Lynch tells Golf Today on the Golf Channel that a return to the PGA Tour for Jon Rahm or Bryson DeChambeau will prove to be very difficult

On financial ‘sustainability’ being a key focus:

“The first chapter of LIV required enormous ambition and investment. This next chapter requires something quite different: commercial discipline. That’s why this investor process matters so much and that’s why we’re spending so much time on it.

“As we announced in Bedminster, we received a signed term sheet from a lead investor. We’re also seeing significant interest from LPs and strategic partners and we expect to have a lot more to say about that very soon.

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O’Neil has been LIV Golf’s chief executive over the past two seasons

“Bringing in outside capital is not just about money. This is a tough business and so of course we need validation, but more importantly, we need some muscle, some expertise, relationships and accountability.”

On their plans should other tours penalise players involved in LIV 2.0:

“If you look at some of the feeder tours and what their prize money is, it’s simple enough for us to build events around our events and host them and bring people in. We just want to make sure we have enough events for our players to play a full schedule.

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PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp discussed big potential changes to their future schedule earlier this season, including promotion and relegation

“We’re hoping that the ecosystem understands the value and power of inviting some of the most recognisable names in the world of golf into their events, into markets that others might not attend or travel to. It seems very obvious for sure.

“You don’t have to look really too much further past the sponsor invites and where they’re going – they’re going to our players. If that’s not the case, we’ll just build events. Simple as that.”

On whether DeChambeau will agree a new contract:

“I’ll leave all individual player questions to individual players. I have a lot of time for Bryson – I talk to him quite a bit.

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Bryson DeChambeau said in May that LIV Golf players were left ‘surprised’ by the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s decision to withdraw funding from the organisation

“He cares about building this next generation of fans. I don’t think anybody works harder on or off the course. Bryson has become a good friend, a good advocate of the league. I certainly hope he’s with us for the future.

“He’s been extremely supportive, as I can say most of the big guys have been.”

Watch the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship throughout the week on Sky Sports Golf. Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

Alabama, Tennessee Temporarily Restore Home Jersey Tradition For Rivalry Game

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

An iconic college football rivalry has officially brought back an old tradition; Alabama and Tennessee are both slated to wear home jerseys for their 2026 and 2027 matchups.

The Crimson Tide and the Volunteers’ tradition started in its first meeting in 1928. However, ahead of the 1971 season, the SEC implemented a rule that the visiting teams were required to wear white uniforms, pausing the double-home jersey tradition.

Tennessee and Alabama are heading into their 109th year in the rivalry, which formally took the name “third Saturday in October” to pair with the game’s scheduled date. Alabama currently leads the rivalry with an all-time 61-40-7 record.

Next to Alabama and Tennessee, UCLA and USC are the only other rivalry to wear both home jerseys.

After a 37-20 home win for the Crimson Tide last season, both teams bring in new faces at quarterback for a preseason top 25 matchup.

Following the departure of star quarterback Ty Simpson, No. 13 Alabama has yet to name a new starter, but will likely turn to Keelon Russell. Russell, the sophomore from Duncanville, Texas, was the No. 2 ranked quarterback, per 247Sports, in the 2025 class. The Tide also returns star wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams and running back Daniel Hill to their offense. Alabama will look to return to the CFP after their first-ever appearance last season under head coach Kalen DeBoer.

For No. 20 Tennessee, head coach Josh Heupel has a brewing quarterback competition between five-star freshman Faizon Brandon and redshirt freshman George MacIntyre. Notably, Heupel also returns star running back DeSean Bishop and wide receiver Braylon Staley. After the Volunteers finished the season 8-5 (4-4 in SEC play) overall, Tennessee is due for a solid 2026 campaign.

Alabama and Tennessee will debut its home jerseys in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Celtic 3 – 0 Linz ASK

August 20, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Celtic took a huge step towards a return to the Champions League with stunning goals from Benjamin Nygren and Camilo Duran.

After crashing out in the play-off round 12 months ago, it was almost a nightmare start when Moses Usor fired into the Celtic’s net just seconds after kick-off. But the Hoops were saved by the offside flag.

They survived another scare before Nygren set the Hoops on their way, when he curled Kieran Tierney’s ball into the top corner.

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Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring against LASK

Samuel Adeniran also denied by the offside flag before Duran smashed Tierney’s cross into the net for his first Parkhead goal.

It was an impressive strike, but there was better to come from the Colombian striker as he sidefooted into the far corner after a one-two with the club’s other big summer arrival, Kasper Hogh.

The pair, who scored 10 Champions League goals between them last season, proving their worth in green and white early in the season.

Three up, but far from over. The Austrian champions carried plenty of threat as they try to reach Europe’s top-tier competition for the first time.

The sides meet again in Linz on Tuesday. Can Martin O’Neill’s side finish the job?

The key moments from Celtic Park

1: LASK SCORE EARLY BUT IT’S DISALLOWED! Usor fires into the top right corner, but the celebrations are cut short by the offside flag.

3: ANOTHER BIG CHANCE! Adeniran gets away from Carter-Vickers, races through on goal, but drags his shot wide.

9: FIRST CHANCE FOR CELTIC! Duran turns and hits it first time, but Jungwirth gets down to make the stop.

27: GOAL CELTIC! Tierney’s ball falls into the path of Nygren, who curls his first-time effort into the top right corner.

35: LASK SCORE BUT IT’S DISALLOWED AGAIN! Adeniran heads into the bottom corner, but he’s offside.

38: GOAL CELTIC! LASK clear Tierney’s cross, but it falls to Duran outside the area and he smashes it into the net.

51: SAVE! Baur’s ambitious volley from outside the area is straight at Jungwirth.

56: OFF THE POST! McGregor shoots from range and it takes a deflection off Hogh before hitting the woodwork.

62: BIG SAVE! Usor is denied by Sinisalo from point-blank range! Another chance squandered by LASK.

67: GOAL CELTIC! Another stunner! A sweeping counterattack ends with Duran combining with Nygren before guiding the ball into the net.

76: SAVE! Adeniran shoots from a tight angle. Sinisalo makes another save to keep the clean sheet intact.

Thank the board?

Image:
Celtic chief exec Michael Nicholson

Sky Sports News’ Adam Binnie was watching at Celtic Park:

What a difference a year makes.

Twelve months on from shock elimination at this stage to Kazakh club Kairat Almaty, the Scottish champions already have one foot in the league phase after the first leg.

Whisper it quietly, but the much-maligned Celtic board are due some credit.

Summer signing Camilo Duran stole the show with two outstanding goals, and fellow new recruit Mika Baur was arguably Player of the Match on his home debut. Their latest arrival Hasseim Hassan looked exciting off the bench while Kasper Hogh – though not on the scoresheet – displayed strengths in his link-up play.

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Mika Baur impressed on his Celtic Park debut

The club have reinvested more than £30m on the aforementioned acquisitions and are still in the black – that’s good business.

With more signings expected to land before the window shuts on September 3, and an estimated £40m to land in the club account should they progress, Celtic look in strikingly different shape than they did in Kazakhstan last August.

Curiously, there were no chants of ‘sack the board’ on Wednesday evening.

O’Neill: ‘It’s in the balance’

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Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is urging caution after their impressive 3-0 win against LASK in the first leg of their Champions League play-off

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill:

“I thought there were periods where we played some really fantastic stuff.

“There were also periods where they played fantastic stuff. It was really like a basketball game, particularly in the first half.

“We rode a little bit of luck. They had a great shot in the first minute, just marginally offside. They had a great chance just a moment or two after that, so they started the brighter and it took us time to get going.

“But when we did, we scored a great goal by Nygren to take a bit of pressure off, give us the lead and then Duran’s two goals were fantastic.

“But, the game is absolutely in the balance yet.”

McGregor: We’re only halfway there

Image:
Captain Callum McGregor hit the post for Celtic

Celtic captain Callum McGregor speaking to TNT Sports:

“We are trying to get the club in the Champions League. Only halfway there but fantastic performance. We have to get finish it off next week.

On Duran: “Two unbelievable finishes, we have seen it in pre-season. He is a real threat. The thing I love about him is he is always chasing back.

“The group is good and doing well. We are always trying to work and get better. The confidence grows; it’s only halfway.

Is the club going in the right direction? “It’s our job to create the atmosphere and bring the happiness.

“It was important we try to strengthen. It’s small steps and we have a really tough game next week.”

What the result means and Celtic’s next fixtures…

Celtic take a 3-0 lead to Austria for next week’s second leg. Is the Champions League return on?

Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica’s 2026 College Football Preseason Top 10

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Associated Press has had its say. The coaches have had their say.

Now it’s time for me to chime in on the 2026 preseason top 10.

Last year matters no more. New players. New rosters. New season. If you’re putting Indiana at No. 1 because the Hoosiers won the title last year, you’re doing this all wrong. If you’re putting the Hoosiers at No. 1 because you think IU is the best team in the country in 2026, then that’s fine.

There’s definitely a stratum for the upcoming season. The top seven seem pretty clear, and one could make the case for any of the top seven to be slotted in any of the seven spots. You wouldn’t get an argument from me.

Then again, last year at this time, I said Penn State to make the CFP was the safest bet there was, and then by mid-October, James Franklin was fired. So clearly my crystal ball at this time of the season is spot on.

Anyway, here’s how I see it going into the year. We’ll see what changes we get from one week to the next. And trust me, we’ll get them.

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10.

To Make CFP: +200
Title Odds: +3000

Obviously, coaching staff turnover is a big deal, as Charlie Weis Jr. is no longer in Oxford calling the plays. But with Trinidad Chambliss at QB and Kewan Lacy at RB, the Rebels have a chance against anyone.

To Make CFP: +160
Title Odds: +1700

Could swap in a few different teams here, but the talent level at LSU appears to be top 10. I don’t know how it will all work out against this schedule, but at least to start, we’ll slot them here.

To Make CFP: +210
Title Odds: +3000

The Sooners are this year’s prime candidate as the most likely team where the power rating doesn’t align with the W-L record. The defense should be exceptional, but I still have questions about the offense. The OL and RB need to be better, especially against the ridiculously tough slate of opponents the Sooners have lined up.

To Make CFP: -240
Title Odds: +850

The run of SEC teams begins here. Georgia is the only SEC team I am confident will win 10 games. The defense should be much improved, the schedule is as favorable as it comes in SEC world and talk is the offense should have some game-breakers at WR. Are the Dawgs national champ quality? Yes. But I still think they are behind a few teams in the pecking order.

To Make CFP: -350
Title Odds: +900

OK, just hear me out for a second. The Hoosiers did a helluva job reloading in the portal while making their title run last season. They also got a boon in recent weeks with the return of Stephan Daley and Kellan Wyatt per a court ruling. They clearly have one of the top rosters in the country, but here are the questions I would ask: Can every high-leverage play go IU’s way again this year? Literally every play they needed to go their way last year did just that. Will the loss of the JMU vets have a bigger impact than maybe we are expecting? Can Josh Hoover eliminate the turnovers and make the plays Mendoza did? Cignetti has said all the right things about Hoover having a defense and a running game to fall back on, but you just never know.

To Make CFP: -280
Title Odds: +1000

Two things can be true: Miami is potentially more talented than the team that came up just short last year in the national title game and Miami also might have trouble replacing the guts of the team in leaders like Keionte Scott, CJ Daniels, Keelan Marion, Francis Mauigoa and Rueben Bain.

After the late-season drive and coming so close last year, will there be complacency or even more motivation? The Canes are as big of a favorite as there is to win a league. And remember, Miami has never won the ACC. If Miami’s talent and leadership come together, this is a national title contender. But if the LBs struggle or the lethal combo of Bain and Mesidor can’t be replaced or depth behind Mark Fletcher doesn’t perform to expectations, then a season which falls short of expectations could be in the cards.

Still, I’d expect a return CFP trip.

To Make CFP: -200
Title Odds: +650

Few teams have been as overrated in the preseason poll lately as Texas. Maybe I’m falling victim to the hype again, but this roster is loaded outside of potential concerns at OL. Although it appears the Longhorns avoided serious injury with Trevor Goosby, they could really use him back for the Ohio State game. The Longhorns added elite players at LB, RB and WR in the portal, and Arch Manning’s growth throughout the 2025 season will serve him and his team well this season. I’m not trying to project a W-L record here, but the Texas schedule is no joke. And I’m curious to see how many losses (if any) the Longhorns find this season and how the CFP will rank them. But it might be fair to ask — if not now, then when for one of CFB’s highest-paid rosters?

To Make CFP: -360
Title Odds: +600

The writers and coaches have the Buckeyes at No. 1, but I’m going to slot Ohio State here instead. Look, Ohio State recruits as well as anyone, but the Buckeyes’ final two games of last season have me slightly concerned. The offensive line was over-matched by two great defensive fronts and QB Julian Sayin did not look good. How will new OC Arthur Smith fit in? What about the massive losses on the defensive side of the ball? Nobody is — or should be — crying for Ohio State and its problems entering the season, but I don’t think the Buckeyes are a CFP cinch as they’ve been the last two years.

To Make CFP: -320
Title Odds: +750

The Ducks probably have as few questions as anyone entering the season, but a couple of camp injuries might cloud things just a bit early on. Those close to Oregon have been touting 2026 as the year the Ducks finally break down the door of the national title club. It’s hard to argue with that thought process, as Dante Moore returns with a dangerous WR corps and a dominant defensive front. Oregon’s season has ended in ugly fashion each of the last three years and there’s every reason to believe that will not be the case in 2026.

To Make CFP: -800
Title Odds: +600

One could nitpick about replacing Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, or who will be the deep threat at WR, but this Irish team is loaded. Residing in South Bend is one of the best — if not the best — defenses in the country, along with one of the top QBs in the country in CJ Carr. The Irish missed the Playoff last year in a season where they were power rated as a playoff team. Now, the hunger, drive and motivation to get back to the national title game, as they did in 2024 (and win it), is evident. The Irish are No. 1 until they show me they aren’t.

Man City transfer news: Enzo Fernandez bid incoming despite missing Chelsea deadline – Paper Talk | Football News

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester City intend to bid for Enzo Fernandez despite not meeting Chelsea’s 5pm deadline last Friday – talkSPORT

Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus is not looking to move to Napoli despite the Italian side’s interest in bringing him to Serie A – Mirror

Manchester City have identified Roma’s Manu Kone as a potential signing for their revamped midfield after selling Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders – Daily Mail

Arsenal have decided they would prefer to allow Ethan Nwaneri out on loan rather than a permanent sale – Daily Mail

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

Ederson remains baffled as to why his Manchester United transfer collapsed, claiming his medical “went well” – The Sun

Benfica have made contact with Chelsea over defender Tosin Adarabioyo – The Sun

Marcus Rashford will not put Manchester United under any pressure to give him his No 10 shirt back if he stays at Old Trafford – The Sun

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Watch the last goal Marcus Rashford scored for Manchester United before his loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Can he get back to scoring ways for the Red Devils?

Jack Grealish remains ‘in contact’ with Everton as he attempts to clarify his Manchester City future – Mirror

Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the signings of Manchester United youngsters James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye – The Athletic

St Mirren have agreed a loan deal for Liverpool right-back Calvin Ramsay – Scottish Sun

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

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Rodri gives his first message to the Barcelona fans after his move from Manchester City, emphasising that the club’s focus is to ‘win everything’.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has hit back at Barcelona’s signing of Rodri by claiming victories take place on the pitch and not in the transfer market after the midfielder snubbed the Galaticos – Mirror

Mourinho has also revealed he told Vinicius Jr that leaving Real Madrid for Arsenal was “not worth it” – Mirror

Barcelona are reportedly ready to move for Harry Kane if his contract talks with Bayern Munich don’t go to plan – Daily Mail

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Hajduk Split sporting director Robert Graf admits the club desperately need to sell players before they can add to their squad and concedes that Celtic target Niko Sigur is one of two players that can help them achieve that purpose – Daily Record

Motherwell are leading the chase to sign free-scoring Ilves star Jardell Kanga – Daily Record

TENNIS

Tennis’ grand slam tournaments have agreed to establish a formal player advisory council in a move aimed at defusing the row over prize money – Guardian

Texans Receiver Jayden Higgins Reportedly Suffers Season-Ending Torn ACL Injury

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins will miss the entire 2026 NFL season after reportedly suffering a torn ACL, according to NFL Network.

The injury occurred Tuesday during a joint practice session between the Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Higgins reportedly fell while running a route in the end zone during 11-on-11 red zone drills, per ESPN. He remained on the ground before eventually leaving the field under his own power.

The 23-year-old Higgins entered training camp listed as a starting wide receiver for Houston following his rookie campaign. Selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he started 10 games last season. He finished the year with 41 receptions, 525 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Higgins started 10 games last season. He finished the year with 41 receptions, 525 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

His absence requires the Texans to adjust their depth chart at the wide receiver position. Nico Collins and Xavier Hutchinson will likely become primary available options. Hutchinson, a 2023 draft selection, recorded 35 receptions for 428 yards and three touchdowns last season.

Houston must also rely on receivers working through physical ailments.

Tank Dell missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury sustained in December 2024 and has seen limited practice time during training camp. Second year receiver Jaylin Noel is reportedly dealing with a hamstring issue per CBS, which has restricted his participation in practice.

The Texans will continue training camp as the team nears its third preseason game and the regular season without their second-year receiver.

Houston opens the season Sept. 13 against the Buffalo Bills.

Kevin Blake’s Ebor Festival tips: Sky Sports Racing expert looks ahead to day two at York with three selections | Racing News

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Sky Sports Racing’s Kevin Blake reveals a trio of picks as York’s Ebor Festival rolls on into day two on Thursday.

The Ebor Festival at York rolls on into day two on Thursday and while the main events will provide world-class action for us to enjoy, it is the supporting card that might well offer the best betting opportunities.

The Sir Kevin Sinfield 7 In 7 Grand Finale Handicap (3:00) is yet another brutally-tough handicap puzzle to solve, but William Haggas may have the answer in the shape of BULLET POINT. The five-year-old won this race last year off a mark of 100, enjoying a smooth trip around from a good draw and winning with some authority.

However, his career hasn’t continued on the upward curve as might have been expected since then, with a trip down to Australia ending in disappointment followed by a six-month absence. Since his return, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if his connections have been working backwards from this race.

He shaped with subtle promise in two runs in valuable handicaps earlier this season and then returned from another 12 weeks off to run a fine race in defeat at the Shergar Cup, finding just one that had got loose on the lead too good for him. He gets to run off the same mark of 101 here and while the draw hasn’t been quite so good to him this year as it was last year, he still looks to have leading prospects.

The next contest of interest is the Mews Hotel Ossett EBF Stallions Nursery (4:45). Three weeks ago, this column put up the Hugo Palmer-trained MIA FANTASIA in a valuable nursery at Glorious Goodwood. To say he had a troubled passage would be underselling it! He got next to no luck in running and shaped much better than the bare result.

The case that made for him that day remains relevant, with him having overcome his inexperience to win in good style at Carlisle on debut before not quite being sharp enough to be as competitive in what has proven to be a smart novice contest at Ascot that was won by the subsequent Vintage Stakes winner Dr Rascal. A mark of 79 seems very fair indeed and he is sure to have benefited from the experience he gained at Goodwood. He looks likely to run a big race.

The final race of interest on the day is another very tough handicap, the British EBF Fillies’ Handicap (5:20). Again, cases can be made for so many of these, but I’m going to venture down towards the bottom end of the weights and side with the Ed Walker-trained SECRET HISTORY.

The three-year-old has already won three times this year, with her most notable victory coming in a valuable seven-furlong handicap at Newmarket in July. Raised 4lb for that, her connections took a chance in dropping her to six furlongs to contest a valuable fillies’ handicap at Glorious Goodwood and while she ran well to finish third, she shaped as though the test was sharper than ideal for her. Returning to this trip will be a big help to her and she looks to have very strong prospects.

2026-27 College Football Playoff Schedule: Dates, Times, TV, Locations

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The 12-team College Football Playoff returns for its third season under the expanded format, and the CFP, ESPN and TNT Sports have released the complete schedule of dates, times, TV networks and host sites. Here is everything to know about the road to the 2026-27 national championship.

First Round: Campus Sites

The opening round of the playoff will again be played on the campus of the higher seeded teams.

Friday, Dec. 18: One game at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
Saturday, Dec. 19: Three games at noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET

The first game of the Dec. 19 tripleheader will air on ABC and ESPN, while the other two games that day will be split between TNT and truTV.

Big Noon Conversations: QB Roundtable with Robert Griffin III & Brady Quinn

Klatt, RG3 and Quinn share QB stories, debate NIL and transfers, and break down today’s top QBs.

Quarterfinals: Bowl Games

The quarterfinal round moves to four traditional bowl sites. The Fiesta Bowl hosts the first game, with the Peach, Cotton and Rose bowls following two days later. Matchups and exact kickoff windows for each bowl will not be finalized until the 12-team field is announced Dec. 6.

Wednesday, Dec. 30: Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, at 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV)
Friday, Jan. 1, 2027: Three quarterfinals at noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. ET at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta and the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California

Of the Jan. 1 games, the noon and 4 p.m. matchups will air on TNT and truTV, the 4 p.m. game airs on ABC and ESPN, and the 8 p.m. game airs on ESPN.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

Ahead of the 2026 college football season, FOX Sports’ RJ Young ranked every single FBS team — all 138 of ’em.

Semifinals: Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl

The two semifinal games return to their rotating bowl sites.

Thursday, Jan. 14: Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, at 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV)
Friday, Jan. 15: Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans at 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC, ESPN)

National Championship

Monday, Jan. 25, 2027: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, 7:30 p.m. ET, airing across ESPN networks including ABC

Where to Watch

All games airing on ESPN networks will also be available to stream on the ESPN app. Fans can get ESPN networks and FOX One together with the FOX One and ESPN bundle, bringing the College Football Playoff and FOX college football into one subscription. Games airing on TNT and truTV will also stream on HBO Max.

FOX does not hold broadcast rights to the College Football Playoff, so all games in this bracket will air exclusively on ESPN, ABC, TNT and truTV as listed above. FOX Sports will continue to provide coverage, analysis and reporting on the CFP field and matchups leading into the postseason.

Matt Bloomfield interview: Former Oxford United head coach opens up about disappointment of his summer exit | Football News

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Matt Bloomfield had been looking forward to the new season with Oxford United. The plans were taking shape. The players were due back in soon. “And then life changed,” Bloomfield tells Sky Sports.

“It was terribly disappointing. As a head coach, there is so much that is out of your control. You have to worry about what you can control and take pride in that.” And there are things to be proud of.

While it is true that Oxford were relegated from the Championship, Bloomfield’s own record after being appointed in January with the club one place off the bottom was impressive. During his 22 matches in charge, Oxford actually ranked as high as 14th in the table.

The mood after the final home game, a 4-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday, had been one of relative positivity. Bloomfield’s efforts in trying to keep the club up seemed appreciated. An upturn in results had briefly offered hope of an unlikely survival.

“Everyone was really positive about what we had done in giving the place life by giving ourselves the chance to stay up.”

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Matt Bloomfield applauds the Oxford fans after victory at Deepdale in March

Bloomfield knows the numbers. The fact that Oxford ultimately fell five points short of the total needed to stay in the Championship shows that it would have required top-half – almost play-off – form during the second half of the season. They could not quite do it.

Given that context, changing the mood around the club felt significant. “The feeling was really positive,” he adds. “I felt a bond with the players and the supporters and was really excited about what was to come. I felt like we could really attack this season.”

Speaking to Bloomfield, it is a window into the human side of football management. Not just the practical details. “We were looking at houses just south of the city. There were some beautiful villages where my wife was looking.” But the emotional investment.

In his statement via the League Managers’ Association following his exit, Bloomfield referenced the tragic passing of Amelia Aplin, a 15-year-old girl in Oxford’s academy who had collapsed during a game. Such horrific events bring more than perspective.

“It almost knits you closer together to have to live through an experience like that,” he explains. “The whole club got under my skin. The people really felt bonded to the place. What I found there was a really strong family club that the local community loves.”

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Highlights of the Sky Bet League One match between Oxford United and MK Dons

It is why he is foregoing any bitterness. “I have nothing but positive words to say about people around the club, the supporters, the players,” says Bloomfield. “It usually takes a lot longer to build that rapport with people.” But now it is time for him to move on.

“That is the life of a football manager. It hurt a lot and it did take me a little while to get over the thought of the opportunity that had passed me by. But if there is one thing you need in football it is resilience. Experiences like this certainly test that resilience.”

For the first time since leaving school, he has been able to enjoy a proper summer break. There have been bike rides and days out, camping and theatre trips. He has watched cricket. He has spent time with his daughters. In a sense, it is payback time.

“I said to my girls, list all the things that you want to do because this is the one time I can say yes to them all. My family sacrifice so much so that I can live this life so we have ticked a lot off.” But, tellingly, he does add: “I hope in future summers I will be working.”

That is the key. Bloomfield has not been put off. He will not quite claim to be more determined – it is a quality that he has never lacked. “But I feel really energised and motivated to get back in. I certainly don’t want to stew on this experience for too long.”

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Matt Bloomfield is looking forward to the next challenge of his managerial career

There has been a shift in mindset. Bloomfield is back watching games, reading about leadership. He is looking for ways to improve, learning experiences planned and club visits, although he is keeping the details private. He sees this as a chance to reset.

The next opportunity needs to be the right one, tick some of the boxes that made Oxford so appealing. “I have it in my mind,” he says. “But on the other hand, who knows? Football throws up these lovely surprises that you are not expecting from time to time.”

For now, Bloomfield can enjoy the rare privilege of being able to say yes to his family without checking the fixture list first. Soon enough, however, another manager will find themselves under pressure and a very different phone call will be coming his way. He will be ready.

“I cannot wait for the next opportunity to arise.”

From Cancer Survivor To World Series Champion: Trey Mancini Announces Retirement

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Trey Mancini, the AL Comeback Player of the Year in 2021 for his return from colon cancer who then helped Houston win the 2022 World Series, announced his retirement Tuesday after his latest comeback lasted five games with the Los Angeles Angels.

“Thank you, baseball,” Mancini wrote on lnstagram.

Mancini, 34, agreed to a minor league contract with the Angels in February, a deal that included an invitation to major league spring training. Mancini hit .273 with six homers, 29 RBIs and three steals for Triple-A Salt Lake this year.

The right-handed batter had three hits in his first major league game since 2023 playing first base in a 5-4 loss to the Houston Astros in 10 innings. Mancini’s final major league appearance was June 14, and he was designated for assignment on June 17.

“I am blessed to have made a home in the Orioles organization for 10 years, win a World Series in Houston, play for the Cubs in Chicago (I wish I played better for you guys), and make it back up to the MLB with the Angels,” Mancini wrote while also thanking the Reds, Marlins and Diamondbacks as well.

Mancini batted .263 with 129 homers and 404 RBIs in the majors. He played parts of six seasons with the Orioles and hit a career-high 29 homers in 2019.

He then missed the 2020 season after surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his colon. He made a successful return to the Orioles in 2021, and he won a World Series ring in 2022 after Baltimore traded him to Houston.

Mancini spent part of the 2023 season with the Chicago Cubs. He has since played in the minor league systems of the Reds, Marlins and Diamondbacks. He opted out of a minor league deal with Arizona last July after batting .308 with 16 homers for Triple-A Reno.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Mikey Lewis: Hull KR left sweating as star man sent to sin bin against Warrington Wolves on return from four-match ban | Rugby League News

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

After returning from a four-game ban, Mikey Lewis is now sweating on whether he will miss more crucial matches in Hull KR’s run-in.

Lewis was banned for a headbutt during the Robins’ away loss to Warrington and during that period, his side won all four matches without their star halfback.

It was wondered whether Hull KR would stick with Ryan Hampshire due to their winning run but Peters opted to bring Lewis back in, citing the learning curve he has been on over the last month.

“Mikey’s got a lot of learning out of the last four weeks. He knows he needs to stay calm and composed because when he does that, he’s an elite player,” Peters said.

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Mikey Lewis was sin-binned for a tackle on Ewan Irwin before being cited for an apparent headbutt on Warrington’s Adam Holroyd. The Match Review Panel handed him a one-match ban for the tackle and three more games for the headbutt.

However, the 25-year-old returned on Tuesday night for Hull KR’s rearranged round two fixture against the same outfit and was once again caught out for ill discipline when he was shown a yellow card for dangerous contact with kicker Ewan Irwin, raising his studs which caught the young halfback on his ankle.

It means he has a nervous wait until Thursday when the Match Review Panel for this contest meet to decide whether he will get a ban.

He currently sits on 7.75 points, meaning that a Grade A charge would be enough for another ban, an untimely one too with just four games remaining of the regular season.

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Mikey Lewis is officially back as he goes over on his return from a four-match ban.

Warrington head coach Sam Burgess referred to the challenge as “very dangerous” and said that, if Lewis were playing in Australia’s NRL, he could be in some real trouble.

“I think the challenge at the back end of the game was a bad challenge. It is a bad challenge. He (Irwin) is very lucky he’s come out of that healthy. He’s a tough kid,” Burgess said.

“I’m not trying to make it worse than it is,” he later added. “You just have to watch it. It’s really dangerous.
In the NRL, you’re going to be in a bit of trouble.”

Peters: I know he has done ‘silly things’ but there was no intent

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Highlights of the Super League match between Hull KR and Warrington Wolves.

While Burgess had a very clear view of the nature of the challenge, Lewis’ head coach Peters insisted that he did not think there was any intent behind his player’s actions.

“I need to have a look at it but look I don’t think there was any malice in it,” he said.

“I don’t think he intentionally went for him.

“I know Mikey’s done some silly things this year and that one there he was definitely going to put pressure on.

“I need to have a look at it properly but from what I saw there was no malice to go and hurt the player or have intent to hurt him, he was putting the pressure on.”

NFL Catchup: Cowboys-Saints Fights, A Christian McCaffrey Update & Deals Were Made

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The regular season hasn’t arrived yet, but things are already getting feisty around the NFL.

Tuesday featured another practice fight, but this one might have been the biggest yet in training camp. There were reportedly at least six altercations at Tuesday’s Dallas Cowboys-New Orleans Saints joint practices.

Elsewhere, Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza took another step forward in his progression, and the New York Giants made a notable addition.

Here’s what you should know about what happened in the NFL on Tuesday.

Fights At Cowboys-Saints Practice

The Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints held a joint training camp practice on Tuesday that featured at least six separate physical altercations between players, according to reporters in attendance.

Incidents included a punch thrown at Dallas running back Javonte Williams, edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku throwing punches during a confrontation, and New Orleans player Brock Rechsteiner executing a suplex on a Cowboys defender.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed disappointment with the practice disruptions following the session.

“A little chippy,” Schottenheimer told reporters. “Not the way we like to do business. Got to be better, but I’ve got to look at the film. We’re certainly not going to take s— from anybody, but again, it was chippy on both sides. Like I’ve said, I want our guys to play on the edge without going over the edge.”

Neither team has announced disciplinary action ahead of their Aug. 28 preseason game. The Saints take on the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, while the Cowboys face the Arizona Cardinals later that day.

The Christian McCaffrey injury saga hasn’t slowed down. But 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan put rumors of a contract-related holdout to rest as the star running back has been out of practice for over a week, reiterating that McCaffrey is dealing with hamstring tightness.

Shanahan clarified that McCaffrey would have practiced on Tuesday had it not been for the joint session with the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s another clear sign that his current muscle tightness is being handled with routine caution and remains a minimal concern heading into the season.

McCaffrey is coming off a season with his heaviest rushing workload since entering the league out of Stanford in 2017. He logged a career-high 311 carries for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns, while adding 102 receptions for 924 yards and seven scores.

With McCaffrey limited to just four games in 2024 following an Achilles injury, any report of tightness naturally raises red flags. However, all signs point toward him being ready for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.

Kirk Cousins has taken the majority of first-string offensive reps for the Las Vegas Raiders throughout training camp, but rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza received first-team work during Tuesday joint practice with the Houston Texans.

Head coach Klint Kubiak stated after practice that he intended to evaluate Mendoza against starting opposition.

“I wanted to see him going against the Texans’ 1s,” Kubiak told reporers. “That was our plan all along. I thought he did some good things. I look forward to watching the tape. He and his teammates, all these young guys that were playing, we’ve got to get them up to speed real quick.”

Cousins addressed the allocation of snaps following the practice session.

“He did a great job,” Cousins told reporters. “He’s well-prepared, made some great plays and he’s continuing to do what he’s supposed to do and pick up the system quickly.”

Mendoza detailed his experience taking reps against the Houston defense.

“I believe overall, it was a positive day. There were plays that I loved and plays that I wish I had back, but in reality, that’s a lie. I wish I didn’t have them back because it’s a growing experience,” Mendoza told reporters. “It’s practice, and this is what I love, and it’s a beautiful day to play football. I’m so happy, I have so many things to learn from this.”

The New York Giants signed free-agent running back Najee Harris to a one-year deal on Tuesday. Harris spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers before suffering a season-ending Achilles tear. He enters the Giants backfield fully healthy.

The addition of Harris comes after the Giants waived running back Dante Miller with an injury designation. Miller hurt his groin in the preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings and is expected to miss time.

“I think this is a good opportunity here. I think the style of play that they’re heading towards is the style of play that aligns with me,” Harris told reporters.

In a corresponding move, the Giants plan to release veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

After pass rusher Za’Darius Smith worked out for the Cleveland Browns last week with a signing expected, he visited the Atlanta Falcons on Monday and officially signed a one-year deal on Tuesday morning, according to multiple reports.

Smith is reuniting with Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, whom he played under for two seasons in Cleveland. With pass rusher James Pearce Jr. set to serve an eight-game suspension, Stefanski turned to a familiar face to help fill the void.

With Pearce Jr. facing a suspension and Jalon Walker out for the entire 2026 season due to a training camp knee injury, Atlanta’s edge depth is severely tested. Smith could immediately play a heavy role alongside Samson Ebukam and Azeez Ojulari, who are listed as the Falcons’ starting edge rushers on their unofficial depth chart.

Smith is a three-time Pro Bowler who has bounced around the league over his 11-year NFL career. He has played for the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Browns, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and now the Falcons.

Now that Smith to the Falcons is a done deal, all eyes shift towards whether he can put together a full season of health. His best season came in 2020 with the Packers, where he earned All-Pro honors with 52 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.

Injury News & Notes

New York Jets running back Breece Hall is expected to be sidelined two to three weeks with a groin strain, head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed on Tuesday. Hall’s injury is minor and the team expects him to be ready for Week 1.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that veteran wide receiver Mike Evans is dealing with quad “tightness.” He doesn’t believe the injury is anything severe, and he’s being held out as a precaution.
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken told reporters on Tuesday that he plans to give Texas A&M rookie wide receiver KC Concepción the ball “as often as they can.”
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman was diagnosed with a sprained foot and toe following the team’s preseason opener. Coleman wore a walking boot on Tuesday and will miss practice time. Head coach Joe Brady indicated low concern regarding the injury. Coleman caught a touchdown pass in Saturday’s game.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed to reporters on Tuesday that rookie running back Jeremiyah Love will not require surgery on his ankle injury.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua did not practice on Tuesday. Nacua trained on the field with a member of the Rams medical staff under head coach Sean McVay’s observation.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed to reporters that running back Josh Jacobs (groin) returned to practice on Tuesday.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara left Tuesday’s joint practice scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys early due to a knee issue, The Times-Picayune reported.
Former Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs worked out for the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, ESPN reported.
The Seahawks have been working through the timing of a potential deal with free-agent cornerback Terrion Arnold. NFL Network reported that Arnold is expected to be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list once he officially signs.
Cincinnati Bengals undrafted rookie cornerback Ceyair Wright has stepped away from the team and will pursue an acting career after landing a lead role in a major upcoming feature film, ESPN reported.

Kosta Nedeljkovic: Rangers sign Aston Villa right-back on loan with £4m obligation to buy Serbia international | Football News

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Rangers have signed right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Aston Villa.

The 20-year-old has moved to Ibrox on a season-long loan, with a £4m obligation to buy included in the deal, which will be triggered based on the number of games he plays.

Sky Sports News understands Rangers saw off competition from other clubs to sign Nedeljkovic after he held talks with manager Derek McInnes and his Serbia team-mate Vanja Dragojevic, who moved to the club earlier this summer.

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Summer signing Vanja Dragojevic played a key role in helping seal Nedeljkovic’s move to Ibrox

Nedeljkovic arrived at Villa Park in January 2024 from Red Star Belgrade but made 10 appearances in that time, having also spent a season and a half on loan at RB Leipzig.

Rangers have now made 11 summer signings, with more expected over the coming weeks of the transfer window.

It is understood Ibrox chiefs are searching for a new striker and winger before the September 3 deadline in Scotland, with Portland Timbers’ Kevin Kelsy and Brighton’s Amario Cozier-Duberry among those of interest to Rangers.

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Derek McInnes is expected to further add to his squad over the coming weeks

Speaking after joining Rangers, Nedeljković said: “I am very excited, Rangers is such a big club, a big family and I am excited to join and help the team have success together.

“For me, it was an easy decision after meeting with the coach, I only wanted Rangers. It is a big opportunity and a big responsibility. I always try to be positive and work hard so I am ready to help the team.”

Manager McInnes added: “Kosta is a talented young player who we are really pleased to bring to the club.

“He has already gained some valuable experience at a high level in England and Germany, as well as representing Serbia internationally. Kosta is an athletic and energetic full-back who is keen to get forward, but he also has a real desire to defend and compete and he will further strengthen a key area for us.

“I look forward to welcoming Kosta to Rangers, and working with him moving forward.”

Chargers Torch 49ers: 4 Takeaways From San Francisco-Los Angeles Joint Practice

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — New Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said he looked forward to seeing his newest student, Justin Herbert, in action for the first time executing his offense against a defense from another team.

Well, in a joint practice at team headquarters against the San Francisco 49ers, the Oregon product did not disappoint, connecting on big plays with Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, Omarion Hampton and free-agent pickup David Njoku on Tuesday.

And on the other side, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy admitted that his team’s offense fell short against the Chargers’ defense.

“Honestly, I don’t think it was our best day,” Purdy said about the offense. “I feel like the fundamentals and stuff were just a little off and whatnot. Obviously, there was some good stuff and stuff we need to work on. But I just feel like we could have come out with a little bit more of a chip on our shoulder offensively.”

The Chargers will take early training camp success, but we’ll see if that translates into wins when this franchise traditionally struggles — in December and January.

Here are my four takeaways from the highly competitive but controlled practice that included no fights, unlike San Francisco’s feisty joint practice session last week against the Tennessee Titans.

1. C Tyler Biadasz One Of Few Chargers Players Injured

It was not all good news for the Bolts, as free-agent pickup and starting center Tyler Biadasz had to leave the field early during practice on a cart due to a leg injury suffered when left guard Kayode Awosika threw his man into the back of his leg.

Biadasz was visibly frustrated as he was carted away.

Rookie second-round pick Jake Slaughter replaced Biadasz in the starting lineup. The Florida product had been part of a crowded group of players competing for the starting left guard job but could be the answer for the Bolts at center if Biadasz is out long-term.

“I just take it as a blessing that I can help the team in any way that I can,” Slaughter said about the possibility of starting in place of Biadasz.

Tyler Biadasz (right) was one of the Chargers’ big offseason pickups. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images)

One of L.A.’s big free-agent additions, it would be a significant blow to the offensive line to lose the anchor up front for a group that played without bookend offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt for most of last season. Slater has already missed over a week of training camp this year because of a leg injury, with Trey Pipkins taking his spot at left tackle.

Johnston also had to leave practice with what appeared to be a right leg injury suffered diving for a ball out of bounds. However, after getting evaluated by team medical staff, Johnston returned to the field but did not practice.

Finally, for the 49ers, Mike Evans had to leave practice with tightness. Evans was observed icing his quad afterwards, which he injured earlier this month. Fellow free agent signee receiver Christian Kirk remains out with a calf injury.

“They just said he had some tightness, so we were just being smart in taking him out,” San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said about Evans. “I don’t think it’s anything worse, so we’ll see when we get in there, but nothing that I’m worried about right now.”

2. Herbert Commands Offense, Will Start Preseason Game vs. 49ers

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that Herbert and the rest of the starters on offense and defense will play for the first time during the preseason against San Francisco, getting in for at least a series.

However, Harbaugh had to like what he saw from Herbert and the rest of the offense, who consistently carved up San Francisco’s offense for big plays.

“When you see live reps, that’s really important for us as an offense,” Herbert said. “We go up against our defense so much, and there’s only a level of speed that you can go when you’re not tackling and you’re just thudding up.

“I think it’s great to see another defense. More reps for us to see different defenses, different coverages. So, I thought it was great for the offensive line, the receiver and everyone else as well.”

Justin Herbert (right) is in his first season working with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel (left). (Photo by Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

While Herbert heated up, the Chargers struggled to block new 49ers defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who had a handful of pressures.

3. Chargers RB Omarion Hampton Busts Out The Truck Stick

Along with Herbert, the second-year running back out of North Carolina had back-to-back plays where he lowered the boom on San Francisco defenders. On the first play, Hampton broke through a big hole in the middle of the line and bowled over 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown.

And in the following play, Hampton hit the left sideline, blowing up linebacker Jaden Dugger as he angled to the sideline.

Along with creating a more complex passing game, McDaniel has been tasked with bringing more physicality in the running game. And the Chargers accomplished that by consistently creating creases for Hampton to break through the line of scrimmage and make defenders pay at the second level of the defense.

“He’s incredibly tough,” Herbert said. “He leads by example. He doesn’t say much, but what he does on the field is loud, and guys respect him.

4. Christian McCaffrey Not Holding In, According To Shanahan

Shanahan addressed speculation that All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey was not practicing because he wanted his contract sweetened after Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs signed record-setting extensions for running backs.

However, Shanahan assured reporters after practice that McCaffrey was out due to tightness, not unhappiness with his current deal.

“I mean, people make a lot of assumptions,” Shanahan said. “And that would be one they’re wrong on.”

Christian McCaffrey hasn’t practiced in over a week. (Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Shanahan went on to say that if it were game week, McCaffrey would be available for practice. However, San Francisco’s head coach would not divulge the injury.

“Just some tightness,” Shanahan said. “He’ll get sensitive if I say where.”

With McCaffrey out, rookie Kaelon Black looked strong running the football.

Joe Gallagher gives cancer update: ‘After January setback, I have an operation in September to get rid of this’ | Boxing News

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Boxing trainer Joe Gallagher has revealed his cancer returned in January, but after responding well to chemotherapy he has an operation in September with hopes of getting the all-clear again.

Speaking as a guest on the latest episode of the Toe2Toe Sky Sports Boxing podcast, esteemed Manchester coach Gallagher was previously diagnosed with stage four bowel and liver cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and a major operation.

He received the all-clear in September last year and was well enough to accompany his fighter Mikie Tallon to Las Vegas to box in a mid-week show ahead of Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford.

But scans in January revealed the cancer had returned to his liver.

“2026 has been a bumpy road. It was a right kick in the nuts at the beginning of the year,” Gallagher tells Sky Sports.

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“In September, I got given the all clear on the plane to Vegas, and then I went in back in January for something to do with my heart – believe it or not, I have a heart! – I went for scans and then they came back and they said: ‘Listen the cancer has come back to your liver.’

“They said it was inoperable at first, and then there was chance of it being operable, but I had to do a load of chemo to shrink it. So I’ve gone through seven cycles, and it was a lot more aggressive.

“The cocktail of chemo was huge. Obviously, you could see me losing my hair and everything else.

“I’ve been doing that, coming through it all, so now I’m going to have an operation in September to get rid of this.

Image:
Joe Gallagher with one of his boxers Mikie Tallon – the 57-year-old coach hopes to return to training in October

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“There’s four areas of the liver that has got cancer, three of them can be cut out, one of them they’ve got to burn it out, but that one is sitting on a main artery that’s carrying blood from the feet to the heart.

“That’s the one that needed to shrink a little bit, which it has.

“The consultant is very matter of fact, which they have to be. He said I needed to rest.

“But I was just so annoyed because I thought: ‘2026, here we go, I’ve got a great team of talent coming through.’ And then I thought: ‘Oh my God.’

“But we’ve still worked on. I was in the gym yesterday.

“Everyone knows I’m not available in September. But I’ll be back for the beginning of October, hopefully.”

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Tyson Fury has teased an imminent announcement about his long-awaited fight against Anthony Joshua

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Anthony Joshua’s team have posted an AI video suggesting Tyson Fury should prepare for a visit from ‘The Landlord’ later this year. Credit: Matchroom Boxing

Tallon: I have ambitions of fighting on Joshua vs Fury undercard

Mikie Tallon, also speaking to Toe2Toe Sky Sports Boxing podcast, said:

“I know just as much as everyone else [regarding Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua]. I’ve seen Netflix put a promo out on the WWE last night or something like that.

“It’ll be great. Joshua vs Fury. A mega fight.

“So, I’ll keep my fingers crossed. If I could get on the card, I would. Definitely.

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Speaking on Toe2Toe, Mikie Tallon is hoping to fight on the undercard of the potential Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury fight

“Before the Fury [undercard] fight, that was my first stoppage when I did him [Argentinian Olympian Leandro Jose Blanc] in the first round with a body shot, Joe [Gallagher] was making montages and little clips of all the fighters years ago.

“Like Callum Smith, Beefy Smith, Scott Quigg, Anthony Crolla, Paul Butler, Marcus Morrison – all them stopping people with body shots.

“I said to myself, the next time he’s going to put me in one of those videos. And then after we got that stoppage win, I was like: ‘You can add me to one of those videos now, Joe!’

Brewers Match Baseball’s Modern-Era Record For Biggest Shutout With 22-0 Win

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Milwaukee Brewers matched baseball’s modern-era record for the biggest shutout, beating the Seattle Mariners 22-0 on Tuesday night behind three-run homers from Christian Yelich, David Hamilton and Luis Lara and a two-run shot by Jake Bauers.

The major league-best Brewers (78-48) matched a franchise record for runs in a game. Since 1901, the only previous 22-0 victories were by Pittsburgh over the host Chicago Cubs on Sept. 16, 1975 and by Cleveland at the New York Yankees on Aug. 31, 2004.

Bauers scored the Brewers’ first run in colorful fashion. He doubled with two outs in the first against Bryce Miller (4-7). William Contreras singled, and left fielder Randy Arozarena’s throw to the plate easily beat Bauers, who slapped at catcher Cal Raleigh’s mitt on his slide. Raleigh dropped the ball, and Bauers dived back to the plate.

Yelich’s homer made it 6-0 in the fifth. Hamilton went deep in the sixth to make it 9-0, and Bauers’ 22nd homer later in the inning made it 11-0.

Milwaukee scored nine times in the eighth against Mariners infielder Leo Rivas, including Lara’s homer, which was the first of his career.

Kyle Harrison (10-3), who allowed eight runs (three earned) over 4 2/3 innings in his previous start, held the Mariners to two hits in five innings. Shane Drohan worked two innings, Grant Anderson pitched the eighth and catcher Gary Sanchez completed the five-hitter, working around two hits in the ninth while throwing several pitches under 40 mph.

Hamilton’s four RBIs were a career high. Yelich and Lara also drove in four runs each, and Garrett Mitchell had four hits.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal manager says we want to make Gunners the best club in the world | Football News

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Mikel Arteta is excited to keep building Arsenal after their Premier League win, vowing to make them “the best club in the world”.

The Gunners lifted the trophy last season for the first time in 22 years, and have already made moves to bolster their defence of it, with key arrivals such as Christian Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes.

Arteta says they will keep targeting elite players to get Arsenal to the very top.

“It’s certainly the ambition of the club and the owners to be the best club in the world,” he told Sky Sports at a Premier League launch event ahead of their Friday night opener against Coventry, live on Sky.

“In order to do that, you need the best facilities, the best stadium, the best supporters, and you need the best squad and the best players in the world.

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James Savundra and Michael Bridge discuss were Arsenal need to strengthen this summer.

“Those are the ones that win you football matches and the ones that can be decisive when it matters.

“That’s what we try to build with the actual players that we have, and with the players that we want to sign to make the difference for Arsenal.”

Arsenal go into the season as outright favourites to retain their title, with that status further underlined by their comfortable 3-0 win over Manchester City in Sunday’s Community Shield.

Arteta, however, says he is more than comfortable with the position of being the frontrunners.

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Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz explains why Arsenal’s emphatic win over Manchester City has led to plenty of transfer debates for the Gunners.

“I think this is part of our industry, and that’s OK,” he said. “For me, it’s when I look into the eyes of my players and I see that fire, that desire and the will to be better every single day.

“That’s the only thing that I care about.”

The weight of history is against Arsenal defending their trophy, however. Arsenal have not defended the top-flight title since the 1990s.

It is another milestone Arteta is keen to overcome.

“That’s an opportunity that we have ahead, and we are very conscious of what it’s going to take to deliver that,” he said.

“But I feel the ambition, I feel the desire, and I feel the ability and the conviction around the team that we can do it.”

Arsenal chief: New signings need ‘to change the dial’

Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick says the club want to sign players who “are going to change the dial”.

The Premier League champions missed out on Vinicius Junior after he signed a new Real Madrid contract, while they are interested in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

Asked about the club being linked with elite players, Garlick said: “It’s players that are going to take Arsenal forward.

Image:
Arsenal’s Bruno Guimaraes during the friendly against Como

“In the past we’ve looked at players that maybe helped build out the squad or get us to a certain level, but now we’re competing right at the top level, and we do need to bring in players that are going to change the dial.

“That might be younger players that come into your squad and give them time to develop, and you’ve seen that in the last couple of years at Arsenal, and if we’re able to combine those players that are coming through the academy with some of the best players in the world then we’ve got every chance of maintaining that success and going beyond what we’ve already achieved.”

Arsenal have spent £143.5m on four summer signings, including the permanent arrival of defender Piero Hincapie.

Questioned on whether there is still money to be spent, Garlick replied: “We said at the start of this season we’re about to embark on that we’re not going to stand still and pat ourselves on the back and say, ‘Well done, job done, nothing else to do’. We want to move forward – the best clubs are always moving forward.

“You can see we’ve already invested in the squad this season, and if the right opportunity arises, then we will look to strengthen in all areas.

“The window’s open for the next couple of weeks, and if there are players that are going to come in and move Arsenal forward, then we will look at that.

“The standard now is high, though – the bar’s been set winning the Premier League title and getting to the Champions League final. We’re probably fishing in a smaller pool of quality players, and that means that it’s tricky to land those players that are going to drive Arsenal forward.

“But if the right opportunity presents itself, we’ll certainly be exploring it.”

Analysis: Where could Arsenal strengthen before window shuts?

Arsenal showed why they are considered favourites to retain the Premier League with their dominant Community Shield victory over Manchester City, but there is still a possibility that Arteta further reinforces his title-winning squad.

They want to add a forward and a defender. Finding a defender who can soften the blow of William Saliba’s extended spell out has led Arsenal to hold talks over potential deals for England internationals Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah.

Both players share a similar profile and have the capacity to play at centre-back and right-back, but both look to be difficult deals to do. Aston Villa want £60m for Konsa and there is a big gap in valuation, while Bayer Leverkusen do not currently want to sell Quansah.

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Jamie O’Hara makes his predictions for the new Premier League season, including who he thinks will come out on top as leading goalscorer!

It remains to be seen if Arsenal can achieve their goal of bringing in a statement forward signing after Vinicius Junior chose to stay at Real Madrid. They are interested in Julian Alvarez at Atletico Madrid, while there are also links with Victor Osimhen.

Arsenal had set out to sign a left-winger at the start of the window but will be alert to any opportunities for long-term targets in the final days of the window that could improve the attack in other positions.

Summer signing Christos Tzolis’ performance levels have taken many by surprise ahead of the new season, including Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, which may well convince Arsenal that they have adequately addressed the left-wing position.

Arsenal want to make more from sales this summer in a bid to be more financially sustainable, and they are understood to be willing to listen to offers for Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus while there is uncertainty around Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival has raised the prospect of either Lewis-Skelly or Martin Zubimendi departing. However, any deal for Zubimendi would likely require Arsenal to make a return on the £51m they signed him for last summer, while Lewis-Skelly goes down as pure profit.

At Least Six Fights Reportedly Break Out During Cowboys And Saints Joint Practice

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

While NFL joint practices often operate as controlled chaos, sometimes controlled chaos can get out of control, quickly. The Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints held a joint training camp practice on Tuesday that featured at least six separate physical altercations between the two teams.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed the recurring incidents following the practice on Tuesday afternoon. He made it clear he did not approve of the practice interruptions but appreciated the response from his personnel.

He also told reporters he felt like he was managing a fight club throughout the afternoon.

One incident recorded on video involved a New Orleans defender throwing a punch at Dallas running back Javonte Williams at the end of a rushing play.

Shortly after that play concluded, a separate skirmish occurred involving Dallas edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku. He was seen throwing punches during a confrontation with the New Orleans offense.

The physical play continued into the later periods of the practice session when Dallas defender Caelen Carson engaged in a scuffle with a New Orleans player. During another altercation, New Orleans player Brock Rechsteiner executed a wrestling maneuver known as a German Suplex on a Dallas defender.

Rechsteiner is the son of former professional wrestler Scott Steiner and the cousin of current professional wrestler Bron Breakker.

Joint practices are scheduled to allow NFL teams to evaluate their personnel against different teams in a controlled environment without giving up film of formations, routes and schemes during a preseason game.

Both head coaches were seen having a discussion after a skirmish-filled joint practice. Neither team has announced disciplinary actions for the players involved in the altercations.

The Saints and Cowboys are scheduled to face each other in preseason Week 3 on Friday, Aug. 28.

Man Utd transfer news: Barcelona midfielder Gavi rejects chance to join Old Trafford – Paper Talk | Football News

August 19, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday’s newspapers…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Gavi has rejected the chance to join Manchester United – The Mirror

Marcus Rashford has left Manchester United officials ‘seriously impressed’ following his return to the club after his loan spell at Barcelona – Daily Mail

Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is Manchester City’s latest midfield target as they close in on Lille teen Ayyoub Bouaddi – The Sun

Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have submitted a £38.5m (€45m) bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who is keen on the move – Fabrizio Romano

A £5bn stand-off between Chelsea’s co-owners over plans for a new stadium is accelerating regime change at the club – The Sun

Everton’s chief executive Angus Kinnear has confirmed interest in bringing Jack Grealish back to the club in a potential loan deal – The Times

Brentford pair Kevin Schade and Vitaly Janelt were the two players who fought off a drunk man who racially abused a security guard – The Telegraph

Ipswich will look to go as far as regularly monitoring their players’ urine in a bid to gain a competitive edge over their Premier League rivals, with the club unveiling some of the key upgrades made on their new £30m training facility – Daily Mail

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Harry Kane is ready to snub Saudi millions and commit his future to Bayern Munich, with the England captain wanted by Al Hilal – The Express

Jose Mourinho has four untouchable first-team starters at Real Madrid, but Trent Alexander-Arnold is not one of them, with Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Yan Diomande the quartet – AS

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth is a Celtic target as they look to provide competition for Viljami Sinisalo – Daily Record

Dundee are closing in on a deal for Swansea City striker Bobby Wales – Daily Record

BOXING

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have signed contracts to fight on November 20 in New York City, raising concerns that the mega-fight will take place in the middle of the night for British fans – Daily Mail

RUGBY UNION

Leicester Tigers assistant coach Alex Davies is set to join Wales as a skills and kicking specialist in time for November’s Nations Championship campaign – Daily Mail

Kalshi Promo Code FOXSPORTS: Get a Bonus of up to $500 When Trading on the MLB

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

New users on Kalshi can use promo code FOXSPORTS to get a bonus of up to $500 when trading on MLB markets. With playoff races tightening and several contenders making their push down the stretch, today’s slate features plenty of storylines to follow.

The Chicago Cubs needed Pete Crow-Armstrong’s heroics in a dramatic 7-5, 10-inning walk-off victory over the White Sox. The win helped the Cubs position near the top of the National League Wild Card race.

San Diego had been one of the hottest teams in baseball, but yesterday the Mets were able to hold them to one run. Today, the Padres’ offense looks to get the bats rolling again.

Boston found its groove again after a dominant 11-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Red Sox will look to carry that momentum into their next games as the American League playoff race continues to develop.

New users can use Kalshi Promo Code FOXSPORTS to get a bonus of up to $500 and trade on today’s MLB games, teams, players and other baseball markets.

For more information and full terms and conditions, visit our Kalshi promo code page.

How to Claim the Kalshi Welcome Bonus

Click this ‘Claim Now’ link to visit Kalshi and start the signup process.
Create a new Kalshi account using your email address and basic registration details.
Enter Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS during signup, so the welcome offer is attached to your account.
Complete identity verification, which Kalshi requires before users can deposit and trade.
Deposit funds and trade at least $25 in prediction markets to receive up to $500 in trading credit.

Padres vs. Mets

*Probability is subject to change*

San Diego Padres51%53¢48¢New York Mets49%49¢52¢

White Sox vs. Cubs

*Probability is subject to change*

Chicago Cubs62%63¢38¢Chicago White Sox38%38¢63¢

More games markets are available on Kalshi.

Chicago White Sox @ Chicago Cubs

Records & Standings: The Cubs are 73-53, commanding the top NL Wild Card position. The White Sox are 65-59, clinging to a narrow lead at the top of the AL Central.
Pitching Matchup: Bryan Hudson (3-4, 3.14 ERA) vs. Kevin Gausman (6-11, 4.53 ERA).
Key Team Stats: The Cubs feature an elite home-field advantage with a 37-26 record at Wrigley Field.
Top Hitters: Pete Crow-Armstrong is scorching hot for the Cubs, coming off a clutch 10th-inning walk-off heroics on Monday night. The White Sox lean heavily on international breakout star Munetaka Murakami and rookie catcher Edgar Quero.
Playoff Positioning: High anxiety for both sides in the Crosstown Classic. The Cubs look to cement their wild card advantage, while the White Sox are trying to ward off surging division rivals in Minnesota and Cleveland.

San Diego Padres @ New York Mets

Records & Standings: The Padres are 67-59, 2nd place in the NL West. The Mets are 57-69, sitting in 5th place in the NL East.
Pitching Matchup: Robbie Ray (10-7, 3.28 ERA) vs. Zac Thornton (3-3, 2.78 ERA).
Key Team Stats: San Diego features elite run prevention, sporting a stellar 2.80 team ERA over their last 10 games. The Mets are dangerous at home, riding a four-game home winning streak at Citi Field.
Top Hitters: Manny Machado anchors the surging Padres lineup. The Mets counter with star outfielder Juan Soto (.283 AVG, 21 HR) and a resurgent Bo Bichette at shortstop.
Playoff Positioning: San Diego cannot afford a slip-up, as the Diamondbacks sit right on their heels just one game back in the Wild Card race.

Atlanta Braves @ Minnesota Twins

Records & Standings: The Braves are 74-50, 1st place in the NL East. The Twins are 61-65, 3rd place in the AL Central.
Pitching Matchup: Tyler Mahle (4-9, 4.64 ERA) vs. Zebby Matthews (6-8, 5.34 ERA).
Key Team Stats: The Braves’ pitching staff ranks 2nd in the NL with a collective 3.65 ERA. The Twins possess a lethal offense at home, ranking in the top tier of the American League with a .405 team slugging percentage.
Top Hitters: Matt Olson and Ronald Acuña Jr. anchor the middle of a potent Atlanta order. The Twins, slugger Byron Buxton, currently leads Minnesota with 25 home runs this season.
Playoff Positioning: Atlanta holds a comfortable lead in the NL East division race. Minnesota desperately needs to pile up wins to climb back into the highly packed AL Wild Card mix.

Los Angeles Dodgers @ Colorado Rockies

Records & Standings: The Dodgers are 75-51, firmly in 1st place in the NL West. The Rockies are 50-75, sitting at the bottom of the division.
Pitching Matchup: Eric Lauer (7-6, 4.67 ERA) vs. Ryan Feltner (5-6, 5.59 ERA).
Key Team Stats: The Dodgers are dominant against right-handed pitching, ranking 2nd in Major League Baseball in overall on-base percentage (.335). Colorado struggles inside their home park, yielding a league-worst 5.47 team ERA.
Top Hitters: Shohei Ohtani anchors the Dodgers’ elite lineup, coming off a spectacular 4-hit, 2-homer game on Monday night. The Rockies rely heavily on catcher Hunter Goodman, who has slugged an impressive 34 home runs this year.
Playoff Positioning: The Dodgers hold an active 7-3 lead in the season series against Colorado. A win tonight allows them to pull further away from San Diego and Arizona in the NL West race.

Miami Marlins @ Philadelphia Phillies

Records & Standings: The Phillies are 68-58, the second NL Wild Card spot. The Marlins are 64-62, sitting in 3rd place in the NL East and fighting to stay in the postseason conversation.
Pitching Matchup: Cade Gibson (2-0, 5.61 ERA) vs. Zack Wheeler (10-4, 2.89 ERA).
Key Team Stats: Philadelphia’s offense is firing on all cylinders during their four-game win streak, scoring at least six runs in all four contests. The Marlins rely on high-contact hitting, grinding out 14 total hits in their narrow 6-5 loss yesterday.
Top Hitters: Kyle Schwarber powers the heavy-hitting Philadelphia core with 37 home runs on the season. Miami leans heavily on Otto Lopez, who anchors the club with a .310 batting average and 152 hits.
Playoff Positioning: The Phillies enter on a four-game winning streak and look to secure the head-to-head season tiebreaker over the Marlins. Miami is desperate to steal a road win to close the gap on the final NL Wild Card positions.

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Jamal Musiala: Bayern Munich forward shares health update after collapsing during a match again | Football News

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Bayern Munich winger Jamal Musiala has revealed he is suffering from “treatable absence seizures” after he collapsed on the pitch for the second time in four days.

The 23-year-old fell to the floor just eight minutes after coming on as a substitute in Bayern’s friendly with FC Heidenheim on Tuesday night.

It follows a similar incident in Saturday’s friendly against RB Leipzig, but the Germany international says there is no long-term health risk.

He posted on Instagram: “First things first, I am doing well. I am incredibly grateful for your messages and your support!

“I understand that many of you are worried. I would like to put those concerns to rest today and explain the situation: I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary – but treatable – absence seizures resulting from a neurological dysfunction.

“These can lead to the kind of incidents seen recently, such as during the match against Leipzig or the game in Heidenheim.

Image:
Musiala also collapsed during last Saturday’s friendly against RB Leipzig

“I know they might look alarming at first glance, but for me, they are currently part of my everyday life. I am receiving excellent medical care and remain very optimistic. FC Bayern and my personal support network are right by my side, helping me through this.

“Importantly, there is no further health risk involved. In close consultation and regular contact with the experts, it was my personal wish to face this challenge; with the medical clearance of the neurologists, I want to continue doing what helps my recovery most: simply living my life and pursuing my passion for playing football.

“I have taken full responsibility for this decision. Overall, I feel very positive and am on the right track.

“What helps me most on this journey is continuing to chase victories and titles with my team and with your amazing support.

“I hope this helps you understand the situation better. At the same time, I ask for your understanding regarding my wish to keep this matter private, sharing it only with my closest circle, the club, and the medical experts.”

2026 NFL Odds: Which Team Will Lead The NFL In Scoring?

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The best offense in the NFL last season (L.A. Rams) made it to the NFC title game. The second- and third-best offenses (Dallas, Detroit) missed the playoffs.

The fourth-best offense? It lost in the Super Bowl (New England).

Take from all of that what you will.

Let’s check out the odds for the highest-scoring teams in the NFL this upcoming season, at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Aug. 18.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Regular-Season Highest Scoring Team

Rams: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Bills: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Lions: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Cowboys: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Bengals: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Bears: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Ravens: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Packers: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
49ers: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Seahawks: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Chargers: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Chiefs: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Eagles: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Patriots: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Jaguars: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Colts: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)

Here’s what to know about this oddsboard:

The Favorites: Although they have only led the NFL in scoring once in the last four seasons (2024-25), the Lions have been in the top five in total points and points per game in each of those seasons, which explains why they are near the top of this board. Last season, despite missing the playoffs, they finished tied for fourth in total points (418) and PPG (28.3). Atop the board are the Rams, who led the NFL in points (518) and PPG (30.5) last season. They were the only team to score over 500 points and average more than 30 points. The season prior, four teams crossed the 500-point threshold and three teams averaged 30 or more. As for the Bills, they have been in the top six in scoring in each of the last six seasons. The all-time record for points per game belongs to the 2013-14 Denver Broncos, who scored 606 points that season, an average of 37.9 per game.

Coaching Matters: As does quarterback play. The Bears are tied for the fifth-shortest odds to lead the NFL in scoring, which makes sense with head coach Ben Johnson at the helm and Caleb Williams at quarterback. However, those two appear to be the only reason Chicago is high on this board. The Bears finished ninth in scoring last season (441 points, 25.9 PPG). Prior to that, they had not finished top-10 in scoring since the 2018-19 season. In short, Chicago has no recent history of being a high-powered offense. Welcome to the Johnson-Williams era.

US Open: Venus Williams given Flushing Meadows wild card place in New York – with another spot held potentially for Serena | Tennis News

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Venus Williams has been given a wild card into the US Open singles draw, and the tournament is keeping one on hold – perhaps in case her sister Serena wants to join her.

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, was one of six other women to receive a wild card, and the US Tennis Association said the final one is still to be announced.

That almost certainly would go to Serena Williams, if she decides she wants to return to the tournament at 44. Coverage of the US Open begins on Sunday August 30, live on Sky Sports Tennis.

Venus received a wild card last year, returning to the tournament she won twice for the first time since 2023.

The 46-year-old became the oldest entrant in singles at the tournament since Renee Richards played at 47 in 1981, according to the International Tennis Federation.

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Highlights of Serena and Venus Williams against Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns from the Cincinnati Open

She has continued to play some singles matches and this week joined Serena for their first doubles tournament together since the 2022 US Open. They lost Monday at the Cincinnati Open in a tiebreaker against Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns.

The sisters planned to play at Wimbledon but had to withdraw after Serena injured her knee in her singles match. That marked her first time playing singles since the 2022 US Open, and she indicated afterwards that she hoped to keep competing if healthy.

Image:
The last remaining wild card place is understood to have been held back should Serena Williams decide she wants to compete in singles

Headlining the wild card recipients on the men’s side were 39-year-old Gael Monfils, set to play his final Grand Slam tournament before retiring, and Australian Alexei Popyrin, who upset Novak Djokovic in 2024 on the way to the fourth round. One spot is also being held among the eight men’s wild cards.

The main draw begins on Sunday August 30, with the qualifying tournaments being played earlier that week.

Watch the ATP and WTA Tours live on Sky Sports. The US Open is also live on Sky Sports from August 30. Stream tennis with NOW.

2026 College Football Odds: Miami Heavily Favored To Win ACC

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

In 2025, Duke won the ACC despite finishing the season with a 9-5 record.

The Blue Devils survived a chaotic five-way tie for second place, going 6-2 in conference play before defeating Virginia in overtime in the ACC Championship Game.

However, Miami proved to be the ACC’s best team. The Hurricanes secured one of the final spots in the College Football Playoff and took full advantage, making a run all the way to the National Championship Game before falling to Indiana.

In 2026, Miami is now the heavy favorites to win the conference. Check out the latest odds to win the ACC at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Aug. 17.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

ACC Championship Game Winner 2026

Miami: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
SMU: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Louisville: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)
Clemson: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Pittsburgh: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
NC State: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
Virginia: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Virginia Tech: +2800 (bet $10 to win $290 total)
Florida State: +4300 (bet $10 to win $440 total)
California: +4400 (bet $10 to win $450 total)
Georgia Tech: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total)
Wake Forest: +7600 (bet $10 to win $770 total)
Duke: +8800 (bet $10 to win $890 total)
Syracuse: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
North Carolina: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Stanford: +30000 (bet $10 to win $3,010 total)
Boston College: +40000 (bet $10 to win $4,010 total)

Here’s what to know about the oddsboard:

The Favorite: Miami went 13-3 last season, though two of its three losses came in conference play. The Hurricanes made a historic run to the title game, beating Texas A&M on the road, Ohio State and Ole Miss before falling just short against undefeated Indiana. Now, Miami’s roster looks just as good, if not better, heading into 2026. Quarterback Darian Mensah transferred in from Duke after throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns, the second-most in the country. Malachi Toney also returns as the only active sophomore to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards last season. Toney finished fifth in the country in receiving yards as a 17-year-old true freshman. Mario Cristobal and company will look to build off their breakout 2025 season and are the clear favorites to win the ACC.

Biggest Sleeper: Keep an eye on Virginia Tech. The Hokies haven’t won more than seven games in any of the last five seasons and went just 3-9 in 2025. However, a new era begins with James Franklin taking over as head coach. Franklin went a combined 128-60 as the head coach of Vanderbilt and Penn State and now takes over a roster that added the No. 16 transfer portal class in the country and third-best in the ACC. Outside of road games against Clemson and Miami, Virginia Tech also has a very favorable schedule. At +2800 in what is expected to be the weakest of the Power 4 conferences, there’s some value on the Hokies as a long shot.

Guglielmo Vicario transfer news: Juventus sign Spurs goalkeeper on loan as Emi Martinez alternative | Football News

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Juventus have signed Guglielmo Vicario on an initial season-long loan from Tottenham.

The agreement also includes an £8.5m (€10m) option to buy the Spurs goalkeeper permanently.

Juventus had previously been targeting Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez but cooled their interest after a £8.5m offer was rejected by the Premier League club.

Villa’s valuation and Martinez’s ongoing injury issues, including a knock to his finger, then led to Juventus turning their attention to Vicario as talks regarding a return to Italy, after joining Spurs from Empoli in 2023, intensified.

Sky Sports News reported in June that Vicario was expected to leave Spurs, with Antonin Kinsky their first-choice goalkeeper.

Martinez’s Villa future in doubt

Sky in Italy reported Villa agreed a £29.9m (€35m) deal with Parma to sign goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who Juventus were also targeting on loan if he completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Suzuki’s proposed move to PSG stalled and gave Villa fresh encouragement to move for the Japan World Cup star.

The pursuit of Suzuki now leaves Martinez’s future at Villa in doubt. His current deal at the club is set to expire in 2029.

Speaking on August 5, a representative of the player told Sky Sports News that he was happy at Villa and was looking forward to the new season.

The Argentina World Cup-winning goalkeeper has never asked to leave Villa Park, even amid interest from Manchester United last summer and Juventus and Inter Milan this summer, according to Gustavo Goni of agency Universal TwentyTwo.

Martinez will only leave with the blessing of Villa and if a deal suits all parties.

Image:
Emi Martinez’s Aston Villa future is in doubt

Villa appear to be moving on – will Martinez?

Sky Sports’ Patrick Rowe:

“Another transfer window, another saga involving Emiliano Martinez. The goalkeeper looked certain to leave last summer amid interest from Manchester United but that move failed to materialise.

“He remained at Villa Park and his legacy at the club continued to build. The two-time Yashin Trophy winner and 2022 World Cup winner played through an ongoing finger injury to help win the Europa League and continued to perform at the highest level in the top flight.

“Only Gianluigi Donnarumma and Matz Sels had higher save percentages than Martinez (70.7 per cent) last season and while there are no doubts about his ability, his future in claret and blue raises an interesting question.

Image:
Emiliano Martinez ranks amongst the best in the Premier League for save rates

“When links to an exit emerged last summer, the succession plan looked unclear. Marco Bizot arrived and performed well as an understudy but after agreeing a £29.9m deal to sign Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma, it points to a club pulling the trigger on the heir to Martinez’s throne between the sticks.

“It is hard to imagine a goalkeeper of his quality operating without the certainty of being first choice. It is equally as difficult to imagine a club parting ways with just under £30m, as well as beating off competition from PSG and Juventus, to sign Suzuki without first-team opportunities readily available.

“Villa have navigated a summer of change in the transfer window and replacing Martinez is arguably the greatest task of them all. For six years, he has been a reliable and often heroic option for the club to lean on in goal.

“The key question that needs answering now Villa appear to have moved on is will Martinez follow suit, with a move to Juventus now off the cards given their recruitment of Guglielmo Vicario?”

When Does the 2026 NFL Regular Season Start? Week 1 Schedule

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The 2026 NFL regular season begins Wednesday, Sept. 9, when the defending champion Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots at 8:20 p.m. ET. The preseason opened with the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6, followed by the first full preseason slate from Aug. 13-16. Here is the complete Week 1 schedule and what to know about the season opener.

When Does the 2026 NFL Regular Season Start?

The 2026 NFL regular season will start with the Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots at Lumen Field on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. It is a rematch of Super Bowl LX, which the Seahawks won to claim the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy, and it continues the NFL’s tradition of having the defending champion open the season. It also marks the first time the league has opened a regular season on a Wednesday since 2012.

2026 NFL Week 1 Schedule

Wednesday, Sept. 9

New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks – 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

Thursday, Sept. 10

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams – 8:35 p.m. ET (Netflix) in Melbourne, Australia

Sunday, Sept. 13

Monday, Sept. 14

Check the NFL schedule for updates throughout the season. Fans can watch FOX’s Week 1 Sunday slate and more NFL coverage in one subscription with FOX One.

Jalen Hurts ‘under most pressure in 2026’, Can he lead the Eagles back to the Super Bowl? | FTF

Jalen Hurts was named the player under the most pressure entering 2026. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes ask if Hurts can thrive under pressure.

When Was the 2026 NFL Schedule Released?

The NFL announced several marquee Week 1 matchups, including the season opener, ahead of the full schedule release. The complete 2026 regular-season schedule, covering all 272 games, was unveiled on Thursday, May 14.

NFL Related Stories

How Is the NFL Schedule Determined?

The NFL has detailed rules about how the schedule comes together. Check out the specifics below.

Each team plays 17 regular-season games.
Each team receives a bye week.
Teams alternate seasons where they host nine regular-season games and one preseason game or eight regular-season games and two preseason games.
Each team has six games against divisional opponents, two against each team, one at home and one on the road.
Each team has four games against teams from a division within its conference, two games at home and two on the road.
Each team has four games against teams from a division in the other conference, two games at home and two on the road.
Each team has two games against teams from the two remaining divisions in its own conference, one game at home and one on the road. Matchups are based on division ranking from the previous season.
The 17th game for each team is an additional game against a nonconference opponent from a division the team is not scheduled to play. Matchups are based on division ranking from the previous season.

Kevin Blake’s Ebor Festival tips: Sky Sports Racing expert looks ahead to York’s opening day with three selections | Racing News

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Kevin Blake has three picks for day one of the York Ebor Festival, an afternoon headlined by the Juddmonte International Stakes.

The Ebor Festival at York can make a game claim to be one of the very best four days of Flat racing anywhere in Europe. It is packed with quality stakes races and fiercely-competitive handicaps that present a great challenge no matter what your preferences. I’ll do my best to pull a few winners from it in the coming days in this column….

The opening Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Handicap (1:50) starts this meeting off on Wednesday in devilishly-difficult style. Cases can be made across the track and while he has shortened up in price since the betting opened, I am sticking with the Richard Spencer-trained The Man.

Spencer is on track to have his best-ever year, and he is particularly good in these valuable sprint handicaps. The Man has shown a liking for this track, winning here in May 2025 and finishing an excellent head second in this race off 92 last year.

A winter in Dubai didn’t yield the riches it promised, but it would be no surprise at all if his connections have been targeting this meeting with him ever since he returned from his post-Dubai break. He has had two runs to blow away the cobwebs in the last seven weeks and shaped well on both occasions. He can be expected to be at fever pitch here and with the draw appealing as having been kind to him, a big effort should be forthcoming.

The Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (2:25) is the first of what will be a feast of two-year-old races at this meeting, and my preference is for the Ed Walker-trained Alfred Wallace. A son of Dubawi out of the wonderful race mare Snow Lantern, he is certainly bred to be smart. He showed plenty of promise when putting up a good figure in victory at Thirsk in May and shaped well for a long way before weakening late after forcing the pace in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket.

Switched to an even stiffer seven furlongs in the Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot, his connections opted to experiment with completely different tactics by dropping him in and riding with patience. The experiment proved to be a roaring success, as he overcame trouble in running to produce a fine winning effort. He could well be able to improve on that now that the key to him has been found and I expect him to run a big race.

My final selection of the day comes in another ridiculously competitive sprint handicap, the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap (4:45). It is worth taking a shot on the Michael Keady-trained Underwriter. The three-year-old might well prove to be one of the bargains of the season, as he was bought by current connections for just 4,600gns in a Tattersalls online sale at the beginning of July.

His first run for them only showed subtle promise, but his latest effort in a valuable sprint handicap at Ascot was notably eye-catching. Locked up and shuffled back to last in his group inside the final furlong, he flashed home in the final 100 yards and would have been third in another stride. That was very promising indeed and with the handicapper having dropped him quite aggressively from his high of 92, he looks a well-handicapped horse. If he can build on his Ascot effort, he will have a very serious chance.

Polymarket Promo Code FOX: Get a $20 Bonus When You Trade on Your Favorite MLB Game This Monday

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

New users on Polymarket can enter promo code FOX to get a $20 bonus when trading on today’s MLB action.

The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox meet in the Crosstown Classic, with Shota Imanaga starting for the Cubs. The Los Angeles Dodgers also begin a series against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, where Blake Snell looks for his first win of the season.

The Arizona Diamondbacks also visit the Boston Red Sox, while the San Diego Padres face the New York Mets at Citi Field with Walker Buehler taking the mound against Nolan McLean.

Whether you have a favorite team, player or matchup on Monday’s slate, new users can enter Polymarket’s promo code FOX to claim a $20 bonus and trade on today’s MLB games and other baseball markets.

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White Sox vs. Cubs

*Probability is subject to change*

Chicago Cubs83%82¢19¢Chicago White Sox20%19¢82¢

Dodgers vs. Rockies

*Probability is subject to change*

Los Angeles Dodgers72%72¢29¢Colorado Rockies 29%29¢72¢

More markets available on Polymarket.

Chicago White Sox @ Chicago Cubs (8:05 PM ET)

Records & Standings:Cubs: 72-53, 1st in the NL Wild Card.White Sox: 65-58, 1st in the AL Central.
Cubs: 72-53, 1st in the NL Wild Card.
White Sox: 65-58, 1st in the AL Central.
Pitching Matchup: Luis Castillo (4-9, 4.96 ERA) vs. Shota Imanaga (8-9, 3.74 ERA).
Key Team Stats: The Cubs boast a top-tier run differential (+60 over the Padres), while the White Sox rely on a stingy bullpen to defend their narrow division lead.
Top Hitters: Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman (who carries a 1.334 OPS against left-handed pitching) lead the Cubs. The White Sox lean on international breakout star Munetaka Murakami and rookie Edgar Quero.
Implications: Pure rivalry bragging rights paired with extreme playoff tension. The Cubs need to preserve their wild card cushion, while the White Sox are desperately trying to fend off Cleveland and Minnesota in the AL Central.

San Diego Padres @ New York Mets

Records & Standings:Padres: 67-58, occupying the 2nd NL Wild Card spot.Mets: 62-63, trailing outside the playoff picture but pushing hard.
Padres: 67-58, occupying the 2nd NL Wild Card spot.
Mets: 62-63, trailing outside the playoff picture but pushing hard.
Pitching Matchup: Walker Buehler (7-5, 4.88 ERA) vs. Nolan McLean (8-8, 4.08 ERA).
Key Team Stats: Both teams feature highly productive offenses over the last 30 days. The Padres are lethal on the base paths (124 stolen bases, 4th in MLB), whereas the Mets rely on home run power (152 homers, 10th in MLB).
Top Hitters: Jackson Merrill and a surging Manny Machado pace the Padres. The Mets are carried by Bo Bichette—who is hitting a blistering .462 over his last seven games—and star shortstop Francisco Lindor.

Atlanta Braves @ Minnesota Twins

Records & Standings:Braves: 74-50, 1st in the NL East.Twins: 60-63, chasing the final AL Wild Card spot.
Braves: 74-50, 1st in the NL East.
Twins: 60-63, chasing the final AL Wild Card spot.
Pitching Matchup: Martín Pérez (8-6, 2.96 ERA) vs. Bailey Ober (7-4, 4.64 ERA).
Key Team Stats: The Braves feature elite run prevention, whereas Minnesota’s pitching has hit a rough patch, posting a 5.15 ERA over their last 10 games.
Top Hitters: Matt Olson and Ronald Acuña Jr. anchor the potent Atlanta offense. The Twins counter with defensive star Byron Buxton and rookie Luke Keaschall.

Los Angeles Dodgers @ Colorado Rockies

Records & Standings:Dodgers: 74-51, 1st in the NL West.Rockies: 50-74, bottom of the NL West.
Dodgers: 74-51, 1st in the NL West.
Rockies: 50-74, bottom of the NL West.
Pitching Matchup: Blake Snell (0-1, 5.00 ERA ) vs. Tomoyuki Sugano (12-5, 4.43 ERA).
Key Team Stats: Los Angeles ranks 2nd in MLB in team on-base percentage (.335 OBP) and slugging (.427). The Rockies rank dead last in pitching, carrying a league-worst 5.47 team ERA.
Top Hitters: Shohei Ohtani anchors LA with 27 home runs, alongside outfielder Andy Pages (.297 over his last 10 games). The Rockies are powered by breakout slugger Hunter Goodman, who has crushed 34 home runs this season.
Implications: The Dodgers hold a comfortable 7-3 record in the season series against Colorado. LA wants a stress-free series sweep to pull further away from Arizona in the division standings.

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Will Lankshear: Is Middlesbrough’s new striker the next Harry Kane? Rise of ex-Tottenham forward set to light up Championship | Football News

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

“A lot of people questioned it,” Scott Chickelday tells Sky Sports. “Those same people are now looking at it and thinking, hang on, we might have got a bit of a bargain here.” Such has been the start that Will Lankshear has made to his Middlesbrough career.

Boro paid a fee that could rise to £20m to sign the young striker from Tottenham Hotspur and have been rewarded with a volleyed winner against Wrexham on debut in the Carabao Cup and a brace to turn around their Championship opener against Lincoln.

Striker coach Chickelday, who has done one-on-one finishing work with Lankshear for the past two years, is far from surprised. He works with top Premier League players but rates him as the best finisher of the lot. “He has got all the finishes in the book,” Chickelday explains.

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Highlights from the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Lincoln

“He has got the little flicks around the corner, tap-ins, headers, volleys. Just an all-round No 9 and there are not many around at the minute. His finishing is incredible. I tell people and they laugh at me, but this boy is the closest thing I have seen to Harry Kane.”

It is a big claim to compare the 21-year-old hopeful to Kane, who has scored more goals for England than any man in history, the reigning holder of the European Golden Shoe. But others see it too and there are parallels in their route, trajectory and attitude.

Like Kane, not all of Lankshear’s loan moves away from Spurs were instant hits. A move to West Bromwich Albion ended without a goal. But things went better on a personal level at Oxford United even as the club suffered relegated from the Championship.

“Oxford was a big step for Will. He had gone out on loan before and it had not quite worked out,” Matt Bloomfield tells Sky Sports. Bloomfield was the man who took over as head coach of Oxford in January with the club one place off the bottom of the table.

He was soon impressed by Lankshear, the young forward tasked with leading the line for a struggling side. It demanded different qualities from him. “He worked incredibly hard for us, left everything out on the pitch,” says Bloomfield. The experience improved him.

Image:
Lankshear progressed as a player during a loan spell with Oxford United

“With very limited senior football behind him, he just needed help to round his game off. We were out of possession a lot so it was about being in position when we won it back. We did a lot of work on his hold-up play and being a nuisance when we cleared the ball.”

In context, Lankshear’s total of 11 goals in the Championship last season was an encouraging effort. “In a team that got relegated, that is some going,” says Chickelday. “It is tough when you are down there.” At Middlesbrough, he will be able to show more.

“He is in a totally different environment now,” agrees Bloomfield. “Middlesbrough will dominate the ball and that will suit him even more with the opportunities that they create. He is born to score goals. He is obsessed. All he wants to do is train and score.”

That is where those Kane comparisons return. There is that same laser-like focus on maximising his ability. “He is a lovely lad but he has got an edge to him,” says his old boss. “He wants to be successful. All the top players are single-minded and driven.”

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Lankshear lashed in a classy debut goal for Middlesbrough against Wrexham

Bloomfield adds: “He has a massive natural instinct but you can see the hours of practice too. It is the same with Harry Kane and his goals. It is not just natural instinct. These guys are born goalscorers but they also work so incredibly hard at their craft.”

The stories from his time at Oxford illustrate this clearly. When training was over, Lankshear wanted to keep going. “He would just stay out there finishing all day. We had to push him back in the building. We had a game the next day and needed his legs.”

With that in mind, Bloomfield is not surprised to discover that Lankshear has been working with a one-on-one coach to do those extras. Even Chickelday has become used to the youngster who reached out to him for help doing extras on top of the extras.

“He does not just turn up, do a session and go. He will get there 40 minutes before the session starts, do a warm up and then do the hour with me. Then they will stay for another 25 to 30 minutes doing running after the session. That shows you his mentality.”

Lankshear attends these sessions alongside older brother Alex, who scored himself for Gateshead at the weekend. But what does he actually work on? “It is a lot of repetition work, match scenarios. Headers, volleys, finishes from cutbacks. All types of finishes.”

Chickelday adds: “Did you see the one that he scored for Oxford from outside the box?” He is referring to the second of Lankshear’s goals against Sheffield Wednesday in April. “It was the typical Kane finish where he cuts in and bends the ball into the top corner.”

It is a trademark. “He likes to drift out on the left and cut inside. But whatever he can do on his right foot, he can do on his left. That is what gives him that unpredictability when he is finishing as well. He does not mind which way that the defender shows him.

“It is his ruthlessness in front of goal and his consistency in hitting the target. His shots-on-target ratio is phenomenal. In our sessions, he rarely misses the target at all. I am not saying that he is scoring with every single shot but he does work the goalkeeper.”

Bloomfield’s point about having the dedication to match the talent is key – and the reason why there is such excitement about Lankshear. He can score great goals but there are the near-post runs, the ones where he follows in to capitalise on a fumble.

Among the 72 players in the Championship last season who had 50 shots or more, Lankshear ranked third for expected goals per shot. Even at Oxford, he was getting high-quality chances because of the work that he was putting in. There is more to come too.

Image:
Lankshear celebrates scoring a goal for Midlesbrough but there are many more to come

“He never gets to take them but he is a really good free-kick taker,” says Chickelday. He is convinced there are great things ahead. “Sometimes you come out of the session and you are like, this one is special. You just get that feeling.” But can he explain why?

“It is his mentality. He wants to be the best. He wants to be the No 1 striker in England. And then obviously he wants to be the No 1 in the world too. And I really would not be surprised in two years’ time if he is Harry Kane’s replacement.

“I do not want to talk about moves at the minute because Middlesbrough will probably kill me. He has only been there five minutes. But I think he is two moves away from being a £100 million striker if he keeps developing and doing well – and I think he will.”

That is for the future. The present is about firing Boro to the Premier League. One way or another, those who know him are certain that is where Will Lankshear is heading. “I have absolutely no doubt about that,” adds Bloomfield. “Will is going to the very top.”

The Browns Are Young And Talented And Have A QB Plan (Sort Of)

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

BEREA, Ohio — There were 10 NFL head coaching jobs available this past offseason and most of those teams either had a franchise quarterback, or a clear plan to acquire one. Nothing is more important to a new coach than having that quarterback. It rarely works when they take a job without one.

“Yeah,” new Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken told me. “When you have a choice.”

The 60-year-old Monken didn’t have one when he was hired by the Browns in January. It was the first NFL head coaching job he had been offered in his 37-year coaching career, and he wasn’t about to turn it down.

But the fact that he inherited a volatile quarterback situation hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm. No, he doesn’t know whether he’ll roll with veteran Deshaun Watson, who hasn’t played since 2024 and hasn’t played well since he last appeared for the Texans in 2020, or second-year pro Shedeur Sanders, who had better publicity than performance as a rookie. It’s possible — maybe even likely — that neither of them will help the Browns win either now or in the future.

But before heading out to practice on Monday, Monken told me he was fine with not diving into the draft or free agency this past spring to find a better answer. He and the Browns thought it would be better to use this year to find out what they’ve got.

“We made a decision as an organization, ‘Hey, let’s build the roster. Let’s see where we’re at and then pivot then,’” Monken told me. “That’s why we stuck with the guys that we had. We might as well exhaust every opportunity to see what we have, because it would’ve been a damn shame to not, and (then) someone goes on to play really well (somewhere else). ‘The guy was in our building for God’s sake!’

“So let’s at least exhaust that and see where we’re at.”

It certainly could be exhausting because there really has been no indication that either Watson or Sanders can be their long-term answer. At 30 years old, it’s hard to imagine Watson recapturing his Pro Bowl form after playing just 19 games over the past five seasons. And despite the volumes of hype around Sanders last season, he was generally inaccurate (a 56.6 completion percentage) and threw more interceptions than touchdowns (10 to 7). He was only a rookie, but he didn’t exactly look like a budding star.

New coach Todd Monken believes in the future of the Browns, even if their present lacks a solution at quarterback. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Which means it’s likely that Cleveland’s future quarterback will end up coming from the 2027 NFL Draft. And that’s a shame, because there is a lot to like on the rest of this roster. On defense, for example, the Browns may have traded away Myles Garrett, the best defender in the NFL. But they replaced him with defensive end Jared Verse, the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024. And he’s backed by last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, and Pro Bowl corner Denzel Ward.

On offense, the club has promising skill players such as running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin and rookie receivers K.C. Concepcion and Denzel Boston, whom they took in the first two rounds of this year’s draft.

That’s a lot of talent for the future. But this is a franchise that has had just five winning seasons over the past three decades. Nobody wants to wait for next year again.

“I think the future is very important, but I’m mostly focused on the present before anything else,” Verse said. “I think we’ve got a lot of talent. I think we’ve got a lot of people that can do amazing things. But we need those amazing things today.”

Unfortunately, it would have to be really “amazing” for those players to do enough today to drag this team toward even respectability without the quarterback mess sorted out. And it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen any time soon.

So yes, once again, the present is probably bleak. But that hasn’t dampened Monken’s outlook about what comes next.

“Because I see it,” the first-time NFL head coach told me. “I see the young talent. I see the draft capital we have in the future. I see we’re going to have money. If you didn’t have the young talent, I’d see that. But I see the future. I see how (GM Andrew Berry) does the draft. We have an ownership that is committed to winning, committed to whatever we need to win.

“Now we’ve just got to do our part, which is develop a young roster and find a quarterback.”

That last part, of course, is the hardest of all.

A Few Other Observations

It’s only reading between the lines at this point, but it does sound like Monken might be leaning toward Watson as his starting QB, if only for the beginning of the season. That could be because the Browns have a daunting schedule. Their first two games, and six of their first nine, are on the road. But this really may be one of the most open competitions ever held. Monken stressed to me that he wasn’t here last year. He wasn’t around when Watson was signed or Sanders (or Dillon Gabriel for that matter) were drafted. They all have a clean slate with him. And he has no history or past loyalty to any of them.
These Browns really are loaded with young weapons, and one of the most promising is first-round pick K.C. Concepcion. The 6-foot wideout showed off his explosiveness and elusiveness in the preseason opener with a 14-yard touchdown run and a 31-yard punt return. He also had three catches for 27 yards and has drawn rave reviews for his practice work this summer.
I got a wild and incredible look at the Browns’ new stadium, which just broke ground and is expected to open in time for the 2029 season. They showed it off with a virtual look from inside “The Immersive Cube” at the new Browns Experience Center. The virtual look can take ticket-buyers straight to their seat and all around the stadium. It looks spectacular with wide concourses, great sightlines and a remarkable transparent roof. The “Dawg Pound” is still there, along with plenty of places to tailgate. It’s not in downtown anymore — it’s 15 minutes outside the city — and the roof means the Cleveland weather will no longer be a factor. But if the virtual look was any indication, Browns fans are going to love it. It’s a huge upgrade over Huntington Bank Field.

I get that he wasn’t traded straight up for Myles Garrett. The Browns got first-, second- and third-round draft picks, too. But he’s the piece that is expected to fill Garrett’s shoes — an impossible task given Garrett’s NFL-record 23 sacks last season and the 125.5 sacks he tallied in his nine-year tenure.

The 25-year-old Verse is pretty good, but not in the Garrett stratosphere. He had 7.5 sacks for the Rams last year, his second in the NFL. The Browns had a top-10 defense last year, so they can probably excel even without Garrett’s historic production. But they are almost certainly hoping Verse will deliver double-digit sacks, at least.

After all, defense is probably all that could save this team. It’s why the Browns were competitive at all in a 5-12 mess of a season in 2025. They still don’t have a quarterback, so they need to disrupt as many opposing QBs as possible to stay in games. Verse offers their best chance to do that.

Jared Verse wasn’t discouraged about being dealt by the Rams to the Browns. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Quote Of The Day

“In California, it doesn’t really rain that much. I was outside yesterday just enjoying the rain, sitting on my back porch. … I like it here. I wasn’t really distraught at all after the initial shock wore off. I love the organization.”

— DE Jared Verse on being traded from the Rams to the Browns

Long-term view

No Quarterback = No Hope

I want to believe. I really do. But I just can’t see any way in which this Browns team wins more than a handful of games. I might’ve felt differently about them if they appeared to have the defense they had the past couple of years. But the Myles Garrett trade took care of that.

While I think they have some really intriguing young players on offense, it’s meaningless to me until they find a quarterback. And right now, there’s no way to convince me that whatever’s left of Deshaun Watson can be anywhere near the quarterback he was in Houston, before sexual misconduct allegations and injuries derailed his career. And while I’m not completely dismissing Sheduer Sanders after half of one rookie season, I need to see much more from him before I join the many cheerleaders on his overcrowded bandwagon.

If either of those guys turns into a viable quarterback this year, then sure, maybe the Browns have the pieces to surprise me and become a really competitive team. If that happens, though, I won’t be the only one proven wrong.

My Next Stop: Bills Camp

It’s a special treat for me, because the Bills will be holding another practice at their brand new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. I’m going to like it because, let’s face it, their old stadium was a dump. And I assume the press box seats aren’t one of the many restricted view seats that have surprised and upset so many Bills season ticket holders.

It’ll take a three-hour drive along the beautiful shores of Lake Erie to get there, though I doubt I can see much from the New York State Thruway. Fun fact: If you continue about a half hour past the stadium, up I-190, you’ll get to Niagara Falls, my old home. My first job was covering the Bills for the Niagara Gazette … a long, long time ago.

I’m still big there, I’m told. Not as big as the expectations on new Bills coach Joe Brady. He replaces Sean McDermott, who did everything in Buffalo except get the Bills to the Super Bowl. So, yeah, the first-year expectations on the 36-year-old, first-time head coach are very real.

Australia vs Bangladesh: Hosts drop opener Jake Weatherald but keep faith in Marnus Labuschagne for must-win second Test | Cricket News

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Australia have dropped opener Jake Weatherald after their shock home loss to Bangladesh but retained Marnus Labuschagne for the must-win second Test.

Weatherald is the only change in Australia’s 13-man squad for the second Test in Mackay, beginning Saturday, where the hosts will look to level the two-Test series after a humbling nine-wicket defeat in Darwin.

Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win in Australia put pressure on the national cricket selectors for an overhaul of their aging line-up, with Weatherald replaced by Matt Renshaw in a bid to stabilise the top order.

Weatherald was out for 23 in the first innings and did not score in the second innings of his hometown Test, leaving him averaging 20.36 in his 12 Test innings, with Renshaw a likely contender to replace him to open with Travis Head.

Image:
Matt Renshaw is a regular for Australia in ODI and T20 cricket but has not played a Test since 2023

“There was some change to Jake in terms of where he lined up and his movement patterns,” coach Andrew McDonald said of Weatherald. “It’s always hard to critique small sample sizes on whether it holds up [at international level].

“He dragged one on and drove at one in the first innings and was dismissed; it’s probably harder with that smaller sample size to say, ‘Yep, that’s going to hold up under pressure’. But there was some change though.”

Renshaw made his debut in 2016 and played 11 Tests before being dropped in 2018, then was recalled in 2023 for three Tests, but has only played in the shorter formats for Australia since.

He averages 29.31 with one century in 14 Tests although he impressed for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield last season, scoring three centuries among his 499 runs from six matches.

Marnus Labuschagne, who scored one and 31, was retained in the squad despite averaging 25.23 from his last 42 Test innings and not making an international century in nearly three years.

Image:
Marnus Labuschagne last made a Test century in July 2023

“It’s easy for me to sit here and try to defend that [Labuschagne’s form],” McDonald added. “But ultimately, it’s 31. It’s not a big score. He’s lacked runs. He feels that. We feel that. We’re working incredibly hard as a coaching group … we’ve got to get the best out of Marn as well.

“He’s had a bit of a lull. He knows that he’s gone to work. I think we saw some change in the way that he played, so that’s good. Some of that work that he had done feels as though it’s stuck up under pressure.”

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

Watch the three-Test series between England and Pakistan live on Sky Sports Cricket from August 19. Stream cricket and more sport contract-free with NOW.

NFL Catchup: Rams Stars Sidelined, Cowboys Eye DB Depth, More Injury Updates

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

As NFL teams transition to Week 2 of preseason, training camp activities continue to roll on — and that means we’ve got plenty of injury updates.

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers advanced to live drills in his recovery from a knee injury, while Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett remained off the practice field. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints are expected to be without rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson to start the season.

The Cowboys might not be done adding to the defense after the addition of Von Miller. They’re reportedly exploring the cornerback market and could be looking to reunite a familiar face with defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

Here’s what you should know about what happened in the NFL on Monday.

Garrett, Nacua Still Sidelined

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay provided injury updates on defensive end Myles Garrett and wide receiver Puka Nacua, stating both players could remain sidelined from practice for the remainder of the week.

Nacua is dealing with soreness in his psoas muscle after exiting joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys last week. Garrett sat out practice due to knee swelling and worked out on a side field with training staff.

With Los Angeles only scheduled to practice on Tuesday and Thursday for the rest of the week, McVay indicated both players likely will not return to practice until next week. McVay noted that while the issues are minor, the Rams are managing both veterans carefully.

Are the Rams actually overrated?

“Anytime you’re talking about a soft tissue, especially with a skill player or a knee with a guy that does some of the things that Myles is doing, we’re going to err on the side of caution, while not minimizing how important it is to get those guys out there,” McVay told reporters.

McVay emphasized that the team is prioritizing complete health over a quick return to practice.

“We want to make sure that it’s a return to performance, not just return to play,” McVay said.

Jordyn Tyson’s highly anticipated NFL debut will be put on hold to start the regular season. The New Orleans Saints’ 2026 first-round pick is expected to miss roughly two months after injuring his hamstring in practice last week, NFL Network reported on Monday afternoon.

Tyson was selected No. 8 overall by the Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft and was expected to play a major role alongside Chris Olave in the passing attack. However, a history of recurring hamstring issues from college has followed him into the pros, sidelining him once again.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore clarified that this new hamstring injury is separate from the issue Tyson dealt with in the spring. After he missed 17 games in college between a knee reconstruction, a collarbone fracture and hamstring strains, his durability remains a major question mark.

With Tyson now sidelined for the start of the season, the Saints must decide whether to place him on short-term injured reserve. If designated for return, he would be eligible to come off injured reserve after missing the team’s first four games.

Tyson reportedly looked great throughout the spring in training camp and was going to see high volume in Moore’s offense. With him now sidelined, the team will head into the season with Olave, Devaughn Vele and rookies Bryce Lance and Barion Brown.

Cowboys Explore CB Help

Fresh off agreeing to terms with veteran pass rusher Von Miller, the Dallas Cowboys may not be done making moves. The Cowboys are exploring cornerback options and could target free agent Adoree’ Jackson, according to ESPN.

Jackson spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles and could reunite with newly hired Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker. The two overlapped in Philadelphia, where Parker served as the defensive backs coach under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

The Cowboys’ defense is undergoing a complete revamp under Parker, but the secondary remains one of the team’s biggest concerns. The cornerback room is led by DaRon Bland and Cobie Durant, with the team also leaning on second-year corner Shavon Revel Jr. to step up.

Set to turn 31 this season, Jackson is coming off a solid year with the Eagles. He recorded 55 tackles, 40 of them being solo, plus an interception and 11 pass deflections, proving he can still thrive both inside and outside in a variety of defensive schemes.

In addition to showing interest in Jackson, details on Miller’s contract have emerged. Miller signed a one-year deal worth $5.5 million that can reach up to $7.5 million with incentives, according to The Athletic.

Miller is heading into his age-37 season and has remained productive late into his career. He played last season in the NFC East at a high level with the Washington Commanders, posting 26 total tackles, 16 solo tackles, and nine sacks in 17 games.

The Cowboys likely added Miller as a rotational depth piece, as their defensive line is surrounded by talented pass rushers. Miller will be playing alongside Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston and 2026 first-round pick out of UCF in Malachi Lawrence.

Egbuka, McMillan Injury Updates

The injury update surrounding Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan isn’t as promising as fans had hoped.

Egbuka’s status for Week 1 is up in the air after missing nearly a full week of practice with a toe sprain. Head coach Todd Bowles offered little clarity, vaguely labeling Egbuka as “day to day, week to week,” according to our Greg Auman.

When asked about Egbuka’s status for Week 1, Bowles admitted he wasn’t sure “at this time.”

McMillan has missed two weeks of practice while nursing a knee injury, and there’s no timetable for his return to the field. Bowles described the issue to reporters as a “banged-up knee,” adding that the receiver remains “day-to-day, week-to-week” as well.

If Egbuka and McMillan aren’t on the field for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team will be relying heavily on veteran Chris Godwin. The offense will also look to incorporate young pass-catchers in second-year receiver Tez Johnson and rookie Ted Hurst.

Reinforcements are on the way for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense as wide receiver DeVonta Smith is finally back on the practice field, per NBC Sports Philadelphia. He returned in a limited capacity for Monday’s practice after missing roughly two weeks with a hamstring injury.

With A.J. Brown out of the picture, the spotlight fully belongs to Smith. Entering the year as the unquestioned top target, he now leads a revamped receiving group featuring new additions that include Dontayvion Wicks, Marquise Brown, and 2026 first-round selection Makai Lemon.

Smith is coming off a productive 2025 season with the Eagles, hauling in 77 receptions for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 13.1 yards per reception. A potential uptick in target volume positions Smith nicely for a career year ahead.

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers took a step forward in his rehabilitation, participating in full-speed 11-on-11 drills for the first time since tearing his knee.

Nabers wore a red non-contact jersey typically reserved for quarterbacks during 11-on-11 work and caught three passes during 7-on-7 drills.

Speaking to reporters after practice, Nabers emphasized a measured approach to his return.

“I mean the most important thing right now is my health,” Nabers said. “So you know, I’m taking each step accordingly, or just you know making sure my body feels good with you know taking the next step week by week or day by day or whatever they want to do. So just letting them know how my body feels, just so I can take it more.”

The Chicago Bears are reportedly adding depth to their defensive line by signing edge rusher Marcus Davenport, according to CBS Sports. Davenport visited with the club on Sunday before finalizing the deal.

The move keeps the 29-year-old in the NFC North after he spent the previous two seasons with the Detroit Lions and played for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. Davenport appeared in eight games with seven starts in 2025, recording one sack and three quarterback hits while dealing with a chest injury.

He missed the majority of the 2024 season after suffering a triceps injury. Selected 14th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2018 draft, Davenport spent his first five seasons in New Orleans and has recorded 25.0 career sacks, 28 tackles for loss, and 71 quarterback hits.

Injury News & Notes

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn announced that RB Breece Hall suffered a groin strain during Monday’s practice and played down the severity, calling it “not a big deal.”
Jameson Williams is dealing with a minor shoulder injury; Lions coach Dan Campbell told reporters the injury was nothing serious.
Bears RB Kyle Monangai reportedly suffered a hyperextended knee and is expected to miss multiple weeks. His availability for Week 1 is uncertain.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that LB/S Jamal Adams suffered a quad tendon tear and will be placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Cleveland.com reported that veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, who has been expected to sign with the Cleveland Browns, worked out for the Atlanta Falcons on Monday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters that QB Baker Mayfield and the rest of the starters will play in this week’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter open to selling stakes to majority owners Clearlake Capital – Paper Talk | Football News

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Tuesday’s newspapers…

CHELSEA

Todd Boehly and Mark Walter are open to selling their stakes in Chelsea to majority owner Clearlake Capital in a deal that would value the club at more than £5bn – The Telegraph

Chelsea are in off-field turmoil amid claims co-owners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter are set to sell their stakes – The Sun

The Chelsea chair, Todd Boehly, and director Mark Walter are considering selling their shares in the club to the majority owners, Clearlake Capital, in a deal that would give the private equity company complete control at Stamford Bridge – The Guardian

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Watch Paper Talk on Sky Sports News

Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Galatasaray are prepared to double Bruno Fernandes’ wages in a bid to lure the Portugal midfielder away from Manchester United – The Telegraph

Galatasaray, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan are among the clubs who have been weighing up making an offer for Bruno Fernandes – Daily Mail

Manchester City face having to pay Chelsea more than £120m to land Enzo Fernandez if the club try to sign him in the final two weeks of the transfer window – The Telegraph

Manchester City are hoping to complete the transfer of the £85m-rated Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in the next few days after agreeing to sell Rodri to Barcelona – The Times

Manchester City are closing in on a deal for Morocco and Lille defensive midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and want it completed this week – ESPN

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has revealed he accidentally poisoned himself by botching his cooking of a salmon dish – The Sun

The Premier League has observed and evaluated ball chip technology in competitive matches as the league considers its possible future use – The Athletic

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Rangers have had a £7m offer rejected for Brighton forward Amario Cozier-Duberry – The Scottish Sun

Celtic’s Adam Montgomery is set to join Livingston on loan again – Daily Record

Dundee United have now tabled their contract extension to Will Ferry – Daily Record

LALIGA

Real Madrid’s lack of commitment and concerns over the harmony in their squad were among the factors that convinced Rodri to snub his dream move to join rivals Barcelona – Marca

Barcelona are set to sign Joao Cancelo for a third time after the full-back agreed to terminate his contract with Al Hilal – ESPN

FIFA

A letter has been sent to FIFA’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee calling for the organisation to rule Gianni Infantino ineligible to stand for another term during next year’s FIFA presidential elections – The Athletic

Bald Eagles Or Horses? IndyCar Drivers Pitch Freedom 250 Prizes

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

With Sunday’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix roaring through Washington, D.C., all eyes are on the victory circle.

Winning in the nation’s capital is a monumental moment for any driver, but doing so during the United States’ 250th anniversary elevates the stakes. It has sparked endless creativity around what prize the winning driver will take home.

Kyle Kirkwood and Josef Newgarden share what they expect the atmosphere will be like at the Freedom 250 in D.C. 🏁

IndyCar drivers Josef Newgarden and Kyle Kirkwood appeared on First Things First on Monday afternoon with Danny Parkins and Greg Jennings to discuss Sunday’s race. However, the conversation took a turn when the group tried to figure out what the prize should be.

Parkins made his pitch to the IndyCar drivers, jokingly suggesting that the winner should receive a bald eagle.

“It should be something very American,” Newgarden said in response. “Maybe there’s a bald eagle statue or something that you receive. I don’t know…I was thinking like you should get a horse or something just like a famous American horse like ‘great job, you won the race.’”

Sunday’s race carries far more weight than a typical IndyCar weekend. For American drivers like Newgarden and Kirkwood, there’s extra motivation in racing past historic landmarks like the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument.

Newgarden is focused on honoring his country, well aware that a race of this magnitude is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

“Oh, totally,” Newgarden responded when asked if there’s extra motivation. “I don’t think this will happen again. When are we going to be allowed to drive Indy cars in our nation’s capital again? It’s going to be an unbelievable opportunity.”

Kirkwood felt much the same way about what was driving him this weekend. For him, it isn’t just about winning a race, but it’s more about making sure an American driver comes out on top on such a historic stage for the country’s 250th anniversary.

“As a fellow American, I think for America’s 250, we want to see one of us win,” Kirkwood said. “There’s a few other Americans in the series, but we’re a diverse group right? We want to see an American win on the 250, so that’s a big deal for us too.”

While the winner might not walk away with a bald eagle, the stakes are plenty high when Sunday’s race kicks off. All eyes will be on Newgarden and Kirkwood to see if either can come away with a win.

INDYCAR Related Stories

Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter hold talks over selling shares to majority owners Clearlake Capital | Football News

August 18, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Todd Boehly and Mark Walter have held talks about selling their shares in Chelsea to Clearlake Capital.

Clearlake currently owns 61.5 per cent of the club, while Boehly, Walter and Hansjorg Wyss each own a 12.8 per cent stake.

Clearlake, under the leadership of Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano, effectively run the club even though Boehly is the chairman.

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Boehly was the face of the consortium which bought the club four years ago in a £2.5bn deal.

In March 2025, Boehly said Chelsea’s owners could go their separate ways if they could not agree on the future of Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea bosses are considering whether to leave Stamford Bridge or to expand, with Earl’s Court seen as a possible new location.

All options are being evaluated, with the project said to be complicated by the limited space in London to build.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Boehly said: “We have to think long term about what we’re trying to accomplish.

“We have a big stadium development opportunity that we have to flesh out. That’s going to be where we’re either aligned, or we ultimately decide to go different ways.”

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There had been tensions too between Boehly and Clearlake in 2024.

Sky Sports News reported in September 2024 that Boehly had been unhappy with the way the club is being run and that he did not want Mauricio Pochettino to lose his job as head coach in May 2024.

Enzo Maresca replaced Pochettino and went on to win the Conference League and Club World Cup, but he left at the start of 2026, with Chelsea eventually finishing 10th and without European football.

Xabi Alonso was appointed as the new manager this summer, with the Blues spending over £280m on 12 new signings.

‘Boehly exit would be positive for Chelsea’

Image:
Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly could sell his stake in the club

Daily Mail’s Riath Al-Samarrai speaking on Sky Sports News’ Paper Talk:

“It’s been a very uneasy alliance, almost from the get-go.

“There have been some pretty notable sort of differences in opinion. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I always go back to one of the sort of turning points: Pochettino leaving.

“All the information we had was that Boehly wanted him to stay, but Clearlake were on the other side of that, and that’s a fairly sort of big one for an ownership group not to be agreeing on.

“I actually think this will be a positive thing for Chelsea. I’m not necessarily sure either of them are particularly loved, but if he goes, then it creates maybe a little bit of clarity behind the scenes.

“But this is still contingent on Clearlake stumping up the money for him to accept.

“We know as well that his real kind of control of the club, the chairmanship, is going to expire next summer. There was always that thought in the background that that would be a point when there might be a natural parting of the ways, but it appears to be coming a little bit sooner.”

Podcast special: Alonso, Fernandez & a new Chelsea era

It’s been another summer of change at Chelsea – and on the eve of a new Premier League season, there is so much to analyse at the club, with Alonso’s reign kicking off, big-money transfers to be settled and a search for success on the pitch in their sights.

In a special Sky Sports podcast – A big summer for… Chelsea – Peter Smith is joined by Sky Sports News reporter James Savundra and Sky Sports football journalist David Richardson to discuss the key talking points at the club, including Enzo Fernandez’s future amid interest from Manchester City and a £120m price tag.

The arrival of £117m Morgan Rogers and his partnership with Cole Palmer was also on the agenda, along with Alonso’s new tactical set-up and the surprise signings of experienced pair Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, which signalled a shift in the club’s transfer policy.

Listen to the podcast below, watch it on the Sky Sports News YouTube channel or read here for the key points from the episode.

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Best Prediction Markets in Texas (2026): Kalshi, Polymarket and Top Platforms Ranked

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The best prediction markets in Texas give the country’s largest sports betting free state a federally regulated way to trade on games, elections and more. Kalshi, Polymarket, DraftKings Predictions and OG Predictive all operate under Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversight, which places them outside the strict gambling ban written into the Texas constitution.

Texas has never legalized retail or online sports betting, despite repeated legislative attempts, which makes it one of the largest untapped sports betting markets in the country. That gap is a major reason prediction markets have grown so quickly among Texas sports fans.

The legal picture is still developing. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has directed a state Senate committee to study what he calls a gambling loophole, with findings expected to inform possible action in 2027. For now, prediction markets remain fully operational across the state.

This guide ranks the top platforms available to Texas residents, breaks down current offers, and explains how prediction markets differ from a traditional sportsbook.

Texas Prediction Markets Overview

Legal StatusContested (available statewide pending legislative review)Federal RegulatorCommodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)Legal Online SportsbookNone. Texas has no licensed retail or online sportsbookPlatforms AvailableKalshi, Polymarket, DraftKings Predictions, OG Predictive, NovigMinimum Age18 and older (platform dependent)Contract Price Range$0.01 to $0.99 per share, settling at $1.00 or $0.00

Is Trading Prediction Markets Legal in Texas?

Legal Status: Contested, with trading currently available
Federal Regulation: Kalshi, Polymarket, DraftKings Predictions and OG Predictive all operate as CFTC-regulated exchanges or introducing brokers
State-Specific Dispute: Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick directed the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee to study how federal law is being used to work around the state’s gambling restrictions
Sports Contracts Status: Fully available; no lawsuit or enforcement action has been filed against the major platforms in Texas as of August 2026
Timeline: Committee findings are expected to inform potential legislative action in the 2027 session, meaning no near-term change is expected

Texas broadly prohibits gambling under its state constitution, but sports event contracts have continued operating because they fall under federal commodities law rather than state gaming law. Federal courts have already blocked several other states from enforcing similar restrictions against these platforms, which limits how far Texas could go even after the committee reports back.

For the full state-by-state legal breakdown, see the FOX Sports guide to where prediction markets are legal.

Recent Prediction Market Updates in Texas

March 2026: Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick directed the Senate State Affairs Committee to study prediction markets and possible ways to close what he calls a gambling loophole
Spring 2026: Kalshi and Polymarket removed ad copy in Texas that used direct gambling terminology after local reporting drew attention to it
2026: Federal courts blocked several other states from enforcing similar gambling-law restrictions against Kalshi and Polymarket, a precedent likely to shape any Texas proposal
Committee findings are expected ahead of the 2027 legislative session, with no state action anticipated before then

Best Texas Prediction Market Platforms Ranked and Reviewed

Each platform below is federally regulated and currently accepting new Texas accounts. Offers and terms can change, so confirm current details before funding an account.

Kalshi

Kalshi is the top recommendation for most Texas traders, with the deepest liquidity of any US exchange and a market menu that covers everything from Cowboys game lines to the 2026 Texas governor’s race.

Best known for: The widest prediction market menu in the US, with the deepest sports, politics, economics, weather and pop culture coverage of any CFTC-regulated exchange.
Welcome offer: Trade 25 dollars, get up to 500 dollars in bonus trading credit with code FOXSPORTS.
Platform experience: Clean mobile app, simple KYC verification, and support for debit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, wire transfer and USDC funding.
Final take: The default first stop for most traders, especially anyone who wants sports markets alongside politics and economic data in one place.

Kalshi operates as a Designated Contract Market under the CFTC and is currently available to eligible new users with the Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS offer. Kalshi is also one of the only platforms with enough order flow to support Texas-specific political markets, including statewide primary and general election contracts.

Polymarket

Polymarket is the highest-volume prediction market available to Texas residents, processing billions of dollars in monthly trading across sports, politics and breaking news.

Best known for: The largest global trading volume of any prediction market, with the deepest liquidity for major sports, political and breaking news events.
Welcome offer: Deposit 10 dollars, get a 20 dollar trading bonus with code FOX.
Platform experience: iOS and Android app, USDC-based balances funded through Moonpay via card or bank transfer, and no trading fees on binary markets.
Final take: The strongest choice for traders who want the widest field of active markets and the tightest spreads on high-volume events.

New users can review current terms on the Polymarket promo code FOX page. Texas ranks among Polymarket’s most active states for college football markets given the size of the state’s Big 12 and SEC fan base.

DraftKings Predictions

DraftKings Predictions gives Texas users a familiar app experience, since it runs inside the same DraftKings Sports and Casino app used nationwide.

Best known for: Brand familiarity for sportsbook bettors, Combos that bundle multiple event contracts into one position, and a built-in responsible trading toolset.
Welcome offer: New DraftKings customers who trade 5 dollars or more get 150 dollars in Predictions Dollars, paid out as 50 dollars every 7 days over a 14 day window. No promo code is required.
Platform experience: Available inside the existing DraftKings Sports and Casino app on iOS and Android, running on DraftKings’ own DKeX exchange.
Final take: The most natural fit for anyone who already has a DraftKings account and wants event contracts without downloading a separate app.

Full offer terms and state availability are covered on the DraftKings Predictions promo code page. DraftKings has specifically called out Texas as one of its priority states for sports event contracts, since the state has no competing sportsbook product.

OG Predictive

OG Predictive rounds out the field with a newer platform backed by Crypto.com that gives Texas traders another venue for pricing comparisons.

Best known for: Backing from Crypto.com and infrastructure powered by Nadex, giving it one of the more established clearing setups among newer entrants.
Welcome offer: Trade 10 dollars, get a 10 dollar bonus.
Platform experience: Straightforward sign-up flow with a market menu that spans sports, crypto price events, and current-affairs contracts.
Final take: A solid secondary platform for traders who want pricing or market variety beyond Kalshi and Polymarket without a steep learning curve.

Current terms are available on the OG Predictive promo code page. OG Predictive remains fully available to Texas users, with no state-specific restrictions currently in place.

Novig

Novig operates its sports-only prediction exchange in Texas, giving traders a peer-to-peer alternative focused specifically on game outcomes, futures and player statistics.

Best known for: A sports-only exchange model, built specifically around peer-to-peer trading on game outcomes, futures and player statistics rather than a broad menu of political or cultural markets.
Platform experience: A simpler, sportsbook-style interface layered on top of exchange pricing, aimed at traders who want a familiar look and feel.
Final take: A strong sports-focused complement to Kalshi and Polymarket for traders who want exchange-style pricing without leaving a betting-slip style layout.

New users can start trading on Novig here. Texas bettors who miss the feel of a traditional betting slip may find Novig’s exchange-with-a-sportsbook-layout approach an easier entry point than Kalshi or Polymarket.

Other Prediction Market Platforms to Know

Kalshi, Polymarket, DraftKings Predictions, OG Predictive and Novig cover most of the trading volume, but the field keeps growing. FOX Sports does not currently have partner offers for the platforms below, so they are included here for context rather than as ranked recommendations.

Robinhood: Added event contracts inside its existing trading app, aimed at users who already hold stocks or crypto there.
FanDuel Predicts: FanDuel’s entry into event contracts, built for bettors who already use the FanDuel Sportsbook app.
Fanatics Markets: Fanatics’ prediction market product, following the same CFTC-regulated event contract model as its competitors.
Gemini Predictions: A crypto exchange-backed entrant with event contracts funded through Gemini’s existing wallet infrastructure.
Coinbase Predictions: Coinbase’s event contract product, aimed at its large existing crypto user base.
Underdog Predictions: A newer entrant from the daily fantasy operator Underdog, layering event contracts onto its existing platform.

How We Rank the Best Texas Prediction Market Platforms

Regulatory status: Confirmed CFTC designation as a Designated Contract Market or registered introducing broker
Market depth and liquidity: Breadth of sports, political, economic and cultural markets, and how tight the spreads are on high-volume events
Fees and pricing transparency: How trading costs are disclosed and whether they are built into the contract price or charged separately
Mobile app experience: Ease of account verification, funding, order placement and market research inside the app
Welcome offer value: Size and accessibility of the new-user offer relative to the minimum trade or deposit required
Customer support and funds security: Availability of support channels and how deposits and withdrawals are handled

Prediction Markets vs Sportsbooks in Texas

Texas is the largest US state with no legal sports betting in any form, retail or online, despite repeated legislative attempts to change that. For background on why that is and what has been proposed, see the FOX Sports Texas sports betting guide. That makes prediction markets the only regulated way for Texans to trade directly on the outcome of a game right now.

FeaturePrediction MarketsSportsbooksLegal in TexasYes, under federal CFTC oversight.No licensed operator currently availableWho you trade againstOther traders on the exchangeThe sportsbook itselfPricingSet by supply and demand, $0 to $1 per contractSet by the operator using American oddsMarket scopeSports, politics, economics, weather and culturePrimarily sportsRegulatorCommodity Futures Trading Commission (federal)State gaming commissionMinimum age18 and older on most platforms21 and older in states with legal betting

Texas Prediction Markets: Politics, Energy and College Football

Texas trading activity skews toward a few categories that reflect the state’s economy, politics and sports culture.

Political markets: Statewide races, including the 2026 governor and attorney general contests, are among the highest-volume non-sports markets available to Texas traders
Energy markets: Contracts tied to oil and natural gas prices draw consistent interest given the size of the state’s energy sector
College football markets: With the Longhorns, Aggies, and the broader SEC and Big 12 footprint in Texas, college football contracts are some of the most actively traded sports markets in the state
Economic markets: Inflation, interest rate and jobs report contracts see steady volume from Texas-based traders and finance professionals
Tax treatment: Texas has no state income tax, so trading profits avoid the added state-level tax bite that traders in income-tax states face. Federal tax rules still apply, and traders should keep their own records rather than rely on a platform’s tax summary alone
Pro sports markets: With no legal sportsbook in the state, Cowboys, Texans, Rockets, Mavericks, Spurs, Astros and Rangers markets on Kalshi, Polymarket and DraftKings Predictions are the closest legal equivalent to a game-outcome bet available to Texas residents

How to Start Trading Prediction Markets in Texas

1. Download the app or visit the website for the platform you want to use, such as Kalshi, Polymarket, DraftKings Predictions or OG Predictive.
2. Create an account and complete identity verification, which is required on every CFTC-regulated platform before you can fund an account.
3. Deposit funds using an accepted method, such as a debit card, bank transfer or stablecoin deposit, depending on the platform.
4. Browse available markets and review the contract price, which reflects the market’s estimated probability of that outcome.
5. Place your first trade, and remember that most platforms let you sell your position before the event resolves if the price moves in your favor.
6. Withdraw available funds back to your original payment method or a supported crypto wallet once you are ready to cash out.

Benefits of Using Multiple Prediction Market Platforms

Prices for the same event can differ slightly from one exchange to another, since each platform sets prices based on its own pool of traders. Using more than one account can help Texas traders find better pricing and access a wider set of markets overall.

Compare contract pricing across exchanges before committing to a position
Access category strengths unique to each platform, such as Kalshi’s political market depth or Polymarket’s breaking news coverage
Reduce the impact of a single platform pausing sports contracts if the state legislature acts on the committee’s findings
Collect welcome offers across multiple platforms rather than a single sign-up bonus

Responsible Trading

Trading event contracts involves real risk of loss and should always be approached as entertainment, not as an investment strategy. Never commit more than you can afford to lose, and review each market’s contract price and settlement rules before taking a position. Free, confidential support is available around the clock from these organizations.

Texas Prediction Markets FAQs

Are prediction markets legal in Texas?

Yes. Kalshi, Polymarket, DraftKings Predictions and OG Predictive all operate legally in Texas under federal CFTC oversight. A state Senate committee is studying the issue, but no lawsuit or enforcement action currently restricts trading.

Is Kalshi legal in Texas?

Yes. Kalshi is regulated by the CFTC and currently operates in Texas without restriction. The platform has not been named in any Texas lawsuit or enforcement action as of August 2026.

Is there a legal online sportsbook in Texas?

No. Texas has no licensed retail or online sportsbook. It is the largest US state by population with no legal sports betting in any form, which is a major reason prediction markets have grown so quickly among Texas sports fans.

Can I trade on Texas teams using prediction markets?

Yes. Kalshi, Polymarket and DraftKings Predictions all list contracts tied to Texas teams such as the Cowboys, Texans, Rockets, Mavericks and Astros, since these platforms operate under federal rather than state sports betting law.

Could Texas ban prediction markets?

It is possible but not imminent. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has directed a state Senate committee to study the issue, with findings expected to inform potential action in the 2027 legislative session. Federal courts have blocked similar state restrictions elsewhere, which would likely shape any Texas proposal.

What is the difference between prediction markets and sports betting?

Prediction markets let you trade contracts against other users at prices set by supply and demand, with no house setting the odds. Sportsbooks set their own odds and take the other side of your wager, building a margin into the line.

Which prediction market platform is best for Texas traders?

Kalshi and Polymarket lead in overall market depth and liquidity for Texas traders, including Texas-specific political markets. DraftKings Predictions is a strong fit for existing DraftKings customers, and OG Predictive is worth comparing for pricing on specific markets.

Do I need to be 21 to use prediction markets in Texas?

No. Most prediction market platforms, including Kalshi and Polymarket, set the minimum age at 18. This differs from traditional sportsbooks, which generally require users to be 21 or older.

Cardiff 1 – 1 Wrexham

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Cardiff earned the most dramatic point on their return to the Sky Bet Championship as Rubin Colwill’s stunning 98th-minute free-kick earned a 1-1 draw against Wrexham.

Former Bluebirds striker Kieffer Moore had given the visitors the lead with a cracking strike after just two minutes and 26 seconds at the Cardiff City Stadium, in the first meeting between the two Welsh sides in 24 years.

It was his seventh goal against Cardiff – against no side has he scored more in his career.

That looked to be enough to secure a winning start for the Red Dragons, who missed out on a place in the play-offs last season – and thus a chance at a fourth straight promotion – by a margin of just two points.

Cardiff had looked bright in spells, but found clear-cut openings hard to come by – and when Wrexham captain Dom Hyam headed a cross onto his own crossbar, it looked as though their final chance had come and gone.

But after George Dobson brought down Joel Colwill inches outside the penalty area, his older brother fired a beauty into the top-left corner to spark opening-night jubilation in South Wales.

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Kieffer Moore goal fires Wrexham into the lead inside three minutes against Welsh rivals Cardiff.

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Stunning Rubin Colwill free-kick snatches 90+8 minute equaliser against Wrexham.

The key moments in South Wales…

3: GOAL! Danny Imray’s ball over the top finds Kieffer Moore all too easily; he waits for it to bounce a couple of times, before catching it perfectly and firing a cracker across Nathan Trott.

6: CHANCE! Wrexham crowd the box, and when a Callum Doyle header is looped in from inside the six-yard box, Nathan Trott has to be alert to tip it over.

22: SAVE! Wrexham debutant Anthony Patterson comes from his line to beat Yousef Salech to a slack pass back to the goalkeeper.

36: OFF THE BAR! Moore rises to meet a corner from the right and sends a header skidding off the top of the bar.

58: OFF THE POST! Wrexham’s Callum Doyle opts to go alone instead of finding one of the many team-mates to his right in the box, then crashes a shot off the left-hand upright.

90+5: SO CLOSE! Dom Hyam gets up to defend a looping ball in from the right and crashes a header onto the crossbar and away.

90+6: LATE, LATE DRAMA! George Dobson brings down Joel Colwill inches outside the area and wins a free-kick.

90+8: GOAL! The roof comes off the stadium as Rubin Colwill fires an absolutely beautiful free-kick high into the top-left corner to earn a point for Cardiff.

What the result means and next fixtures…

Inside The Garage: A New Test Awaits As INDYCAR Heads To D.C.

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Here’s what’s happening this week Inside The Garage:

D.C. readies for INDYCAR takeover
Noah Gragson secures future ride plans
This driver is doing it “4 the Haters”

Markham, Ontario — Not all street courses are alike. And you might be hard-pressed to find two street courses as opposite as the ones INDYCAR drivers are taking on this month.

When drivers raced Sunday on the streets of Markham, they had a 2.1-mile mix of lefts and rights and gradual turns, sharp turns and a hairpin on streets newly repaved for the event.

When drivers race next Sunday on the streets of Washington, D.C., they will compete on a 1.7-mile circuit of mostly 90-degree left-hand turns with one right-hand turn.

They also will go 61 miles further, racing 250 miles as part of the “Freedom 250,” compared to 189 miles at Markham, a more normal road-course length.

“It will be interesting, man, to see how that plays out,” Andretti Global driver Will Power said during his news conference Sunday after finishing third at Markham. “It’s pretty crazy distance for a street course.”

David Malukas, Felix Rosenqvist and Alex Palou are set to take to the streets of D.C.

So what will it be like doing 147 laps on a street course?

“You’re going to feel like you’re in a bit of washing machine in some ways, you just keep going around and around,” Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin told me and other reporters. “That’s going to be a long hard race, bumpy and whatnot.”

At least the course might be a little more straight-forward than crazy (although crazy can be considered challenging and fun, too).

“Washington’s a lot different,” Andretti Global driver Kyle Kirkwood told me and other reporters Sunday after a crash at Markham. “It’s just pretty much 90-degree corners. Here [at Markham], there’s a lot more characteristics, a lot of increasing radius, which usually breeds passes and breeds crashes.

“But it really even hasn’t been that many passes, there’s been crashes. D.C. will be way different.”

One thing that will be similar is the schedule. While Markham had to delay the first practice from Friday to Saturday, a disappointing turn of events, it did get drivers ready for the schedule this weekend.

In hopes of having the least amount of disruption to life in the capital, INDYCAR agreed to a two-day show. That means both practices and qualifying are set for Saturday, just as they were in the adjusted Markham schedule after the Friday postponement. Photos of the track build in Washington indicate that there will be no questions as far as whether the track will be ready.

The streets of D.C. will be alive with race cars as INDYCAR takes center stage this upcoming weekend.

One thing that won’t be new when it comes to competition? Alex Palou was the championship leader going into Markham and remains so going into Washington. In fact, there is a chance he could clinch the title.

Palou went from having a 110-point lead on Kirkwood to a 133-point lead thanks to the Kirkwood crash. David Malukas is 137 points behind Palou.

If Palou can leave Washington with a 162-point lead on the field, he would clinch the title with three races remaining. That would be a tall, but not impossible, order.

“That would be fun — that would be a great spot to win it,” Palou told me and other reporters.

It would be a little ironic for Palou, a Spaniard, to win a title (his fifth overall and fourth consecutive) in front of President Donald Trump, considering Trump was in attendance when Spain won the World Cup last month.

“I’ll work for it, absolutely,” Palou said.

Malukas told me that the battle isn’t for the title — it’s for second.

“The battle is for P2,” Malukas told me. “What would [Palou] have to do? Crash every race? It’s done. We just have to look on getting that P2 because that P2 race is a big battle.”

The Washington race also is the middle of a tough stretch of five consecutive weekends to close out the season. There are four races remaining — Washington, a two-race weekend at The Milwaukee Mile and then the season finale on the Laguna Seca (Monterey, Calif.) road course.

Alex Palou is closing in on his fourth consecutive INDYCAR title.

For two veteran drivers, they have key streaks they will try to snap.

McLaughlin hasn’t won in nearly two years as his winless streak is 32 races.

“It’s the longest of my career by a mile since I started racing,” McLaughlin told me and other reporters. “I really do hate it. I’m chomping at the bit for a win.

“We have been close, but just haven’t quite got there. I’m not frustrated, but I’m angst. You can’t force it. … I feel like I’m driving really well.”

And Scott Dixon has won every year in each of the previous 21 years. All those seasons came with Chip Ganassi Racing, where he is leaving at the end of the year for Arrow McLaren.

“The goal is always to get a win,” Dixon told me and other reporters. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a streak or anything like that. The obvious goal is to win every weekend we go to.

“That’s really all I think about it. If that happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, so be it.”

In The News

–Noah Gragson signed a contract extension to remain at Front Row Motorsports. The contract includes options to keep him in a Cup car beyond 2027.

–NASCAR announced that it has set limits for drivers to have rookie status. It is a maximum of 12 previous starts in Cup to be a rookie, 10 starts for O’Reilly and eight starts for trucks.

–Trackside Enterprises, which had the contract to promote NASCAR races at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway, announced the track will not have NASCAR national series dates in 2027. It had O’Reilly Series and truck series races the last couple of years.

Noah Gragson is staying put in 2027.

Postseason Clinchers

At Richmond, several drivers clinched spots in the postseason for NASCAR.

Cup: Chase Briscoe, Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell clinched to make it seven drivers having clinched with two races remaining. Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, Ty Gibbs and Ryan Blaney had previously clinched.

Trucks: Christian Eckes, Gio Ruggiero and Ty Majeski clinched to join Layne Riggs, Kaden Honeycutt and Chandler Smith in the Chase. There are four spots left to be determined in the regular-season finale this weekend at New Hampshire.

Social Spotlight

They Said It

“Do I have a little chip on my shoulder? Yes. That’s a clear yes. So much that our little team slogan in our hauler, our scoreboard, is ‘4 the Haters.’ That’s where we’re at.” — NASCAR driver Joey Logano, who is in his quest for a fourth championship.

In Inside The Garage, Bob Pockrass takes us behind the scenes of the motorsports world the way only he can.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

Marcus Ericsson captured his first victory since March 2023 as he snapped a 63-race winless streak by claiming the inaugural win on the perilous streets of Markham.

Chelsea podcast: Xabi Alonso, Enzo Fernandez future, transfers and a new era at Stamford Bridge analysed | Football News

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

It’s been another summer of change at Chelsea – and on the eve of a new Premier League season, there is so much to analyse at the club, with Xabi Alonso’s reign kicking off, big-money transfers to be settled and a search for success on the pitch in their sights.

Listen to the podcast below, watch it on the Sky Sports News YouTube channel or read on for the key points from the episode…

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Enzo Fernandez – What’s the latest?

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Sky Sports News’ James Savundra on whether Enzo Fernandez could still leave Stamford Bridge, despite Manchester City missing Chelsea’s Friday ‘deadline’ last week

James Savundra: When I spoke to Xabi Alonso in his second week at work, he was glowing in his praise when it came to players like Reece James and Cole Palmer. But he gave very little away when it came to Enzo Fernandez. He only gave short sentences. The only thing he confirmed was that he was looking forward to working with him, and that he’s a great player, but he didn’t say much more than that, which made you think that, at that point, the saga [over Fernandez’s future] hadn’t been resolved.

I know that Fernandez has got a contract for another six years, but I think he wants to be better remunerated for what he offers to the side. As we know with the Chelsea contracts, some of them are very long, but they’re more incentivised in terms of performance or if Chelsea go on and win things. I think he wants a higher base salary. That’s our understanding.

But when the deadline eventually passed on Friday with no £120m bid from Man City, Chelsea sources said they expected Fernandez to stay until the end of the season. But that’s no clear guarantee. They don’t want the start of the season, the start of this new era dominated by conversations and questions for Xabi Alonso to answer every press conference. But one thing I will say, if Enzo Fernandez does stay he will be a massive part of Alonso’s plans.

Who else could be on the way out before the deadline?

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Sky Sports News’ James Savundra with the latest on Chelsea’s potential outgoings this summer transfer window

Will Chelsea play a back three?

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Sky Sports News’ David Richardson discusses how Chelsea could line-up under new boss Xabi Alonso

David Richardson: The big question around Xabi Alonso at Chelsea is whether he would replicate the 3-4-3 formation that he had such great success with at Bayer Leverkusen. Chelsea have played six pre-season games. In their first three, they played a back four, which was similar to what Alonso did at Real Madrid – and, as we know, it didn’t go too well there. But since then, in the final three matches, he’s played a back three and that has been when more of his senior players have been available to him.

In the first half against Real Sociedad, Chelsea sat too deep in the back three. It became almost a back five, with Marco Palestra and Pedro Neto as their wingbacks. They couldn’t get out. They couldn’t press. They became sloppy on the ball – and that was despite Morgan Rogers scoring after 10 minutes. They were much improved in the second half. They played higher up the pitch, dominated possession and because they were higher up the pitch, they were able to press.

Can Rogers and Palmer play together?

David Richardson: Rogers was on the left of the front three against Real Sociedad, with Joao Pedro through the middle and Palmer off the right. Rogers and Palmer didn’t play as wingers; they were tucked in as inside forwards, which suits their game.

That is some front three. If you compare that to any other team in the league, it’s got to be right up there – possibly the best front three in the division. Particularly with the way Joao Pedro is playing – he’s scored seven goals in five games in pre-season. Rogers linked up well with Joao Pedro on Saturday, and it was probably him and Joao Pedro that showed more signs of connecting than Rogers and Palmer.

It’s all about getting those front three firing. Palmer had that incredible first season at Chelsea and hasn’t quite lived up to those standards. But having not been at the World Cup, he’s had some rest, a full pre-season now and hopefully he’ll be over those injuries that he’s had in recent seasons and should be firing. It’s a big, big season for him.

Who’s the No 1?

David Richardson: It’s a reflection on how well Robert Sanchez has started to do that he is still No 1. He had a much improved season last year. He played 51 times, a full season in goal and he looked more confident, more comfortable.

There were big question marks over his playing out from the back – I remember him being heckled by some Chelsea supporters to get the ball forward and just get it away from his own goal. But he’s settled down now. Against Real Sociedad on Saturday, he made several saves in the first half, and he seems to be growing into that role.

As for Mike Penders, he came on as a substitute in that game but I think he’ll have to wait for his opportunity. For now, it looks like Sanchez is Chelsea’s No 1.

Why did Chelsea sign Henderson and Welbeck?

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Jordan Henderson signed a two-year deal with Chelsea

James Savundra: There have been so many silly yellow cards and that really did hamper Chelsea and a number of different managers couldn’t solve it. Under Alonso and this new leadership group he’s forming, when you consider the age of the players brought in, there’s clearly been a lot of learning from the ownership group over the last four years.

Sometimes the approach was a bit scattergun when it came to transfers. But now I think Alonso has looked at the squad and realised ‘we definitely need more experienced players that know how to win things’. That’s players like Henderson and Welbeck, who can help these young players become players who can perform consistently in the Premier League and accept all that comes with being a Chelsea player.

These young players will need to deliver success – but now they’ve got real role models in the form of those more mature players. And actually even in the signings of Maxence Lacroix, who’s 26, and Pep Chavarria, 28, I think it’s clear that there’s an admission that there have been mistakes made and everybody is seeing this as a new chapter.

What’s success for Alonso and Chelsea this season?

James Savundra: It would be fascinating to be in those conversations and whether or not they’ve laid out clear defined targets for this season. I think they are really seeing this as a long-term project over two, three or four years and as long as they are seeing that progress on the pitch, whether or not they get Champions League football this season, I don’t think that will define whether or not Xabi Alonso gets a second year.

It will be whether you can actually see with your eyes that this team is getting there, this culture is being built behind the scenes, because Alonso is going to be involved in a number of different areas at the club. But signing a player like Morgan Rogers for £117m? You’re not spending this sort of money in the transfer window to finish in the top 10 or just to get Europa League football.

This season things have really opened up with a number of managerial changes. Liverpool a lot of upheaval there and that squad doesn’t quite look ready for the start of the Premier League season. Manchester United, it’s their first full season under Michael Carrick and how are they going to cope with playing in the Champions League as well?

So getting into the Champions League and having a really strong cup run in the FA Cup or the Carabao Cup will probably be the aim.

Inside Rams Rookie Ty Simpson's Hot Start, Titans QB Cam Ward's Calamity

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

I hope you had some fun this weekend watching NFL preseason games. There were guys out there grinding for jobs, players who might someday emerge as key contributors for the teams where they earn a roster spot. That said, I wasn’t focused on the bubble guys. I was interested in the stars. And some key things were happening this week in the preseason games — and the greater NFL news cycle. This is Sound Smart, where I try to spin forward, dive deeper, think outside the box and read between the lines. The Los Angeles Rams protected Ty Simpson and played it nice and safe. Almost boring, in fact. The first-round quarterback had 84% of his passes travel 15 yards or fewer and 72% for 10 yards or fewer. In the first three quarters, there were a lot of rollouts and passes behind the line of scrimmage so that Simpson barely needed to think — operating the basics and letting everyone else do the work for him. I suspect that’s why coach Sean McVay said the following about the team’s preseason playcaller, Nate Scheelhaase: “I thought the coaches did a really good job putting guys in good spots. I thought [Scheelhaase] called a really good game.” The beauty of a preseason game is that defenses are as simple as can be. That makes life easier for the playcaller and the QB. In the final 10 minutes, Simpson and his coaches started to ramp up the difficulty and use more of the field — with a little more intermediate throwing and some targets toward the middle of the field. Ultimately, he saw pressure on only three of his 25 dropbacks. He had a tight-window throw on 8% of his passes. It looked easy for Simpson because it was very easy for Simpson — a stone’s throw away from 7-on-7 drills. It seems like the reaction has been unanimously positive about Simpson, perhaps because of his statistics. And while I’m excited about his long-term prospects on the whole, I’m not sure I saw anything particularly outstanding. But here’s the thing: At least Simpson played in control. At least he made the easy stuff look easy. Because I can think of somebody who didn’t. I was startled by Ward’s film. I hate to get worked up about preseason film, but I can’t really stop myself here. There was an astonishing lack of accuracy. There was an astonishing lack of … everything. If there’s one thing we know about the preseason, it’s that it’s deeply deceitful. I’ll never forget in 2015 when Sam Bradford absolutely tore apart preseason defenses with former Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly calling the plays. And I thought it meant something. It didn’t. Bradford was a mess and Kelly got fired after going 6-9. With Ward and the Titans, the same (but opposite) can be true here, where the second-year QB’s preseason calamity won’t translate to the regular season. But let’s just look at the numbers, because it’ll help contextualize my alarm. On 12 dropbacks, Ward attempted a tight-window throw on 8% of his passes. (Just like Simpson.) That should speak to an easy day for Ward: no risky or high-difficulty throws. So you’d think he would’ve been completing his passes, right? Wrong! He completed 41.7% of his passes (5-for-12). Even worse, he had a completion percentage over expected of -26.3%, second worst among all 91 passers who took 12 or more dropbacks this first week of preseason. His success percentage (23.1%) was second worst among those same 91 QBs. His expected points per dropback was tied for eighth-worst — alongside Colts QB Anthony Richardson, whose play is currently bad enough that Indianapolis can’t seem to find a trade partner. You’re probably also thinking that maybe Ward didn’t have receivers Carnell Tate, the fourth overall pick this year, or Wan’Dale Robinson, the team’s $70-million free agent acquisition. You’d — again — think wrong. And Tate, whose training-camp highlights have often appeared on the Titans’ X account this summer, saw three targets for zero receptions. This was a tremendously bad outing for Ward. It was also a small sample size — in preseason. But it looked too much like the lowest lows from Ward’s rookie season. I had hoped he was getting past all that. For now, let’s try to chalk it up to preseason. Let’s hope it’s just a whole bunch of nothing. Because, man, what the heck happened out there? LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears might have the most compelling and polarizing passing attack in the NFL (and I’ll have more to say about them in a story later this week). But while Chicago’s rushing attack may get neglected by the media, it has the head coach’s attention. Ben Johnson gets excited anytime he has the opportunity to coach or discuss the ground game. And so it was interesting to hear first-year offensive coordinator Press Taylor relay Johnson’s philosophy on the run game. “I don’t think Ben’s ever mentioned the word efficiency,” Taylor said last week. “We talk about explosives. We are trying to attack a defense. I think there’s a perception — a lot of people are going to run the ball. ‘We’re going to stay efficient. We’re going to control the clock. We are looking to attack a defense.’ “We’re looking to attack fronts to expose space, to create run lanes, to create explosives. We don’t look at the run game as a way to stay on track. We look at the run game as a way to attack defenses and really be explosive and continue to just put our foot on the gas.” All eyes are on quarterback Caleb Williams, whose flair for late-game heroics was incredible last season. He’s a former No. 1 overall pick, and his arm talent is otherworldly. He has the rare ability to generate explosive plays at any moment. And while we don’t often think about D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai in the same way, it seems like Taylor and Johnson would like us to. The 2026 season will be about further establishing that identity. FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Despite not having the new contract that he wants, Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez had been a willing participant in training camp. In fact, his presence had been infuriating newcomer A.J. Brown — to the point where the star receiver admitted he was looking forward to joint practices because the competition was getting too fierce between teammates. The underlying takeaway is that Gonzalez is among the best cornerbacks in the league. (And from my vantage point, he’s the best.) He should get paid as such. But when those joint practices started last week, Gonzalez was not on the field. It sure seemed like that was the cornerback’s first flex of leverage in his contract negotiations with the team. And he didn’t stop there. He wasn’t on the field for the team’s first preseason matchup against the Colts at Gillette Stadium. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel addressed Gonzalez’s absence. “Christian was unavailable — physically unavailable for the practice. That’s the clarification,” Vrabel told reporters after the team’s preseason game. “Just like other players that I told to have treatment, and everybody has a plan here, there were other guys that were in that same category.” The “clarification” is still quite vague. And that’s often how it goes when a player is holding in. If there was anything that would further entrench Gonzalez, it was the news that Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon, represented by the same agent, Reggie Johnson, signed a $132-million, four-year deal. New England’s defense can’t afford to start the season without Gonzalez. The Patriots will need their best defensive player on the field when they kick off the NFL season in a rematch against Seattle on Sept. 9. They need to get a deal done. And it’ll probably have to be a deal that’s more lucrative than what Witherspoon got. EAGAN, Minn. — This was one heck of a statement from Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy about six-time Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith, who retired after last season. “I would say obviously having Harry [Harrison Smith] back there, a guy who’s gonna probably tell you every single play that’s coming — it’s been different [not having him],” Murphy said at the Vikings’ practice facility in Eagan last week. “But obviously, we got guys stepping in. We got communicators like 44 [Josh Metellus], even the young guys are stepping in. So we got guys that still are communicators.” Minnesota’s defense is still incredible, starting at the top with DC Brian Flores, who seems destined to — sooner or later — find his way back into a head coaching position. Flores has been no less ruthless this camp, doing what he can to terrorize the two quarterbacks — and amping up the degree of difficulty, with help from stars like edge rusher Dallas Turner, as each QB tries to prove himself. Two weeks ago, I saw firsthand how quickly Flores’ defense can shut down the Vikings’ offense, with both Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy failing to complete a single pass in the 2-minute drill. Murray’s offense went three-and-out and McCarthy threw an interception. Even so, Smith won’t be an easy guy to replace. And you get the sense that maybe they won’t have to. There have been rumors about a possible Smith return, but Minnesota isn’t counting on it. Instead, they’re counting on Metellus, who’s beginning his seventh year with Minnesota. “It’s crazy, man, to be following after a guy for so many years,” Metellus told me. “And then you get to a position where you follow him so much that you just like step into his road, almost naturally.”

Manchester United’s pre-season analysed: Joshua Zirkzee resurgent and Marcus Rashford reunited – but they still need a left-back | Football News

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Manchester United ended their pre-season with a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan, and the question is what kind of condition they are in as they go into the new season?

Ahead of a special Sky Sports Manchester United Q&A taking place on Wednesday, our reporter Danyal Khan discusses the major talking points…

Mbeumo, Amad look recharged – Zirkzee too?

The good news for Michael Carrick and United is that two players, in particular, have stood out in pre-season.

Having perhaps looked a bit tired towards the end of last season, Carrick will be purring to see Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo back to their electric selves in pre-season.

Mbeumo has looked sharp in front of goal with Amad also appearing full of confidence after an impressive World Cup with Cote d’Ivoire in the summer.

One player who may have a new chapter at the club is Joshua Zirkzee. Although there is still a possibility his future could be away from Old Trafford, he’s looked like a different Zirkzee to the one we’ve seen in previous seasons.

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Could Joshua Zirkzee play a crucial role for Manchester United this season?

Albeit it is pre-season, could Zirkzee provide cover for Bruno Fernandes in the No 10 position?

He was particularly impressive in Dublin against Leeds at a sold-out Croke Park, and in his third season at the club it will be intriguing to see how Carrick uses the Dutchman – if his future is at United.

Why they need a left-back

One thing that has clearly stood out in pre-season is the development of their gameplan under Carrick and his staff.

It was quite clear watching them during his six-month spell last season that the team would largely defend on the edge of their own box. They were extremely solid and compact which underpinned some huge wins.

What we’ve seen in pre-season has been a deviation – or, perhaps, progression – from that. United are pushing higher and working harder to press and counter-press the opposition, especially to win the ball back quickly after a loss of possession.

They were slightly found out against Milan, with the press not quite sharp enough – the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

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Manchester United collapsed against AC Milan

The game (although not wanting to exaggerate due to it still being pre-season!) was the perfect illustration of why United need to invest seriously in a left-back: not just because Luke Shaw will need to be rotated with the increased number of games that comes with European competition, but also due to the way United clearly want to play going forward.

They need serious recovery pace in the back-line for the times they do occasionally get caught out with this gameplan – but time is ticking to get any deal done.

Rashford – a topic that won’t go away

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Watch the last goal Marcus Rashford scored for Manchester United before his loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. Can he get back to scoring ways for the Red Devils?

Marcus Rashford has returned – and his future is a topic that will not go away until September’s deadline passes.

It seemed an unlikely reunion after his loan spell at Barcelona, but from what I’m hearing Rashford has only been positive and enthusiastic about his return to the club.

Carrick also told us last week that Rashford is his player and he is looking forward to working with the forward going into the season, but there still seems to be doubt over whether the England man will remain in a United shirt.

Right now, he is expected to do so, but much will depend on the interest Rashford generates as the deadline approaches – and also what the player believes is right for his next challenge.

It is thought he would only leave for an elite-level club, but his current contact at United may mean it proves too difficult to organise a solution away from Old Trafford.

4 Takeaways As Marcus Ericsson Snaps 63-Race Winless Streak At Markham

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Markham, Ontario — A new street court tested the perseverance and patience of INDYCAR drivers Sunday.

Marcus Ericsson, a driver who hasn’t won in nearly four years and nearly found himself out of a ride after this season but earned a contract extension last month thanks to his perseverance and patience, emerged victorious.

Ericsson captured his first victory since March 2023 as he snapped a 63-race winless streak by claiming the inaugural win on the perilous streets of Markham, where the Ontario Grand Prix was relocated from Toronto’s Exhibition Place.

Here are my takeaways:

1. Streak Snapped

Ericsson indicated he felt that a win was coming with the performance this year, a 180 from last year when he finished 20th in the standings. A former Formula 1 driver and an Indianapolis 500 winner when at Ganassi, the Andretti Global driver entered Markham sitting ninth in the 2026 standings.

“The thing in racing, you have to believe in yourself, right?” Ericsson said in his winners news conference. “I went eight years without a win when I went from F2, went in F1, then came to INDYCAR. It’s easy to give up and do something else.

“I always feel like mental strength and that ability to push myself, even when things doesn’t go your way, it’s been one of my biggest strengths as a driver.”

Marcus Ericsson snapped a 63-race winless streak by taking the checkered flag on the streets of Markham.

The 35-year-old driver led 21 of 90 laps, including the last five, after he easily passed a fuel-saving Romain Grosjean for the lead. It was likely a popular win considering Ericsson’s path the lat few years.

“I don’t think there was any scenario last year where I would have won a race because I just wasn’t fast and I wasn’t happy with the way the car felt,” Ericsson said. “It was no one’s fault. Things didn’t work out. We were in a bad spiral.

It comes from working hard, putting the work in. There’s nothing coming for free. You can’t after a season like last year sit around and think hopefully next year will be better.”

2. Streak Continued

Romain Grosjean, who drives for Dale Coyne Racing, has no wins in 78 career INDYCAR starts since making the move from F1.

His last victory in a single-seater car came in 2011 in a G2 Series race.

“I cried a little, I’m not going to lie,” Grosjean said in his postrace news conference. “But control what you can control. … I did everything I could.”

3. Power Nearly Ruins Teammate’s Day

Will Power finished third but nearly ruined Ericsson’s chance to win when the two had contact when Ericsson passed him in the hairpin.

Power said he wasn’t trying to keep Ericsson from passing him.

“I said [to my team], ‘OK, I’ll let him go on the backstraight so I can stay close to Palou,’” Power said in his postrace news conference about the contact.

“He didn’t get the message, or it wasn’t quick enough for him. Miscommunication. I didn’t even look in my mirror. I just turned. Obviously at that point, I was upset because we lost such a gap.”

Will Power came through with a third-place finish on Sunday.

Ericsson, who had pitted several laps later than Grosjean for his final stop and was several seconds behind at the time, said the contact was unfortunate and he and his teammate are good.

“I was really eager to get by and sort of hunt down the leaders because I really felt like I had the pace to win,” Ericsson said.

4. New Track, Mixed Reviews

It might not be much of a surprise, but those who had great finishes loved the track while those who wrecked did not.

The biggest issue was the lack of any curved barriers, which meant that the walls all came to a point. A misjudgment could result in hitting a wall and end one’s day.

Pole-sitter Louis Foster saw his race end after 42 laps and Kyle Kirkwood’s ended in similar fashion 11 laps later.

“They didn’t come here with radius walls,” Kirkwood told me and other reporters. “That’s been the new normal for INDYCAR is radius walls at all the apex.

“As you’re wrapping around the corner, you can’t see the points and they surprise you a bit. But it’s not like it was any different than the rest of the weekend. It just can catch you off guard.”

The new circuit at Markham drew mixed reviews from drivers.

4 ½. Up Next: Freedom 250

The streets of Washington D.C. await INDYCAR drivers in what will be a spectacle in the nation’s capital on a 1.7-mile course.

It will be one of the longest street-course races in decades at 250 miles with the start-finish line across from the U.S. Capitol.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

From Ontario to Washington, D.C., INDYCAR has back-to-back brand-new street tracks. So how do drivers prepare?

Man City’s Community Shield defeat to Arsenal revealed the scale of the job facing Enzo Maresca on eve of new Premier League season | Football News

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Enzo Maresca spoke of his desire to “close the gap” between Manchester City and Arsenal before watching his side suffer a painful 3-0 defeat in the Community Shield on Sunday. Perhaps the gaping holes through the spine of his team should be more of an immediate area of focus.

The manner of that loss has raised qualifying questions, the only real clarity offered by the Premier League champions. Mikel Arteta’s side brutally exposed a series of City shortcomings: defensively disorganised, missing a midfield and lacking leadership, to name but a few.

Six days out from the start of their campaign proper, City appear worryingly incomplete.

Sunday 23rd August 1:00pm

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“We have it quite clear what we need to do, and for sure we are going to do something before the transfer window closes,” Maresca reassured after the game, before it was confirmed later the same evening that Rodri would be departing for Barcelona. Not sure that was exactly what he had in mind.

City’s trust in Maresca is such that defeat in the Community Shield will not cause a huge internal stir. There does, however, need to be a period of introspection. Does the Italian have the tools he needs to play the system he intends to? Sunday suggests not.

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Enzo Maresca reacts to Man City’s Community Shield loss to Arsenal, saying he was unhappy with conceding two early goals but remains positive about their performance.

Beyond being schooled by a slicker side in possession, all three of Arsenal’s well-worked goals scored from open play, City’s lack of imposition should be a major concern. Maresca’s XI was packed with creators and scorers but none were effective. They played 200 more passes in the opposition half than Arsenal, yielding one big chance to Arsenal’s four. That was missed by Erling Haaland.

Given Nico O’Reilly, Elliot Anderson and Haaland only returned from their post-World Cup breaks a few days prior, it’s a wonder they were involved at all. None of that trio were particularly productive, albeit their underperformance comes with caveats and will rank low on Mareca’s list of misgivings.

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Man City’s defending against Arsenal was erratic and disorganised

Much higher on his evolving catalogue of to-dos will be addressing how disconnected City’s units are, all playing individually, much to Arsenal’s aid. Mateo Kovacic’s role as the central rotator did not work. Nor, for the most part, did O’Reilly’s progression into midfield to create the 3-2 shape Maresca favours in build-up.

All O’Reilly succeeded in doing was leaving huge voids of space for Noni Madueke to run into. At one point Ben White was even playing like a winger. The talented 21-year-old, for all his many strengths – and he has great potential to thrive in a de facto central midfield role – was swamped by the class and nous of Arsenal’s enforcers. He cannot yet do what Bernardo Silva or Rodri can do.

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Man City’s confusing display against Arsenal left plenty of unanswered questions for Enzo Maresca

When the Gunners did arrive with numbers and intent to threaten, City held such a high defensive line it almost bated the obvious opening. No player engaged. And so Martin Odegaard’s mind was made up for him. He used the generosity of his time and space to measure a cross for Christos Tzolis to tee up Kai Havertz. Child’s play.

Maresca drew criticism for a similar tactical failing while in charge at Chelsea. A high line with a passive press is an accident waiting to happen in the Premier League.

City obviously have work to do between now and the close of the transfer window on September 1. Enzo Fernandez remains a target but comes with baggage. He’s a player that often splits opinion – booed by sections of his own fanbase at the weekend – despite striking up a good working relationship with Maresca during their time together at Chelsea.

He is not a Rodri replacement. Albeit no one is.

The Argentine does offer two things City’s midfield currently lacks, though: goals and guile. Fernandez is a fighter and while that trait sometimes lands him in hot water, it is also used to add presence in an area of the pitch that needs it most. City were so lightweight on Sunday, Arsenal had carte blanche control.

Tijjani Reijnders is another set to move on, further weakening midfield options and piling responsibility on relatively young shoulders. Anderson is only 23. Key transfer target Ayyoub Bouaddi just 18. Kovacic, at 32, is perhaps too far the other side of peak. Where is the balance?

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Barcelona has agreed a deal with Manchester City to buy Rodri, potentially leaving ‘a huge hole’ in the Cityzens’ midfield.

A percentage of these problems can of course be attributed to rustiness. It was only game one, and not a consequential game at that. Haaland will get sharper. Anderson will learn how to anchor midfield with some help. And the misshapen back four will iron out with a bit of time and work on the training pitch, as well as a better understanding of pressing distances in this system.

City are not required to play Arsenal every week, remember.

Sunday will have revealed plenty of uncomfortable truths for Maresca, not least how the gap to Arsenal appears to be widening rather than narrowing. He has three-and-a-half months’ worth of soul-searching to do before their next bout in late November.

But he should also take comfort in the timing of such a revealing performance, perhaps a blessing in disguise in terms of evolution under his new rule, still with the means and support to do something about it.

Better get cracking, then.

Watch Manchester City vs Bournemouth live on Sky Sports Main Event on Sunday; kick-off 2pm

NFL Catchup: Rookie QBs Shine In Debuts, Another Donald Update, Cowboys Make A Splash

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The first full weekend of NFL preseason action provided a pair of standout rookie quarterback performances while a pair of defensive linemen are making noise off the field.

Los Angeles Rams rookie Ty Simpson and New York Jets rookie Cade Klubnik posted efficient outings, and the Cleveland Browns continued their quarterback rotation.

Veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence announced his upcoming retirement over the weekend, and Sean McVay provided an update on Aaron Donald, who worked out with the Rams for the second time this month.

Here’s what you should know about what happened in the NFL this weekend.

Simpson, Klubnik Impress

Rookie quarterbacks Ty Simpson and Cade Klubnik delivered strong initial performances during preseason games this weekend.

Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns in a Los Angeles Rams victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. “I definitely felt more comfortable than I ever had coming into a game,” Simpson said.

It’s certainly a promising showing for Simpson, whom the Rams surprisingly took with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as he’s competing with Stetson Bennett for the backup role behind Matthew Stafford.

Rams head coach Sean McVay liked what he saw out of his rookie quarterback.

“I thought he took what the defense gave him,” McVay told reporters following Saturday’s game. “I thought he read the plays out, read with his feet. I thought he did a really good job overall.

“I thought he kept the ball in play. That’s the biggest thing: Keeping the ball in play.”

New York Jets rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik made a surprise start in Friday’s preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after starter Geno Smith was held out due to a sore ankle. Klubnik delivered, though. He led the Jets to scoring drives on both of his possessions, finishing 5 of 7 for 56 yards before handing over quarterback duties.

“I was definitely excited,” Klubnik told reporters. “I knew Geno was only going to play maybe eight to 10 plays and I was ready to go in early after that.

“So in my mind, I just got to go in eight to 10 plays earlier.”

Smith is expected to be the Jets’ starting quarterback for much of the season. However, if Klubnik, who the team took in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, continues to perform like he did on Friday, it’s reasonable to think that he could make a push to start games at some point this season. In fact, our Ralph Vacchiano floated the idea that Klubnik could start games for the Jets this season after the first week of training camp.

Deshaun Watson outshined Shedeur Sanders in the Cleveland Browns’ preseason loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday. Watson, who got the start, completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards with zero touchdowns or turnovers. Sanders, on the other hand, completed 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards with zero touchdowns and an interception.

However, Browns head coach Todd Monken offered a measured perspective after the team’s quarterback competition moved into live action on Saturday.

“I do believe the season is a marathon,” Monken said to reporters. “That marathon starts in Jacksonville. We are still in training.”

The Browns plan to start Sanders next week against the Buffalo Bills as the competition continues.

“Again, I did feel going into last game that it was relatively close in terms of both having an opportunity at the starting position, so it would be unfair to not go into the next game and give Shedeur that same opportunity,” Monken said. “We owe it to both players who have handled it well and competed at a high level.”

Aaron Donald took another step toward a potential NFL comeback on Sunday, appearing on the league transaction wire after completing his second workout with the Los Angeles Rams this summer.

Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed Donald’s potential return following Saturday’s preseason victory against the Chiefs.

“He’s put himself in a position to be able to say yes or no,” McVay said to reporters. “I think he’s earned that right to have clarity on that. We’re not at that point quite yet.”

McVay noted that internal discussions remain ongoing while Donald evaluates his physical benchmarks for the upcoming season.

“I feel great about our football team as it currently stands, and I know he’ll add value if he decides to come,” McVay said.

Veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence confirmed that the 2026 season will mark the end of his 13-year NFL career.

Lawrence, who spent 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before joining the Seattle Seahawks, returned for one final campaign to defend Seattle’s title.

“This will be my last year,” Lawrence told Yahoo Sports.

“Through the grace of God, I’m able to play another year and soak it all up one more good time before I hang it up.”

A v Lawrence has racked up 503 tackles, 67.5 sacks, 146 quarterback hits, 108 tackles for loss, 24 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries in 157 career appearances (139 starts).

Lawrence recorded six sacks during the regular season last year and added two fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns.

After spending the entire offseason revamping their defense, the Dallas Cowboys are still making some moves on that side of the ball.

The Cowboys have signed eight-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Von Miller. The 37-year-old had a productive year for the Washington Commanders in 2025, logging nine sacks and playing in every single regular-season game for the first time since 2018.

Miller is just one of many new faces on Dallas’ defense this offseason. The Cowboys kicked off the offseason by poaching defensive backs coach Christian Parker from the Philadelphia Eagles to make him their defensive coordinator. They also traded for Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary and signed Los Angeles Rams cornerback Kobie Durant before using first-round picks on safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Just seven months after tearing his Achilles, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle remains hopeful that he’ll be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. While Kittle has yet to practice in a full capacity in training camp, he expressed optimism that he’ll be able to play in the Rams’ season-opening matchup against the Rams on Sept. 10.

“I have a chance,” Kittle told reporters on Sunday. “We’re running around a lot, hitting top speeds. Hopefully, we’re back in pads practicing sooner than later. Just trying to check the boxes and not be a dumbass.”

Kittle also said he’s “very confident” he won’t open the 2026 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List. If the 49ers placed him on the list, he would be forced to miss the first four games of the regular season.

Kittle’s comments are much-needed good news for San Francisco, which has been dealt a slew of injuries so far in training camp. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has already undergone season-ending surgery, while running back Christian McCaffrey has missed a week’s worth of practices due to a hamstring injury.

NFL Related Stories

Bazoumana Toure to Newcastle United: Speed of Ivorian winger from Hoffenheim could define Matthias Jaissle’s new team | Football News

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Amid the doom and gloom at Newcastle United as familiar faces depart and the future looks uncertain, do not sleep on the signing of Bazoumana Toure. The Ivorian winger has the potential to be one of the most exciting Premier League arrivals this summer.

There were limited opportunities to show that at the World Cup. Toure started only one game. He was introduced in the 89th minute in Cote d’Ivoire’s knockout defeat to Norway only after Erling Haaland had scored what turned out to be the winning goal.

But Newcastle acted on the evidence of his first full season with Hoffenheim, a wildly impressive campaign in which the club only missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day. The electrifying Toure was a standout performer in Germany.

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Bazoumana Toure’s heat map and chances created for Hoffenheim

Always an outlet on the left, he made more sprints than any other Bundesliga player last season, ranking among the top 10 fastest players in the competition. Toure was able to spring counter-attacks and get Hoffenheim up the pitch – a key part of their success.

He is tricky to stop. Werder Bremen’s Yukinari Sugawara tried it by raking his studs down Toure’s calf five minutes into the game on the penultimate weekend of the season. He was sent off and Toure went on to curl an effort high into the net to score the winner.

There were five goals in total in the Bundesliga last season, a modest run given his ability. Newcastle will expect more. But it is his creativity that makes him an attractive option. Toure’s dribbling is his strength and there was end product with nine assists too.

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His right foot has improved. There were goals with it against St.Pauli and Stuttgart, as well as a clever nutmegged pass to Fisnik Asllani for the equaliser on the opening weekend against Bayer Leverkusen. There are those who will tell you it was not always in the repertoire.

Indeed, Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg messaged him in April of last year to ask what was going on when he set up a goal with his right foot against Mainz. The pair had been together at Hammarby in Sweden, the club that offered Toure his opportunity in Europe.

While the use of his weaker foot might have shocked Hellberg, he has describe himself as “not the least bit surprised” by the player’s success in Germany. Toure “put himself in the spotlight” in Sweden, noted Hoffenheim’s sporting director Andreas Schicker.

It was Schicker’s counterpart at Hammarby, Mikael Hjelmberg, who brought Toure to Europe. Speaking to Hjelmberg, he remains a little bit enamoured with the player he identified on a visit to Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire. Toure was only a boy then. But a special talent.

“I saw him the first time when he was 15 years old in Abidjan and I fell in love with him there and then,” Hjelmberg tells Sky Sports. What was it that stood out immediately? “It was his speed and running capacity in combination with his technical skills,” he says.

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Bazoumana Toure made more sprints than any other player in the Bundesliga last season

Hjelmberg knew where to look for talent through his own experience and because Toure was at one of the country’s best academies. “I have travelled around Africa scouting players for 15 years and ASEC Mimosas has always been great at developing players.”

Bringing Toure to Sweden just made sense. “Hammarby have a great history with African players. We take care of them in a great way and always put the person before the player,” he explains. “And Kim as a coach had a great impact on Bazou’s development.”

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Bazoumana Toure’s shot map for Hoffenheim in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season

So swift was Toure’s own impact upon his arrival in 2024 that it soon became clear that he would not be around for long. He made his debut in April and earned his first start in May. The first goal came later that month, then a key performance in the very next game.

“When he scored against Djurgarden in a big derby game, the celebration after with our supporters was a great moment,” he recalls Hjelmberg. “When he started playing regularly after the summer we all realised that this was going to be a great success.”

That first season in Sweden turned out to be his only one. It ended in November and he was a Hoffenheim player by the following February. “When the bigger clubs started to call after the season ended I knew that we would break the Swedish transfer record.”

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His stay in Germany has not lasted much longer. Another step on the journey awaits Toure. Hjelmberg is confident that he can handle it because of his character. “He is an amazing guy. He is always smiling, always positive and an extremely likeable person.”

And, on the pitch, maybe he is just what Newcastle have been missing. Some of the fun seemed to go from their game last season. Look at their dribbling numbers and they were lower than in any of the previous six seasons, a steady but slightly worrying dip.

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Toure can change that for starters. He is not close to being the complete player yet, as one might expect given that he was only starting out on this European adventure two years ago. But he has the capacity to thrill, to get the St James’ Park crowd on their feet.

Sunday 23rd August 4:00pm

Kick off 4:30pm

Matthias Jaissle, the new Newcastle coach, is a former Hoffenheim man himself. He built his reputation within the Red Bull school and can be expected to embrace the high-octane football that will bring the best out in a player from whom there is much more to come.

“He definitely has things to improve.” But then, that is what they thought about his right foot. With Toure, there is more to come. “With a good environment around him he will be perfectly fine,” adds Hjelmberg. “I am sure Bazou and Newcastle will be a great match.”

Watch Newcastle United vs Liverpool live on Super Sunday on Sky Sports Premier League; kick-off 4.30pm

2026 NFL Top-10 WRs: Is Ja’Marr Chase Or Jaxon Smith-Njigba League’s Best Pass Catcher?

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Has the NFL ever had this much talent at wide receiver?

That was a question we asked ourselves as we ranked the 10 best wide receivers ahead of the 2026 NFL season. A total of 20 pass-catchers logged at least 1,000 receiving yards in 2025, and 13 more reached the 800-yard mark.

The stellar play at the position made picking just 10 wide receivers tough. However, the debate at the top was a bit more straightforward, as only two wide receivers received first-place votes, and five of us had the same four wide receivers in the top four of our lists.

Without further ado, here are our top 10 wide receivers entering the 2026 season.

Drake London had 1,271 yards in 2024 before posting 919 yards in 2025. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Greg Auman: Could a new $35 million-a-year contract help give London the national acclaim he’s missed in his first four NFL seasons? Despite playing his career with a collection of not-exactly-great quarterbacks, he’s averaged just under 1,000 yards per season with 22 total touchdowns. Atlanta has now locked up its young core of skill-position talent with lucrative deals for Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts, though an elite quarterback might still be on the checklist.

Kevin Stefanski is London’s first really good offensive-minded coach, so it’s easy to envision him getting double-digit touchdowns for the first time in 2026. If Atlanta is to end its eight-year playoff drought, London must stay healthy and lead the way in their passing game.

Nico Collins has recorded three straight 1,000-yard seasons. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)

Brooks: The big-bodied pass catcher has quietly joined the conversation as a top-10 receiver. Collins’ dominance on the perimeter stems from his superior size and strength against overmatched defensive backs. As a 6-foot-4, 222-pounder, Collins expands the strike zone for C.J. Stroud, making it easier for the Texans to produce big plays in the passing game despite an inconsistent flow from the unit.

With three straight 1,000-yard seasons and a pair of Pro Bowl berths, Collins has earned the respect of his peers with a workmanlike game that has been impossible to contain.

As A.J. Brown enters his first season with the Patriots, he’s logged at least 1,000 yards in six of his first seven years in the NFL. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)

Henry McKenna: Brown’s numbers weren’t quite what you’d expect from an elite receiver in 2025. But at the same time, he was … fine. In fact, it says something about Brown that everyone thought the sky was falling in a season when he posted 78 catches, 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in a season when he played 15 games.

Bottom line: Brown is a physically dominant receiver, as adept at using top speed and agility as he is at using his strength. Drake Maye just got paired up with the best receiver he’s played with in his life. And it’s likely that in Josh McDaniels’ offense, Brown will once again see his production explode.

George Pickens had a career year in 2025, finishing third in the league in receiving yards (1,429) (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Eric D. Williams: Pickens appears on track for another elite season after putting together a career year last season (93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns). Even though Pickens had to settle for signing his franchise tender, where he’ll make $27.3 million on a one-year deal for 2026, the vibes are still good around Cowboys camp for the Georgia product.

Pickens likely remains in good spirits because salaries for his position continue to skyrocket, which means if he has another productive season, he’ll likely secure the long-term contract he wants at the end of the year.

CeeDee Lamb had 1,077 receiving yards in 2025, marking his fifth 1,000-yard season. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Auman: Is Lamb even the best receiver on his own team? He missed three games last year, but Lamb had three touchdown catches and Pickens had nine, with more yards and catches per game. That aside, Lamb has been one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL — five straight 1,000-yard seasons, five straight Pro Bowls. Can he get back to his 2023 first-team All-Pro peak, with 12 touchdowns?

If Dallas’ defense improves as expected, that means the Cowboys are behind less and should throw less, but Lamb is still a central part of their push to get back to the success of three straight 12-5 seasons from 2021-23. Having a presence in the playoffs again would be a great way to elevate Lamb’s profile.

Amon-Ra St. Brown was fifth in receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,401) last season. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

Brooks: As a hyper-competitive pass catcher featured in a dynamic offensive scheme, the three-time All-Pro is a headache for defensive coordinators around the league. St. Brown’s energy and relentless effort, combined with a polished overall game, make it nearly impossible to limit his touches or reduce his impact as a playmaker.

As the Lions’ No.1 offensive weapon, he forces defensive playcallers to make tough decisions when crafting a game plan against a unit that also features Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams on the perimeter. Given the amount of one-on-one coverage he faces weekly, it is no surprise to see him punish opponents with a game-changing play.

Justin Jefferson logged another 1,000-yard season in 2025 despite subpar quarterback play. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

McKenna: If not for the quarterback shortcomings in 2025, we’d still consider Jefferson among the best 10 players in the NFL. It’s just that J.J. McCarthy’s struggles led to a series of systemic issues for Minnesota, dragging Jefferson down. And because he’s a team player (on and off the field), he barely let out a peep of frustration. But it’s clear to see that one of Jefferson’s prime years of production failed to materialize — and not because of him.

No matter how you feel about Kyler Murray, you can plainly see that he’s an upgrade from McCarthy. In coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense, Murray should be able to feed Jefferson in the ways the WR deserves. With all the talent that Jefferson has, he could jump back to No. 1 on this list for 2026.

Puka Nacua led the NFL in receptions (129) and was second in receiving yards (1,715) in 2025. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Williams: It’s impressive how Nacua skyrocketed from an unheralded fifth-round selection three years ago to one of the best receivers in the league. The BYU product finished second in receiving yards (1,715) and tied for sixth in receiving touchdowns (10) in 2025. Since he entered the league in 2023, only J’Marr Chase has more than Nacua’s 4,191 receiving yards.

Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Nacua needs to keep the off-the-field issues to a minimum, stay healthy and put up productive numbers.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s 1,793 receiving yards helped him win Offensive Player of the Year. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Brooks: The 2025 Offensive Player of the Year has quietly snatched the NFL’s WR1 crown in some circles. The ultra-polished pass catcher punished opponents from out wide a season ago, after touching defensive backfields from the slot in 2024. Given his versatility as a playmaker, precision as a route runner, and the Seahawks’ creative play designs, Smith-Njigba’s reign as the top pass catcher could extend into 2026 and beyond.

A year after winning the receiving triple crown, Ja’Marr Chase finished in the top five in receptions and receiving yards in 2025. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Auman: Chase, still just 26, is only one year removed from an NFL receiving triple crown, leading the league in catches (127), receiving yards (1,708) and touchdown catches (17) in 2024. He had 10 more targets last year and still dropped off in every category, with nine fewer touchdowns. But a healthy Joe Burrow means a dangerous Chase, so that might be all it takes to return to his dominant best.

Can Cincinnati’s defense stop being awful and let them get back in the playoffs? If Chase can get 12 touchdown catches this year — a fairly viable challenge — he’ll have 66 for his career, and the only players in NFL history with more in their first six seasons are Jerry Rice and Randy Moss.

Claressa Shield vs Lauren Price talks are ‘ongoing’ after American star reclaimed world middleweight titles in Atlanta | Boxing News

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Negotiations for a Claressa Shields vs Lauren Price fight are ongoing after the American star reclaimed two world middleweight titles on Saturday.

Shields took back WBC and WBA belts with a ruthless sixth-round stoppage of Kaye Scott as the unbeaten Michigan fighter became a middleweight world champion for a third time.

Price, the unified welterweight champion, could be the next opponent for Shields and the American’s promoter Dmitriy Salita is keen to finalise terms for a battle between two Olympic gold medallists.

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Claressa Shields celebrated her victory with promoter Dmitriy Salita [Pic courtesy of Stephanie Trapp/Salita Promotions]

“We’re working on it as we speak,” Salita told Sky Sports.

“Our intention is to make the fight. Based on my understanding, we have agreed to all the requests from [Price’s promotional team] BOXXER and Lauren’s side.

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Lauren Price admits she would ‘love to share the ring’ with Claressa Shields following her unanimous decision victory over Stephanie Pineiro Aquino

“I invited Lauren and her team to the fight because my relationship with the fighters we promote, and certainly with Claressa, is that they know all the moving parts and are business partners in making these decisions.

“I wanted Lauren and Claressa to have an opportunity to sit down together and see if there was anything outstanding. Claressa is extremely intelligent and very experienced in making big fights, and I’m sure Lauren is sharp as well.

“Unfortunately, they weren’t able to make it, but the conversations are ongoing and we want to make the fight.”

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Shields has also been linked with a fight against WBO and IBF world middleweight champion Tamm Thibeault and fellow American Mikaela Mayer, who faces Chantelle Cameron in a unified world super-welterweight title fight in Birmingham on August 29, live on Sky Sports.

“Claressa wants to fight the best and be part of the biggest, most impactful events – that’s always been clear,” said Salita.

“There are a few other conversations taking place in case the Lauren Price fight doesn’t come together.

“We’ll make a decision soon, but whatever is next, the goal is for it to be another legacy-making moment for Claressa and for boxing.”

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Terence Crawford was one of the boxing stars who attended the Shields fight [Pic courtesy of Stephanie Trapp/Salita Promotions]

Shields attracted a huge crowd to State Farm Arena in Atlanta, including some of the biggest names in boxing and music, and Salita believes his fighter’s reputation has transcended sport.

“It was incredible. We were getting calls and requests from some of the biggest stars in hip-hop, music, boxing and culture right up until the final bell,” he said.

“Usher, Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Gates, Terence Crawford – and the list goes on. The atmosphere was electric.

“It was a special night in a packed arena and a real reflection of Claressa’s star power and how far her reach has grown beyond boxing.”

4 Takeaways From The Brewers’ Series Win Over The Dodgers

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

DODGER STADIUM (Los Angeles) – If the Brewers were looking for a boost of playoff confidence after getting swept by the Dodgers in last year’s National League Championship Series, taking three out of four from the reigning champs at Dodger Stadium might have provided it.

“I think it lets everybody in the clubhouse know that we can play with these guys,” said Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers, who reached base five times in Sunday’s finale.

The Milwaukee offense blitzed scuffling Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz for a comeback win Thursday before World Series hero Yoshinobu Yamamoto provided some October flashbacks on Friday in a Dodgers win.

But the Brewers bounced back by holding the Dodgers’ slumbering bats at bay in the final two games. Jacob Misiorowski delivered a gem on Saturday and Logan Henderson out-dueled Dodgers deadline star addition Tarik Skubal on Sunday to take the season series, which could have postseason implications as both teams vie for a first-round bye.

“I really wanted to win this game because it could matter,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Sunday. “But we didn’t. So now we’ve got to move forward, but I hope it doesn’t come back to bite us.”

The Brewers headed back to Milwaukee on Sunday night after taking three out of four at Dodger Stadium. (John McCoy/Getty Images)

Here are four takeaways from the Brewers’ series win:

Misiorowski considers last year’s postseason, during which he registered a 1.50 ERA and struck out nine batters in five innings of relief in his lone appearance of the NLCS against the Dodgers, “a real turning point” in his career.

Misiorowski took the confidence he gained from that experience into an overpowering 2026 season that has been one of the most dominant ever from a starting pitcher. On Saturday, the NL Cy Young frontrunner returned to Dodger Stadium for the first time since last postseason and held the Dodgers to one run over six innings, bringing his MLB-best ERA down to 1.75.

“I’ve never seen the first four pitches of a game, 104 [mph],” Roberts said.

Misiorowski fired six straight fastballs to retire Shohei Ohtani to start the game. Ohtani got him back with an RBI triple in the third, the only run that he allowed.

Two innings later, Misiorowski showed his maturity since his breakout rookie year.

He is no longer just a hard thrower, as evidenced by his Houdini act in the fifth inning. With one out and the bases loaded, Misiorowski struck out both Ohtani and Freddie Freeman on sliders to escape. He told me it was the best his slider has ever felt and credited catcher William Contreras for making that adjustment.

In three career appearances against the Dodgers, including last year’s playoffs, Misiorowski has a 1.59 ERA with 27 strikeouts and three walks.

“He’s just matured tremendously,” Contreras said through an interpreter. “Last year, he was a little bit more focused on just throwing the ball hard. This year, he’s coming into the day with a game plan. He knows what he wants to do.”

It’s the ninth inning during Dodgers home games when the home team is ahead, the lights flash and the sounds of trumpets fill the air as Díaz emerges from the home bullpen.

It’s the exact scenario the Dodgers dreamed about when they gave Díaz $69 million this offseason …right up until he takes the ball.

The three-time All-Star closer has been largely unrecognizable this year, particularly since returning from his three-month hiatus after undergoing an elbow procedure. He’s struggling to command his fastball, which opponents are hitting .379 against. His slider isn’t missing bats, either. Overall, Díaz is producing the highest walk rate and lowest strike rate of his career, leading to an ERA over 10.00 through 15 outings as a Dodger.

Garrett Mitchell and the Brewers added to Edwin Díaz’s woes on Thursday. (Harry How/Getty Images)

Díaz had blown two of his last three save opportunities when he was called upon to preserve a two-run lead in the ninth inning in Thursday’s opener against the Brewers. A strikeout to start the ninth seemed auspicious. It was a red herring. Four straight singles followed, giving him his third blown save over his last four appearances.

To this point, it has not cost him his role.

“I know I’m struggling, so I want to do the best thing for our team,” Díaz said. “At the end of the day, if they give me the ball in the ninth, I will try to do my job. If they give me the ball in another inning, I’ll try to do my job.”

Roberts, who said Díaz needs “a runway to find his way,” went back to his maligned closer on Friday. It was not pretty. Díaz loaded the bases on two walks and a hit-by-pitch, but a game-ending groundout preserved the save with no damage done. In that respect, it marked progress. He believes he is trending in the right direction.

Before that Friday outing, Díaz began to make some adjustments to his posture to try to get his momentum going straight to home plate. His pitching coaches also pointed out to him that his arm slot has dropped from last year.

“Just try to lift it a little bit more,” Díaz told me. “I’m not that far away from where I was last year.”

Asked after Thursday’s game if he might go another direction in the ninth, Roberts shot back emphatically.

“Give me another option,” Roberts said. “I have to have other options. And to be quite honest, none of those guys really are throwing the baseball great.”

While left-hander Tanner Scott would seem to be the most obvious choice, the Dodgers’ relief struggles go beyond their scuffling closer. Dating back to the start of July, their bullpen ranks in the bottom 10 in ERA. It’s probably not a coincidence that it’s also around the time that Ohtani stopped pitching while nursing his sore knee.

The Dodgers haven’t been able to carry an extra pitcher the way they can when Ohtani is active on the mound (since two-way players don’t count against a team’s 13-pitcher roster limit). In addition, they’ve maintained their six-man rotation even after limiting Ohtani to one-way duties, which means operating with a seven-man bullpen.

Los Angeles can survive that way when off days are built in, but it can be taxing in stretches like the one it’s in, where it has played 18 games over 19 days with few blowout wins or losses mixed in. That has meant pushing their top leverage arms more often than they would like, all while being without right-handers Blake Treinen, Brock Stewart and Will Klein in the ‘pen.

Dodgers relievers surrendered four more runs (two earned) in Sunday’s loss, with the defense offering little help behind them. They’ll get a bit more coverage going forward, with lefty starter Justin Wrobleski going to the injured list and an eighth bullpen arm getting called up.

“When you’re pitching in hot spots every night — it seems like every outing for our relievers has been a leverage situation — I think that makes it tougher,” Roberts said. “Margins are smaller. So, I think that we’ve got to find ways to kind of give them a little bit of margin, too.”

That would require hitting, which the Dodgers have not done much of lately …

The Dodgers are now 18-21 since the start of July. Their offense ranks in the bottom 10 in baseball in OPS over that stretch, and it hasn’t turned a corner in August.

“I just don’t see the consistent plan of attack, one through nine,” Roberts said. “This has been four, five, six weeks of below-average production from our offense.”

Brewers vs Dodgers Highlights From Sunday ⚾️ MLB on FOX

It hasn’t helped that outfielder Kyle Tucker, who’s making $60 million this year, remains a below-league-average hitter. His home-road splits are particularly confounding. He has looked mostly like himself on the road, where he has an .840 OPS.

At Dodger Stadium, meanwhile, he has been one of the worst qualified hitters in baseball. Roberts said he can see the frustration building, enough so that Tucker was given Saturday’s game off against Misiorowski.

“Just kind of reactions to at-bats, whether it’s the first at-bat of the game, and you’re really showing emotion – that’s a tell from a guy who doesn’t show a lot of emotion,” Roberts told me. “So, those things, as they build up for me that tells me that you need to watch a baseball game and kind of take some of that frustration, put it to the side.”

Kyle Tucker’s woes crept into the field on Sunday, when he misplayed a fly ball in the ninth inning. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

On the Dodgers’ latest road trip, Tucker went 8-for-22 with two homers and a triple. Then he returned home and immediately regressed, going hitless in 19 at-bats this homestand. To make matters worse, he also dropped a fly ball against the wall in the eighth inning of Sunday’s loss, a blunder that was met by boos.

The Dodgers’ offensive struggles extend further. Shortstop Mookie Betts has shown positive signs lately but remains a below-league-average hitter on the year. First baseman Freddie Freeman doesn’t have an extra-base hit in August, and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez and second baseman Tommy Edman have both struggled this month.

The Dodgers have also grounded into more double plays than any team in baseball, one example of their aging roster. They added two more of those to their docket on Sunday, including a particularly costly one when Ohtani stepped to the plate with runners on the corners representing the tying run in the eighth inning Sunday.

They scored just 10 runs over the four-game series and are averaging 3.33 runs per game in August.

Scottie Scheffler claims dominant victory at FedEx St. Jude Championship as Tommy Fleetwood fades on tough back nine | Golf News

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Scottie Scheffler produced a clinical performance at TPC Southwind on his way to sealing an eight-shot victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

Scheffler took a two-shot lead heading into Sunday’s final round, but as his challengers faltered in the boiling Memphis heat, the 30-year-old four-time major winner held his cool as he surgically dismantled the course to post a final-round score of 66 to finish on 17 under.

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Scottie Scheffler did not account for a sprinkler getting in the way when making his bunker shot at the FedExCup Playoffs.

Scheffler is now the third-youngest player to reach 21 PGA Tour wins, behind Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, but the American could have reached that milestone much earlier, having placed as a runner-up on five occasions on the PGA Tour this season.

“It’s not easy to win out here,” Scheffler said. “I felt like the year that I’ve had kind of shows how difficult it is.

“We have a lot of talented guys, and I played some really solid golf over the course of this year, but I hadn’t played much great golf.

“I have had my close calls and lost a couple play-offs. It was nice coming into a day during which I had the lead and was able to hold that lead and really kind of build on it as the round went on.

“I felt like a week like this was coming. I felt like I was on repeat all year just being like: ‘Hey, I’m playing solid. I’m close’.

“It feels good to be answering some different questions at the end of this week.”

Scheffler’s only blemish during his final round came on the third hole, where the American chipped out of a bunker but struck a sprinkler head. Much to his dismay, his ball ricochetted into a water hazard, with Scheffler going on to post a bogey.

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Scheffler took a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship

Unperturbed by the incident, he hit back two holes later, making birdies on holes five and six, before adding three more on his back nine to finish at four under for the day.

“Going into today I just wanted to do my best and try and execute,” Scheffler said. “Third hole I hit a good shot out of the bunker and it hit a sprinkler head and went into the water. I’m like: ‘When is this going to stop happening?’ But I did a good job of staying in it and bouncing back from that and I got to relax coming down the stretch.”

Si Woo Kim finished as the solo runner-up at nine under par, while a bogey on the 18th would see Sam Burns drop back to tied-third with Alex Noren.

“I knew he was going to put a solid round together,” Burns said on Scheffler. “Honestly it was going to be really difficult, what did Scottie finish, at 17 under?

“I would have had to play pretty much a perfect round of golf to have a chance today, and I didn’t come close to that. He played exactly how I expected him to.”

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Tommy Fleetwood makes huge putt on the fourth at the FedExCup Playoffs

Defending FedExCup champion Tommy Fleetwood toiled, mixing two bogeys with two birdies to go level par through his front nine. The Englishman would ultimately fall back to six-under and tied for seventh on the leaderboard after making four bogeys on his back nine.

Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, endured a difficult return to PGA Tour action, with the Northern Irishman, who has been on holiday for the past four weeks, posting a final round score of 72 to end his week 66th on the leaderboard.

Justin Rose was the only player to shoot lower than Scheffler on Sunday, posting a final round score of 64, however, he would end his week at level par and tied-39th on the leaderboard, after shooting rounds of 73, 70, and 73 in his opening three days.

Big names miss out on BMW Championship

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Jordan Spieth was unable to qualify for the BMW Championship after he finished tied-19th

The FedExCup Playoffs continue next week at the BMW Championship, live on Sky Sports, but several big names will not be in attendance, including Jordan Spieth.

The top 50 players in the FedExCup standings will qualify for the second FedExCup Playoff next week, and Spieth had been hovering around that marker, even advancing to 45th in the standings after going two under through his front nine.

But the 2015 Masters champion faltered late on, slumping to tied-19th on the leaderboard, after wrapping up his final round at level par.

“It was a tall task coming in,” Spieth said. “I was going to need to finish essentially in the top 10 this week and fell just shy of it.

“It’s funny, I just feel like I’m kind of getting back to playing really good golf, like it’s close to kicking off, and I’m not going to play a tournament for a long time.

“In some ways I feel like I’m leaving some out there, and in some ways it’s a good thing because like I mentioned after the first round, this will be the last time I finish like this for a while.”

Harry Hall was another who was just on the edge of qualifying for the BMW Championship, but a three under par final score was not enough to propel him into the top 50, with the Englishman ranking No 56 in the FedExCup standings.

His compatriot Jordan Smith ended his season 66th in the FedExCup standings and was unable to move up the rankings after he finished with a final score of four over par.

Watch all four rounds of the BMW Championship live on Sky Sports. Early coverage of the first round commences at 5pm on Thursday, with full-round coverage of the event due to begin at 8pm live on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW

Remembering Tommy John: 5 Pitchers Who Redefined Career After Tommy John Surgery

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Former MLB pitcher Tommy John, who passed away on Sunday, made one of the most significant impacts in the history of baseball.

Fifty-two years ago, John underwent a surgery that proved to be revolutionary. He underwent a groundbreaking procedure performed by Dr. Frank Jobe to repair his UCL, and the successful reconstructive procedure became famously known as Tommy John Surgery.

More than half a century later, the procedure continues to leave a lasting mark, saving countless careers. What was once considered a career-ending injury for pitchers is now a routine procedure that allows athletes to make full recoveries.

As we remember Tommy John, here are five of the most impactful Tommy John surgery recoveries in baseball history.

One of the biggest success stories from Tommy John surgery is two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom.

Shortly after the New York Mets drafted him in the ninth round of the 2010 MLB Draft, deGrom underwent the procedure in October 2010. He went on to make history as the first pitcher to win back-to-back Cy Young Awards after undergoing Tommy John surgery, doing so with the Mets in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. He’s continued to pitch at an elite level into his late 30s as well, getting named an All-Star for the fifth time in his career in 2025.

Jacob deGrom won multiple Cy Youngs with the Mets. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020, Justin Verlander returned with a vengeance in 2022. He not only anchored the Houston Astros to their second World Series title, but he also claimed his third career Cy Young Award.

Winning the award placed Verlander in elite company. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020, he joined a rare group of pitchers to capture a Cy Young Award following the procedure. Verlander went 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA and 185 strikeouts as a 39-year-old coming off Tommy John surgery in 2022.

Recently acquired Los Angeles Dodgers ace Tarik Skubal also underwent Tommy John surgery, but that was back in 2016 while pitching in college for Seattle University.

Since fully recovering, Skubal has put together one of the most dominant stretches of pitching in recent baseball history. Pitching for the Detroit Tigers for the majority of his career, he captured consecutive Cy Young awards in 2024 and 2025. He became just the third pitcher in history to win the award multiple times after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Tarik Skubal won the Cy Young two years in a row. (Photo by Izzy Rincon/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

One of the biggest “what-ifs” in baseball history is former Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg. After one of the most memorable debuts ever, where he struck out 14 batters, he suffered a major setback, needing Tommy John surgery after just 12 starts.

But he was still able to pitch at an elite level when he returned from the surgery in 2011. He led the National League in strikeouts in 2014 and was named an All-Star three times (2012, 2016, 2017).

The highlight of Strasburg’s career came in 2019, though. He finished fifth in Cy Young voting that year before leading the Nationals to a World Series title. Strasburg posted a 1.46 ERA alongside a perfect 5-0 record during that stretch.

Long before Gagné set the record for 84 consecutive saves, he was a minor league starter whose career was derailed by Tommy John surgery in 1997. His comeback and move to the bullpen became one of the greatest post-surgery success stories in baseball history.

Gagné made history in 2003 as the first reliever to win a Cy Young Award after having Tommy John surgery. He delivered one of the most dominant closing seasons ever, going 55-for-55 in save opportunities with a 1.20 ERA and 137 strikeouts in just 82 ⅓ innings in 2023.

England’s Jack Whaley wins US Amateur Championship after beating American Jay Leng Jr in 36-hole final to book place at 2027 Open | Golf News

August 17, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Doncaster-born golfer Jack Whaley defeated American Jay Leng Jr in a gruelling 36-hole final on Sunday to win the US Amateur Championship and book his place at The Open next year.

After making the final at Merion Golf Club, Whaley had already secured himself a spot at The Masters and the US Open, but his 4&3 win has now also earned him a place at St Andrews next summer.

The victory also makes him only the third English golfer to win the tournament after Matt Fitzpatrick claimed victory at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 2013, while Harold Hilton won back at The Apawamis Club in New York, in 1911.

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Whaley will hope to feature in next month’s Walker Cup

Whaley began his final round in epic fashion, chipping in on the first hole for birdie to take an early lead against Leng Jr.

The pair toiled all day, with Whaley going two up after five holes, before Leng Jr fought back, wrestling the match back to all square on the 12th before going two up through 16 holes.

Whaley wrestled the lead back on the 22nd hole, before moving to three up with four holes to play.

The Englishman chipped onto the green on the 33rd hole, and gave himself a 20ft putt for birdie.

Emotional scenes then erupted after Whaley, who is ranked 90th on the World Amateur Golf Rankings, clinically holed the putt before turning to hug his caddie and dad Andy and his mum, who had ran onto the green.

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“My dad has helped me so much this week,” Whaley said. “Honestly, I can’t thank him enough for it. He was just telling me, just keep going, just keep playing.

“It’s just a huge honour to be able to experience this with my dad and hole that eight-footer on the last.”

Whaley will also be hopeful his epic victory will convince Walker Cup skipper Dean Robertson to name him as a captain’s pick for this September’s tournament, which is live on Sky Sports.

“I think I proved that I’m good at match play,” the Florida State University student said. “I think coming through and just scraping through the playoff, it opened my eyes that I was inside the top 64 players in the world and that my game is good enough.

“Knowing that I’ve played a lot of match play over the years, I kind of was very confident going into the matches. I think it’s all thanks to the upbringing that I had and county golf and Sheffield Union that have really got me ready for this moment.”

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Leng, who sits at No 23 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, had been the favourite coming into the match, but Whaley battled hard in the rainy conditions in Pennsylvania, and credited his putting for the victory.

“I think I holed a lot more putts this afternoon,” Whaley said. “I think it was just getting confidence back into my head that I’m a good putter and I can definitely roll it.

“I think it’s just all down to my putting.”

Watch the Walker Cup live on Sky Sports this September. Sky Sports Golf will show both days of the tournament, with coveage of the first day commencing at 8.30am on Saturday September 5. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW

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Aaron Donald Works Out With Rams Again After Sean McVay Addresses Potential Return

August 16, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Aaron Donald took another step toward a potential NFL return on Sunday.

The legendary defensive tackle appeared on the league transaction wire after completing his second workout with the Los Angeles Rams this summer.

Donald retired in March 2024 following a 10-year career with the Rams. Donald worked out with the Rams earlier this month after Los Angeles acquired Myles Garrett in a trade in June.

Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed Donald’s status following Saturday’s preseason win against the Kansas City Chiefs, stating that he will not impose a strict timeline on Donald’s decision.

“He’s put himself in a position to be able to say yes or no,” McVay told reporters. “I think he’s earned that right to have clarity on that. We’re not at that point quite yet.”

Aaron Donald capped his iconic Super Bowl LVI performance with two sacks and the game-sealing pressure to deliver the Rams a championship. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

Although NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 players on Aug. 30, McVay reiterated that he will not force a deadline on the veteran defender.

“We have some loose things where we’ve identified dates that we’d like to be able to hit,” McVay said. “But what I don’t want to have is any sort of unnecessary pressure on him if there’s some unforeseen circumstances.”

McVay noted that internal discussions remain ongoing as Donald evaluates his physical readiness for the upcoming season.

“We’ve had some tentative discussions behind the scenes,” McVay said. “There’s a lot of stuff, without getting too granular with it. … He knows himself in terms of, ‘Am I able to stack back-to-back days? Am I able to do some of the benchmarks’ that he’s set out for himself.”

McVay added that he does not want to place an “invisible deadline” on Donald and remains satisfied with the roster regardless of the outcome.

“I feel great about our football team as it currently stands, and I know he’ll add value if he decides to come,” McVay said.

NFL Related Stories

Flag football: Los Angeles 2028 Olympics spots decided as USA and Canada claim men’s and women’s world titles | NFL News

August 16, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The United States successfully defended the men’s title at the flag football world championships on Sunday but lost the women’s title to Canada, while Mexico’s women and Canada’s men earned qualification spots for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The US men’s team beat Italy 46-26 to secure a sixth straight title, while the women’s side missed out on a fourth straight after losing 27-20 to Canada.

“Gold is the only standard,” said US men’s quarterback Nico Casares, who threw two touchdown passes. “That’s our motto. That’s what we play by, that’s what we live by.”

Flag football: Rules of the game

In 2023, flag football was among five sports given Olympic status for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

The game is played five-on-five in two 20-minute halves, with no tackling and an emphasis on speed and elusiveness.

The NFL has said it plans to launch women’s and men’s professional flag football ahead of the Olympics.

The US women’s side started strongly but it was tied 14-14 at the break after Caroline Moquin-Joubert caught Canada quarterback Sara Parker’s pass at the end of the first half.

Parker then set up Frederique Morneau at the start of the second half as Canada took control.

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Canada’s women’s team celebrate their flag football world title that also clinched their spot at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028

The US had a fourth down, yards from the line, with three seconds left, but could not make the final play count. It was Canada’s third title and first since beating the US in the 2014 final.

The top two men’s and women’s teams outside of the US men’s and women’s teams – because they already qualified as hosts – also earned spots at the 2028 Olympic Games.

Sunday’s two other finalists – the Italian men and Canadian women – earned their place by reaching the final against the US teams, meaning that the bronze-medal games decided who joined them.

Mexico women cried with joy after a 20-19 win over Great Britain – who rallied from 20-6 down – for the women’s bronze and an Olympic spot.

But Mexico’s men lost 34-26 in overtime to Canada, who claimed an Olympic spot.

Tommy John, Baseball Pioneer Whose Surgery Changed The Game, Dies At 83

August 16, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Tommy John, who won 288 games during a 26-year big league career and became the first pitcher to successfully return following groundbreaking elbow surgery that later was named after him, has died. He was 83.

He died at his home in Bradenton, Florida, on Saturday night, agent Mike Maguire said Sunday. He had been in hospice care.

On Aug. 8, the New York Yankees released a social media post in which John wrote that he wanted to say goodbye to everyone, including friends and fans who followed him throughout his career, saying, “I will never forget you.”

The Yankees called John “a bedrock of our rotation during his time in pinstripes and a longtime favorite of Yankees fans.”

John was a four-time All-Star with a record of 288-231 and a 3.34 ERA during a career that stretched from 1963 to 1989. He pitched for Cleveland, the Chicago White Sox, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees, the California Angels and the Oakland Athletics.

“Tommy was an exceptional pitcher throughout his career in Major League Baseball, and his courageous role in becoming the first to have surgery that would go on to bear his name can’t be overstated,” Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and CEO, said in a statement. “His impact both on and off the field has been felt by ballplayers of all ages and will be for generations to come.”

The left-hander was 31 years old when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow in 1974, a death knell for pitchers’ careers to that point.

John allowed Dr. Frank Jobe, the Dodgers’ team physician, to replace the ligament with a tendon from his right forearm. Jobe gave the surgery 100-to-1 odds of being successful.

John Was A Great Pitcher, But His Elbow Surgery Made Him A Baseball Legend

The procedure had been done on others before, although it was usually performed on wrists and hands. John was the first pitcher to have it done on his elbow.

More than 2,600 big leaguers and thousands more amateurs have since had UCL reconstructions, better known as Tommy John surgery. It’s been a godsend for many of baseball’s greatest stars, including two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani, three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander and even Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper.

“If you put it in dollars and cents, I think there’s no question that Tommy John is the most valuable reconstructive procedure there is,” Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache told The Associated Press in 2024.

Born Thomas Edward John Jr. on May 22, 1943, in Terre Haute, Indiana, he was a top baseball and basketball player at the city’s Gerstmeyer High. He graduated in 1961 as valedictorian but did not give the commencement speech because of a stutter. Despite being recruited by the University of Kentucky to play basketball, John chose baseball and signed with Cleveland.

“The day I left for my first job as a pitcher, my father looked at me & said, ‘Good luck, Tommy. Just remember one thing: whether you make it big in the big leagues or you don’t, you’ll always just be Tommy John from Terre Haute, Indiana.’ I’ve never forgotten those words,” John wrote in his Aug. 8 post.

John recorded 2,245 strikeouts but never led either league in wins or strikeouts. He had the second-most wins of any pitcher since 1900 not to be elected to the Hall of Fame. From 1995 through 2009, John was on the Hall of Fame ballot, but he never received more than 31.7% of the votes, falling well short of the 75% required for election.

“Tommy was a wonderful person who competed to the utmost and did what no player had ever done to save his career, in conjunction with the esteemed Dr. Frank Jobe,” former Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti posted on X. “The HOF is missing Tommy John.”

John Won More Games After His Eponymous Surgery

Known for his longevity, John was the opening day starter for both the 1966 Chicago White Sox and the 1989 New York Yankees. He won 124 games before his UCL repair and 164 after. His final appearance came days after his 46th birthday.

“While his incredible longevity and post-surgery achievements changed the fortunes and trajectory of countless athletes around the world, it also overshadowed his excellence as a pitcher,” the Yankees said in a statement. “We pause to remember the totality of his legacy — his competitiveness and skill, his penchant for conversation, his kind and gracious nature, and his stature as an athletic and medical pioneer.”

John made his major league debut on Sept. 6, 1963, pitching one inning in relief for Cleveland.

He was traded to the White Sox in 1965 and worked his way into the starting rotation. The following year, he tied for the American League lead with five shutouts and in 1967, his six shutouts led the AL.

In 1971, he was traded to the Dodgers.

In 1974, John had a 13-3 record and led the National League in victories going into the All-Star break. He was pitching against the Montreal Expos when he permanently damaged the UCL in his left arm. After a month, the injury had not improved.

During the four-hour surgery on Sept. 25, 1974, Jobe made holes in the humerus and ulna bones of John’s left arm and used anchors to insert the tendon in a figure-eight pattern.

At first, John’s left hand was shriveled and he lacked feeling in several of his fingers because of damage to the ulnar nerve. Jobe performed a second procedure to reroute the nerve that was necessary to John’s full recovery.

John’s arm was in a cast for four months. He had recovered the full range of motion in his left arm by spring training of 1975 and spent that season resting, healing and rebuilding strength in his arm. John worked with fellow Dodgers pitcher Mike Marshall, who had a doctorate in kinesiology, on learning a different grip.

That September he made five appearances during an offseason instructional league, working his way up to seven innings by his final game.

John resumed pitching for the Dodgers in 1976 as the fourth starter in their rotation. He allowed three runs in five innings and took the loss in his first start against Atlanta, the first time any pitcher had started a game following UCL reconstructive surgery.

John donated the original cast from his surgery to the Smithsonian Institution in June 2022. His teammates on the 1974 Dodgers signed it, as well as Jobe and the team’s Hall of Fame announcer Vin Scully.

The procedure has become so widely known that in 2019, Merriam-Webster added the term to its dictionary.

John made 31 starts for the Dodgers in 1976, posting a 10-10 record, a 3.09 ERA, 91 strikeouts, 61 walks and 207 hits allowed in 207 innings.

In 1977, he won 20 games for the first time in his career, finishing with a 20-7 record. He finished second behind Philadelphia’s Steve Carlton in voting for the NL Cy Young Award.

John And His Family Had Mixed Feelings About The Legacy Of His Operation

Over 50 years later, Tommy John surgery is as much a part of baseball as peanuts and hot dogs. Advanced training methods are helping pitchers of all ages throw harder than ever. They take comfort knowing a torn UCL won’t necessarily end their careers.

“I am sick my name is attached to a surgery happening in kids more than pros,” John tweeted in July 2018.

John’s oldest son, Tommy III, became a chiropractor who wrote a book suggesting ways to prevent young athletes from having to undergo major sports-related surgery similar to what his father endured.

After his pitching career ended, John worked as a broadcaster for the Minnesota Twins and Yankees in the 1990s. He managed the Bridgeport (Connecticut) Bluefish from 2007-09.

John was hospitalized in December 2020 because of COVID-19 and later had Guillain-Barré syndrome, in which a person’s immune system attacks their nerves. John told the New York Post in May 2022 that he was paralyzed in his lower extremities for several months.

John and his wife Sally Simmons had four children: Tamara, Tommy III, Travis and Taylor, who died of a prescription drug overdose at 28 in 2010. The couple divorced in 2013.

Besides his children, he is survived by his second wife, Cheryl, and son-in-law Patrick Mannelly, a retired NFL long snapper who played 16 years for the Chicago Bears.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Sebastien Pocognoli: Scotland appoint former Monaco head coach to replace Steve Clarke on two-year contract | Football News

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Scotland have appointed Sebastien Pocognoli as their new head coach.

The 39-year-old, who guided Union Saint-Gilloise to the Belgian league title last year, replaces Steve Clarke on a two-year deal.

Pocognoli was a free agent after leaving Monaco in June. Capped 13 times by Belgium, the former left-back played for Genk, AZ Alkmaar – where he won the Eredivisie under Louis van Gaal – Standard Liège, Hannover 96, West Brom Albion, Brighton and USG.

Pocogonoli does have some limited experience of international football at youth level, where he managed Belgium’s U16 and U18 sides.

But this is his first international job – and just his third head coach role in senior men’s football.

Clarke left the Scotland job after guiding the nation to their first World Cup since 1998. But the Tartan Army were sent home at the group stage after one win from three games.

‘I will do everything to make fans proud’

Pocognoli said: “It’s an honour to be asked to become the head coach of the Scotland national team.

“When I first heard of the interest, I was immediately excited about the opportunity. Scotland’s supporters are famous for their passion – most recently at the World Cup in the USA – and I have experienced it myself as a player for Belgium when we played in 2013.

“Along with my coaching staff, I will do everything I can to give them a team to be proud of and build on the success that has been achieved already by my predecessor.

“Since negotiations began, I have been doing a lot of research, asking a lot of questions and looking at areas that we can build on. I am hugely excited by the prospect and look forward to working with the players to achieve even more success.

“We don’t have long until the first camp, so the coming weeks will be spent preparing for the UEFA Nations League and putting those plans into action on the training pitch when we meet up next month.”

Who is Sebastien Pocognoli?

Pocognoli is familiar to British audiences from his spells at West Brom and Brighton.

At the Baggies, the left-back made 21 appearances for the then-Premier League club in two years, before dropping down to the Championship to play on loan at Brighton.

Before his time in England, he was part of AZ Alkmaar’s title-winning team in the Netherlands in 2009, while he also featured for Belgian clubs Genk and Standard Liege.

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Pocognoli played in England for West Brom and Brighton

During a second spell at Liege after leaving England, he won the Belgian Cup in 2018, but retired three years later in his early 30s.

His final club Union Saint-Gilloise – owned by Brighton owner and Hearts minority stakeholder Tony Bloom – offered him the Under-21s head coach role at the club.

After one season, his first club Genk took him on as Under-18s head coach, while he also worked for Belgium’s U16 and U18 youth teams.

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Pocognoli’s USG lost to Philippe Clement’s Rangers at the start of 2025

USG then offered him the head coach role in the summer of 2024, where he guided the Belgian side to their first league title in 90 years.

Pocognoli was taken to Scotland during his one season at USG, where his team were beaten 2-1 by Rangers in the Europa League.

After winning Belgian Coach of the Year in 2025 and managing USG’s first-ever matches in the Champions League, Pocognoli took up the Monaco head coach role in October of last year.

Despite qualifying for Europe with Monaco, he was replaced as head coach on June 1.

2026 INDYCAR Odds: Alex Palou Favored At Markham

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Over the next two weeks, INDYCAR will race at two new tracks. The first one on the schedule is Markham and the next is in Washington, D.C.

The first of the two new tracks runs on Sunday, Aug. 16 at noon ET on FOX.

And to no one’s surprise, Alex Palou is favored to get into Winner’s Circle this weekend and next.

For now, let’s take a look at the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Aug. 16 for the entire field for Markham.

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Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham 2026

Alex Palou: 7/4 (bet $10 to win $27.50 total)
Christian Lundgaard: 3/1 (bet $10 to win $40 total)
Scott McLaughlin: 11/2 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Marcus Ericsson: 11/2 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
David Malukas: 8/1 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Louis Foster: 9/1 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Kyle Kirkwood: 10/1 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Scott Dixon: 14/1 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Rinus Veekay: 20/1 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Dennis Hauger: 30/1 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Graham Rahal: 35/1 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Felix Rosenqvist: 40/1 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Will Power: 50/1 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Pato O’Ward: 50/1 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Josef Newgarden: 50/1 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Mick Schumacher: 60/1 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Marcus Armstrong: 60/1 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Alexander Rossi: 70/1 (bet $10 to win $710 total)
Romain Grosjean: 80/1 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Kyffin Simpson: 100/1 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Christian Rasmussen: 100/1 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Caio Collet: 100/1 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Santino Ferrucci: 150/1 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Nolan Siegel: 150/1 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Sting Ray Robb: 300/1 (bet $10 to win $3,010 total)

Here’s What To Know About The Oddsboard:

The Favorite

The odds, once again, are in Alex Palou’s favor. Not only is Palou favored at Markham and in the look-ahead lines for next week’s race in D.C., but the reigning champ is a heavy favorite to defend his title. With six wins, six poles and a 110-point lead on the next driver for the championship, it’s hard to bet against Palou.

One To Watch

Kyle Kirkwood sits 110 points behind Palou for the championship and is one to watch this weekend. Earlier this season, Kirkwood got the win at Arlington, another inaugural street course on INDYCAR’s 2026 circuit. With that in mind, could Kirkwood end up getting into Winner’s Circle again as the series races on the streets of Markham for the first time?

Watford 2 – 1 Southampton

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Southampton discovered that the Championship will be an unforgiving arena this season as they were baited about Spygate on their way to being beaten 2-1 by a new-look Watford side at Vicarage Road.

Playing their first league fixture since the espionage affair that saw them thrown out of the play-offs in May, Tonda Eckert’s side had no answer to the home team’s energy and tenacity.

Summer signing Iker Bravo and teenage academy product Amin Nabizada gave new Watford manager Alessio Dionisi a fine win, while Southampton’s players were heckled, both on the pitch and from the stands, for their actions at the end of last season.

When Taylor Harwood-Bellis screwed a stoppage-time shot badly wide, the defender who was seen as one of the villains of the Spygate saga was verbally riled by a succession of Watford players.

The defeat already leaves Southampton seven points off top spot, with the south coast side sitting at the foot of the table following their four-point deduction after the Spygate scandal.

How Hornets stung the Saints

The Watford goals both came from errant Southampton passes.

Jack Stephens’ aimless kick was seized upon by Bravo, a summer arrival from Udinese. The 21-year-old Spaniard did not hesitate, driving forward and stabbing the ball home.

The goal lifted the uncertainty that had enveloped Vicarage Road in the build-up to the new Championship season.

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Watford’s Amin Nabizada doubled the lead

Australia winger Nestory Irankunda was sold to Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon 24 hours earlier, while last season’s captain Imran Louza was left out of the squad by Dionisi after the midfielder again asked to leave the club.

On the opposite wing, Watford youth product Nabizada seized on another wayward Southampton pass, this time by Ryan Manning, to speed away down the right.

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Iker Bravo hit Watford’s opener

It appeared as if the teenager had pushed the ball too far as he drove into the Southampton area before he suddenly unleashed a low shot into the far bottom corner.

Southampton reduced their arrears in the second half. Cameron Bragg stabbed the ball through to Cyle Larin 10 yards from goal, and the Canada international slid the ball past Federico Ravaglia in the 56th minute.

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Southampton’s Cyle Larin pulled one back for the Saints against Watford

Within a minute the new Watford keeper was forced into a reaction save low down from Larin’s sweeping volley.

Seconds later at the other end, it might have been 3-1 to the hosts when the lively Bravo looked certain to extend Watford’s lead, only for Manning to charge down his shot with a brilliant sliding challenge.

Southampton mounted a late siege to the Watford goal but Harwood-Bellis wasted their clearest opening.

Phillips: Pressure already on Eckert | ‘He didn’t pick right team’

Ex-Southampton striker Kevin Phillips told Sky Sports:

“The pressure’s going to start again, isn’t it?

“They didn’t perform today. You can’t afford to slip up when you’re four points behind.

“There’s still a long way to go, and they showed last season that they can go on a run when they get it right.

“I don’t think he picked the right team to start off with.

“The pressure’s there, and we all know why. The next game for them is crucial, and they have to win it – it’s as simple as that.”

What the result means and next fixtures…

4 Takeaways From Surging Joey Logano’s Victory at Richmond

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Just eight races ago, Joey Logano languished in 20th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings.

Now he sits ninth in the standings and is a two-time race winner.

The three-time Cup champion led the final 25 laps and 95 of the 400 on his way to the triumph on Saturday night at Richmond Raceway.

He’s not locked into the postseason Chase just yet, but he’s well on his way with two races left in the regular season.

Here are my takeaways:

1. Logano’s Big Surge

Joey Logano is one step closer to securing a spot in the postseason.

Logano’s two victories have come on short tracks at North Wilkesboro and Richmond, but he’s also run well at Atlanta and Indianapolis in recent weeks.

He has three top-three finishes in his last four races after having two third-place finishes in the first 20 races this year. It has been an incredible turnaround orchestrated by Logano and crew chief Paul Wolfe.

“This is important,” Logano said in his USA Sports interview after the race. “We need to get ourselves back in the top 10.”

2. Big Buffers For Cindric, SVG

Austin Cindric’s third-place finish gives him a buffer as the season heads down the final stretch.

Austin Cindric finished third and Shane van Gisbergen finished 14th to give themselves some breathing room with just races at New Hampshire and Daytona to finish out the regular season.

Their biggest challenger, Ryan Preece, got caught a couple of laps down when the caution came out during a pit cycle and settled for 17th.

Cindric is now 63 points up on Preece and van Gisbergen has a 50-point cushion.

“As far as the big picture goes for the season, it was a very important night for us to capitalize on a good car,” Cindric said in a Ford news release.

Drivers who don’t have to worry about their buffer anymore include Chase Briscoe, Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell. They all clinched spots Saturday night in The Chase. Nine spots remain, and Preece has run well enough — but not consistently enough — to be in a good position.

3. Briscoe Falls Short

Chase Briscoe still fell short of the win after a furious rally.

Briscoe finished 0.392 seconds behind Logano after mounting a furious rally. It just wasn’t quite good enough for a driver looking for his second win of the season.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver led a race-high 171 laps but one bad run seemed to cost him.

“Just frustrating, to say the least, to have one slip away like that at the end,” Briscoe said in his USA Sports interview after the race.

4. Larson Wins … Knoxville

Kyle Larson’s double duty paid off.

Kyle Larson jumped out of his car after a sixth-place finish to try to get to the rain-delayed Knoxville Nationals.

The biggest sprint-car race of the season was a couple of hours away by plane in Iowa and was being delayed by rain. Larson had qualified for the main event earlier in the week knowing he likely couldn’t make it unless weather helped his cause.

Recently, when trying to run the double on Memorial Day by racing at Indianapolis and Charlotte, weather has not been on his side. It fell in his favor this weekend.

Hendrick Motorsports arranaged his flight to Knoxville and Larson got there in time and won the race.

4 ½. What’s Next

The series heads to the flat 1.058-mile oval New Hampshire Motor Speedway next weekend for its lone stop there for the season.

The track will play host to a Chase race next year, so even drivers who are already in The Chase will want to run well and have a good feeling about the track when they return in 2027.

Ryan Blaney is the defending winner of the race.

Aston Villa transfer news: Zion Suzuki lined up as Juventus-linked Emiliano Martinez replacement after £29.9m deal agreed with Parma | Football News

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Aston Villa have agreed a £29.9m (€35m) deal with Parma to sign Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, according to Sky in Italy.

The agreement comes on the same day Juventus submitted an £8.5m (€10m) bid for current Villa No 1 Emiliano Martinez.

While the bid is below Villa’s valuation for the Argentina international, negotiations are understood to be continuing with the Italian club.

Suzuki has been at the heart of a transfer merry-go-round, having been heavily linked with a move to European champions Paris Saint-Germain; however, the proposed move hit a snag and gave Villa fresh encouragement to move for the Japan World Cup star.

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Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Parma to sign goalkeeper Zion Suzuki

Juventus have been very interested in signing Martinez since the start of the window but were also hoping to sign Suzuki on loan from PSG had that deal had gone through.

The goalkeeper, who turns 24 this month, joined Parma from Urawa Red Diamonds in 2024 after a loan spell in Belgium and has made 57 Serie A appearances over the past two seasons.

No 1 for his country, he started all four of Japan’s matches at this summer’s World Cup, where they were knocked out by Brazil in the round of 32.

Suzuki was born in Newark, New Jersey, to a Ghanaian father and Japanese mother before growing up in Japan.

Johan Manzambi – Freiburg, £59.5m

Joao Gomes – Wolves, £38m

Modou Keba Cissa – LASK, undisclosed

Blade Earley – Cambridge, free

Alejandro Garnacho – Chelsea, loan

Out

Morgan Rogers – Chelsea, £117m

Youri Tielemans – Man Utd, £35m

Donyell Malen – Roma, £21.6m

Lewis Dobbin – Southampton, £10m

Enzo Barrenechea – Benfica, £10m

Lucas Digne – Paris Saint-Germain, £8.5m

Louie Barry – Sheffield Wednesday, undisclosed

Yeimar Mosquera – Vitoria SC, undisclosed

Sil Swinkels – Sheffield Wednesday, undisclosed

Thierry Katsukunya – Cardiff, free

Ronnie Hollingshead – King’s Lynn, free

Ewan Simpson – Airdrieonians, free

Junior Wilson – Birmingham, free

Evann Guessand – Crystal Palace, loan

Sam Proctor – Shrewsbury, loan

Joe Gauci – Lincoln, loan

Andres Garcia – Getafe, loan

Zepiqueno Redmond – Annecy, loan

Kadan Young – Annecy, loan

Oliwier Zych – Vitoria SC, loan

Newcastle transfer news: Club agree deal to sign defender Amar Dedic from Benfica | Football News

August 16, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Benfica to sign defender Amar Dedic.

Sky Sports News understand the deal to be worth £29.5m for the right-back, and the 23-year-old is expected to fly to Newcastle ahead of a medical on Monday.

There are still a few formalities to complete, but there is confidence Dedic will be a Newcastle player in time for their Premier League opener against Liverpool next Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

The right-back could be immediately called upon at St James’ Park, with Tino Livramento still recovering from a calf injury sustained on international duty with England in June.

Dedic previously worked with Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg, where he helped the club retain the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2023.

Newcastle have been looking to strengthen at right-back following Kieran Trippier’s departure to Wolves on a free transfer this summer.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has won 31 caps and started three of his country’s four matches at the World Cup.

Newcastle want Palhinha on permanent deal

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Joao Palhinha spent last season on loan at Tottenham

Newcastle are also in talks over a permanent deal for Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich.

The club are looking to strengthen their midfield after their pursuit of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Aston Villa’s proposed loan move for Palhinha both broke down last week.

Bayern are not interested in loaning out the midfielder, which is why sporting director Max Eberl said yesterday that the club would not do a deal with Villa.

Palhinha is now reassessing his options, which could include staying at Bayern or returning to Portugal, with Benfica and Sporting both showing interest.

However, the midfielder appears to prefer remaining in the Premier League if the opportunity arises.

Wrexham’s Premier League bid: How ready are the Hollywood-owned club from Wales for a Championship promotion race? | Football News

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“We’ve come a long way in five years”. A post from Ryan Reynolds back in May, reflecting on another touchstone of his Wrexham revolution: the club’s best finish in their 162-year history. “We have so much to be proud of, Reds”.

A reminder of the club’s elevated standing in the shape of a pyramid was pictured below the text, or rather, a veiled petition for patience after narrowly missing out on last season’s Championship play-offs.

The ambition of Wrexham’s larger-than-life project has endured plenty of limits along its unrelenting route. Progression did not happen immediately; it took three attempts just to escape the stranglehold of non-league football. But prospects still remain on a rather remarkable trajectory.

A historic third successive promotion meant a stab at the second-tier last term, and after a slower-than-expected start, Wrexham did eventually morph into play-off contenders. They missed the mark by two points and one place. The side that beat them to that spot (Hull City) now play in the Premier League.

Monday 17th August 7:00pm

Kick off 8:00pm

By powers of unsophisticated deduction, those margins put Wrexham close to achieving similar success. Except football, most of the time, does not support regular prognostication. Wrexham’s net spend last summer was the highest of all 24 Championship clubs, and yet the Premier League Promise Land remains frustratingly out of reach.

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Initiate phase two of promotion plan: Make the Kitchen Work Better.

Not one of Reynolds’ most catchy Hollywood titles but one that has merit.

As the Wrexham co-owner was trying to explain when discussing the club’s strategy for squad building to fans recently, most of the remodelling was done last year. As a reminder: Wrexham’s net spend was higher than Chelsea’s in summer 2025 – and seven other top-flight sides.

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“Like a home renovation show… this episode is about making the kitchen work better rather than doing a whole-house renovation,” Reynolds maintains.

The work back then was prudent. Seven of last summer’s 13 signings are regular internationals and six have Premier League experience, while a large cash injection into The Racecourse Ground for a new stand to help meet unprecedented ticket demand suggests thought is being put into long-term growth strategy.

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Work is ongoing to build a new stand and increase capacity at the Racecourse Ground

Reynolds and co-owner Rob Mac, sticking with the renovation analogy, have built terrific foundations from which to prosper. Wrexham’s Disney-documented journey continues to draw mass global appeal, making them one of the most commercially attractive clubs in the EFL. Time, now, to spruce up the interiors.

Phil Parkinson has a team of workhorses but not yet a team of world-beaters. Only one Wrexham representative featured in last season’s EFL team of the year (Callum Doyle). For context, champions Coventry had four, neatly spread through the spine of their team.

Wrexham have made three major signings so far: goalkeeper Anthony Patterson from Sunderland in a club-record deal, defender Danny Imray from Crystal Palace, and midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston. Clamour is for a top-class striker to join that pack.

Travelling across the Atlantic for a three-game pre-season tour in Tampa, New York and Philadelphia last month showed exactly why an A-list forward might be charmed by Wrexham’s whimsical powers. They have become America’s new sweetheart. Over 40,000 flocked to the Yankee Stadium to watch them play Liverpool.

Welcome to Wrexham.

But back on more familiar terrain, Parkinson was left to rue “missing moments” in a first round Carabao Cup defeat to Middlesbrough last week. A running theme of pre-season. The calls for a more natural No 9 with pace have intensified since.

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Highlights of the first round Carabao Cup match between Middlesbrough and Wrexham

Parkinson has already issued reassurances: “We feel we’re not where we need to be yet and we know that. We’re under no illusions. We’ve got to make this squad so strong, and we are working tirelessly to bring those extra players in.” Wrexham’s bid will likely rest on the strength of those additions. But there is also a different factor in their favour.

One of the major changes for 2026-27 is the expansion of the Championship play-offs, a format which extends qualification down to eighth. If that were in play last season Wrexham would have made the cut. According to Opta, their chances of top eight this time stand at 35.8 per cent, much healthier than their 26.2 per cent likelihood of top six.

The house that Hollywood built has seen its sharp rise tempered by the great unpredictability of the Championship for now. With kitchen renovations ongoing, what can they cook up from here?

Watch Cardiff vs Wrexham live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm on Monday; kick-off 8pm

Claressa Shields stops Kaye Scott to reclaim WBC and WBA middleweight belts | Boxing News

August 16, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Claressa Shields stopped Kaye Scott in the sixth round to reclaim the WBC and WBA middleweight belts in Atlanta.

Shields had moved down from heavyweight to middleweight for the bout and in the process, became a middleweight world champion for a third time.

The fight was under Shields’ control throughout, with the crucial moments coming in the sixth round when the 42-year-old Scott was dropped before being subjected to a barrage of punches against the ropes.

The onslaught continued, prompting Scott’s corner to throw multiple towels into the ring, bringing an end to the contest after one minute and 38 seconds of the sixth round.

With the victory, Shields moves to 19-0, with the self-proclaimed GWOAT – meaning Greatest Woman of All Time – strengthening her claim to being the world’s No 1 female fighter, particularly with Katie Taylor set to retire.

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Claressa Shields discusses a potential fight with Lauren Price and insists that the pair could fight in both America and back in the United Kingdom for a rematch.

“It was a hard camp,” Shields said. “I always tell myself that everything is easy work, but it was a really hard camp.

“I cut 38 pounds. I started 14 weeks ago at 198 and got down to 160. It was the most disciplined I’ve been since the Olympics, I feel like.

“She was stronger than I thought. She was very strong. I knew that, with the amount of weight I’d cut, I didn’t want to exert too much energy early.

“I was trying to make sure I could deal with her strength and not get caught with anything crazy, because I’m not as strong as I feel at 175.”

Lauren Price is now Shields’ preferred opponent at 160lbs, with the American saying she wants the fight to take place between December and January.

It is a fight that Price has welcomed, but the American star’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita, believes the “mega” event “belongs in the United States”.

“Claressa came down to middleweight to make the biggest fights possible,” Salita told Sky Sports.

“We want to make this a mega-event, and I believe that fight belongs in the United States.

“That being said, we love the UK, and another fight there is certainly not out of the question. It’s an incredible time for women’s boxing.”

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Precise faces More Thunder and Zeus Olympios in Prix Jacques le Marois | Racing News

August 16, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Precise, More Thunder and Zeus Olympios line up for the 2026 Prix Jacques Le Marois, live on Sky Sports Racing.

2.50 Deauville – Precise takes on More Thunder and Zeus Olympios in Prix Jacques le Marois

Star filly Precise takes on More Thunder and Zeus Olympios in a very competitive renewal of the The Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques le Marois.

Four-time Group 1 winner Precise has built herself a very nice profile, having backed up a pair of Group 1 wins at two with victories in the Irish 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes. She has since been beaten twice since stepping into open company, being downed by the Juddmonte-owned Blue Bolt on both occasions. The fillies’ allowance could prove crucial here and with Ryan Moore on board, she is in the right hands.

More Thunder will look to reverse the form with Zeus Olympios, with the latter much the best when last seen in Ascot’s Summer Mile. Karl Burke’s charge got the run of the race that day, scooting clean under Sam James. William Haggas’ representative was second in Group 1 company twice prior and, like Zeus Olympios, will look to take top honours for the first time today.

Thesecretadversary is a recent Group 1 scorer in the Prix Jean Prat, which followed a win at the Royal meeting in the Jersey Stakes. He was originally targeted towards the City Of York Stakes but has since been rerouted after Bow Echo and Gstaad were retired and ruled out respectively.

Rayif looks the best of the French contenders but will have to bounce back after disappointing when sent off a 6/4 favourite in the Prix Jean Prat. The step back up to a mile could prove crucial for Mickael Barzalona’s mount, who tasted success over the mile in the French 2000 Guineas earlier this season.

1.33 Deauville – Exciting Avec Toi faces Silver Dominion in Group 3 company

The much talked about Avec Toi faces just four runners in this Group 3 The Aga Khan Studs Prix Francois Boutin.

Christopher Head has said the target this season for this son of No Nay Never is the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc weekend and he looks to be a special talent from his outings thus far. He arrives here with two wins from as many starts, with a debut win at Saint-Cloud followed up by a sparkling showing over this course and distance the last day.

In opposition, Silver Dominion brings stakes form to the table. Oliver Cole’s runner finished second in the Pat Eddery Stakes last time after a fourth-place finish in the Superlative Stakes on July Cup day and could give the favourite a real run for his money.

Godolphin’s Jassas looked promising when winning on debut at Doncaster – a result which has seen the form boosted this week with runner-up Narrjoo winning at Ffos Las on Wednesday. Zakkan cannot be discounted for the formidable Graffard and Barzalona combination despite being winless in three, whilst Cut A Dash completes the quintet and looks to have plenty to find on the rest of the field.

2.35 Southwell – 750,000gns Godolphin yearling Palladas returns

Expensive yearling Palladas returns to the track for the LNAA Critical Care Novice Stakes after being absent since beating Al Azd at Kempton in January.

The form from this maiden victory has produced seven individual winners – most notably Al Azd, who is now rated 109. Roger Varian’s Shadwell gelding was sixth in the London Gold Cup and second in the King George V Stakes before hosing up at Ascot in a class 2 handicap. That form line would suggest a lofty ceiling for Charlie Appleby’s runner today, who will be partnered by the title-chasing Billy Loughnane.

Theory Of Tides’ half-brother Mercantile debuts for Daniel and Clare Kubler and is of interest first time out, but this should really be a one-horse race.

Best of the rest

Back at Deauville, Listed winner Romantic Symphony goes in search of Group 3 honours in the The Aga Khan Studs Prix Lady O’Reilly. She will be rivalled by Calandagan’s half-sister Calasita, who holds an entry in the Champions Fillies And Mares Stakes and was only half a length behind Romantic Symphony last time. Dispatches drops down into Group 3 company under Colin Keane, whilst Hatanka Fal has been there or thereabouts at Listed level but must improve to go close today.

At Southwell, Astrological looks to carry a 6lb penalty to success in the Newark Advertiser Handicap (1.30pm) before Valvano and Legal Reform clash in the Coopers Marquees Handicap at 3.40pm.

Super League: St Helens keep slim play-off hopes alive after stirring second half earns 46-16 win over Wakefield Trinity | Rugby League News

August 16, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

St Helens produced a blistering second-half performance to stun Wakefield Trinity with a 46-16 victory and keep their slim Super League play-off hopes alive.

Saints, who have never failed to make the post-season, came into the match on a run of three defeats in a row and five losses in six, leaving them six points off the top six.

The visitors slipped 10-0 down to fourth-placed Wakefield and trailed 16-12 at half-time but then ran in six unanswered tries in the second period.

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Tristan Sailor’s brace completed his hat-trick while Lewis Murphy added to his first-half score and Jake Davies touched down twice in the closing stages to move St Helens to within four points of sixth-placed Leigh Leopards with four games remaining.

Wakefield falter after bright start

Wakefield, who lost Josh Rourke and try-scorer Isaiah Vagana to injuries inside the first quarter of an hour, missed the chance to move two points behind table toppers Leeds as they suffered a sixth successive defeat to Saints and slipped to back-to-back home losses after last week’s narrow reverse against the Rhinos.

Tyson Smoothy’s eighth-minute effort, which was converted by Jack Sinfield, and Vagana’s Sinfield-aided score in the 12th put Wakefield on top.

However, Vagana was barged into as he went down and went off with a physio holding his left arm, after Rourke departed following a collision with Murphy.

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St Helens kept their play-off hopes alive

Sailor and Murphy dragged Saints back into the contest with tries that Jackson Hastings converted, only for Sinfield to exploit a huge gap before kicking his second conversion to leave Wakefield four points to the good at the break.

Lachlan Walmsley had two tries chalked off for Trinity after the resumption, either side of which Murphy put Saints back in front with another fine finish, diving one-handed in the corner before hobbling off with an injury to his left leg.

Once Billy Keeley latched on to a loose ball and went over after 64 minutes, Saints dominated, with Sailor’s hat-trick, sealed after a lung-busting run, prompting Wakefield’s fans to stream for the exits.

Powell rues Wakefield’s lack of ‘fight’

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Trinity coach Daryl Powell called his side’s capitulation “unforgivable”, saying: “There was a lack of effort, almost, at the end.

“It’s really disappointing. The second half last week and the whole game today, I don’t think we’re in a great place.

“We didn’t perform well. We took a smack on the nose last week and we haven’t recovered from that this week. They were desperate and they outplayed us. I don’t think our fight was good enough.

“It’s hugely disappointing and I’ve said to the players ‘we’ve got to flip this pretty quick’. We play Wigan next week and it doesn’t get any harder than that.”

Wigan level on points with Leeds as Bradford slip to bottom spot

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Highlights of the Super League match between Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors

Wigan moved level on points with leader Leeds as they scored six tries in a 34-6 victory at lowly Bradford, who now prop up the table following resurgent Huddersfield’s victory at Toulouse on Saturday evening.

The visitors crossed three times in each half with Jake Wardle, Adam Keighran and Bevan French touching down before the break.

Wardle went over again in the second period while Kian McDermott and Jake Kerr also registered tries, with the Bulls’ sole effort coming from Andy Ackers.

Wigan’s 18th win of the season leaves them four points clear of Warrington and Wakefield in third and fourth respectively, while Bradford have been usurped by Huddersfield on points difference after their fellow Yokshiremen’s 26-10 win in France.

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Highlights of the Super League game between the Toulouse Olympique and the Huddersfield Giants

The Giants have won four games in a row after just two victories across their first 19 matches, with this latest success thanks to two tries from Sam Halsall and one apiece for Joe Greenwood and Conor Wrench.

Huddersfield’s revival, which has also included beating York, Hull FC and Catalans, has come at the same time Toulouse have faded, with Sylvain Houles’ men on a four-match losing streak following previous disappointing results against Catalans, Leeds and Wigan.

Sky Sports will show every game of the Super League live this season, including two matches each round exclusively live. The remaining five matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports+.

Novak Djokovic out of Cincinnati Open in second round after struggling with heat and humidity against Thiago Agustin Tirante | Tennis News

August 16, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Novak Djokovic suffered defeat and struggled physically in his first match since Wimbledon as he was upset by Thiago Agustin Tirante in a sapping three-set contest at the Cincinnati Open.

Djokovic, inactive on the ATP Tour since losing to Jannik Sinner at the grass-court Grand Slam on July 10, won the first set 6-2 but then lost the next two 6-4 as he battled the heat and humidity in Ohio, even appearing to vomit at one stage.

The 24-time major champion won an 18-minute third game of the second set, fending off four break points over nine deuces, before taking a medical timeout, while he dropped to his hands and knees at certain points in a match that lasted two hours and 45 minutes.

Tirante revels in ‘best win of career’

Tirante, who can look forward to a third-round meeting with Spain’s Martin Landaluce, made the decisive break at 4-4 in the decider after converting his fourth break point of the game and then closed out the win on serve.

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Tirante says his win over Djokovic was the best of his career

He said afterwards: “This is the best win of my career. I really did a good job inside the court. I managed very well the nerves of playing against a legend like Novak. Now I feel relieved.

“It is all so much pressure when you cannot break [serve]. I had so many points to break and I couldn’t, so that was the key. Keep believing in myself with my team and think about it after the match.”

Djokovic was the third seed in Cincinnati despite sitting fifth in the world rankings, with world No 1 Sinner withdrawing due to a knee injury and world No 3 Carlos Alcaraz also absent as he continues to deal with a lingering wrist issue.

Top seed Alexander Zverev plays Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the second round overnight.

Britain’s Boulter out of women’s tournament

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British women’s No 2 Katie Boulter saw her campaign end in the second round with a 6-3 6-3 defeat to Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova.

Noskova, who served 10 aces compared to Boulter’s none, converted four of the nine break points she fashioned and was only broken once in return.

Boulter had snapped a five-match losing streak on the WTA Tour by beating America’s Katie Volynets in three sets in the first round, winning the decider after losing the second set 6-0.

Watch the ATP and WTA Tours live on Sky Sports. The US Open is also live on Sky Sports from August 30. Stream tennis with NOW.

Rams’ First-Rounder Ty Simpson Delivered An Impressive Preseason Debut vs. Chiefs

August 16, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

After the skepticism surrounding the Los Angeles Rams’ decision to select quarterback Ty Simpson No. 13 overall in April’s NFL Draft, the former Alabama star answered with an impressive preseason performance against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Rams headed to Kansas City for their first preseason game of the year on Saturday and finished with a 20-12 win. Simpson finished the day with a solid stat line, throwing 21-for-25 for 190 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Especially after a slow first half with a 6-6 tie, Simpson’s two second-half touchdowns gave the Rams a last-minute lead over the Chiefs, who never found the end zone.

Simpson’s first score came from a quick four-play drive, where he found rookie running back Dean Connors for a nine-yard touchdown pass. Shortly after, Simpson led the Rams on an eight-play drive that resulted in a second touchdown throw to Connors, securing the Rams’ win over Kansas City.

While the majority of Simpson’s training camp experience was spent playing behind quarterback Stetson Bennett for second-team reps, his preseason entrance allowed him the chance to showcase his skillset. Additionally, Simpson has had the chance to learn from MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, who’s entering his 17th year in the NFL and his fifth season with the Rams.

Coming off an impressive season with Alabama in 2025, Simpson finished his time with 3,948 total passing yards, 33 total touchdowns and five interceptions. Simpson also led the Crimson Tide to their first College Football Playoff and SEC title game appearances under head coach Kalen DeBoer.

The Rams are shaping up to be a heavy Super Bowl favorite entering this season, especially after their overhaul in the offseason. Los Angeles added Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in June, as well as Pro Bowl cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs in March. Offensively, the Rams return star wide receiver pair Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

Even if Simpson will have to patiently wait his turn to become the Rams go-to guy, his preseason performance is an impressive start. The Rams kickoff their 2026 campaign in Australia facing NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, September 10.

NFL Related Stories

FedEx St Jude Championship: Scottie Scheffler retains lead ahead of final round as Rory McIlroy endures another tough day | Golf News

August 16, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Scottie Scheffler will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the FedEx St Jude Championship in Memphis as he looks to complete his first win since January.

The three-stroke advantage the world No 1 had carved out at halfway after a second-round, course-record 61 was trimmed by one as he bogeyed his penultimate hole at TPC Southwind on Saturday before signing for a two-under 68 and closing on 13 under.

Sam Burns carded a sizzling, bogey-free eight-under 62 while Sungjae Im shot a three-under 67 with those players the leader’s closest challengers on 11 under.

But Scheffler is now just one good day away from his maiden trophy since The American Express in California at the start of the year, not that he hasn’t threatened in that time.

How do the FedExCup Playoffs work?

Only the top 70 in the season-long FedExCup standings have reached the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

The top 50 then progress to the BMW Championship (August 20-23) and then only the top 30 make it to the Tour Championship (August 27-30).

Winners of the first two play-off events earn 750 points apiece before the points reset to zero ahead of the Tour Championship.

In the closing event, all players begin at even par, with the starting-strokes model based on FedExCup placings at that point axed in 2025.

The winner of the Tour Championship becomes FedExCup champion for 2026, earning $10m (£7.4m) and a five-year PGA Tour exemption.

The 30-year-old has recorded five runners-up finishes, including at the 3M Open in his previous event, and nine top-fives in total in the intervening months.

In his third round in Tennessee, Scheffler bogeyed his fourth hole before birdies at two, 11, 12 and 16 preceded that dropped shot at 17, which came after he picked out a left-hand bunker with his second shot at the par four.

Defending FedExCup Playoffs champion Tommy Fleetwood remains in the hunt after a two-under Saturday – the highlight of which was a monster birdie putt at 13 – leaving him five strokes adrift of Scheffler on eight under and in a share of fourth with Jake Knapp.

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Rory McIlroy has not shot a round under par at TPC Southwind this week

Rory McIlroy, though, is languishing in tied-67th place on six over – 19 shots off Scheffler – after shooting a two-over 72 on Saturday, with the world No 2 yet to post an under-par round this week.

McIlroy, a three-time FedExCup Playoffs champion, was even par on the day heading to the 18th in his third round, only to then finish with a double bogey after finding the water off the tee.

The 37-year-old picked up back-to-back birdies at nine and 10, while his bogeys came at two and 13 before his gory final hole.

Watch the final round of the FedEx St Jude Championship live on Sky Sports Golf from 4pm on Sunday. Stream golf with NOW.

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St. Louis Cardinals Rookie Joshua Baez Introduces Himself With 3 Home Run Debut

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Joshus Baez, have a day. Joshua Baez, have a debut!

It didn’t take long for the St. Louis Cardinals’ rookie to endear himself to MLB’s audience. After getting called up from AAA for Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs, Baez delivered on the hype.

In the top of the first inning, on Baez’s first MLB at-bat, the first pitch he saw nonetheless, he blasted Matthew Boyd’s pitch 449 feet to dead center field for a two-run home run to put the Cardinals up 3-0.

Then, on his second at-bat, he displayed his ability to pull the ball, hitting a 389-foot shot to left field. The solo home run restored the Cardinals’ lead at 4-3.

But Baez wasn’t done there. In the top of the sixth inning, he finished off the trifecta, going opposite field for a 368-foot, two-run home run to right field. Baez brought home Alec Burleson for the second time with that sixth-inning shot.

The Home Run Derby king Jordan Walker followed Baez with a home run of his own. Then Burleson hit a solo shot for St. Louis’ fifth home run of the game.

Not only did St. Louis rout NL central rival Chicago Cubs 8-4, but the Cardinals gained confirmation.

They had developed Baez since drafting him 54th overall in 2021. Across 410 at bats in AAA in 2026, Baez has a .256 batting average, 34 home runs and 90 RBIs. He earned recognition as St. Louis’ third-ranked minor league prospect. Then, when he got his chance, he made the most of it.

Baez also joined an exclusive group of prospects that got to mashing upon their MLB arrival.

Arizona Diamondbacks rookie Jose Fernandez went deep twice in his MLB debut on March 31. Fernandez got promoted five games into the season after the Diamondbacks placed Pavin Smith on the injured list. That performance launched him to remain in the majors until the beginning of June.

Chicago White Sox rookie Braden Montgomery hit a two-run walk-off home run to lift the White Sox 6-5 over the Atlanta Braves in his MLB debut.

Cleveland Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter also slugged two home runs in his first regular-season game. DeLauter joined the Guardians during the American League Wild Card series in 2025. He then made the roster to start the 2026 season, and proved why immediately.

Man City transfer news: Ayyoub Bouaddi talks confirmed by Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti – who hopes deal falls through | Football News

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday’s newspapers…

Transfer news

Davide Ancelotti, the Lille head coach, has confirmed Manchester City are in talks to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi – but hopes they fail to complete the transfer this summer – Daily Telegraph

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Good Morning Transfers looks at what impact Rodri leaving Manchester City would have on the club and whether Ayyoub Bouaddi would be a suitable replacement

Cody Gakpo is understood to have agreed personal terms on a transfer to Tottenham as Liverpool continue to lay the groundwork for a revamp of their attack – Daily Mirror

Liverpool have subtly lowered their asking price for midfielder Curtis Jones following prolonged negotiations with Inter Milan – Daily Mirror

Arsenal transfer target Victor Osimhen offered a ‘wait and see’ style response to speculation linking him to the Premier League champions – Daily Mirror

Celtic’s Reo Hatate has been targeted by Greek giants Panathinaikos, who want to tempt him away with a bumper pay rise – Scottish Sun

Football

Europe’s leading clubs threatened not to participate in future Club World Cups unless Gianni Infantino withdrew his FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme, issuing their ultimatum hours before the plan was scrapped – The Guardian

Harry Redknapp is set to cameo in a film about the West Ham fan he pulled from the stands in 1994 – The Sun

Mykhailo Mudryk says he trained like a mad man to stay permanently ready for his Chelsea return – The Sun

Rugby Union

Alun Wyn Jones, rugby union’s most-capped international, is set to join the Ospreys board as the Welsh side continues its fight for survival – The Times

Athletics

Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, has played down suggestions that empty seats at the European championships could affect London’s bid for the 2029 worlds – The Guardian

Mystery surrounds a highly regarded British Athletics coach, Leon Baptiste, who has not been heard from since visiting Morocco around two months ago – The Guardian

2026 NASCAR Odds: Ryan Blaney Favored For Richmond; Hamlin, Bell Tied At Second

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

NASCAR is heading to Richmond for the Cook Out 400 on Saturday, Aug. 15, and the stakes are incredibly high for drivers still trying to make the cut for The Chase.

Only four drivers have secured their positions in the postseason — Denny Hamlin, Ty Gibbs, Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick.

Which driver takes the checkered flag at Richmond Raceway and gets closer to locking himself into The Chase?

Here are the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Aug. 15.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 2026

Ryan Blaney: +350 (bet $10 to win $45 total)
Denny Hamlin: +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)
Christopher Bell: +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)
Joey Logano: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Chase Briscoe: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Ty Gibbs: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
William Byron: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Kyle Larson: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Austin Dillon: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Bubba Wallace: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total)
Josh Berry: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Austin Cindric: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Tyler Reddick: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Carson Hocevar: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Chase Elliott: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Ryan Preece: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Brad Keselowski: +5500 (bet $10 to win $560 total)
Daniel Suárez: +6500 (bet $10 to win $660 total)
Ross Chastain: +7500 (bet $10 to win $760 total)
Chris Buescher: +7500 (bet $10 to win $760 total)

Alex Bowman: +7500 (bet $10 to win $760 total)
Shane van Gisbergen: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Riley Herbst: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Erik Jones: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Connor Zilisch: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Michael McDowell: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Austin Hill: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Zane Smith: +30000 (bet $10 to win $3,010 total)
John Hunter Nemechek: +35000 (bet $10 to win $3,510 total)
AJ Allmendinger: +35000 (bet $10 to win $3,510 total)
Todd Gilliland: +40000 (bet $10 to win $4,010 total)
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: +40000 (bet $10 to win $4,010 total)
Ty Dillon: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)
Noah Gragson: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)
Cole Custer: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)
Josh Bilicki: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Cody Ware: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)

The Favorite

Ryan Blaney should feel good coming into Richmond. He finished third at this race last year, he’s already clinched his spot in The Chase and he’s on the pole. On the season, he’s got five top-five finishes and two wins. He also captured the pole last week at Iowa before finishing on the podium in third.

Hamlin One To Watch

On the way to clinching his spot in The Chase, Hamlin has won four races, has 13 top fives and 15 top 10s. He’s coming into this weekend after running into brake trouble at Iowa. However, he was still able to pull off a fifth-place finish. At this race last season, he started fourth but finished 10th.

Bell The Bridesmaid

As unbelievable as it sounds, Christopher Bell has finished second in seven races this NASCAR season, including four in the last five races and six of the last 11. And even though he doesn’t have a win yet this year, Bob Pockrass placed him at the very top of his latest power rankings. Bell currently sits sixth in the standings and is close to clinching his spot in The Chase. In this race last season, he started eighth and finished 21st.

Pakistan win warm-up match ahead of first Test against England at Headingley from Wednesday, live on Sky Sports | Cricket News

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Pakistan warmed up for their first Test against England at Headingley from Wednesday with a seven-wicket win over a County Select XI as Saud Shakeel hit an unbeaten hundred and Imam-ul-Haq scored 80.

Set 262 to win on the third and final day in Beckenham, the tourists reached their target in 57.1 overs with England spinner Shoaib Bashir recording second-innings figures of 0-45 from eight overs after bagging 4-76 from 20.2 first time around.

Bashir is hoping to be included in the England XI in Leeds next week, live on Sky Sports, but the hosts could pick an all-pace frontline attack with the recalled Dan Lawrence, who will bat at No 6, and newly reappointed captain Joe Root providing the spin options.

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England have named a 16-man squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan, at Headingley and at Lord’s

Opening batter Emilio Gay and seam bowler Matt Fisher were the other members of the England Test squad, besides Bashir, to play in Beckenham, although the first two were released from duty on the final day.

Gay bagged a pair in the match as the home side made scores of 305 all out and 195 all out, while Fisher clubbed 62 not out from 53 balls in the hosts’ first innings before registering bowling figures of 1-15 from 11 overs in Pakistan’s opening knock of 238.

Who else impressed for Pakistan in Beckenham?

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England opener Emilio Gay was twice out for a duck batting in Beckenham

Pakistan’s top-scorer in their first innings was Abdullah Shafique (61), while highlights with the ball included a second-innings five-for for left-arm spinner Ali Usman.

The tourists suffered a scare on day two when captain Babar Azam retired hurt after being struck on the hand by a delivery from young Hampshire quick Manny Lumsden.

Babar was advised to rest for the remainder of the game but a PCB statement said he would train at Headingley on Monday.

The skipper said on Saturday after the win over the County Select XI: “It’s a very good preparation for us to prepare ourselves for the Test.

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Pakistan captain Babar Azam says the tune-up fixture acted as good preparation ahead of the England series

“The pitch was a bit challenging early on but it got better after a couple of days. We have to prepare ourselves for the game and it’s a great thing to go out and perform.

“I’m not sure what the conditions will be like in the first Test, but seeing here it’s slightly dry and the ball was turning as well. That pitch will have some bounce there.

“It will be slightly different [in Leeds]. We will be preparing accordingly. “

England vs Pakistan Test series fixtures

First Test (Headingley) – Wednesday August 19 – Sunday August 23 (first ball 11am)
Second Test (Lord’s) – Thursday August 27 – Monday August 31 (first ball 11am)
Third Test (Edgbaston) – Wednesday September 9 – Sunday September 13 (first ball 11am)

Watch the three-Test series between England and Pakistan live on Sky Sports Cricket from Wednesday (11am first ball at Headingley). Stream cricket and more top sport contract-free with NOW.

Seahawks Reportedly Make Devon Witherspoon Highest-Paid CB In NFL History

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Step aside, Trent McDuffie.

The Seattle Seahawks have signed cornerback Devon Witherspoon to a four-year, $132 million extension, that includes $101 million guaranteed, ESPN reported on Saturday morning. The $132 million in total money and $33 million average annual value are each NFL records for a cornerback.

The previous record for a cornerback in total money was McDuffie, who signed a four-year, $124 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams after being acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs in March. Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward held the previous record for average annual value at the position ($31.1 million).

Witherspoon, a Pro Bowler in each of his three seasons in the sport, totaled one interception, seven passes defended and 72 combined tackles across 12 regular-season games in 2025; he missed five games due to a knee injury. Witherspoon led NFL cornerbacks with an 89.9 overall grade and 10 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. He earned second-team All-Pro honors.

The fourth-year defensive back was part of a Seahawks’ defense that was first in the NFL in opponent points (17.2 per game), third in opponent rushing yards (91.9 per game), sixth in opponent total yards (285.6 per game) and 10th in opponent passing yards (193.9 per game) en route to Seattle winning Super Bowl LX.

The Seahawks selected Witherspoon, a 2022 All-American, with the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Illinois.

As for other contractual matters across the league, fellow fourth-year cornerback and 2025 Pro Bowler Christian Gonzalez is in the midst of extension talks with the New England Patriots. Team owner Robert Kraft revealed in July that the team offered Gonzalez a contract that would be the richest in both Patriots history and for an NFL cornerback in league history.

Chelsea 3 – 1 Sociedad

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Chelsea ended pre-season with a mixed 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad as manager Xabi Alonso offered more clues about the formation his side could play ahead of their Premier League opener against Fulham.

For a third straight match, Chelsea started with a back three, replicating Alonso’s successful 3-4-3 system from his time at Bayer Leverkusen when they won the Bundesliga in 2024, as British-record signing Morgan Rogers and defender Maxence Lacroix both made their debuts.

However, despite Rogers netting a tap-in within just 10 minutes, Chelsea laboured in the first-half, sitting too deep and unable to press their LaLiga opponents, who deservedly equalised before half-time through Jon Mikel Aramburu’s brilliant volley after forcing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez into several saves.

But Alonso sent his side out unchanged after the break and they were much improved, Joao Pedro heading in from Reece James’ cross just two minutes into the half before the striker netted his seventh of pre-season late on with a tidy finish.

Enzo Fernandez, though, added to Chelsea’s mixed afternoon when his introduction as a 62nd-minute substitute was met by boos from some supporters following his transfer links with Manchester City, but also cheers from others who sang his name.

The key talking points from Stamford Bridge

Xabi Alonso deploys a 3-4-3 formation for a third successive match.
Morgan Rogers scores 10 minutes into his Chelsea debut after £117m move.
Marco Palestra struggles at left-wing back amid Chelsea’s poor first-half performance.
Chelsea improve in the second half with Joao Pedro scoring twice but is their only recognised striker.
Enzo Fernandez comes on to boos and cheers from home supporters after Man City links.

Is 3-4-3 the way forward for Chelsea now?

Alonso fielded a 4-2-3-1 in Chelsea’s first three pre-season games but after switching to 3-4-3 against AC Milan – their best performance of the summer in a 3-0 win – it appears he could stick with it heading into their opening match.

His 3-4-3 formation is so fluid that at times against Real Sociedad it looked like Chelsea were playing with a four-man defence, with Moises Caicedo dropping into the back line to collect the ball and Wesley Fofana pushed wide on the right.

But the clue was in Chelsea’s defending: wing-backs Pedro Neto and Marco Palaestra were penned into a back five, while Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer operated as inside forwards. Three at the back also suits Maxence Lacroix, who mastered the middle centre-back position at Crystal Palace.

Alonso’s system did have clear issues in the first half. Chelsea sat too deep, unable to get out of their half while struggling to press Sociedad. When they tried to, the distances to their opponents were too great to cover. The difference after the break was how high Chelsea played, making their press easier and putting pressure on Sociedad. The back three dominated the ball on the halfway line and Palestra and Neto forced the wingers back.

The formation remains a work in progress for now and Alonso has the flexibility within his squad to change to a four-man defence should he want to, but even when he made a flurry of substitutions in the second half, the back three remained.

Fernandez booed and cheered in bizarre reception

Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh:

Enzo Fernandez received a mixed reception in his appearance in pre-season less than 24 hours after Manchester City missed Chelsea’s self-imposed 5pm deadline to bid for the midfielder.

It is now expected Fernandez will stay at Chelsea for the 2026/27 season with Real Madrid having also been linked after the midfielder’s own admission in April that he would like to move to Madrid one day – comments that saw him dropped from the first team for two games.

Then, there were Argentina’s antics at the World Cup, in which Fernandez was involved, especially against England and Spain – the home countries of the two teams playing on Saturday.

That said, it’s hard to tell exactly who was booing and why. Was it the international connection? Or were some Chelsea fans disgruntled that he has been linked with direct rivals?

There were cheers for him as well and the booing decreased as the game went on. By the end, fans were chanting ‘Oh Enzo Fernandez’ more than anything.

What is true, though, is Fernandez remains key for Chelsea and is likely central to Alonso’s thinking. The best way he can truly get the Blues back onside is by performing on the pitch.

What’s next?

Chelsea’s Premier League campaign begins at Fulham in the first Monday Night Football of the season at 8pm on August 24, live on Sky Sports.

July 28: Chelsea 6-4 Western Sydney Wanderers – Sydney
August 1: Chelsea 1-2 Tottenham – Sydney
August 5: Chelsea 0-1 Juventus – Hong Kong
August 8: Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan – Jakarta
August 9: Johor Darul Ta’zim 3-3 Chelsea – Johor
August 15: Chelsea vs Real Sociedad – Stamford Bridge

MLB Schedule Today: How to Watch, TV, Streaming for Saturday’s Slate

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

There are 15 games on today’s MLB schedule. Four will air on FOX or FS1: Nationals at Mets nationally on FS1, followed by a regionalized FOX window featuring Red Sox at Pirates, Brewers at Dodgers and Diamondbacks at Braves. The Brewers, Dodgers and Braves enter the weekend with some of baseball’s strongest records, while Arizona and Boston are above .500. Viewers will receive one of the three FOX matchups based on their market and should check local listings. The FOX and FS1 coverage available in each market is streaming live and on demand on FOX One.

MLB Schedule for August 15 on FOX Networks

Nationals at Mets

Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
TV: FS1
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, New York

Washington enters at 60-64, while New York is 54-69. Nationals probable starter Brad Lord (5-2, 3.80 ERA) faces Mets probable starter Sean Manaea (4-5, 4.13 ERA).

Red Sox at Pirates

Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
TV: FOX (regionalized window; check local listings)
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Boston enters the weekend above .500 and in the American League postseason chase, while Pittsburgh is looking to gain ground after a difficult stretch. Red Sox probable starter Sonny Gray (14-3, 2.79 ERA) faces Pirates probable starter Jared Jones (2-4, 5.03 ERA).

Brewers at Dodgers

Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
TV: FOX (regionalized window; check local listings)
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
Venue: UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California

Milwaukee and Los Angeles bring two of baseball’s strongest records into a matchup between National League contenders. Brewers probable starter Jacob Misiorowski (11-5, 1.76 ERA) matches up with Dodgers probable starter Justin Wrobleski (11-4, 3.44 ERA).

Diamondbacks at Braves

Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
TV: FOX (regionalized window; check local listings)
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
Venue: Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta enters the weekend with one of baseball’s top records, while Arizona remains above .500 in a crowded National League race. Diamondbacks probable starter Eduardo Rodriguez (11-4, 2.70 ERA) faces Braves probable starter Grant Holmes (7-4, 3.47 ERA).

Other August 15 MLB Games

1:10 p.m. ET: White Sox at Tigers (Detroit SportsNet, Chicago Sports Network)
2:20 p.m. ET: Cardinals at Cubs (Marquee Sports, St. Louis Cardinals TV Network)
3:07 p.m. ET: Yankees at Blue Jays (Rogers SportsNet, YES TV – New York)
4:05 p.m. ET: Rockies at Giants (NBC Sports – Bay Area, Colorado Rockies)
6:10 p.m. ET: Orioles at Rays (Tampa Bay Rays TV Network, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network)
6:40 p.m. ET: Marlins at Reds (Cincinnati Reds TV Network, Miami Marlins TV Network)
7:10 p.m. ET: Padres at Guardians (San Diego Padres, CleGuardians.TV)
7:10 p.m. ET: Mariners at Astros (Space City Home Network, Seattle Mariners TV Network)
7:10 p.m. ET: Phillies at Twins (Twins.TV, NBC Sports – Philadelphia)
9:38 p.m. ET: Royals at Angels (Kansas City Royals TV Network, Angels Broadcast Television)
9:40 p.m. ET: Rangers at Athletics (RSN, NBC Sports – California)

Royals vs Dodgers Highlights | MLB on FOX

Check out the best moments between the Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

How to Watch MLB Games

FS1 carries Nationals at Mets nationally. FOX’s 7:15 p.m. ET window is regionalized, so viewers will receive Red Sox at Pirates, Brewers at Dodgers or Diamondbacks at Braves based on their market. Check local listings for the FOX game in your area. The FOX and FS1 coverage available in each market is streaming live and on demand on FOX One.

Ferran Torres: PSG sign World Cup final hero from Barcelona for £42.7m | Football News

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

PSG have completed the signing of Spain’s World Cup final hero Ferran Torres from Barcelona for £42.7m.

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Torres etched his name into the history books by scoring the only goal of the final in extra-time as Spain defeated Argentina.

The forward was a prime target for PSG, despite their other signings in this position which includes Maghnes Akliouche.

Image:
Spain’s Ferran Torres celebrates scoring their winning goal in the World Cup final

Torres will wear the No 9 shirt in Paris and has signed a deal until 2031.

In 207 matches for FC Barcelona, Torres netted 65 times, including in the Copa del Rey final victory against Real Madrid – one of six major honours he won in Spain.

The transfer potentially frees up some funds for Barcelona’s pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

City rejected a £55m bid from Barcelona for Rodri last week but the Catalan giants remain determined to sign him and are considering their next move as talks remain ongoing.

Edwin Diaz’s Struggles Raise Concern, Who’s Next Man Up For The Dodgers?

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Los Angeles Dodgers have continued another dominant run this season, but have recently been plagued by losing streaks and meltdowns on the pitching mound.

As the Dodgers entered Thursday’s ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers – with a two-run lead – reliever Edwin Diaz allowed three runs for a 5-4 loss. However, Diaz’s blown save was not the most recent. On Aug. 7 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he allowed a walk-off home run.

Thursday’s loss came with frustration from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who’s been weighing out the options moving forward.

“I can’t just say, ‘Change (Diaz) to low leverage,’” Roberts said following the loss. “I have to have other options, and to be quite honest, none of those guys really have thrown the baseball great. That’s just kind of the way it is.”

The back-to-back World Series champions have the most expensive roster in the MLB – which included signing Diaz in the offseason on a 3-year, $69 million deal. However, if the Dodgers want to ensure they finish the season strong ahead of a potential run for a third straight title, who are the other options that Roberts could utilize to get them there?

Some bullpen arms that come to mind are Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia. In 48 innings pitched this season, Scott has thrown 60 strikeouts, accumulated a 2.25 ERA and 12 runs allowed. Vesia has produced similar numbers, with 52 total strikeouts and 13 runs allowed in his 42 innings pitched.

Scott has been seen as the most reliable option, especially through his recent performances as a reliever. Scott’s 16 saves – especially filling for Diaz after he missed more than three months due to surgery on his right elbow – has shown Roberts that he’s reliable down the final pitches.

But Roberts seems to think that the pattern of struggling pitchers continues to show, which leaves him to question his approach to a new reliever.

Edwin Diaz missed three months earlier this season due to elbow surgery. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

“You look back at the last week, and guys have struggled,” Roberts said. “I’m not going to sit here and play carousel and chase my tail … when a guy is struggling, and then when he doesn’t pitch well, then it’s, ‘Why are you pitching him?’ I don’t do that. Everyone has got a role. They all have jobs to do, and they all have to do their job. That’s it.”

Diaz’s performance in his seven appearances on the mound has accumulated a 12.73 ERA, which has been costly for the Dodgers as postseason conversations loom.

“It’s frustrating, because I know my ability,” Diaz said. “I know what I can do on the mound. To not be able to do it (stinks). I’ve just got to come tomorrow and try to keep getting better.”

As the Dodgers host the NL-leading Brewers through the weekend, Roberts noted the significance of a strong bullpen, and revealed where the bullpen currently stands.

“I know people don’t want to hear it, but it’s baseball,” Roberts said. “Offenses go in lulls, and the bullpens go in lulls, and sometimes you get in a run where the starting pitching isn’t there. It is what happens, and it just doesn’t feel good. And it certainly is more highlighted when the ’pen doesn’t throw the baseball well, because it costs you games.”

Cristian Romero: Tottenham captain completes move to Atletico Madrid | Football News

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has completed his £34.2m move to Atletico Madrid.

Spurs retain a 15 per cent sell-on clause as part of the deal that has seen him pen a five-year deal.

Atletico have been long-term admirers of the Argentina international, and there was an expectation that Spurs would allow Romero to depart this summer if the right offer arrived.

The central defender was always believed to have preferred a move to Atletico, with Inter Milan and Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal among the other clubs to have been interested.

Romero’s Spurs deal was due to run until the summer of 2029.

The 28-year-old was sent off twice last season during Spurs’ Premier League relegation battle. He then missed the end of the campaign due to a knee injury.

Romero received criticism from supporters when he appeared to be set to watch his boyhood club Belgrano play River Plate in the Argentina Primera Division Apertura final instead of being at Tottenham’s crucial last game against Everton. However, he did ultimately attend the game.

In a post on Instagram, Romero bid farewell to the fans on Friday and said he had achieved his dream of leaving his name in the club’s history as the captain of the side that ended Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought.

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“Today, I say goodbye to a place that, for five seasons, was much more than a club. It was my home, my challenge and the place where my family and I built such an important part of our lives.

“I leave with a heart full of memories and enormous pride for everything we lived and achieved together.

“When I arrived, I had a clear dream: to leave my name in this club’s history. I knew the only way was through hard work, sacrifice and achieving something that had seemed so difficult for so long: lifting a trophy again. And we did it.

“The journey wasn’t perfect, but I don’t want that to define my goodbye. I choose to remember the happy moments, the lessons, the people who stood by me and, above all, the love I received during these five years.

“Thank you to everyone at the club who shared this journey with me. Coaches, team-mates, staff and every person working behind the scenes you are all part of my story and have a place in my heart.”

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Will Spurs fans miss Romero?

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Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge discusses Cristian Romero’s announcement that he will be leaving Tottenham Hotspur for Atletico Madrid and why this is the right time for his move

Sky Sports News’ Michael Bridge:

“No.

“Even announcing the move before the club have announced it, it’s Romero.

“On his day he was one of the best centre-backs in the world but those days came against Ecuador, Peru on international duty.

“There’s nothing wrong with being proud to play for your nation but there was too many times it was a chore playing for Spurs.

“He posted a few public comments about the board, which you can’t do. He was a key part of winning the Europa League but there was that final day saga about whether will he or won’t he watch his team try to avoid relegation.

“The time was right for him to move.”

‘Real Turning Point’: How Last Year’s NLCS Loss Shaped Jacob Misiorowski

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

LOS ANGELES — As a wide-eyed 23-year-old who took Major League Baseball by storm last summer, Jacob Misiorowski seemed in awe of his circumstances.

In his big-league debut against the Cardinals last June, the Missouri native watched Nolan Arenado step to the plate against him and almost couldn’t believe it, though Misiorowski did not let his new reality overwhelm him. He threw five scoreless innings in his first MLB start and was named an All-Star just five appearances into his big-league career, to the excitement of some and the indignation of others. The wonderstruck rookie looked spellbound watching Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman sign his All-Star jersey in Atlanta.

(Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

One year later, now the frontrunner for the National League Cy Young Award, no one can question Misiorowski’s place among the league’s elite as he continues what has been one of the most overpowering seasons from a starting pitcher in baseball history.

And yet, as he returns to Dodger Stadium to face Ohtani, Freeman and the Dodgers for the first time since pitching against the back-to-back champs in last year’s NLCS, the Milwaukee ace’s wide-eyed innocence remains. This all still feels a bit like a dream to Misiorowski.

“I don’t think it will ever get to a point where it’s just normal,” Misiorowski told me ahead of his start Saturday. “We’re at Dodger Stadium. This is sweet. As a little kid, I remember walking in when there wasn’t even a game and going up to the team store and seeing the stadium. It’s so cool to be down here.”

Misiorowski, however, never let his feelings of wonder and astonishment overtake him.

In his last start before the All-Star Game last July, he shook off a leadoff home run from Ohtani on an 0-2 curveball that caught too much of the plate to outduel Clayton Kershaw while striking out 12 Dodgers batters in a 3-1 Brewers win. He followed that performance up with a scoreless inning of relief at the All-Star Game.

But growing pains loomed, as they do with every young pitcher. The Brewers monitored Misiorowski’s usage down the stretch, and his performances became inconsistent. Long at-bats and free passes led to high pitch counts and early removals. He had an ERA over 5.00 in the second half, and he was used as a bulk reliever in the postseason.

And he starred in the role.

Misiorowski finished his first postseason with a 1.50 ERA in 12 playoff innings. In his final outing of the 2025 playoffs, MIsiorowski gave up just two runs (one earned) while striking out nine batters over five innings in Game 3 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium. In his final appearance against Ohtani, he sent the MVP back to the dugout swinging.

“To be able to do that on a huge stage against the World Series champions has got to build confidence for him,” Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold told me. “To be able to say, ‘Hey, I was able to survive at the highest level against the best competition,’ it’s got to be a huge boost for him moving forward.”

(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Though Misiorowski ultimately suffered the loss in that game as the Brewers’ overmatched offense put up just one run in defeat, his individual performance did indeed have lasting effects.

“That was the real turning point last year,” Misiorowski told me. “I went through the struggles at the end of the year, and really was trying to battle through it. Then, postseason rolled around, had the success and kind of brought it into this year, still on that momentum.”

As Misiorowski returns to Los Angeles this weekend to face the Dodgers for the first time since last year’s playoffs, he does so with a different pedigree.

He is no longer just a hard thrower with promise.

“It’s a fair take that he’s probably the best pitcher in baseball,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “He’s going to get his strikeouts. He’s incredibly talented. I think you just got to kind of fight, get the pitch count up. I don’t know if there’s much of a lesson to be learned [from facing him last year]. I really don’t, because how he threw that night is going to be different.”

Misiorowski’s maturity this season is both physical and mental.

He told me that he put on nearly 30 pounds from the end of last season to the start of this year, focusing primarily on adding more lower-body strength to prepare for the long haul of an MLB season. He has cut his walk rate nearly in half from last season and believes he is better now at reading swings and understanding why his catchers will call for certain pitches in certain spots. In addition to adding another tick of velocity to what was already one of the hardest fastballs in the game, Misiorowski also now has a separate cutter to combat lefties and a slider for righties.

“He’s trying to be the best pitcher in the league,” Brewers catcher William Contreras told me. “He’s more mature. He’s thinking more like a pitcher and not just wanting to throw hard.”

The result? Misiorowski leads all qualified starters in ERA, strikeouts, WHIP and opponents’ batting average, among a litany of categories, as he gets set to pitch at Dodger Stadium on Saturday for the first time since last year’s NLCS.

Misiorowski believes the familiarity with the mound and the backdrop will be beneficial, even if the pressure, stakes and atmosphere won’t be quite the same as his last appearance at the venue.

And when he sees Ohtani again, don’t expect another hanging curve.

Get ready for gas.

“He knows what I’m going to do,” said Misiorowski, who’s averaging 100.6 mph on his four-seamer. “I’m going to throw a heater. Good luck. Here it is.”

MLB Related Stories

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Deauville, Doncaster, Lingfield, Newbury and Ripon | Racing News

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

We have a busy day’s racing on Saturday with flat action from Deauville, Doncaster, Lingfield, Newbury and Ripon, live on Sky Sports Racing…

3.10 Newbury – Group Two Hungerford Stakes – Never So Brave and Coppull head competitive feature

Never So Brave and Coppull head a very competitive feature Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes at Newbury this afternoon.

Never So Brave holds the strongest form, having enjoyed a fruitful campaign last year, with wins in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Summer Mile and then topped off his season with success in the City Of York. Andrew Balding’s gelding is nought from four this year but has been keeping good company and far from disgraced himself in the Sussex Stakes last time out. Bold bid expected.

Coppull is still lightly raced and produced a career best last time out in the July Cup where he came home strongly to finish a narrowly beaten fourth of 11. He steps up to seven-furlongs for the first time today and there could yet be more to come.

Like Coppull, Symbol Of Honour is stepping up in trip and hasn’t been seen over this trip since his first start as a three-year-old. He has a fine record at Newbury, winning here on both starts and most notably last time out in the Group Three Hackwood Stakes.

William Haggas sends Extremely Zain went into the International Handicap at Ascot unbeaten and was a short-priced favourite to continue his winning sequence, however he could only manage fourth. He remains very unexposed and could take another step forward here.

1.25 Newbury- Group Three Geoffrey Freer Stakes – Dubai Honour returns to take on five rivals

Dubai Honour takes on five rivals as he returns in our opening race at Newbury today, the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Geoffrey Freer Stakes.

This gelding is a credit to William Haggas and connections having won 12 races from 37 starts, winning four Group Ones and accruing over £5 million in earnings. We last saw him back in April when he finished a credible fourth in the Group One Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.

Mount Atlas and Tabletalk represent worthy adversaries and are set to clash for a fourth time. Mount Atlas, has got the better of his old foe on two of the three occasions that they’ve bumped heads but is three pounds worse off at the weights here having outbattled Tabletalk in a gripping finish to the John Smith’s Silver Cup.

Gamrai remains unexposed after being pipped to the Copper Horse Stakes at Royal Ascot. He has since been bought by Victorious Forever, duly switching yards to George Scott from John and Thady Gosden and there could be plenty of improvement left in the tank.

Rebel Rocket is the only three-year-old in the field and takes the step up in trip on his fourth start after last being seen finishing sixth in the Derby. He is of interest.

3.25 Ripon – Great St Wilfrid – Fast Track Harry, Lord Roxby and Dark Cloud Rising clash

Fast Track Harry, Lord Roxby and Dark Cloud Rising all clash in what looks to be a typically open renewal of the William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid Handicap.

Clive Cox sends just his second runner in the last five years to the ‘Garden Racecourse’ this afternoon and could have a winning chance with Fast Track Harry who arrives here after a fine run behind Amazing Journey, who went on to win the International Handicap on King George Day. Having already won off of this mark of 95, he rates a danger to all.

Lord Roxby arrives here off the back of a course and distance success where he saw off the reopposing Dark Cloud Rising in convincing fashion. Both hold good claims here with the David O’Meara runner four-pounds better off at the weights, with a win over the track and trip of his own, and bids for a fourth win in the coveted contest for his handler.

Best of the rest

12.45 Deauville – Group Two Prix Alec Head – Rabbit’s Foot returns having not been seen since June where she beat recent Group One scorer Tiffany.

1.33 Deauville – Group Two Prix Guillaume d’Ornano – Daryzan and Montreal lock horns in a fascinating affair.

1.45 Ripon – Restricted Class Two novice, £15,462 to the winner.

2.35 Newbury – Unexposed Scoville dropped two-pounds in valuable race.

2.55 Ripon – Go Vince Go and Educating Rita clash in the Silver Cup.

3.25 Deauville – Group Three Prix de Lieurey – Narissa, The Prettiest Star and Esna all feature.

3.42 Newbury – Arabian Force, Sea The Casper and Golden Story’s half-brother debuts.

3.55 Ripon – Ralph Beckett sends hat-trick seeker Swiped.

4.00 Deauville – Group Three Prix Gontaut-Biron – Leffard and Cualificar take on the likes of Map Of Stars, Wimbledon Hawkeye and First Look.

10.06 Saratoga – Grade One Christophe Clement Turf Stakes – Ancient Egypt and Survie clash.

2026 NFL Preseason Odds Week 1: Lines, Spreads For All 16 Games

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

It’s almost impossible to accurately wager on the NFL preseason, considering fans have no idea which players will take the field.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a try.

Here are the lines for every preseason Week 1 matchup at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Aug. 14.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

THURSDAY, AUG. 13

Packers 9, Steelers 28

Spread: Packers -2.5 (PIT covers)
O/U: 40.5 (Under hits)

Lions 14, Bengals 16

Spread: Bengals -7 (DET covers)
O/U: 37.5 (Under hits)

Colts 13, Patriots 13

Spread: Colts -3 (NE covers)
O/U: 37.5 (Under hits)

Chargers 27, Texans 7

Spread: Chargers -1.5 (LAC covers)
O/U: 36.5 (Under hits)

Cardinals 27, Raiders 14

Spread: Raiders -2.5 (ARI covers)
O/U: 42.5 (Under hits)

Titans 19, 49ers 13

Spread: Titans -6 (SF covers)
O/U: 39.5 (Under hits)

FRIDAY, AUG. 14

Broncos 27, Falcons 7

Spread: Broncos -3.5 (DEN covers)
O/U: 40.5 (Under hits)

Buccaneers 24, Jets 16

Spread: Jets -5.5 (TB covers)
O/U: 35.5 (Over hits)

Dolphins 7, Commanders 20

Spread: Dolphins -3.5 (WSH covers)
O/U: 35.5 (Under hits)

SATURDAY, AUG. 15

Browns @ Bears

Spread: Browns -3
Moneyline: Browns -180, Bears +150
O/U: 40.5

Vikings @ Giants

Spread: Vikings -2.5
Moneyline: Vikings -135, Giants +114
O/U: 42.5

Panthers @ Bills

Spread: Bills -2.5
Moneyline: Bills -155, Bills +130
O/U: 38.5

Rams @ Chiefs

Spread: Chiefs -2.5
Moneyline: Chiefs -130, Rams +110
O/U: 35.5

Jaguars @ Saints

Spread: Saints -2.5
Moneyline: Saints -130, Jaguars +110
O/U: 35.5

Eagles @ Ravens

Spread: Eagles -3.5
Moneyline: Eagles -180, Ravens +150
O/U: 36.5

Cowboys @ Seahawks

Spread: Seahawks -3
Moneyline: Seahawks -148, Cowboys +124
O/U: 37.5

European Athletics Championship: Keely Hodgkinson forced to settle for silver as Audrey Werro wins women’s 800m gold | Athletics News

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Swiss favourite Audrey Werro holds off Keely Hodgkinson to clinch women’s 800m gold at European Athletics Championship in Birmingham; result ended British Olympic champion Hodgkinson’s hopes of a hat-trick of European 800m victories, having clinched gold in Munich 2022 and Rome 2024

Last Updated: 14/08/26 10:30pm

Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson was denied a hat-trick of European 800m golds

Keely Hodgkinson came up just short of a coveted European 800m title hat-trick after Swiss favourite Audrey Werro won their hotly-anticipated showdown in Birmingham as the British Olympic champion settled for silver.

Hodgkinson started quicker but was overtaken by Werro on the back straight and the latter was never overtaken after the first 200m.

Double-defending champion Hodgkinson was just behind as they rounded the final bend, but Werro would not be caught and crossed the finish in a championship record 1:54.81.

Werro, Hodgkinson and Femke Broeders-Bol finished first, second and third in the highly-anticipated 800m final

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Hodgkinson claimed silver in 1:55.01 and the Netherlands’ Femke-Broeders Bol took bronze in a national record 1:55.54.

After losing her title, Hodgkinson said: “Mixed emotions. With that level of competition, any medal is an achievement.

“I thought I was going to win. I didn’t do anything wrong, just one of those things.

“I’ve had a pretty good day today, just didn’t go the way that I wanted.

“There were so many different ways that could have played out and we’d figure it out after the first 100m. Audrey wanted to take it on and with that wind I was happy to let her. We’re all really great athletes so I knew it was going to be close. I’m looking forward to the next match-up.

“I’ve said all year it’s really motivating to be in such a competitive event. I love it, it brings out the best in me. Championship racing, that’s what it’s all about, you don’t know how it’s going to go and some people can have a good day or a bad day. I had a pretty good day today but it just didn’t go how I wanted it to.”

The world record remains the longest-standing record in athletics set in 1983 by Jarmila Kratochvilova’s with a time of 1:53.28 seconds.

While the world record wasn’t troubled, Werro’s time of 1:54.81 did break the championship record set by Olga Mineyeva in 1982.

Hodgkinson’s silver medal is Britain’s 10th medal in five days on home soil. Earlier on Friday, Zharnel Hughes claimed silver in the men’s 200m.

2026 NFL Bold Predictions: Why Caleb Williams Will Win MVP And More Picks

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Chicago Bears haven’t had an MVP winner in nearly 50 years, but maybe 2026 will be the season that they’ll have someone crowned as the year’s top player.

On a recent edition of “The Herd,” FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd gave five bold predictions for the upcoming season, including who he thinks will win MVP. He also made bold projections on a pair of playoff teams from last season finishing outside the postseason picture, along with a star quarterback finally breaking through in the playoffs.

Here are Cowherd’s five bold predictions for the 2026 NFL season.

Cowherd first addressed the Philadelphia Eagles and Jalen Hurts, who will lead the offense without a big target from years prior.

Despite concerns about the offense adapting without wide receiver A.J. Brown as the focal point, Cowherd believes Hurts will not only succeed, but surpass his previous level with Brown by spreading the ball around.

“If you go back to last season, when he didn’t target A.J. Brown, he completed 71% of his throws, 18 touchdowns, and three picks,” Cowherd said. “Over the last two years, when he targeted A.J. Brown, when A.J. Brown had eight or more targets, the Eagles were 9-6. When he wasn’t a focus of the game plan, and he had fewer than seven or fewer targets last two years, 13-0.

“This is Dez Bryant to Dak [Prescott]. Jalen Hurts will flourish despite losing a great number one receiver.”

In the AFC West, Cowherd projected a postseason run for Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, citing improved offensive line play as the primary factor.

“The last two years in the playoffs, he went in with the 30th offensive line and the 21st,” Cowherd said. “This appears to be the first offensive line. Remember, he has been hit, sacked, and rushed more than any quarterback in the sport since he entered the league in 2020.”

Cowherd added that frontline health and coaching continuity will unlock Herbert’s postseason potential.

“They have three new features, both tackles back. This will be his best offensive line, in my opinion, his best offensive coordinator. At least two playoff wins, and I right now this morning think they could be a co-favorite to get to the AFC Championship.”

Packers Finish Last In NFC North

In the NFC North, Cowherd predicted a shift in standings, projecting the Green Bay Packers to finish in fourth place in a competitive division.

“First of all, Ben Johnson is in Year 2 [as the Chicago Bears’ head coach]. Kyler Murray, I think, is going to be a hit [for the Minnesota Vikings], and Detroit to me easily has the best entire roster [in the division],” Cowherd said. “This is not the same NFC North the Packers dominated. All four teams had winning records last year.”

Cowherd highlighted Green Bay’s defensive struggles down the stretch last season once edge rusher Micah Parsons got hurt.

“The Packers, without Micah last year, went 0-5 and allowed 29 points a game. He’s not going to be playing, we presume, until October. Packers may be the best fourth-place team in the NFL by a long shot. They finish last.”

Broncos Will Miss The Postseason

Cowherd also projected that the Denver Broncos will miss the postseason after appearing in the AFC Championship last year. After a season heavily reliant on winning tight contests, Cowherd expects regression for Sean Payton’s team as rival AFC contenders improve.

“NFL-best 11-2 in one-score games. I mean that’s not going to happen again,” Cowherd said. “They also trailed in 15 games. Bo Nix is coming off two surgeries on his right ankle.”

Cowherd explained that rival roster upgrades across the AFC, coupled with new offensive coordinator Davis Webb, will make a repeat postseason berth difficult.

“They have a new play caller, and remember the Ravens, the Bengals, the Chiefs, the Chargers are all going to be better in the AFC,” Cowherd said. “I think that we all know that if [Joe] Burrow’s upright, Cincinnati’s going to be a better team. I mean, Herbert’s got his best offensive line and his best offensive coordinator.

“You can’t go 11-2 in one-score games and not regress. I think Denver’s good. I think they have a special coach and special players. I think they’re going to narrowly miss the playoffs.”

Finally, Cowherd backed Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams to win the Most Valuable Player award, comparing his outlook in a second-year system to previous breakout seasons under head coach Ben Johnson.

“First of all, he’s got the seventh-best odds currently,” Cowherd said. “Second year in Ben Johnson’s offense. Go look at Jared Goff’s second year in Ben Johnson’s offense, and he’s not nearly the athlete. Jared Goff popped in year two. He literally has the lowest interception percentage in league history — [he’s thrown] 13 in 34 career starts, and this is the beginning of it. He’ll probably throw fewer as a veteran quarterback, second in the NFL in big plays.”

Cowherd added that Chicago’s offensive talent gives Williams an ideal supporting cast.

“He also has tremendous offensive weapons,” Cowherd said. “A lot of people thought they should draft an edge. They went and got another good tight end. They’ve got three receivers I like. They’ve got two running backs. I worry a little bit about left tackle, but Caleb also has the ability, as you’re watching, he doesn’t just make plays; he makes spectacular plays.

“It’ll be easy to root for a guy who’s not a stat patter, who’s in a great division. He’s winning close games. He’s winning them with dramatic plays late. That’s the kind of story the media likes.”

Colin Cowherd’s 5 Bold Predictions: Justin Herbert wins multiple playoff games, Broncos miss playoffs, Maxx Crosby’s future | The Herd

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal manager says he will sign new contract after entering the last year of his current deal | Football News

August 15, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Mikel Arteta has revealed he will sign a new Arsenal contract and there is no need for fans to be worried about his future.

Arteta has entered the final year of his contract with the Premier League champions – despite co-chairman Josh Kroenke saying in May that a new deal was an “upmost priority” of the club.

But Arteta says he and the club will come together to “resolve” a contract extension in “an organic way” – because he is happy at the club, and his bosses appear happy with him.

“They [the fans] don’t have to worry about any of that because I want to be here, I’m extremely happy and I feel very grateful to work with the people I work with,” said Arteta about his contract talks.

“When we have the possibility, we will resolve that. That’s it.

“Everybody feels comfortable that the timing of the contract is not going to be an issue because my will certainly is to be here and I’m very happy here. My feeling from the club is the same one. That’s why everyone is doing things in a very organic way.”

Does Arteta have enough attacking firepower this season?

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Arteta says the transfer window still offers an opportunity to evolve and does not rule out players joining or leaving the club

Arteta also addressed questions about whether his team have enough firepower this season to reclaim the Premier League title – and win the other competitions as well.

Despite winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final, Arteta’s Arsenal were accused of not being too attacking last term – although there was praise for their defensive solidity.

Arsenal have added Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis to their midfield and attack this season – having sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas.

Apart from that, the Gunners have mostly the same midfielders and forwards that ended last season – despite showing an interest in Vinicius Junior, Julian Alvarez and Bradley Barcola in the attacking areas.

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Sky Sports News’ James Savundra takes a closer look at the numbers of Arsenal target Victor Osimhen

Asked if he has enough attacking quality up front at the moment, Arteta replied: “If they are fit, yes.

“But when you look last year at the amount of days, games, months that we missed a lot of our important players and players with a lot of goal threat, the manner that we sustained to have the season that we had, I think is remarkable.

“It talks about the team playing and conducting, and I think it’s something that the team deserves credit for.

“We’re going to prefer to elevate our level, for sure, expecting that the rest will do the same, because that’s traditionally what happened in the league in the last few years. And that’s what we have planned this season, and we want to evolve it.

“I have to prepare a team that is capable of winning in whatever the context is: because we’re not good enough on the day, because the opponent is so good, because the differences in games. That’s my job, that’s how I will prepare the team.”

Unfinished Business: Markham Practice Postponed As Crews Work To Finish Course

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Markham, Ontario — INDYCAR’s first visit to the Toronto suburb of Markham was delayed, as course workers needed more time to construct the track.

Support series were scheduled to get on the 2.19-mile track at 9 a.m. ET Friday and INDYCAR drivers were scheduled to get their first taste of the 12-turn track at 3 p.m.

Neither of those scheduled times was met and after several delays, INDYCAR scrapped the entire day at 5:30 p.m.

Unfinished business in Markham as crews scramble to get the track ready for Saturday.

INDYCAR will add a practice to the schedule for Saturday at 10 a.m., another practice at 2:30 p.m. (when qualifying was originally scheduled), followed by qualifying at 6:30 p.m.

“INDYCAR is incredibly disappointed that our promoter was not able to complete the track build on time, despite significant support from our team on site,” INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said in a statement.

“Ontario has always been a magnificent market for our sport and the number of spectators that attended today is a shining example of that. New events can always pose logistical challenges and we join in the frustration of our loyal fans and apologize.”

Drivers were hopeful to get on track on Friday but knew it was going to be a scramble.

“I wouldn’t say I’m nervous or anything like that,” Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin told me and other reporters on Friday morning. “I’m excited. It looks like an awesome layout.

“Once it’s done, it’s going to be wicked.”

It was apparent as teams loaded in on Thursday that there could be issues.

The track walk for teams was postponed until Friday morning. While significant progress was made overnight, persistent issues in some turns (apparently with tire barriers) remained and the track was never approved by the FIA representative.

Drivers were itching to get on the track. All the streets had been repaved, meaning there is only one type of asphalt for the entire course. Typically, street courses are a mix of asphalt used on the various roads that have been repaved at different times.

“We’re not missing much, but it’s a bit of a pain that we make it all the way here and it’s not ready,” INDYCAR points leader Alex Palou told me and other reporters Friday morning. “Markham has done an incredible job with the investment, with the layout and everything.

Alex Palou noted that it was “a pain” that the course wasn’t completed for Friday practice.

“But they need to complete the track. I’m excited [because] so far it looks incredible. The tarmac being brand new. That’s something we don’t have. We’ve never hard it on a street course. There’s some overtaking spots. It’s super wide at some areas, narrow at some others.”

This is the first race at Markham after 40 years in Toronto at Exhibition Place. That area has been a challenge in recent years because of construction and then it was not available this summer because of the World Cup.

With those insurmountable hurdles, last year, Toronto race promoter Green Savoree made a five-year deal with the City of Markham, which is about 25 minutes from Toronto, to have the INDYCAR race.

“It is what it is,” Will Power noted about the delay in Markham.

Track build woes and delays at new street courses are not unprecedented but certainly put a damper the city’s debut.

“I guess they’re about a day behind, but it is what it is,” Andretti Global driver Will Power told me and other reporters.

“It’s a very nice track. Very, very nice, probably the nicest street course we’re going to go to.”

Wolves 2 – 2 Blackburn

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Raul Jimenez scored a stoppage-time equaliser from the penalty spot on his return to Molineux to salvage a 2-2 draw for Wolves against Blackburn.

Wolves took the lead through Marshall Munetsi when Fer Lopez threaded the ball through for him to finish neatly beyond Balazs Hoth. But Blackburn scored a deserved equaliser when Sean McLoughlin nodded in from Ryoya Morishita’s right-wing cross.

And Rovers stunned most of the 30,984 inside Molineux when Andri Gudjohnsen converted from close range early in the second half. Wolves turned to returning hero Jimenez off the bench but there was very little sign of them finding an equaliser.

That changed when Jackson Tchatchoua’s left-wing cross struck the hand of the otherwise excellent Ryan Alebiosu just inside the box and the referee awarded a penalty. Jimenez held his nerve to snatch a point for Cesar Peixoto’s Wolves side.

It was barely deserved. Tony Mowbray’s Blackburn, unfancied going into the campaign before a ball was kicked, could not hold on for the victory but did exceed expectations. Wolves will need to improve significantly if they are to come close to satisfying theirs.

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Marshall Munetsi slotted home Wolves’ opening goal against Blackburn

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Sean McLoughlin’s first goal in English football levelled the game for Blackburn

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Andri Gudjohnsen silenced Molineux as Blackburn Rovers took the lead over Wolves

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Blackburn Rovers concede a penalty in stoppage-time and Raul Jimenez converts

Key moments at Molineux

18 – GOAL! Munetsi opens the scoring for Wolves

28 – GOAL! McLoughlin nods Blackburn level

49 – GOAL! Gudjohnsen slots Blackburn ahead

60 – SUB! Cometh the hour? Jimenez is introduced

90+3 – GOAL! Jimenez converts a penalty to equalise

Jimenez: We need to learn from this

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Raul Jimenez scores Wolves’ equaliser against Blackburn from the penalty spot

Wolves hero Raul Jimenez speaking to Sky Sports:

“It’s amazing to be back, scoring in the first game of the season. It’s not the result we were looking for in our first home game of the new season, so we need to learn from this. All the games are going to be difficult here, no matter who we play against.

“We need to keep going, it’s just the start. I’m going to keep working and going forward to keep improving with the team, to hopefully earn many points and score a lot of goals.”

On giving out free ‘Si Senor’ scarves to the Wolves supporters in the Sir Jack Hayward Stand:

“It’s nice to give them back some love that they were showing me for the past eight years, even when I wasn’t here at the club. I felt the big love they had for me, so it’s the least I could do.”

What the result means and next fixtures…

Former NFL Lineman Jared Odrick Finding ‘New Purpose’ In Racing

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Markham, Ontario — Jared Odrick is about 50 pounds lighter than when he was playing in the NFL at around 300-315 pounds.

But the 38-year-old still stands at 6-foot-5. And for a man that tall who weighs about 250 pounds, getting into a race car can be tough.

In fact, when he was in Las Vegas several years ago and attended a racing experience, he could only fit into a GT3 Porsche. But it was that trip that helped fuel his love of fast cars.

He later bought a 901.1 Porsche Cup so that he could compete in SCAA amateur racing about four years ago.

During his NFL career, Jared Odrick played for the Dolphins and Jaguars.

Odrick has progressed to a successful racer in TransAm and will make his second career NASCAR Canada Series start on Saturday on the streets of Markham, where INDYCAR is the headliner this weekend.

“We had to move the footbox back a few inches,” Odrick said during a virtual news conference earlier this week. “The seat was good. The height was good. But just the length for the legs had to be adjusted. … Sliding through the window is kind of difficult.

“I have a former football injury where I tore my labrum in my right shoulder, so I have some scar tissue there. But I also have a little bit of extra flexibility that I might not be able to have unless I had that happen that allowed me to get into the car.”

Having played seven years in the NFL where he totaled 170 tackles (135 solo) for the Miami Dolphins and the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 2010 first-round pick from Penn State finished 22nd in his series debut last week at Trois-Rivieres.

He was running well until getting collected in a wreck.

“The competition was high, but we were so happy to see how competitive we were in a racing situation and how good the car was late in the race,” Odrick said.

Odrick would love to race Cup one day but he isn’t focused on it. Currently driving for BC Race Cars in NASCAR’s stock car series in Canada, he just wants to keep competing no matter the series, whether it’s in NASCAR’s international series or in any national series.

He does feel he could compete on any level if given the time to properly train and prepare with a team. He has competed against some of the top NASCAR prospects on road courses.

“Everybody says they want to get to Cup, especially with the young drivers I’m driving against in TransAm,” Odrick said. “Sometimes when you’re competing against 15-, 16-year-old kids — whether it’s the Tristan McKees, Thomas Annunziatas and Brent Crews and stuff like that — sometimes you look and feel silly that your goals and aspirations are the same as a 16-year-old kid who hasn’t got a chance or is trying to actively prove themselves as a man.

“Then you sit there. ‘Did I not do that with the NFL?’”

With a home in Toronto near the clinic and a doctor who has treated him throughout his athletic career, Odrick said he wants to show he can switch to another sport.

“I don’t miss playing the game,” Odrick said about football. “It’s a young man’s game, and I think if I missed it at 38 years old, I’d be doing something wrong. … Racing definitely has given my life new meaning, new purpose.

“And it feels like a lot of the discipline that I missed as a young 20-something professional football player, I’m definitely thinking about a lot.”

Ben Stokes’ Durham reach One Day Cup semi-finals with Rocky Flintoff unable to repeat hundred heroics for Lancashire | Cricket News

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

A Durham side featuring Ben Stokes thrashed Lancashire by 162 runs to reach the One Day Cup semi-finals with Rocky Flintoff unable to repeat his hundred heroics from earlier in the week.

Flintoff, the 18-year-old son of England great Andrew Flintoff, cracked a 65-ball century for Lancashire against Somerset in the final round of group games on Tuesday as he registered his first senior professional ton.

However, the teenager was out for 22 from 39 balls versus Durham at Emirates Old Trafford – one of four wickets taken by Afghan leg-spinner Shafiqullah Ghafari – as Lancashire were bundled out for 187 chasing 350 for victory.

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Take a look as Rocky Flintoff, son of former England captain Andrew, hit his maiden senior professional century for Lancashire against Somerset with 123 off 76 balls

Quiet day for Stokes but Durham hammer Lancashire

Former England captain Stokes took one wicket, that of opening batter Harry Singh for 11, as he returned figures of 1-32 from four overs after earlier hitting one six in a knock of 11 from nine balls in Durham’s 349-8 in Manchester.

Durham – who will now face Middlesex in a semi-final at Radlett on Sunday – saw David Bedingham strike 104 from 89 balls and Ollie Robinson make 76 from 57 deliveries.

The pair shared a fourth-wicket stand of 149 before Robinson’s dismissal brought Stokes to the crease.

In reply, only 17-year-old Joe Moores (51 off 42), who stitched a 59-run stand with Flintoff, made a score of note.

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Lancashire lost four wickets for 17 runs from 142-4 once Flintoff was dismissed, with Moores eighth out as the hosts were rolled in 36.1 overs.

Notts advance after horror start to run chase

In the other quarter-final, Notts Outlaws recovered from 1-3 inside three overs to complete a chase of 274 against Yorkshire by three wickets with eight balls to spare in York.

Notts’ reward is a semi-final away to fellow Midlanders Leicestershire Foxes on Sunday.

One Day Cup semi-finals

Both games 11am UK on Sunday August 16

Leicestershire vs Notts Outlaws (Uptonsteel Grace Road, Leicester)

Middlesex vs Durham (Brunton Memorial Ground, Radlett)

The Outlaws were reeling as Ben Coad (5-52) and Lewis Hill (1-60) removed Ben Martindale (1), Freddy McCann (0) and captain Haseeb Hameed (0) early on, before Kyle Verreynne (105 off 123) and Jack Haynes (116no off 99) hit hundreds.

Verreynne put on 54 with George Munsey (25 off 28) for the fourth wicket and then 154 with Haynes, although Verreynne’s dismissal in the 41st over with 65 runs needed triggered a wobble of three wickets for four runs as Farhan Ahmed (2) and Olly Stone (0) fell to Coad, leaving Notts tottering on 213-7.

Haynes, though, found excellent support in No 9 Dillon Pennington (22no off 18), who cuffed the winning four having earlier taken 4-49 with his seam bowling, including Yorkshire top-scorer Will Bennison (91), in the hosts’ 273-9.

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2026 NFL Odds: Back Murray, Flores To Reverse Vikings’ Fortune

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The NFL season is underway … sort of.

This weekend, every team will have played at least one preseason game. So, with the regular season still a month away, let’s take a look at one of the more fascinating divisions in the league, the NFC North.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Can Vikings Win NFC North?

The Lions are the favorite to win it at +170, despite finishing in last place in 2025. The Packers were one of the best teams in football for much of last season, and are +225 to win the division this year. However, a second-half collapse and an injury to star linebacker Micah Parsons took a 9-3-1 start, and turned it into the seventh seed in the NFC and a wild-card loss to the Bears.

Those same Bears won the NFC North for the first time since 2018, and are +305 to repeat as division champs.

The team with the longest odds on the board is the one I like to win — the Minnesota Vikings at +510 (a $10 bet pays $51). Two years ago, the Vikings were 14-2 entering the final game of the season against the Lions, and the winner of that game would determine not only the division winner but the top-seed in the NFC. The Vikings were defeated soundly that night, as well as the following week in the playoffs against Rams.

The Vikings then saw quarterback Sam Darnold leave in free agency, and the team missed the playoffs in 2025.

But a major reason for optimism in 2026 is the quarterback play the Vikings got a year ago — between J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer — was near the bottom of the league and the team still managed to go 9-8. With the addition of the polarizing-but-talented Kyler Murray at QB, there is hope that 2026 could be similar to 2024.

The Vikings have perhaps the most respected defensive coordinator in the NFL, as Brian Flores has led the Vikings to top-seven finishes in points allowed the last two seasons, and his unit finished third in yards allowed in 2025.

The Bears won this division last year, but were +22 in turnovers and are a likely candidate for regression in 2026. The Vikings have what should be another very solid defense, an outstanding group of skill players, and again, a major upgrade at QB. They also avoid the Seahawks and Rams on the schedule, and take on the Packers in Week 1, well before Parsons can return.

At +510 odds, I think the Vikings could be a surprise team in the NFC North in 2026.

Hill’s Pick: Vikings to Win NFC North (+510)

Rangers boss Derek McInnes ‘doing the best he can’ despite poor start, says former midfielder Andy Halliday | Football News

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

“Derek McInnes is doing the best that he possibly can with what’s at his disposal to try and get results.”

Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday has defended the new Gers manager amid his winless start at Ibrox, accusing the club’s hierarchy of “gross mismanagement”.

The pressure has increased on McInnes and his players after they extended their winless run to four games, crashing out of the Europa League to Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok.

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McInnes reflected on a disappointing result in the Europa League

But Halliday, who spent five seasons at Ibrox, does not think the blame lies with the manager.

“He’s trying to find a formula, he’s trying to find a solution, he’s trying to find players that he trusts. Whether that’s personnel or whether that’s shape and he’s really scratching the surface,” he told Sky Sports News.

“You look at the balance of the squad and there’s a real lack of pace, a real lack of creativity, no one that can dictate the tempo of a game.

“Derek McInnes is doing the best that he possibly can with what’s at his disposal to try and get results. At this moment in time, he’s not found that solution.”

Rangers have made nine new signings this summer, while a deal for £6.5m for PSV winger Couhaib Driouech was called off after an injury was picked up during his medical.

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Rangers pulled out of a deal for Couhaib Driouech due to an injury

While fans have raised concerns about player recruitment, chairman Andrew Cavenagh defended the work in that department at a shareholder Q&A, adding he believes the squad is better than it was 12 months ago.

But despite that, Halliday believes the issues are continuing to come from the top.

“A gross level of mismanagement,” he added when asked about the club’s incoming players.

“If you’ve signed 27 players in the space of 12 months, then you’ve got so many decisions wrong.

“It is quite incredible that we’ve allowed this to take place. Only one left-back in the door, three centre-halves, only two wingers, a whole host of central-midfield players that all kind of fit the same profile.

“So they’re right in saying they still need more players, but it has to be players that are an immediate upgrade on what they currently have, or it’s obviously going to be a long season.

“They need an upgrade, and I think it’s hard to say they’ve done that.”

How to Watch 2026 INDYCAR Markham: Start Time, TV Channel, Streaming, Schedule

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The 2026 INDYCAR season heads to Canada for the inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham. The race airs Sunday, Aug. 16 on FOX and FOX One, with practice and qualifying coverage beginning Friday on FOX Sports networks.

Alex Palou enters the new street-course event after winning the OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland on Aug. 9. Here is how to watch the 2026 INDYCAR race at Markham, including the start time, TV channel, streaming information and complete weekend schedule.

How to Watch the 2026 INDYCAR Race at Markham

Date: Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Time: Noon ET
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One
Location: Streets of Markham, Markham, Ontario, Canada

FOX coverage begins at noon ET, with the race scheduled to start at 12:22 p.m. ET. Broadcast times are subject to change.

2026 INDYCAR Markham Weekend Schedule

All times Eastern.

Friday, Aug. 14

Practice 1: 3 p.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)

Saturday, Aug. 15

Practice 2: 10 a.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
Qualifying: 2:25 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)

Sunday, Aug. 16

Warmup: 8:30 a.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham: Noon ET (FOX, FOX One)

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

Where Is the 2026 INDYCAR Race at Markham?

The race takes place on the new Streets of Markham circuit in downtown Markham, Ontario. Markham is located north of Toronto and becomes the new home of INDYCAR’s annual Ontario event in 2026.

The temporary street circuit is 2.19 miles long and features 12 turns, a double-sided pit lane, fast straightaways and technical sections. The inaugural race is scheduled for 90 laps and 197.1 miles.

Is This the First INDYCAR Race at Markham?

Yes. The 2026 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham is the first INDYCAR race held on the Streets of Markham. The event continues the series’ long-running Ontario tradition after 39 races at Exhibition Place in Toronto.

Pato O’Ward won the final race on the Toronto street circuit in 2025. Because the Markham layout is new, there is no defending winner at this track.

Who Won the Most Recent INDYCAR Race?

Palou won the OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland on Aug. 9. Watch the full highlights from the most recent NTT INDYCAR SERIES race below.

NTT INDYCAR SERIES: OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland Highlights 🏁 INDYCAR on FOX

Check out the best moments from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES: OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland with commentary from Will Buxton, Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe!

How Can I Stream INDYCAR at Markham?

Fans can stream the race, practices, qualifying and warmup live and watch three days free on FOX One.

Follow the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham on FOX Sports for race information and results.
The 2026 INDYCAR season resumes at Portland International Raceway for the OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland. The road-course race airs Sunday, Aug. 9 on FOX and FOX One, with practice and qualifying coverage beginning Friday on FS1 and FOX One.

Weekend Winners: Rayif fancied to take Prix Jacques Le Marois prize at Deauville | Racing News

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

On the latest episode of Weekend Winners, the panel took an in-depth look into Sunday’s Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques Le Marois from Deauville.

Despite defeat at the hands of Blue Bolt last time, Aidan O’Brien’s Precise heads the betting for the Group 1 showdown for three-year-olds and over. The yard won the race with Diego Velazquez last term and will be confident of another success here, with Ryan Moore booked to ride.

The British contingent are represented by Zeus Olympios and More Thunder, whilst Sixpence and Strauss fly the flag for Japan. In terms of the home side, Rayif holds strong claims for Francis-Henri Graffard after victory in the French 2000 Guineas earlier in the season.

Declan Rix…

“I’m liking the Francis Henri Graffard-trained Rayif, who will be happier back at a mile than last time [when fifth in the Prix Jean Prat over seven furlongs]. He won the French 2000 Guineas impressively with cut under foot and if he bounces back, on that run he will be a dangerous challenger.

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Rayif goes for Prix Jacques Le Marois gold on Sunday (Photo: Zuzanna Lupa)

“The drop to seven behind Thesecretadversary was a good run, given he had a setback going into Royal Ascot. He wasn’t ideally placed in the race and ran on well and I think there is plenty of pace on offer here. He can sit and stalk the leaders and is overpriced against the older horses here.

Kate Tracey…

“I am with Rayif as well here. I’m hoping he can bounce back to his French 2000 Guineas form. Last time it all went wrong – he was down in trip and in the wrong position. I am hoping he can build on that.

“This is the first race he has had this season in which he has had this target, without any interruptions this time. The surface is quick – which is the opposite of his Guineas win – but connections have said they are wanting better ground so this should be in his favour.”

Sam Boswell…

“I thought Precise was interesting in here. She has been a typical Aidan O’Brien three-year-old filly who is battle-hardened and was campaigned strongly this year. We saw her run at Deauville behind Blue Bolt in the Prix Rothschild, which she ran creditably in.

“My only concern is the quick turnarounds repeatedly, which it is for her even though she has shown she is good enough to compete at this level. I think she could get the Group One against the boys here.”

Watch Weekend Winners in full on the At The Races YouTube channel…

When Does the 2026-27 NBA Season Start? Opening Night Schedule

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The 2026-27 NBA regular season begins Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. Opening Night features a tripleheader with Boston at Detroit, Philadelphia at New York and Oklahoma City at San Antonio.

It is the start of the NBA’s 81st regular season. The schedule runs through Sunday, April 11, 2027.

2026 NBA Opening Night Schedule

Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons, 3 p.m. ET (NBC)
Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks, 7 p.m. ET (NBC)
Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs, 9:30 p.m. ET (NBC)

NBA Opening Night & Christmas Day schedules are ‘DELICIOUS’ with LeBron vs. Knicks & Lakers | FTF

The NBA has released the schedules for Opening Night and Christmas Day, with marquee matchups featuring LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes ask if the NBA got the schedules right.

Celtics at Pistons

Boston visits Detroit in the first game of the season. The unusual afternoon start matches the two teams that finished with the best records in the Eastern Conference during the 2025-26 regular season.

76ers at Knicks

The defending NBA champion Knicks host the 76ers at Madison Square Garden. New York will raise its 2025-26 championship banner before the game.

Thunder at Spurs

Opening Night concludes in San Antonio with a rematch of the 2026 Western Conference Finals between the Thunder and Spurs.

What Are the Key Dates for the 2026-27 NBA Season?

Oct. 20: Regular season begins
Oct. 30: NBA Cup Group Play begins
Dec. 11: NBA Cup championship
Dec. 25: Five Christmas Day games
Jan. 26-30: NBA Rivals Week
Feb. 19-21: NBA All-Star 2027 in Phoenix
April 11: Regular season ends

How Many Games Does Each NBA Team Play?

Each NBA team plays 82 regular-season games. The initial schedule assigns 80 games to each team. The remaining two matchups will be set based on NBA Cup Group Play results.

When Does the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season End?

The regular season ends Sunday, April 11, 2027. All 30 teams will play that day, with Eastern Conference games and one cross-conference game starting at 6 p.m. ET. Western Conference games will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

Here’s how Nick Wright breaks down the league tiers entering Week 1 of the preseason.

Jarrod Bowen exclusive: West Ham captain on his decision to remain with the Hammers after relegation from the Premier League | Football News

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

When West Ham were relegated from the Premier League after 15 years back in May, it seemed inevitable Jarrod Bowen would not be there to join them as they returned to the Sky Bet Championship.

The Hammers captain had done all he could to try and keep them up; he had started every game and played the entirety of all but two, scoring nine goals and providing 11 assists.

Speculation about where his future might lie was rife. After six-and-a-half seasons in the top flight, could he really return to the second tier and pass up the potential opportunity to play European football again?

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Jarrod Bowen has revealed he will be staying at West Ham this season, despite the club being relegated to the Championship

That question was answered emphatically on July 17 when Bowen adjusted his current deal to ensure he is committed to the club for 2026/27, though the length of the contract remains the same, expiring in 2030.

West Ham lost key players Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville this summer, but their talisman remains to spearhead the bid for an immediate return to the Premier League.

‘No one needed to sell this club to me’

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Kevin Nolan and Darren Moore tell the EFL show why Jarrod Bowen is key for West Ham’s hopes for an instant return to the Premier League

“I was asked about my future after we were relegated and it was about making the right decision for myself,” the 29-year-old tells Sky Sports.

“I thought of it as what’s going to be the biggest ‘what if?’ when I retire? There’s going to be ‘what ifs’ whatever you do, but it was going to be that one that would nag away at me for years and years to come.

“I knew I had to give it a go to get this club back into the Premier League. That was the overriding factor.

“There were different talks, there were different chances of me leaving, so it wasn’t a decision that was made overnight. It was something I had to sit down and think about for myself because football is so intense and full-on week in, week out.

“I’m sure there’s lots being said about decisions, but it’s about me, it’s about what I want, what I think’s best for my career.”

Bowen visited Daniel Kretinsky – West Ham’s largest shareholder – in Prague over the summer. “No one needs to sell the club to me. It was just an honest conversation about what we want to do as a club moving forward,” Bowen says.

He insists his wife Dani Dyer and father-in-law Danny Dyer – both diehard West Ham fans – did not influence his decision either. “They are never going to be in my ear saying ‘I think you should stay or I think you should go’.”

“I’ve come on leaps and bounds as a person and a player since I’ve been here,” he adds.

“I just love playing football, scoring goals and working hard for the team all the time. The fans have felt a connection to me, I’ve felt a connection to the fans and it’s just been right. That’s the most important thing.

“Sometimes, things can feel forced and not real, but for me everything has felt real. We’ve had some really great moments and I’ve loved every minute.”

‘I felt like I deserved to be in England’s World Cup squad’

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Take a look at some of the best Premier League goals scored by West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen

Bowen’s form throughout 2025/26 was electric. In 42 games in all competitions, he scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists, averaging one goal involvement every other game.

Thomas Tuchel was aware and, in his first 12 games in charge of England, he played Bowen on eight occasions.

But when the squad for the 2026 World Cup was announced on May 22, Bowen’s name was missing from the list.

“Don’t get me wrong, it was difficult. OK, we got relegated, but as an individual, I felt like I contributed well. We didn’t do well and maybe that went against me,” he continued.

“It was difficult to watch to begin with because I felt like I deserved to be there. Anyone in the same situation would be saying the same thing.

“That weekend was the worst a footballer could have in terms of missing out on the England squad on the Friday, then getting relegated on Sunday. It was a very tough weekend, but I’m stood here fit, healthy and ready to go again for another season.

“Even if I’d gone to the World Cup, I would’ve been ready. Over the years, touch wood, I’ve been lucky with injuries. I look after myself well, try and do the right things, try to get the right balance of training and then having my time with my family.”

‘As long as we get promoted, I don’t care how we do it’

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Speaking on the Essential EFL podcast, Luke Chambers backs West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen to compete at the top of the Championship scoring charts this season.

Bowen may have been a consistent performer at the top level for many years now, but he’s no stranger to the division he’s about to play in.

Before the move to West Ham, he spent two-and-a-half seasons in the Championship with Hull, scoring 52 goals and providing 12 assists in 117 games.

“I’ve experienced the Championship and it’s such a competitive league. I remember when I was at Hull, we were doing well in the league and you’d go to a side bottom of the league and they turn you over. It’s one of the toughest leagues to get out of because it’s so demanding, so physical.

“What we need to do as a team is have that winning mentality, understanding what it takes to win games. We have a manager who’s been with the squad for nearly a year, who understands the club, who understands the fans and how it works.

“We’ve got a real togetherness as a group and that’s an important thing. We’ve had a lot of change in the last two or three years, with managers and players, which can happen, but sticking with the manager we had from last season will really stand us in good stead.”

Bowen isn’t set on winning the league or going up automatically. Just going straight back up, by any means, will do.

“The worst thing I think you can do as a club is try and walk into this league and think ‘we’re the biggest side, we’re going to go straight up’. It doesn’t happen like that. It’s not as easy and just turning up and thinking ‘we’re better, we’re going to win’. That’s nowhere near the case.

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Highlights of the Carabao Cup first round match between West Ham United and Portsmouth

“You’re playing Saturday-Tuesday, you’re not going to play at your best every single week and you have to win in different kinds of ways. You just have to go again, go again, go again and that’s got to be the mindset of us as a group.

“Of course we want to be dominant and assert our dominance in this league, but we have to earn the right to do that as well. We have to respect the league we are coming into because we’ve seen many sides think they can bounce back straight away and it’s not happened that way.

“I’d love to sit here in a year’s time and say we’ve won the league, but as long as we’re in the Premier League, I couldn’t care how we do it.”

‘My ambition is to get West Ham back to the PL – I’m not thinking beyond that’

Bowen’s contract has four years left to run, but The Athletic have reported a release clause has been inserted into the deal, which will kick in next summer, if West Ham fail to seal an immediate return to the Premier League.

Conversely, he will reportedly receive a significant bonus if the Hammers do win promotion.

For now, he is looking no further than the season ahead.

“You never know what’s going to happen in football, but my dream, my ambition, is to get this club back to the Premier League,” adds Bowen.

“When you start looking years in advance, you’re not focused on what you want to do this season. I’ve made my decision to stay because I’m focused on the now. I’m living in the present, not years to come.

“In my head, we’re going to make this happen. If that doesn’t happen, you reassess it in a year’s time.”

West Ham’s first five Championship games

Sunday 16th August 3:45pm

Kick off 4:00pm

August 16: Burnley (A) – Live on Sky Sports
August 22: Charlton (H)
August 29: Watford (A)
September 1: Wolves (H)
September 5: Derby (H)

How many of my EFL team’s fixtures will be live on Sky?

Every Championship, League One and League Two team will be featured live on Sky more than 20 times in the 2026/27 season.

The EFL is at the heart of Sky Sports+ coverage and will see over 1,000 games from 1,891 matches across the EFL, Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy broadcast live throughout the season.

Mendoza Mania Has Arrived: 3 Takeaways From Fernando Mendoza’s Preseason Debut

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas) — Thursday only marked the unofficial start of the Fernando Mendoza era in Las Vegas, but he gave the Raiders plenty of reason for hope in his preseason debut.

The Raiders’ rookie quarterback and the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown with zero turnovers in the team’s 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday. Mendoza played four drives, getting his first taste of NFL action after Kirk Cousins got the start at quarterback for Las Vegas.

Here are my three takeaways from Mendoza’s preseason debut, which also featured the debut of Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, who was the third overall pick in the draft.

1. Can Raiders Keep Mendoza On Bench For Long?

Cousins got the start in Thursday’s game and did as well as anyone could’ve asked. The veteran completed 5 of 6 passes for 50 yards, throwing a touchdown pass in his only drive of the game.

But all of the excitement was waiting for Mendoza, who won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a national title last year. His first drive wasn’t great, converting a third-and-8 pass to wide receiver Jack Bech before the drive reached a halt due to a holding penalty by a backup offensive lineman.

However, Mendoza’s second drive was enough to get Raiders fans excited. He threaded a pass between two defenders to Malik Benson for a 19-yard gain to get the drive going. Then, after another Raiders rookie, running back Mike Washington, broke loose for a 53-yard run, Mendoza made sure Las Vegas found the end zone. He took a sack on first-and-goal, but avoided another to help set up a third-and-goal at the 6-yard line. Mendoza came through on that play, completing a quick slant to Bech for a touchdown and the highlight of his preseason debut.

That was the only time the Raiders put up points when Mendoza was on the field, although the team got into field goal range in his final drive of the night. Still, that might have been enough, though, to make you wonder how long Las Vegas will keep him on the bench behind Cousins, as Mendoza played into the fourth quarter. Las Vegas head coach Klint Kubiak reiterated after Thursday’s game that the starting job was Cousins’ “to lose.”

Kubiak’s comment won’t stop Raiders fans from getting excited about Mendoza, though. Ahead of Thursday’s game, there was a group of fans I saw holding a flag with Mendoza’s face wearing an eyepatch in place of the Raiders’ logo.

2. Raiders Offense Looks Much Improved

A rare Thursday home kickoff allowed Raiders’ minority owner Tom Brady to watch the game in person, as he’s usually busy calling games for FOX Sports when the team’s playing. And in his appearance, Brady got to see an upgraded Las Vegas offense.

It was a solid offensive debut for Kubiak, who came to Las Vegas after helping the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl as their offensive coordinator this past season. His team put up 317 yards of total offense on Thursday.

And you can’t take much from a preseason opener, but Las Vegas’ offensive line should be much better in 2026 after dealing with a slew of injuries last season. Center Tyler Linderbaum got one of the biggest deals in free agency and upgrades the middle, and having tackle Kolton Miller healthy helps the pass protection. Even with emerging running back Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders were last in the NFL in rushing yards per game and yards per carry, but that won’t be the case in 2026.

It was the Raiders’ offensive depth, though, that showed out (outside of Mendoza and Cousins) on Thursday. Bech, who the Raiders took in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, had three receptions, including the touchdown grab. Tight end Michael Mayer, a second-round pick in 2023, caught Cousins’ touchdown pass.

3. Love At First Glance?

Mendoza wasn’t the only marquee rookie making his preseason debut Thursday, as Jeremiyah Love saw his first NFL action and impressed. The Cardinals running back had a spin move to the left on third-and-short in the red zone to set up one touchdown, and hurdled through the Raiders’ defense for a 15-yard gain just before halftime, providing one of the highlights of the night in the NFL. Love finished Thursday’s game with 58 yards on 11 carries in the first half.

It’s easy to write off the Cardinals and Raiders as last-place teams in insanely difficult divisions, but both have talented young running backs and new offensive-minded head coaches in Kubiak and Arizona’s Mike LaFleur, so there’s reason for measured optimism. Arizona’s Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew went a combined 15 of 15 for 123 yards in the first half, with touchdown passes on all three drives.

Canadian Open: Iga Swiatek defeats Elena Rybakina to end title drought | Tennis News

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Iga Swiatek claimed her first title of the season with a dominant 6-2 6-3 win over Elena Rybakina in the final of the National Bank Open in Toronto.

The Polish seventh seed gained an early advantage in the first set when the world No 2 gave up a break point on back-to-back double faults.

That was all the room Swiatek needed as she continued her stellar form from earlier in the tournament to race away with the opening set.

Unforced errors continued to cost Rybakina into the second set, as two missed backhands gifted Swiatek another break.

Rybakina was able to stave off one championship point, but Swiatek converted on her second opportunity to clinch her first title since last September.

Speaking at the post-match awards ceremony, Swiatek dedicated her victory to “everyone who is dealing with unfair judgement and hate”.

She said: “Just keep pushing, keep growing, keep focusing on yourself because you know what’s best for you.

“Always remember what’s ahead and what might be possible.”

Shelton retains crown

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Highlights of the Canadian Open men’s final between Ben Shelton and Brandon Nakashima.

In the men’s draw, American Ben Shelton retained his crown by eclipsing compatriot Brandon Nakashima 6-3 7-6 (7-4) in Montreal.

Shelton did not drop a set throughout the tournament and is just the fourth man this century to go back-to-back at the event, joining Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

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Ben Shelton completed his flawless Canadian Open title defence with victory over Brandon Nakashima

He told atptour.com: “For me to play the way that I played this week to go through this draw speaks to the work I have been putting in.

“It also speaks to my mental toughness, my ability to focus through everything that was going on this week.”

Watch the ATP and WTA Tours and US Open from August 30, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app.

NFL Catchup: Mendoza, Love, Allar Shine In Preseason Debuts; Seahawks Sign Arnold

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The NFL preseason is officially underway, and Thursday night brought plenty of exciting unofficial debuts.

No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza made his debut for the Las Vegas Raiders alongside Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love. Meanwhile, the duo of second-year Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward and rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate also got in on the action.

In non-game action, two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes will sit out the Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason opener and could be on the verge of missing preseason action for the first time in his career.

Here’s what you need to know from Thursday around the NFL.

The Fernando Mendoza era has officially begun for the Las Vegas Raiders. Making his debut on Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals, he made his impact known bright and early in Klint Kubiak’s newly revamped offense.

Mendoza entered the game on the second drive after veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was pulled after leading the Raiders to an opening scoring drive.

The No. 1 overall pick out of Indiana didn’t have to wait long to make his impact felt. Mendoza led a scoring drive on just his second possession, connecting with second-year wide receiver Jack Bech over the middle on a 6-yard touchdown slant.

Mendoza finished the game completing 10-of-16 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. While the team remains adamant about redshirting him this season, continuing at this level could spark a real quarterback competition as the year goes on.

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love made his preseason NFL debut Thursday night against the Las Vegas Raiders after sitting out the Hall of Fame Game last week.

Love rushed 11 times for 58 yards, splitting work in the backfield with Tyler Allgier in the first half.

The No. 3 overall pick in the draft made some standout plays while contributing to three Cardinals scoring drives.

Love made a pair of Raiders defenders miss on the way to a 9-yard gain to convert on third down.

The rookie running back wasn’t done there, as he hurdled over another Raiders’ defender on a draw later in the half.

Love finished with 14 touches for 73 total yards.

The Drew Allar era in Pittsburgh kicked off late in the third quarter on Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers. Coming in as the third quarterback of the night, Allar put together a strong Steelers debut.

Allar led three scoring drives in the second half, completing 10 of 13 passes for 154 yards and two passing touchdowns. His highlight of the night came on his very first throw, which was a 74-yard slant completion to second-year wide receiver Kaden Wetjen.

Allar also scored a rushing touchdown in the Steelers’ 28–9 win over the Packers on Thursday night and put together a complete performance.

Mason Rudolph and Will Howard both took snaps before Allar, but all three are in a battle for the backup job behind Aaron Rodgers. If Allar keeps playing like this for the rest of the preseason, it would certainly help his case for being Pittsburgh’s QB2. And maybe the Steelers already have their heir apparent to Rodgers if Allar keeps flashing like he did on Thursday?

Cam Ward saw plenty of action Thursday night with the Tennessee Titans as the new-look offense under offensive coordinator Brian Daboll was on full display. Ward orchestrated a 95-yard opening drive, capped by a 5-yard touchdown run from Tony Pollard.

Ward had a roller-coaster start to the preseason, overcoming a few early misses to spread the ball around throughout the night. While he couldn’t connect with No. 4 overall pick Carnell Tate on three targets, Wan’Dale Robinson stepped up with two catches for 19 yards.

He played the majority of the first half before being pulled for backup third-year quarterback Will Levis. Ward capped off his night by completing 5-of-12 passes for 57 yards, finishing with a 56.6 QBR.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is not expected to suit up for Saturday’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, per The Kansas City Star. Instead, Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier, and Chris Oladokun are expected to split reps under center.

Mahomes sitting out the entire preseason remains a real possibility as he continues recovering from last season’s torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. However, he’s participated in the majority of training camp so far and has a chance at suiting up for Week 1 against the Denver Broncos.

Outside of 2020, when the preseason was canceled due to COVID-19, this could mark the first preseason Mahomes misses entirely. If so, all eyes shift to his health and whether he’ll be cleared in time for the team’s season opener.

Prior to his Week 15 injury, Mahomes recorded 3,587 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a 62.7% completion rate. He also added 422 yards and five scores on the ground.

After working out for multiple teams in recent weeks, cornerback Terrion Arnold is reportedly expected to sign with the Seattle Seahawks.

Arnold was a 2024 first-round pick out of Alabama and was released by the Detroit Lions in June following his arrest on felony kidnapping and armed robbery charges. The NFL has yet to decide whether to place him on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.

Arnold reportedly visited with the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants before signing with the Seahawks. He will now join a cornerback room alongside Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe.

With eight felony charges hanging over him following his June arrest, it remains uncertain whether Arnold will ever play another snap in the NFL.

More News & Notes

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said WR Puka Nacua left practice with soreness in his psoas, according to ESPN. The team expects Nacua to be back at practice next week “ready to go.”
The Buffalo Bills are expected to play QB Josh Allen and the rest of their starters in the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday.
Chicago Bears chairman George H. McCaskey said that the organization’s name will remain the same regardless of where the new stadium is built.
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling hauled in seven receptions for 67 yards, putting together a strong rookie debut.
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jessee Minter said that both CB Nate Wiggins and CB Marlon Humphrey are trending well to return to practice at some point next week, per The Athletic.
Arizona Cardinals rookie QB Carson Beck didn’t play against the Raiders on Thursday due to a rib injury, NFL Network reported. The injury is not considered serious and the team decided to keep him out as a precaution.
Recently unretired free agent edge rusher Za’Darius Smith worked out for the Cleveland Browns, according to NFL Network.
DeVonta Smith missed his seventh consecutive Eagles practice as he continues to work through a hamstring injury.

Super League: Leaders Leeds Rhinos suffer first home defeat of season as Leigh Leopards claim surprise 20-16 win at Headingley | Rugby League News

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Innes Senior scored twice as Leigh Leopards inflicted a first home defeat of the season on Betfred Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos by winning 20-16 at Headingley.

Wing Senior went over twice in the first half after team-mate Josh Charnley’s effort had cancelled out Ryan Hall’s opener for Leeds, for whom Brodie Croft also touched down before the break.

In balmy, energy-sapping conditions after the hottest day in the UK this year, Leigh scored a fourth try through centre Umyla Hanley early in the second period and then withstood heavy pressure to seal a deserved win.

Ryan Hall thought his late effort for Leeds had tied the scores, but his foot was clearly in touch as he grounded the ball in the corner and Leigh clung on.

Hall touched down in the corner for the opening try in the second minute after taking Jake Connor’s quick pass following a high kick, but Leigh’s response was immediate as Charnley raced over following Hanley’s line break.

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Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam reflects on their Super League win at Leeds Rhinos.

Connor’s penalty in front of the posts for a shoulder barge on Kallum Watkins edged Leeds 8-6 ahead, but Leigh piled on the pressure midway through the first half and got their reward.

Senior powered over near the touchline and despite Leeds full-back Lachlan Miller’s brilliant tackle, the video referee ruled the Leigh winger had dotted down before going out of bounds to put his side 10-8 up.

Leeds came roaring back when Croft burst through a gap under the posts for a converted score to nudge them 14-10 in front.

Rhinos centre Jack Bird went off for a head injury assessment following a clattering tackle and was replaced by teenager Zak Lloyd, whose terrific last-ditch tackle halted Charnley soon after.

But quick hands saw Leigh spin the ball left for Senior to go over on the outside to level the scores at 14-14 at half-time after Cook had missed his second conversion attempt.

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Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur reflects on their Super League defeat to Leigh Leopards.

Connor landed his second penalty to give Leeds a two-point advantage soon after the restart following Cook’s off-the-ball block on Ash Handley.

Leigh responded again though, carving open the Rhinos’ defence via another slick handling move that sent Hanley over for the visitors’ fourth try of the match, with Cook adding the extras to put them 20-16 in front.

The visitors were reduced to 12 men when second row Andy Badrock was sin-binned for his dangerous tackle on Harry Newman with 17 minutes to go.

Leeds threatened to make their extra man count, but they lacked composure and failed to execute in the face of some desperate, scrambling defending from Leigh.

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Umyla Hanley (R) celebrates scoring Leigh’s final try

With three minutes remaining, Leeds thought they had drawn level when Handley sent Hall over in the corner following Connor’s high kick.

But the video referee revealed the winger’s foot was in touch as he grounded the ball and Leigh held firm before celebrating an impressive win.

Leeds’ defeat gives Wigan Warriors the chance to move level with them at the top of the table on 36 points when they visit struggling Bradford Bulls on Sunday.

The victory kept Leigh on course for the playoffs as they tightened their grip on sixth by moving six points clear of St Helens, who can claim a maximum of 10 points from their five remaining games.

Warrington beat York to go third

Warrington Wolves beat York Knights 30-10 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium to move back up to third.

York had taken an early lead after Warrington failed to deal with a high kick and Paul McShane went over in the corner.

The Wolves – looking to edge ahead above play-off rivals Wakefield – then got themselves in front after nine minutes when Josh Thewlis darted through to slide in under the posts and Ewan Irwin added the extras.

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Highlights of the Super League clash between Warrington Wolves and York Knights.

The Knights, though, soon responded again when Cody Hunter’s low kick was not gathered by the Warrington backline and Jon Bennison latched onto the loose ball in the right corner.

Sam Stone, returning to the side following a three-month injury lay-off, chased George Williams’ kick on the left wing and dived full length to just touch the ball down as he slid off into the advertising boards, before 18-year-old Irwin scored a fine individual try, stepping inside to burst clear, and his penalty then put Warrington 18-10 ahead at half-time.

York were punished for giving away penalties early in the second half when hooker Danny Walker took the ball a couple of yards out to spin under the posts.

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Ewan Irwin (R) celebrates scoring one of Warrington’s five tries

Irwin then picked up a loose ball to sprint clear and run in a 60-yard try – but his celebrations were cut short after a lengthy video review decided James Bentley had knocked Denive Balmforth’s arm, which caused him to fumble possession.

After a breakaway from Hunter, which looked set for a York try, was called back for what looked a tight offside call, Warrington made sure when Aaron Lindop went over in the corner after Albert Hopoate had tapped back a high kick and Irwin then slotted over a late penalty.

Hull KR maintained their push for a home play-off with a comfortable 28-10 victory over Catalans Dragons.

The home side led 22-6 after a dominant first half that saw Jack Broadbent touch down twice as Jez Litten and Joe Burgess also scored.

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Highlights of the Super League clash between Hull KR and Catalans Dragons.

Tyrone May all but sealed victory with the first score of the second half after 62 minutes, before Tommy Makinson hit back with a late consolation try for Catalans.

The victory kept Hull ahead of Leigh in fifth on points difference, and moved them within just two points of Warrington and Wakefield in third and fourth.

Super League 2026 Round 23 Schedule and Results – live on Sky Sports

Thursday August 13
Hull KR 28-10 Catalans Dragons
Leeds Rhinos 16-20 Leigh Leopards
Warrington Wolves 30-10 York Knights

Friday August 14
8pm: Hull FC vs Castleford Tigers

Saturday August 15
5.30pm: Wakefield Trinity vs St Helens
6.30pm: Bradford Bulls vs Wigan Warriors
8pm: Tolouse Olympique vs Huddersfield Giants

Sky Sports will show every game of the Super League live this season, including two matches each round exclusively live. The remaining five matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports+.

Cade Cavalli Flirts With First Nationals No-Hitter Since 2015 In Shutout Win Over Cubs

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Cade Cavalli took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, and the Washington Nationals beat the Chicago Cubs 7-0 on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.

Michael Busch delivered the Cubs’ lone hit with an opposite-field bloop single to left with two outs in the seventh. The Nationals Park crowd then applauded Cavalli, who was trying to throw Washington’s first no-hitter since Max Scherzer did it twice in 2015.

Cavalli (10-5), who turns 28 on Friday, retired the first 15 batters before walking Dansby Swanson to open the sixth. Swanson was quickly erased on Michael Conforto’s double-play grounder.

Cavalli walked Swanson again with two outs in the eighth, but struck out Conforto looking to finish his day. The right-hander struck out 10 while setting career highs in innings (eight) and pitches (103).

Clayton Beeter worked a perfect ninth for Washington.

The Nationals didn’t muster a baserunner against Kevin Gausman (6-11) until Abimelec Ortiz’s one-out single in the fourth. Two pitches later, Dylan Crews laced an RBI double to left-center.

Washington’s first two men in the fifth reached base before Andrew Pinckney’s sacrifice fly. After CJ Abrams singled, Ortiz hit a three-run shot to right-center to make it 5-0. Daylen Lile added an RBI single later in the inning to end Gausman’s day.

Ortiz has four homers in 11 games this season and hit .389 (7 for 18) with three homers and seven RBIs during the Nationals’ six-game homestand.

Gausman allowed six runs in 4 2/3 innings while striking out seven in his second start since joining the Cubs from Toronto at the trade deadline.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Rangers’ Derek McInnes admits Rangers ‘not ready’ to compete in Europa League as dismal winless run continues | Football News

August 14, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Derek McInnes admitted Rangers are “not ready” to compete at Europa League level.

The Ibrox side drew the second leg of their third qualifying round tie against Jagiellonia Bialystok 1-1 at Ibrox, but crashed out 3-2 on aggregate.

It is their earliest exit from the competition since 2017, as McInnes’ winless start as manager of the Ibrox side stretched to four games.

Image:
Rangers fans booed the players after their Europa League exit

The Rangers fans made their feelings clear at full-time as boos rang around the stadium, something McInnes accepted.

“It was justified, to be honest. It wasn’t good enough. What we served up, particularly second half, wasn’t good enough,” the former Rangers midfielder said.

“We need to be honest, the club’s built for Europa League and Champions League and that’s the intention, to get there.

“But I’m not sure the team is quite ready for it at the moment and it pains me to say that, to be honest, it does.

“We need to get more quality, we need to try and get more confidence out of the team.”

Image:
Nik Prelec’s header saw Rangers dumped out of Europa League qualifying

Missing left-back Tuur Rommens and striker Youssef Chermiti through injury, McInnes moved to a back three among five changes from Sunday’s defeat by Hibernian.

“I felt we had to make the game open and it was a bit too open at times in the first half. Gassama and Yakota playing as kind of effectively wing-backs, we were asking a lot of them at times,” he added

“But I thought it paid dividends in terms of penalty box action, getting the goal.

“I thought we were good value for getting it one and a half-time, but I still thought that Jagiellonia had a couple of scares.

“Once again, it’s not another 90-minute performance.

Derek McInnes’ start at Rangers

Dundee United 1-1 Rangers
Jagiellonia Bialystock 2-1 Rangers
Rangers 1-2 Hibernian
Rangers 1-1 Jagiellonia Bialystock (agg 2-3)

“That’s been in the Rangers for a while now. It’s been a continuation of that this season, already.

“In the four games we’ve played, we’ve had some good moments, but it’s not been good enough and certainly not a strong enough 90-minute performance.

“But for us to lose the goal. It’s inexplicable how we don’t make a foul, how we don’t stop the flow of the attack, how we don’t just sanitise that whole situation.

“It’s not lack of bodies, it’s lack of intelligence, it’s lack of doing the right thing, to be honest.

“We lost all our composure after that, if I’m going to be honest with you.

The 55-year-old is Rangers’ sixth permanent manager since Steven Gerrard left the club in 2021.

Despite making a dismal start, he remains confident he can turn things around.

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Rangers lost to Hibs in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday

“What we served up last year wasn’t good enough. You get a job for a reason,” the former Hearts head coach said.

“You get a job to try and make things better and obviously sometimes you get it because things aren’t quite right, and we have to try and get things moving the right way quickly.

“There’s no two ways about it, we should be winning this game.

“Rangers, as strong as they can be, should be winning this day and we have got work to do between now and the end of the window, but between now and Sunday to get ready to win a [League] Cup tie [against holders St Mirren].”

Ravens HC Jesse Minter Has Quickly Won Over Players — Now He Must Win Games

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Nobody really thought John Harbaugh deserved to be fired in Baltimore. He had been there for 18 mostly successful seasons, and even the 8-9 disappointment last year was largely because his superstar quarterback got hurt.

So when owner Steve Bisciotti did it anyway, and replaced him with Jesse Minter, a 43-year-old first-time head coach, there were definitely shock waves felt in the Ravens locker room. And there were some skeptical players who needed to be convinced that this unexpected switch was going to be good.

“Yeah, but I think he did it in his first team meeting,” second-year safety Malaki Starks told me after practice Thursday. “He came in and set his expectations and his standards. He didn’t come in with a big chest saying ‘I’m the guy.’ He also didn’t come in not talking at all. He came in authentic to himself.

“And we could see he’s an easy man to follow.”

The Ravens better hope that’s true, and that Minter is really up to the task, because no first-year coach has more pressure on him in 2026 than he does. Minter, the former Chargers defensive coordinator, inherited a loaded team, with an MVP-winning quarterback, and more than enough talent to make a real run at Super Bowl LXI.

It’s not often that a first-time coach gets to take over a team this good, with super high expectations.

All he has to do is not screw it up.

“Yeah, but I think the confidence that he has in himself allowed him to really come in and be himself,” Starks told me. “He came in knowing that the team that he has, and he can handle it. That’s who he is and who he wants to be.

“And we all have confidence in his ability.”

So far, the early reviews on Minter are good. As a former Harbaugh assistant (2017-20), he didn’t come in and rip up the foundation that his predecessor had established over the better part of two decades. He just put his own twists and personality on it. Minter told the players on the first day that his door was open, and he welcomed their input. He shortened the practices a bit from the marathon sessions Harbaugh used to run.

But mostly, he worked hard every day and eventually convinced them that there’s a reason he got this job.

“He’s the definition of a leader, to a T,” Starks told me. “And he’s super smart.”

Jesse Minter is intimately familiar with the Ravens, if not head coaching. The question now is, how fast can he speed up the HC learning curve for a team primed to win now? (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

The defense, in particular, is counting on that “super smart” part. That was the most disappointing thing about last year’s Ravens. They ranked 24th in total defense and 28th in sacks. It’s not solely why Baltimore missed the postseason for the first time in four years, but it definitely was part of the collapse.

Minter, who coached the Ravens defensive backs in 2019-20 and will call the defensive plays this year, directed one of the NFL’s best defenses the past two seasons with the Chargers, who’d been one of the worst in 2023. He brings instant credibility to that side of the ball with his new players, simply on the strength of his résumé. But it didn’t take long for them to understand why his system has succeeded.

“I think the biggest thing is it’s set up to make plays,” Starks told me. “Attack the ball, fly around, and play as a unit. I think we’re going to thrive in that. I really do. Guys are really buying into it.”

So far, the Ravens are buying into everything Minter is selling them, which is easy considering they haven’t even played a preseason game yet. The real proof will come in the months ahead, when they’ll really find out if their new coach is capable of making that leap. Because he certainly has the right team to make a big impact in his first season.

It’s rare that a coach is the team’s biggest question mark. But the Ravens seem convinced that Minter is the right answer, too.

A Few Other Observations

Thursday’s practice was a good reminder of how good Lamar Jackson is when he’s healthy. Unofficially, he completed 12 of 13 passes in team drills, and the one incompletion, I’m pretty sure, was a drop. He was right on the money on almost every throw, regardless of distance. That included a 50-yarder that dropped right into the hands of WR Rashod Bateman. Jackson throws the ball so hard, and it has the same zip when he’s on the run and outside the pocket. Really, even his deep throws look just effortless. If he’s healthy, pencil him in near the top of the MVP race.
If Minter really is the defensive whiz everyone thinks he is, then he might be just the guy to unleash Trey Hendrickson, who signed a four-year, $112 million deal with Baltimore in March. The Ravens desperately need pass-rush help. They had just 30 team sacks last season and no one with more than five. Hendrickson had four sacks through seven games last season before a hip injury ended his final year in Cincinnati. He, of course, had 17.5 sacks in each of the previous two seasons. Minter needs to turn him loose and get him back to that level, even though he’ll be 32 in December. If he does, the Ravens defense could be scary.
If you’re looking for a deep sleeper in your fantasy league, keep an eye on rookie WR Ja’Kobi Lane, the Ravens’ third-round pick. The USC product had an excellent practice Wednesday, using his speed to get open and his size (6-4, 205) to out-muscle defenders. The Ravens aren’t exactly deep at receiver, and Bateman, the No. 2 WR, has been a perennial disappointment. Right now, Lane is battling for the No. 3 job, but I’m told he’s been outstanding all summer long, and if he keeps playing like this, his ceiling could be high. Maybe that won’t happen at the start of the season. But keep an eye on him as it goes along.

Lamar Jackson is healthy and he has at least one new weapon to play with in rookie wideout Ja’Kobi Lane. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Derrick Henry is a big man. I know, that’s not a revelation. He’s 6-foot-3, 252 pounds. But he looks bigger in person, and he must look like a freight train to defenders when he gets moving. He’s 32 years old now and, between high school, college and the NFL, has tallied more than 4,600 carries. Yet, there’s still no running back I would fear more if I played defense. “He’s a big man,” Starks told me. “Just the things he’s able to do at his size and how valuable he is to this team doesn’t get talked about enough. I’m grateful I don’t have to see him on Sundays.” If Henry is healthy all season, the Ravens rushing attack should again be unstoppable. And it’s a decent bet he’ll be healthy, since he’s missed just 12 games in his 10-year career — nine of which came in the 2021 season. The guy is just a marvel and one of the greatest running backs in the history of the game.

Quote Of The Day

“Lamar Jackson is aging like fine wine.”

— Ravens QBs coach Israel Woolfork

Long-term view

A Super Bowl Contender Once Again

That’s nothing new for a franchise that has had double-digit wins in six of the past eight seasons, but it is a little odd for a team coming off a coaching change. Minter landed in the best spot of any new coach, though, because he inherited a powerhouse. He has an All-Pro QB and RB, an elite receiver in Zay Flowers and an elite pass-rusher in Hendrickson.

Considering the rest of the supporting cast is pretty good, too, that should be more than enough. They have to stay healthy, of course. If Jackson or Henry go down, their outlook changes. Same, to an extent, for Flowers, since he’s their only reliable wideout. And Minter, known for his defensive wizardry, does need to fix a defense that struggled last year.

But all the pieces are right there for the Ravens to win 10-plus games, even in what could be a much more competitive AFC North. And if the 1-2 punch of Jackson and Henry get rolling in the playoffs, the Ravens could make a deep run.

My Next Stop: Steelers Camp

I’m now headed to Latrobe, Pa., home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the birthplace of Rolling Rock beer, the banana split and Mr. Rogers (Fred, not Aaron).

(Actually, I’m going home first before making the six-hour trek across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on Saturday, so I can be at St. Vincent College for Steelers practice on Sunday morning.)

You can learn a lot while driving across Pennsylvania if you take time to read the many billboards. For example, you learn that God has a phone number, and you are heavily encouraged to call Him if you are addicted to gambling or porn. You also learn that you can get almost anything made out of sheep skin. And you learn that even though the state (excuse me, the Commonwealth) is 300 miles long, a personal injury lawyer is never very far away.

Once I do get there, I’m looking forward to seeing what Mr. Rodgers (Aaron) has left in his 42-year-old right arm. At this point, you have to see him as much as possible before Father Time completely catches up. I’ve never been to Latrobe, but Pittsburgh is one of the most underrated cities in America. And PNC Park is the best ballpark west of CitiField. So, if you see me there for Red Sox-Pirates this weekend, please don’t tell my boss.

Rangers 1 – 1 J Bialystok

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Derek McInnes’ winless start to life at Rangers hit its lowest point as they were embarrassed and dumped out of the Europa League to a chorus of boos by Jagiellonia Bialystok on aggregate following a 1-1 draw at Ibrox.

Nik Prelec, who scored once in 24 appearances for then-Championship side Oxford last season, nodded Rangers down into the Conference League 10 minutes into the second half as McInnes’ slow start on his return to Glasgow was extended to a fourth game with a 3-2 defeat over two legs.

The hosts had cancelled out their Polish visitors’ first-leg lead inside the opening 20 minutes when former Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi was penalised by VAR for a handball inside his own box, with Lawrence Shankland’s debut goal since his summer move from Hearts bringing Rangers level from the spot.

McInnes’s side had more chances to add to their early lead on the night when Thelo Aasgaard fired just wide, while Ryan Naderi also went close before the interval.

But a limp second-half showing was duly punished by Prelec and despite huffing and puffing, the hosts never did enough to test goalkeeper Slawomir Abramowicz after the break, leaving McInnes and his side to take in jeers from around the ground as their Europa League campaign fell at the first hurdle – their earliest exit from the competition since 2017.

The key moments from Ibrox…

17: VAR! A VAR review is called after Yuki Kobayashi appears to handball a cross – with the referee pointing to the spot.
19: GOAL! Laurence Shankland pulls Rangers level on aggregate from 12 yards.
35: CLOSE! Thelo Aasgard strikes from the edge of the box and is inches wide from putting Rangers ahead in the tie.
46: SUB! Ross McCrorie replaces Aasgard at the break.
55: GOAL! Nik Prelec stuns Ibrox when he nods home at the back post to restore Jagiellonia’s aggregate lead.
FT: BOOS! The full-time whistle is met by a loud and long chorus of boos as Rangers are jeered off following their Europa League exit.

Scottish Premiership table and next fixtures…

2026 NFL Odds: Which WRs Will Surpass 1,250 Receiving Yards?

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

In 2025, only five wide receivers surpassed 1,250 receiving yards.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Puka Nacua, George Pickens, Ja’Marr Chase and Amon-Ra St. Brown accomplished the feat, with JSN and Nacua both surpassing 1,700 yards.

In 2024, only Justin Jefferson, Drake London and St. Brown surpassed the 1,250-yard mark.

So, which WRs will top 1,250 receiving yards this season?

Let’s check out the latest odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Aug. 13.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Player to Have 1250+ Regular-Season Receiving Yards

Puka Nacua: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)
Ja’Marr Chase: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)
Amon-Ra St. Brown: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
CeeDee Lamb: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Justin Jefferson: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total)
Drake London: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total)
A.J. Brown: +130 (bet $10 to win $23 total)
Nico Collins: +150 (bet $10 to win $25 total)
Chris Olave: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)
Rashee Rice: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)
DeVonta Smith: +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total)
Zay Flowers: +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total)
Malik Nabers: +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total)
George Pickens: +275 (bet $10 to win $37.50 total)
Garrett Wilson: +275 (bet $10 to win $37.50 total)
Alec Pierce: +350 (bet $10 to win $45 total)
Tetairoa McMillan: +370 (bet $10 to win $47 total)
Terry McLaurin: +370 (bet $10 to win $47 total)

Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards in 2025 (Steph Chambers/Getty Images).

Here’s what to know about the oddsboard.

The Favorites: Smith-Njigba, Nacua and Chase are all heavily favored to reach the 1,250-yard mark once again in 2026. JSN is coming off a dream season in which he caught 119 passes for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, helping propel Seattle to a Super Bowl title. Smith-Njigba had 1,130 receiving yards in 2024 after recording just 628 yards as a rookie in 2023. Can he follow up his breakout season? Meanwhile, Nacua also had an unbelievable 2025 campaign, catching 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns. He recorded 990 yards in 2024 after bursting onto the scene with 1,486 yards as a rookie in 2023. Lastly, there’s Mr. Reliable: Ja’Marr Chase. Chase has eclipsed the 1,250-yard mark in three of his first five seasons, finishing with more than 1,400 yards in each of those campaigns. He’s also surpassed 1,000 yards in all five seasons, and if it weren’t for injuries, he likely would have topped 1,250 in all five as well.

Bounce-Back Season: Arguably the most interesting player on the oddsboard is Justin Jefferson. The 2022 Offensive Player of the Year led the league in receiving in 2024 with 1,533 yards before experiencing a dramatic falloff in 2025. Last season, Jefferson finished with just 1,048 yards and two touchdowns, both career lows. A large part of that decline can be attributed to Minnesota’s inconsistent quarterback play. J.J. McCarthy struggled and was unable to develop a strong connection with Jefferson, while Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer also saw time at QB. Now, Jefferson enters 2026 with Kyler Murray as his starting quarterback, giving him a proven veteran under center. In six NFL seasons, Jefferson has surpassed 1,250 receiving yards four times, including three seasons with more than 1,500. With improved QB play, a major bounce-back season could be in store for one of the league’s most accomplished receivers.

Justin Jefferson is looking for a bounce-back season in 2026 (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images).

FedExCup Playoffs: Rory McIlroy makes woeful start at FedEx St. Jude Championship with four-over par opening round | Golf News

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Rory McIlroy made a woeful start to the FedExCup Playoffs as he shot four-over par opening round at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis.

Playing for the first time since finishing tied for 40th at The Open at Royal Birkdale almost a full month ago, McIlroy was level par going into the final three holes before a disastrous streak left him towards the rear of the field.

Dropped shots at 16 and 17 were followed by a double bogey at TPC Southwind’s final hole, which came after McIlroy found the water with his tee shot to the closing par four.

The 74 left McIlroy nine shots adrift of the early leaders, with American duo Jordan Spieth and Michael Thorbjornsen setting the early pace with 65s.

England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who was paired with Spieth, was a shot off that mark after opening up with a 66 that included a delightful chip in for eagle at the par-five third hole.

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Tommy Fleetwood produced this eagle on third hole at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

Fleetwood said: “I feel good. I didn’t really play very good in the practice days. Game’s not really been that great. I’ve been showing a lot, like some good and some really not so good.

“Hit it great off the tee today. Still my iron play was iffy, but I did a good job of managing it for the most part. Still hit some really good shots, and you can never underestimate how good – I think shooting under par on this golf course is very good.”

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler, who played alongside McIlroy in the marquee group for the opening two rounds, put himself in a solid position by delivering a 68.

Scheffler said: “I felt like I hit a lot of quality shots with my irons.I did a good job of being patient and not trying to force it too much.

“I feel like I was right on the edge of having a good day, kind of all day is how I would describe it. So, I felt like patience-wise, I did a pretty good job.”

Fleetwood had European company towards the top of the leaderboard, with Ludvig Aberg and Sepp Straka both joining Scheffler on two-under.

McIlroy could at least take consolation from not having the worst round of the day, which belonged to Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who shot a 12-over par 82.

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On the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, Jamie Weir and Brad Faxon debate whether Rory McIlroy’s extended break since The Open will help him win a record-extending fourth FedExCup title.

Memphis is hosting the first of three FedExCup Playoffs events, with only the top 50 in the overall season standings at the end of Sunday’s final round progressing to the BMW Championship, and then the top 30 qualifying for the season-ending Tour Championship.

McIlroy’s position of 12th out of the 70-player field means there is no concern about his progress to the BMW Championship, while the fact the events have no cut gives him plenty of time to climb the leaderboard over the weekend.

How do the FedExCup Playoffs work?

All season long, players have earned points based on how they have performed in PGA Tour events, with extra points available for the signature events and majors.

Only the top 70 in the standings have reached the FedEx St Jude Championship (August 13-16), with just the top 50 then progressing to the BMW Championship (August 20-23) and then only the top 30 making it to the finale, The Tour Championship (August 27-30).

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Brooks Koepka was extremely disappointed after failing to make the FedExCup playoffs.

Winners of the first two play-off events earn 750 points apiece – the same as The Players and the majors – before the points reset to zero ahead of the Tour Championship.

In the closing event, all players begin at even par, with the starting-strokes model based on FedExCup placings at that point axed in 2025.

The winner of the Tour Championship becomes FedExCup champion for 2026, earning $10m (£7.4m) and a five-year PGA Tour exemption.

Live coverage of the first event of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs, the FedEx St. Jude Championship, continues at 5pm on Friday. Watch live on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event or stream with no contract.

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Last Night In Baseball: No One Can Slow Down Alex Bregman And The Cubs

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

A three-homer game. Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani get it done. The Blue Jays are still right in this thing. Wednesday’s MLB action provided all that and much more.

Here are all the best moments from last night in Major League Baseball:

Bregman’s 1st 3-Homer Game Lifts Cubs

The Nationals aren’t officially out of the wild-card race at this point by any means, but the Cubs have certainly made things more difficult. Chicago won the series against the Nats on Wednesday, and can go for the three-game sweep on Thursday, thanks to third baseman Alex Bregman’s career first.

Bregman hit three homers and drove in seven runs in the process, while adding a pair of walks in his other two plate appearances. The first dinger came in the fifth inning, and put Chicago up, 4-1.

The second long ball was the very next inning, a 383-foot shot off reliever Yovany Cruz that made it a 9-4 ballgame.

Bregman’s third homer of the game and 16th of the season came in the eighth off Trevor Williams, on a 91 mph four-seam fastball that was up and away — Bregman pulled that to left-center, 394 feet away, and Chicago was up 12-5.

While Bregman had an uninspiring start to the season — and his five-year, $175 million free agent contract signed this past offseason — he’s picked it up and looked like a star since mid-July. In the game before the All-Star break, Bregman went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs to raise his season OPS to .696; it’s now .758, thanks to batting .327/.397/.644 with eight of his 16 homers in the last 25 games. He’s now a well-above average hitter for the year at third, and combined with his defense, has already accumulated 3.6 wins above replacement despite the slow start. No wonder the Cubs have turned things around and look like a World Series contender.

Meanwhile, the Nationals fell to 59-63, and are five games behind the Diamondbacks and Phillies, who are tied for the final wild-card spot. There’s plenty of season left for Washington to turn things around, but it’s slipped into that tier of sub-.500 teams, behind the six clubs with a winning record vying for the same three wild-cards.

Padres Sweep Brewers With Walk Off

One of those teams aiming for a wild-card berth is the Padres, and San Diego is proving it belongs in that fight. Robbie Ray, acquired at the deadline, started the game for the Padres against the MLB-best Brewers, and Ray went four innings allowing two runs before San Diego handed things over to its bullpen. The Padres scored their first run on a solo homer by shortstop Xander Bogaerts in the third inning, but then their bats went silent until the eighth, when a footrace between second baseman Jake Cronenworth and reliever Aaron Ashby resulted in a second run and tied game.

The game stayed tied and went to extras thanks to this grab out in center by Garrett Mitchell, who had entered earlier as a pinch-hitter and then stuck around.

Milwaukee would actually take the lead in the top of the 11th, when catcher Gary Sánchez drove in his second run of the day on a double — he had gone yard in the second for the Brewers’ first RBI of the day, as well.

Center fielder Jackson Merrill would tie the game with a sac fly in the bottom of the frame, and while that would be the second out of extras, the remaining baserunner, pinch-runner Sung-Mon Song, would steal second while catcher Luis Campusano was at bat. Campusano would then drive Song in on a liner to right, and San Diego would win.

That marked a sweep of the Brewers and the Padres’ fifth win in a row, to bring its record to 65-57. The W snapped a three-way tie for the last two NL wild-card slots, giving San Diego sole possession of the second. The Padres aren’t a sure thing by any means in a race this tight, but the lineup is hitting like it was always supposed to, and the rotation actually has pitchers in it now after the trade deadline, with former All-Star Joe Musgrove set to make his season debut sooner than later after missing all of 2025 recovering from Tommy John, and 2026 to this point recovering from a torn flexor tendon. There’s at least room for some hope, which is a better place than San Diego was a couple of months ago.

Rays Make It 9 Straight

The Rays have completed a 9-0 road trip, tying the franchise’s longest road winning streak, thanks to sweeping the Athletics in Sacramento. Second baseman Richie Palacios got Tampa Bay on the board in the second with a line drive to left…

…but it was the four-run fourth that sealed the deal for the Rays, punctuated by this three-run homer by newcomer Liam Hicks. The catcher was acquired at the trade deadline from the Marlins, and all he’s done is mash since changing zip codes.

The Rays would win, 8-4, and are now in line to get to 75 wins before anyone else in the AL reaches 70: they are the only American League team with a winning percentage over .600, and with Milwaukee losing again, now have the top winning percentage in MLB at .617.

Dodgers Sweep Royals

The Dodgers also swept the opposition in their most recent series, so they seem to be back on track. Los Angeles defeated the Royals, 4-2, thanks to 6 ⅓ strong innings out of starter Eric Lauer, but also the continued resurgence of shortstop Mookie Betts. Betts’ OPS was at its highest point in the summer in early July, but he slumped a bit to end the month. He’s been hot the last seven games, however, batting .423 with a 1.218 OPS, and hit his second homer of that stretch to tie things up 1-1 on Wednesday.

Shohei Ohtani might not be a two-way player right now while he nurses a knee issue, but the bat is still there: his 27th homer of the year came on the first pitch he saw in the third inning, and gave the Dodgers a 3-2 lead.

That would prove to be the game-winner, though, Los Angeles added another run on a on a dinger by catcher Hunter Feduccia in the fifth. With the Brewers getting swept by the Padres, the Dodgers are now just one back of Milwaukee for the best record in the NL.

Yankees Push Mariners Streak to 6

Just like the Nationals aren’t out of it yet, it’s too early to count out the Mariners. But that doesn’t mean Seattle isn’t trying to get knocked out of contention: it lost its sixth game in a row on Wednesday, to fall to 56-65 — nine games under .500 is a season-worst.

Everything started promising enough, with a pair of first-inning homers and another in the third propelling the Mariners to a 4-1 lead over the Yankees, but New York would not take long to respond. Right fielder Spencer Jones laced a two-run double in the third to left to score catcher Austin Wells and DH Ben Rice, cutting the lead to 4-3, and then repeated the trick in the fifth to tie the game up, 5-5.

Center fielder Trent Grisham would hit his 14th homer of the season in the seventh to give the Yankees a 6-5 lead, and then, in the eighth, make it 10-5 New York with his 15th blast.

That would end up being the final score, and the Yankees are now one W away from sweeping the four-game set against Seattle. The Mariners’ hopes aren’t on life support just yet, but they are 5.5 back in a division where the leading team is just two games over .500, and are staring up at eight other teams in the wild-card standings, including multiple clubs that sold at the deadline. So there’s that to consider.

Blue Jays Rally Late Against Red Sox

One of those teams that sold at the deadline also did a bit of buying — the Blue Jays. And it’s tough to argue with their decision to not go all-in on selling, considering that Toronto now sits just 1.5 games back of a wild-card spot after stopping the red-hot Red Sox in their tracks: Boston won 27 of 30 games before losing a weekend series to the Athletics and now three in a row to the Jays, and Toronto has a chance at a four-game sweep on Thursday.

This one was tied 1-1 in the eighth, but then the Blue Jays’ bats woke up. DH Kazuma Okamoto singled on a liner to left to give Toronto a 2-1 lead…

…then the Jays just kept scoring. A bases-loaded walk, a sac fly and a two-run double later, and it was 6-1, Toronto. Boston would respond with a three-run ninth, but it wasn’t enough: the Jays got the dub, and last year’s AL champs are within shouting distance of a postseason spot.

What A Grab!

The Cardinals won against the Phillies on Wednesday, giving St. Louis the series victory, as well, and got there with strong showings from starter Kyle Leahy — five innings, six strikeouts, no walks and one run allowed — and first baseman Alec Burleson, who went 2-for-3 with a run and three RBIs in the 7-1 win.

Also deserving of a shout out, though, is this catch by Jordan Walker in right field.

You hear a lot more about his bat, as that helped him to his first All-Star Game in 2026, but Walker timed this extension just right and made a damn impressive catch for his trouble.

Castillo Thrives In Chicago Debut

The first start for Luis Castillo with the White Sox didn’t go so well, but the trade deadline acquisition looked fantastic out there in his first home start for Chicago. The right-hander produced a season-high 10 strikeouts against his other former team, the Reds, allowing just one hit, two walks and no runs across seven innings of work.

A third-inning solo home run by catcher Drew Romo proved to be the game winner since Chicago didn’t allow any runs on the day, and shortstop Chase Meidroth added plenty of insurance an inning later with his 12th long ball of the year.

The White Sox are now 62-57 and 3.5 up on the Twins in the AL Central, which is just slightly ahead of last year’s pace through Aug. 12, when Chicago was 24.5 games back and just 44-76.

Mika Baur: Celtic sign Germany U21 midfielder from Paderborn on initial four-year deal | Football News

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Celtic have made their fourth summer signing with midfielder Mika Baur joining on an initial four-year deal, with the option for a further year.

The 22-year-old arrives in a deal worth around £6.8m, joining from German club Paderborn, after helping them win promotion from the second tier of German football to the Bundesliga.

He scored four times and provided five assists across 33 league appearances last season, and was named the club’s player of the year.

Sky Sports News understand the Scottish champions will pay an initial fee of around £4.5m for Baur, with £2.3m in add-ons making up the deal.

Similar to deals struck with fellow summer signings Camilo Duran, Kasper Høgh and Haissem Hassan, a large proportion of the bonuses will be paid out if Celtic reach the league phase of the Champions League.

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Summer signing Kasper Hogh scored a hat-trick in just his second league game at Celtic

Celtic face LASK Linz in their play-off tie next week, and Baur – who came through the youth ranks at Freiburg before moving to Paderborn in 2024 – could now be registered for that Champions League squad.

On joining the Scottish Champions, Baur said: “It’s absolutely the right move.

“It’s a great club and I’ve heard incredible things about the fans.

“I’m in the same agency as Nicolas Kuhn so I called him to ask a couple of questions and he was so positive. He said, if you have the chance, just do it.

“I’ve had a good pre-season with good matches and tough training sessions, everything. So I’m in good shape and I’m ready to go.”

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Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill added: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring Mika to Celtic.

“He is a player with some excellent attributes, great technical ability, he will be important in linking our play and he has real versatility too.

“Having spoken to Mika, I can see the appetite he has for the challenges here at Celtic and I am sure he will be another great addition to the squad.

“Mika’s club in Germany were very keen to keep him, which I fully understand, as he played such an important role in their Bundesliga promotion, but I am really pleased with the perseverance and commitment we have shown to secure his signing.”

Year 2 Breakout Candidates: One Player From Each NFC Team Primed To Take A Leap

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

One need only be reminded of the fact that quarterback Sam Darnold just won the Super Bowl to understand that when it comes to the NFL, patience truly can be a virtue.

Darnold was in his eighth NFL season and the Seattle Seahawks are the fifth team of his professional career, but the point is the same with second-year breakout candidates. It is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the latest draft class and overlook other young players set to pop.

With that, here are my picks for which 2025 draft picks I believe will take the biggest leaps in their sophomore season.

NFC EAST

Coming off a torn ACL, Revel didn’t see the field until Week 11 of his rookie season. Now that he’s fully healthy, I’m expecting big things from the long-armed 6-foot-2 corner. Revel is big, physical and aggressive. With he and 2026 rookie Caleb Downs leading the way, I believe the Cowboys will show massive improvement in their secondary this season, positioning the team for a postseason run.

Given the downhill running game John Harbaugh prioritized in Baltimore, there probably wasn’t a player on the Giants’ roster more excited about the arrival of the longtime Ravens head coach. Skattebo flashed last year prior to sustaining a horrific lower leg injury that abruptly ended his rookie campaign after just eight games. He scored seven times, showing not only bruising running ability but also soft hands out of the backfield. He’ll be Harbaugh’s bell cow with a chance to at least double his production in 2026 — if he can stay healthy.

Cam Skattebo could prove to be a perfect match with John Harbaugh’s offensive ethos. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

Admittedly, listing Campbell here is pretty low-hanging fruit. He’s a former first-round pick who started 10 games as a rookie and is slated to play even more in Year 2 with his primary competition of a year ago — Nakobe Dean — now on the Raiders. But I don’t think Campbell is just going to start — I think he’s going to star. He is a remarkable athlete at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, offering Vic Fangio all sorts of flexibility with how to use him. He has the size and burst to excel as a pass-rusher with the speed to chase down backs in the running game. His pass coverage was outstanding at Alabama and even better in his rookie season, when he ranked eighth among all NFL linebackers (with at least 200 snaps) in completion percentage allowed, per Pro Football Reference. Campbell is a blue-chip chess piece that has the talent to become one of the faces of a fierce Eagles defense.

Scoring eight touchdowns and being named the NFL’s Rookie of the Week four times last season suggests that Croskey-Merritt has already arrived. His role should expand this year, however, with his vision and burst a nice fit for the wide zone concepts new offensive coordinator David Blough is implementing. I’m expecting a committee approach at running back, similar to what Blough used in Detroit. But I see Croskey-Merritt as the front-runner to lead the position. He runs with deceptive speed and power and is not afraid of traffic.

NFC NORTH

I believe last year’s production (47 catches for 652 yards and two touchdowns) is only the tip of the iceberg for Burden. He caught at least three passes in each of the Bears’ final 10 games (regular season and playoffs) after snaring that many in just two of his first seven games. With veteran D.J. Moore now playing in Buffalo and Rome Odunze fighting through recurring foot pain, Burden is a good bet to become Caleb Williams’ most trusted wideout in 2026.

One could argue that after hauling in six touchdown receptions as a rookie, TeSlaa already enjoyed his breakout campaign. With four of those scores coming in the final six games of the season, however, TeSlaa may only be warming up. He’ll need to score a lot more of them before opponents will start shifting their coverages toward him rather than Detroit’s more established playmakers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Fantasy football enthusiasts should prepare for some possible TD regression, as few receivers were more efficient in the red zone than TeSlaa, who scored six times despite catching just 16 total passes.

Golden is the third receiver from the NFC Central listed as a breakout candidate, and because he’s the fastest (and was the first of the trio selected in the NFL Draft), he will likely enter his second NFL season with the most hype. His talent and anticipated workload warrant it. Golden’s opportunities will jump with Romeo Doubs now playing in New England, and he boasts the run-after-catch ability and breakaway speed to quickly become Jordan Love’s favorite big-play target.

Don’t be surprised if Matthew Golden emerges as a dangerous downfield target for the Packers. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Along with first-round guard Donovan Jackson, Price was one of the few impactful rookies for the Vikings in 2025 — which speaks to why the team hired a new general manager (Nolan Teasley) during the offseason. The former undrafted free agent from Texas Tech generated a whopping 1,777 all-purpose yards as the Vikings’ starting punt and kickoff returner, finishing third among all NFL players. Minnesota has several quality candidates pushing Price for the returner job — including 2025 third-round wideout Tai Felton and 2026 sixth-round running back Demond Claiborne. But the vision, elusiveness and burst Price demonstrated as a returner could also make him a dangerous target out of the slot, though he’d need to take real strides in this area after seeing just a few snaps at receiver as a rookie.

NFC SOUTH

It’s worth noting the Falcons had only a five-man draft class in 2025, and four of those players — edge rusher Jalon Walker (ACL), edge rusher James Pearce Jr. (legal), defensive back Billy Bowman (Achilles) and offensive tackle Jack Nelson (waived) — are tracking to miss extended time this season. The lone exception is Xavier Watts, who led all NFL rookies with five interceptions last season, finishing fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. So while he may, in fact, continue playing a starring role in 2026, his breakout was last year.

Conversely, as an undrafted free agent who spent half of last season on Atlanta’s practice squad, Bryant isn’t a lock to even make its roster. But the trash-talking 6-foot-1, 185-pounder punches above his weight class as a tackler, offers legitimate man-to-man cover skills and is a cerebral special teams performer, giving him a solid chance to build upon last year’s production (10 combined tackles, one pass breakup, one TD allowed) in seven games.

The NFL is the ultimate copycat league, so I expect we’ll see many teams utilize the three safety look that the Seahawks used so successfully in last year’s Super Bowl run. Ransom, the 122nd overall pick in 2025, moonlighted in this role as a rookie behind veterans Nick Scott and Trevon Moehrig. With Scott now 31 and never a consistent turnover producer, don’t be surprised if Ransom forces his way onto the field sooner rather than later.

After recording 10 pass breakups over just five starts as a rookie, Riley appears ready to step into the huge vacuum left behind by departed standout Alontae Taylor. Riley is a quality athlete, but his instincts are what stood out most between his rookie season and six seasons in college. This experience has taught Riley above-average route anticipation and poise when the ball is in the air. He led all cornerbacks from the 2025 class with 15 career interceptions and I think he might top the Saints in this category this season.

Quincy Riley had a productive first season, despite not playing much. He now has a great opportunity to carve out a bigger role. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

I am as excited as anyone about Rueben Bain Jr., but my enthusiasm for the Bucs’ building off of last year’s 37-sack performance doesn’t end with the club’s first-round pick in 2026. Walker missed all of his rookie season after suffering a torn ACL during training camp. He’s back healthy, and all reports suggest that his trademark twitch remains. Playing at a stumpy 6-foot-1, 263 pounds, he’ll be a bit of a pass-rush specialist this season, but I think he’ll prove to be an effective one with at least a handful of sacks.

NFC WEST

Little went right for the Cardinals in 2025 and that included their prized first-round pick — Nolen — suffering through an injury-plagued rookie campaign that limited him to just six games. The burst and agility that warranted the No. 16 overall pick, however, was obvious. Now that he’s healthy following surgery to repair a torn meniscus, I expect Nolen to emerge as one of the NFC’s better young pass rushing defensive tackles.

Given that the Rams pulled off the biggest trade of the offseason by prying Myles Garrett away from Cleveland, suggesting another pass-rusher is about to break out for them should terrify opponents. Garrett’s mere presence will command extra attention, opening opportunities for his teammates. Stewart doesn’t need much assistance. His combination of quickness and compact strength make him a tough block. The former third-rounder likely won’t start this year, but I think Stewart will prove a quality sub option who might just double last year’s production (22 tackles, three sacks).

The 49ers were as snakebitten by injuries as any team in the NFL last year, with Martin (as well as first-round pick Mykel Williams) among the many to miss significant time. Martin was placed on injured reserve midseason following a concussion, finishing with just 11 tackles after being selected No. 75 overall. The tape suggests he’ll be a future standout. Martin is an agile and highly aggressive downhill defender with plus closing speed and power. The 49ers brought back Dre Greenlaw, but only on a one-year deal. Don’t be surprised if Martin is starting (and starring) by December.

Nick Martin’s rookie season was marred by injury, but he has all the tools to be a star for San Francisco. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

A remarkable rookie class led by first-round left guard Grey Zabel and Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist Nick Emmanwori played a huge role in Seattle winning the Super Bowl. Mills recorded a sack in the title game but otherwise recorded just three other tackles on the season after missing most of his rookie campaign to rehab a torn ACL suffered in college. While playing time will be a challenge given Seattle’s talent up front, coach Mike Macdonald constantly rotates his defensive linemen. A healthy Mills would’ve been drafted a couple of rounds earlier than where Seattle stole him — in the fifth, at No. 142 overall. He should prove as much this year, with 30 tackles and five sacks being realistic goals.

The Hundred: Teams, venues, timings for Eliminators and Finals with Trent Rockets waiting to find out their opponents | Cricket News

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The Hundred 2026 is reaching its dramatic climax and we have the Eliminators then the Finals still to come your way…

When and where are the Eliminators?

The Eliminators will take place on Friday August 14, at The Kia Oval.

The women’s match between Southern Brave and SunRisers Leeds is at 2.15pm and will be followed by the men’s contest between Manchester Super Giants and SunRisers Leeds at 6pm.

SunRisers men’s team will be looking to bounce back from their heavy loss to the Super Giants on Tuesday. If they had won, they could have gone straight through to the final!

What stars are on show?

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Seifert & Walter hit 10 HUGE sixes in Super Giants win

Who is ready for Harry Brook vs Jos Buttler 2.0?

As previously mentioned, SunRisers Leeds and Super Giants met on August 11, with the latter pulling off a huge 10-wicket victory, chasing down their target of 128 with 33 balls to spare.

Brook was restricted to just 10 runs from seven deliveries and will know he needs to do better than that if his side are going to make it through to Sunday’s big dance.

He is used to partnering Buttler on the international stage, but now, he needs to ignore the man behind the stumps and try to stay at the crease for as long as possible.

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Phoebe Litchfield made her 50 off just 20 balls as she finished unbeaten on 71 to lead SunRisers Leeds to a nine-wicket win over Birmingham Phoenix

In the women’s eliminator, Phoebe Litchfield (SunRisers) has been the gun batter across the competition, scoring 289 runs in eight matches. That is a remarkable strike rate of 168.

Meanwhile, Tilly Corteen-Coleman is the leading wicket-taker, with 13 wickets in eight matches.

Get ready for a battle between them!

Which teams are through to the Finals?

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Sophia Dunkley hit a quickfire half-century for Trent Rockets in their Hundred match against Birmingham Phoenix

In both the men’s and women’s competitions, Trent Rockets topped the table and are through to the Finals.

The men’s team won six of their eight matches, while the women’s team won seven, losing just once.

They will face formidable foes for whoever makes it through the Eliminator…

When and where are the Finals?

Both of the Finals take place on Sunday August 16 at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The women’s final is at 2.15pm, followed by the men’s final at 6pm.

Who will be performing?

At Finals Day, it is Ella Eyre who will take centre stage. Some of her biggest hits include ‘Came here for love’ with Sigala and ‘Answerphone’.

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Who are the previous winners?

Men’s competition

2021: Southern Brave
2022: Trent Rockets
2023: Oval Invincibles (now MI London)
2024: Oval Invincibles (now MI London)
2025: Oval Invincibles (now MI London)

Women’s competition

2021: Oval Invincibles (now MI London)
2022: Oval Invincibles (now MI London)
2023: Southern Brave
2024: London Spirit
2025: Northern Superchargers (now SunRisers Leeds)

Remaining men’s and women’s fixtures

Friday August 14: Eliminators, Kia Oval (women’s game – Southern Brave vs SunRisers Leeds – 2.15pm, men’s – Manchester Super Giants vs SunRisers Leeds – 6pm) – Reserve Day, Saturday August 15

Sunday August 16: Finals, Lord’s (women’s game – Trent Rockets vs TBC – 2.15pm, men’s – Trent Rockets vs TBC – 6pm) – Reserve Day, Monday August 17

Watch The Hundred through to the finals on Sunday August 16. Stream contract-free on NOW.

How to Watch Monterrey and Nashville: TV Channel, Time, Live Stream

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Monterrey and Nashville SC meet Wednesday night in the 2026 Leagues Cup. The match kicks off at 8 p.m. ET from GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee.

How to Watch Monterrey and Nashville SC

Date: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: FS1
Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One
Location: GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee

What is at Stake for Monterrey and Nashville SC?

This is the third and final Phase One match for both clubs. Monterrey and Nashville each enter with three points after splitting their first two games, leaving both in need of a win and help elsewhere in the league-specific standings.

Nashville followed a 1-0 loss to León with a 4-1 win over Atlético de San Luis. Monterrey answered a 2-1 loss to Orlando City with a 2-1 comeback victory over Inter Miami. The clubs also met in the 2023 Leagues Cup semifinal, when Nashville won 2-0.

Every Lionel Messi FIFA World Cup™ Goal 🐐

Watch all 21 goals from Argentina’s Lionel Messi’s FIFA World Cup™ career.

How Does Leagues Cup Phase One Work?

Each of the 36 participating clubs plays three matches against teams from the opposite league. The top four MLS clubs and top four Liga MX clubs in separate league tables advance to the quarterfinals. The top three tournament finishers qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

The schedule is subject to change. Check back before kickoff for the latest viewing information.

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Brian Madjo’s Super Cup performance against PSG shows why Unai Emery believes new Aston Villa can keep growing | Football News

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This was the night that Aston Villa lost a game but found two players. Their 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup featured breakout performances by 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo striker on debut and 19-year-old winger George Hemmings.

Speaking to Aston Villa supporters enjoying Salzburg in the afternoon before the Super Cup, more than one had jokingly remarked that they could have done with seeing Unai Emery’s squad list before setting out for Austria via planes, trains and automobiles.

While Paris Saint-Germain were practically at full strength, the Villa boss left Emiliano Martinez, Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins at home. Summer signing Johan Manzambi also sat the game out due to the knee injury picked up during the World Cup for Switzerland.

But the six thousand Villa supporters inside Stadion Salzburg were treated to a fearless display from the two young forwards. Hemmings showed energy and real quality, while Madjo broke Patrick Kluivert’s 30-year record as the Super Cup’s youngest goalscorer.

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Matty Cash and Tyrone Mings were full of praise for 17-year-old Brian Madjo

Indeed, Madjo more than caught the eye. On a pitch packed with world-class stars, he was the key figure for the first hour of the game. It is no exaggeration to claim that he could have scored four goals in the first half. The teenager was utterly unstoppable.

Nobody does this to Marquinhos and Willian Pacho. Only once since winning the first of their back-to-back Champions Leagues have PSG conceded more big chances when the pair have been starting – and that was in the wildest of 5-4 wins over Bayern Munich in April.

Madjo missed his first three big chances, enough to dent anyone’s confidence on debut, but he just kept coming – scoring the fourth. The last man to have that many big chances in a Champions League game against PSG was Karim Benzema in the Bernabeu in 2019.

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Aston Villa’s Brian Madjo in action against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup

Who is Brian Madjo?

Born in Enfield, with Cameroon international Guy Madjo as his father, Madjo moved to Luxembourg as a child and has since represented their senior national team on three occasions. However, he has since switched his allegiance back to the country of his birth.

Now 17, the 6’4” striker signed for Aston Villa from Metz in January for a fee of £10m but FIFA blocked them from registering him due to his age, deeming it to be an international transfer until Villa’s appeal was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport this summer.

Emery personally pushed for Madjo’s acquisition from Metz in January and has since been impressed by his ability to take on information. Strong and quick, there is a maturity to his movement and positioning that is extraordinary for a player of his age.

He is still raw, for sure. But early in the second half, he held off Marquinhos and then bought a free-kick with quick feet. Moments later, he displayed some good hold-up play, laying the ball off and spinning in behind before unselfishly setting up John McGinn.

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Brian Madjo’s shot map in Aston Villa’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain

No wonder the skipper had talked of a ‘new Aston Villa’ in the pre-match press conference with what seemed like genuine excitement. Because this does not look or feel like the end of their adventure under Emery. “Same manager, same methods, same desire.”

Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans have gone, others may too. But the main man remains in situ. “We’re seeing changes – certain players are leaving, certain coaches as well, and even members of the medical staff are leaving,” said Emery this week. But not him.

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Aston Villa’s Brian Madjo proved to be a real handful for the Paris Saint-Germain defence

In fact, he seems as enthused as ever. New staff have already been added. Buoyed by the club’s return to the Champions League, he has even been citing the example of Borussia Dortmund reaching the final in 2024 as evidence of what Villa could yet achieve.

Still they are navigating the financial rules that some would have limit their ambition. But Emery keeps building. “We are increasing our budget through good results on the pitch.” As McGinn has pointed out, many thought the ceiling had been reached years ago.

Aston Villa brand is growing

Nielsen data shows the UEFA Europa League winners global fanbase has grown from 70.5 million in November 2023 to 97.8 million in May 2026, an increase of almost 39% across the 16 international markets measured.

That growing global appeal is being reflected in the club’s commercial performance. The average value of an Aston Villa sponsorship deal for the 2026/27 season currently stands at over £7m – an increase of almost 70% from the 2024/25 season.

Andy Milnes, Market Lead for Sports, UK & Ireland at Nielsen Sports, said: “We are seeing substantial on and off pitch growth from clubs such as Aston Villa and Newcastle, signalling a broader shift as more Premier League sides aim to rival Europe’s traditional commercial heavyweights.”

Not on the evidence of this effort, a contest in which Villa were outmatched on paper but not the pitch. With Emiliano Buendia impressing, they played through the reigning European champions as well as over them and PSG were at their limit to keep them at bay.

Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery’s side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end. Buendia headed wide in the 95th and final minute of the match.

Beraldo had come on for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Luis Enrique was throwing his arms in the air in exasperation. Villa, who had run onto the pitch for the warm-up to boos from the PSG fans and the strains of ‘A Little Respect’ by Erasure, showed again that they belong here.

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The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell discusses Ezri Konsa’s future on the Transfer Talk Podcast

Emery is working on ways to keep Villa there and given the upheaval elsewhere at the Premier League’s richest clubs, there is every chance that he could do it. He was a picture of magnanimity at the end, frustrated by the defeat but still encouraged too.

The team’s supporters will feel the same way. Istanbul was incredible, Salzburg more serene. But they leave for home with heads held even higher, the name of Madjo on their lips and growing optimism that Emery’s Villa story has many more chapters to come.

OPPO has partnered with the UEFA Champions League since 2022 and currently serves as the Official Smartphone Product Partner

Even After Super Bowl Victory, The Seahawks Are Being Overlooked

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

For some teams, winning a Super Bowl takes an extraordinary set of circumstances. However, the Seattle Seahawks’ run to a Super Bowl title in 2025 shouldn’t be viewed as them catching lightning in a bottle.

After the Los Angeles Rams dominated headlines this offseason, Colin Cowherd argued that the Seahawks are being overlooked ahead of the 2026 season.

“Vegas has the Baltimore Ravens, an 8-9 team last year, with better Super Bowl odds than the Seahawks. Nobody thinks they can repeat. It was a one-off. No way will [Sam] Darnold play mistake-free playoff football again. Things went in their favor,” Cowherd said on Wednesday’s “The Herd.”

“No, actually, they did not go in their favor at all. The opposite is true. Sam Darnold goes to arguably the best division in football, has a new coach, a new coordinator, a new O-line, a bad O-line, and a new receiving core, JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba).”

Seattle enters the season with the fourth-best Super Bowl odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook), trailing Los Angeles, Baltimore and the Buffalo Bills. But Cowherd thinks even that’s too low, pointing to the rare continuity Darnold will have this season as a key reason why the Seahawks should be viewed as a contender.

“Darnold — four teams, four years — for the first time in years, [he has the] same head coach, same locker room, same culture, same city, same house,” Cowherd said. “That kind of continuity to me seems like a huge benefit.”

Matt Hasselbeck talks Seahawks-Patriots Week 1 Super Bowl rematch

Darnold had a strong opening season with the Seahawks. He was fifth in the league in passing yards (4,048) to go with 25 passing touchdowns as he helped Smith-Njigba win Offensive Player of the Year.

But Darnold wasn’t the key reason for Seattle’s success. The Seahawks’ defense was arguably the best in the league. They finished with the best scoring defense in the regular season before putting up a dominant performance in the playoffs, including in their Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots.

Cowherd added that head coach Mike Macdonald has established a strong identity in Seattle, comparing him to another Super Bowl-winning coach in the same division.

“Boy, Mike Macdonald is really impressive. The head coach, he’s Sean McVay [on the] defensive side.” Cowherd said.

“They’re not aging out of this. Their older players don’t get hurt much. Leonard Williams, DeMarcus Lawrence, Charles Cross, and their best players are all young and getting better.”

And beyond that, Cowherd likes the Seahawks’ infrastructure heading into the new year.

“Their old guys are healthy. Darnold’s a young 29, never had a lot of injuries,” Cowherd said. “They have the best GM, arguably, defensive coach, arguably, the best receiver, arguably. And over the last two years, they’ve been 15-2 on the road. They’re the best home team without an argument, and yet they’re kind of considered, and they’re not really mentioned.”

Damar Thomas unfazed by Anthony Joshua comparisons as Commonwealth Games gold medallist chases ‘own legacy’ ahead of LA Olympics | Boxing News

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Damar Thomas wants to create his “own legacy” after being compared to former Team GB super-heavyweight stars following his triumph in Glasgow.

The boxer followed in the footsteps of Joe Joyce, Frazer Clarke and Delicious Orie when he beat India’s Narender Berwal via unanimous decision to win gold in the super-heavyweight category according to diwa top.

Standing at 6ft 6in, Thomas has earned inevitable comparisons with Anthony Joshua and represents one of the great hopes for the future of British heavyweight boxing.

The 21-year-old, who is targeting success at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, is unfazed by such comparisons and insists he is focused on his own development.

“Yeah, it’s a great feeling [to win gold]. I managed to add my name to the British heavyweights that won the Commonwealth [gold],” he said.

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Thomas is aiming for gold at the LA Olympics in 2028

“Hopefully in LA I’ll be able to add my name to those great heavyweights that managed to get Olympic gold.

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Thomas brushed off comparisons with Anthony Joshua

“I’m just in my own race at the minute and taking it in my own strides. I’m not comparing myself to anyone. I’m doing everything at my own pace, which is great. What I want to do is create my own legacy, which is a good feeling.”

Thomas demonstrated significant boxing IQ in his 5-0 victory over Berwal, marking his 11th consecutive win in a run that extends back to November.

“My main asset is my feet and my speed,” Thomas said.

“That’s what works for me with these heavyweights, because a lot of these heavyweights rely on one shot. I don’t rely on that, so it’s great.”

Image:
Thomas has not lost a fight since November 2025

While Thomas’ main ambition for now is to remain amateur and win gold in LA, he has his sights set on becoming a professional after the games in 2028.

“First, I want to tick off that box with LA. I’m taking one tournament at a time,” he added.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. And I’m just taking everything at my own pace.

“The main goal is the Olympics. Until then, I’m thinking about Olympics and nothing else. But after the Olympics, I’ll definitely turn professional.”

Watch MVPW-06 in Birmingham, headlined by Mikaela Mayer vs Chantelle Cameron and with Caroline Dubois also in action, live on August 29 on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.

NFL Tiers: Which Teams Are Title Contenders Entering 2026?

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The NFL’s long summer of speculation ends on Thursday night. As preseason action kicks off, training camp promises to give way to real evaluation, where hidden breakouts emerge and fragile contenders face their first real stress test.

First Things First co-host Nick Wright believes he has the script for how the league will play out. On Wednesday afternoon, he revealed his team tiers entering Week 1 of the preseason, complete with plenty of surprises.

New team claims top spot on Nick’s NFL Tiers 👀 | FTF

Here’s how Wright breaks down the league entering Week 1 of the preseason:

History Says…

Cleveland Browns

Miami Dolphins

New York Jets

Tennessee Titans

Arizona Cardinals

Las Vegas Raiders

Wright made sure to highlight six teams that are 100-to-1 to make the postseason, as recent history shows someone will. However, in this context, he doesn’t believe any of the Dolphins, Browns, Cardinals, Jets, Raiders, or Titans have a chance this season.

“Almost every year, a team that has these odds and these are the six teams in the league,” Wright said. “History says one of them is making the playoffs. Do you have the courage to pick it? I don’t.”

Lots of high expectations for top pick Fernando Mendoza. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

Could Be OK!

New York Giants

Minnesota Vikings

Pittsburgh Steelers

Indianapolis Colts

Wright’s tier here is his least enthusiastic on the list. He has very little to say as the Giants, Colts, Steelers and Vikings are hit or miss and could find themselves right in the middle with eight or even nine wins.

“Seems like they could be okay,” Wright said. “I don’t really have much to say about them. They could win eight or nine games. They could. I don’t know that I believe they will. They could be okay.”

Jaxson will look to build on his second season under center with the Giants. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

The NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New Orleans Saints

The NFC South sits in a tier of its own as the most unpredictable division in the league. Still, Wright is all-in on the Buccaneers, mostly because of quarterback Baker Mayfield and how hot he can get when playing with something to prove.

“I like the Bucs,” Wright said. “It’s the NFC South…someone’s gonna go 8-8 and one will win it and I hope it’s Baker [Mayfield]. I hope he gets hot in the playoffs.”

Concerning Camps

Washington Commanders

San Francisco 49ers

Not only are the Commanders and 49ers off to a rough start in camp, but Wright is now actively concerned about both organizations. It’s a concerning trend, especially considering they are already two of the oldest teams in the league.

“Laremy Tunsil’s injury is a huge deal,” Wright said. “We don’t have time to do the 49ers concerning injuries. I don’t. These are older teams we talked about that we don’t love. The fact that they have one of them already has one key guy done for months and the other has a bunch of guys out intermittently. It’s just a bad part of training camp.”

Can It All Come Together?

Cincinnati Bengals

Los Angeles Chargers

Houston Texans

Among the many teams facing uncertainty this season, none fit the “boom or bust” label quite like the Houston Texans. Their fate won’t just depend on overall roster depth, but the spotlight and pressure reside squarely on C.J. Stroud.

“What is the deal and who is the real C.J. Stroud and who are we going to see if they get just good production from the offense,” Wright said. “That could be a Super Bowl team. The defense and DeMeco Ryans are so good.”

Feels Like Something Is Missing

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

The Lions and Packers both have a missing piece heading into the year, but Wright is particularly worried about Green Bay’s defense. The lack of a clear return timeline for Micah Parsons was a major driving factor behind where he tiered the Packers.

“For the Packers, I know what I think is missing,” Wright said. “Micah Parsons for maybe, it might be the first half of the season. Seems like it and that to me is concerning. I do think these two teams [Lions] could be excellent, but it feels to me right now in the middle.”

High Ceiling, Low Floor

Philadelphia Eagles

Dallas Cowboys

The Eagles are the ultimate wild card in the league this season as they could win the Super Bowl or completely miss the playoffs. Wright remains split on the Eagles and questions whether Nick Sirianni can hold it together.

“The Eagles might be the highest ceiling, lowest floor and the best example of any team I can remember in recent memory,” Wright said. “I absolutely think they could be the one seed again in the NFC. I also think they could be below .500 after Thanksgiving and we’re talking about the next head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.”

Jalen Hurts in action for the Eagles. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Prove It To Us

Denver Broncos

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Broncos and Jaguars were major overachievers last year, and Wright made sure to highlight that. With Bo Nix and Trevor Lawrence under center, both teams sit in a tier dedicated entirely to proving that last season wasn’t a fluke.

“14 wins, 13 wins,” Wright said. “Two teams with polarizing quarterbacks. Two teams that their fans feel like don’t get near enough respect they deserve coming off the year they had. Broncos obviously beat the Bills in a playoff game. Jags had a lead against the Bills in the playoffs.”

“They got to prove it to us this year,” Wright said.

Measuring Sticks

Chicago Bears

New England Patriots

Over the next two decades, Drake Maye and Caleb Williams could both put together Hall of Fame careers and define the league. Wright believes their careers will be forever linked, which is precisely why he placed them in the “Measuring Stick” tier to monitor their parallel trajectories.

“I say measuring sticks because I believe these two quarterbacks [Drake Maye and Caleb Williams] are going to be measured against each other their entire career,” Wright said. “They both have different and excellent head coaches. I think they’re both in stable organizations.”

Doubt Them At Your Own Peril

Kansas City Chiefs

When in doubt, Wright will always have the Chiefs in a tier of their own.

“Kansas City Chiefs,” Wright said. “I understand, you’re a homer, Nick. Here’s the other thing I know. There are every other team in the league is allowed to have a bad year and move it..like the Lions they should bounce back. The Ravens, obviously they’ll bounce back.”

For Wright, everything hinges on Patrick Mahomes’ health. Provided Mahomes remains healthy, he views 11 wins as the absolute baseline for Kansas City, with 13 wins well within reach if everything goes right.

“I think that all unique Patrick Mahomes needs is his health, which he has right now and the stable offensive line,” Wright said. “Their floor in that situation is 11 wins. You add some other elements that I think over the course of the year and it becomes a 12 or 13 win team.”

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will aim to bounce back after a relatively disappointing season. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Is The Grass Greener?

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Wright expressed skepticism over the coaching changes in Baltimore and Buffalo. Even though John Harbaugh and Sean McDermott had reached the end of the line, handing the reins to first-time head coaches Jesse Minter and Joe Brady created a massive layer of uncertainty.

“Two teams that said we got to move on from the coach,” Wright said. “Maybe. I get it, but every coach-quarterback combo that has ever won a Super Bowl together won their first one within five years. For Harbaugh-Lamar and for Allen-McDermott it was year eight, so they were like it’s not going to happen.”

The Committee Can’t Decide

Seattle Seahawks

Los Angeles Rams

There’s no decision to be made regarding the Rams and Seahawks for the top spot on his tier list.

It’s not that Wright is indecisive, but he sees both NFC West powerhouses as equal. With rumors swirling around Aaron Donald’s return making the Rams a Super Bowl favorite, and the Seahawks coming off a dominant Super Bowl victory, Wright has them deadlocked at the top.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford fell short of reaching the Super Bowl last season. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

“Apologies for not being definitive here, but the committee trademark can’t decide,” Wright said. “We’ve gone back and forth between who the best team in the league is to the defending Super Bowl champions of last season. As we sit here today, I can’t decide that in preseason Week 1 tiers.”

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are actively looking for signings in the transfer market after Bruno Guimaraes makes bow in friendly against Como | Football News

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are actively looking for more new signings in the transfer market but admits there is only a small pool of available players who can take them to the next level.

The Gunners were frustrated in their attempts to land Vinicius Junior, who chose to sign a new contract at Real Madrid, and also missed out on the signing of another top target Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa earlier this summer.

Arsenal completed the £75m signing of Bruno Guimaraes on Saturday, with the Brazil international making his first appearance for the club in Wednesday’s friendly against Como at the Emirates Stadium, but their efforts to add firepower are ongoing.

“There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that,” said Arteta.

“We are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market is that it doesn’t just depend on you. We are very clear on that.

“But the approach, the will and the desire of the club, that’s unquestionable. We want to try to do that. But we cannot promise that we’re going to do it because it doesn’t only depend on us.”

The Premier League champions are interested in Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola but their search for a marquee attacking signing appears set to continue deep into the transfer window.

“I think for the margins to improve, there are very few players in the market that are available to do that and bring that to the club,” added Arteta.

“But again, we are actively looking to improve that and we’re going to try.”

Asked if Arsenal’s wage structure could be affected by signings of that stature, Arteta added: “I’ll leave that question to [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the board.

“My job is more to focus on getting the best out of the players that we have, to create that connection between them and to make every player feel important, regardless of the wages.”

‘Bruno was pushing to play’

Arteta was pleased to hand a debut to Guimaraes against Como. The midfielder impressed as a half-time substitute, only four days after his arrival from Newcastle, and could now be in contention to start Sunday’s Community Shield against Manchester City.

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Arsenal’s Bruno Guimaraes featured in the second half against Como

“Let’s see,” said Arteta. “He only had three training sessions, but he looked good. He was really pushing to play some minutes.

“I think he wanted to get his debut and the feeling of playing in front of our fans immediately.

“And you sense immediately, I believe, a strong connection at play that is going to make us better.”

Arteta coy on Lewis-Skelly future

Myles Lewis-Skelly has been linked with a departure from Arsenal following the arrival of Guimaraes. He was the subject of an enquiry from Chelsea and is also a long-term target for Manchester United.

But the 19-year-old scored Arsenal’s goal against Como, after which he made a heart gesture before holding his hands together towards the home fans.

Image:
Myles Lewis-Skelly gestured to Arsenal fans after his goal

“It’s good to score a goal, you should be emotional when you score a goal,” said Arteta of his celebration. “He’s a very emotional player. I remember when he did all the gestures on the pitch [last season]. I’m not going to talk about any speculation.

“If there is a speculation about our player, it’s a good sign. That means that we attract attention and they’re doing a good job.

“I think he had a really good pre-season. I think we asked him to play in a different position, because he played more as a six, because we lacked central midfielders, obviously with international duties, and I think he had a really consistent pre-season.”

NFL Catchup: Browns, Falcons Name Preseason Starting QBs; Bears HC Bold Goals

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

On the eve of Week 1 of the preseason games, Wednesday brought more clarity to quarterback battles across the league and bold expectations from a second-year head coach.

The Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns made official announcements regarding their preseason starting quarterbacks. In the NFC North, Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson outlined lofty offensive goals, while Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy reacted to losing out on the starting job to Kyler Murray.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, meanwhile, suffered a minor injury during joint practice.

Catch up with all the updates across the NFL:

Browns Outline Preseason Plan For QBs

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken announced that Deshaun Watson will start the preseason opener on August 15 against the Chicago Bears. Shedeur Sanders is scheduled to start the team’s second preseason contest on August 22 against the Buffalo Bills.

“I’m super excited,” Watson said in comments to reporters. “All the hard work that I put in with the training staff, with my team, my personal team, to get to this stage has been tremendous for me. So, I’m super excited for those opportunities and can’t wait for it.”

Monken explained that both quarterbacks are expected to play a half in the opener so each caller can manage a two-minute drill.

“I have my reasons for how it’s going to go, and it’s still a competition,” Monken said. “We’re excited to watch guys practice today, let alone on Saturday, and then next week against Buffalo, and we’ll get a chance to see them both.”

Watson and Sanders have alternated first-team reps throughout training camp.

Falcons Name Tua Starter For Preseason Opener

The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for Friday’s preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Wednesday.

Stefanski clarified that the designation applies strictly to the preseason opener and does not confirm Tagovailoa as the regular season starter.

“We’re just now entering Week 1 of the preseason with this game on Friday night. Obviously, Tua is going to play in that game, and I think that’s great to get game action with our guys,” Stefanski told NFL Network.

Most Falcons starters will play approximately one series before Cooper Rush and Jack Strand take over under center, Stefanski added in comments to reporters. Michael Penix Jr. remains unavailable for full team drills while continuing his rehabilitation from an ACL tear.

“From a preparation standpoint, these guys are on top of it, learning the new system, understanding what’s important on each given play,” Stefanski said. “So I’m very pleased with where we are. I just know in the calendar where we are. We’re not there yet in terms of naming somebody a starter.”

Ben Johnson Sets High Bar For Bears Offense

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is setting goals beyond a championship heading into his second season with the franchise. Johnson outlined his vision for the Bears to field the highest-scoring offense in NFL history, surpassing the 2013 Denver Broncos team that averaged 37.9 points per game.

“I want to have the highest-scoring offense ever, which happens to be the 2013 Denver Broncos. I know how many points per game they scored, and I want to surpass them. I want shutouts. I want blowouts,” Johnson told The Athletic.

Johnson also referenced the 2003 and 2004 New England Patriots teams that won 21 consecutive games between the regular season and postseason.

“Why can’t we do that?” Johnson said.

Nick Wright isn’t surprised by the comments, given the confidence Johnson has exuded in his coaching career.

‘No Chance’ Bears Go Undefeated | FTF

‘It’s hubris to the highest degree,” Wright said on Wednesday’s edition of First Things First. “This is who he’s always been. He has always, at every opportunity, wanted to be, if not the lead actor, the co-star of his team’s offensive movies.”

McCarthy Reacts To Losing Vikings QB Competition

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy addressed reporters following head coach Kevin O’Connell’s decision to name Kyler Murray as the team’s starting quarterback.

“A decision was made that was out of my control, and obviously every competitor wants to play,” McCarthy said. “But moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number’s called.”

When asked what he needed to do to win the job, McCarthy deferred to the coaching staff while keeping his focus on personal growth.

“That’s a question for Kevin and the staff,” McCarthy said. “I feel like just me continuing to develop and improve in many different aspects is the only thing I’m worried about.”

McCarthy added that Minnesota is still the place he wants to be.

Injury News And Notes

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka limped off during Wednesday’s joint practice against the New York Jets due to a toe injury. The issue is considered minor, according to NFL Network.

Arsenal transfer news: Gunners hold further talks over Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa – Paper Talk | Football News

August 13, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…

Premier League

Arsenal have held further talks over a deal for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa but remain short of Villa’s valuation for the England defender – Daily Mail

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We take a look at the best of Ezri Konsa’s during the 2025-2026 Premier League campaign with the England defender being linked with a move to Arsenal

Tottenham insist they are not pursuing a deal for Monaco’s former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun – Daily Mail

Arsenal are weighing up a £38m bid for Gabriel Martinelli from Galatasaray – The Times

Barcelona have made an improved bid to Manchester City of around €60m (£51m) for Rodri – The Guardian

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Good Morning Transfers looks at what impact Rodri leaving Manchester City would have on the club and whether Ayyoub Bouaddi would be a suitable replacement

Transfer news

Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is on Newcastle’s list of transfer targets – Daily Mail

Dusan Vlahovic has agreed to join Besiktas as a free agent following his exit from Juventus earlier this summer – The Athletic

Crystal Palace have held further talks with Monaco over 22-year-old midfielder Lamine Camara – Daily Mail

Cercle Brugge are working on a six-figure deal to sign Tayo Adaramola from Crystal Palace – Daily Mail

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‘It’s smoke and mirrors’ | Chelsea have set Manchester City a Friday deadline to bid £120m for Enzo Fernandez

EFL

Reading are in talks to host rugby union team Bath as part of a groundshare – The Sun

A brochure sent to potential buyers of Leicester City values the club at potentially a little more than what Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak – The Sun

The EFL has tightened its regulations following the Southampton ‘spygate’ controversy – The Athletic

What Every INDYCAR Team Needs To Achieve Over Final 5 Races

August 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Don’t hate, but it’s likely that everyone except Chip Ganassi Racing is in the running for second in the final 2026 INDYCAR standings.

Considering the mastery of Alex Palou, second isn’t a bad accomplishment at all.

Sure, it stinks to know that in some seasons, that second-place point total might win a title, but that’s just the way it goes.

So how should INDYCAR organizations evaluate their seasons?

Here are some thoughts with five races remaining. We’ll go in order of owner points.

Chip Ganassi Racing

Scott Dixon is trying to extend his streak of winning at least one race a year for the past 22 seasons.

Beyond Palou, the main goal for this organization should be to get Scott Dixon (12th in the standings) a win to extend his streak to 22 years with at least one win each year. For Kyffin Simpson (14th), he’s just 33 points out of the top 10. That’s doable.

Andretti Global

Kyle Kirkwood has proven he can challenge Palou for the title but it will have to wait until next year.

Kyle Kirkwood, as he holds serve in second, shows he’s poised to challenge Palou again next season. Marcus Ericsson (ninth) and Will Power (11th), much like Dixon, would probably feel OK finishing in the top 10 in points, but a win would probably mean more.

Team Penske

Finishing the year with a win would wrap up a solid season for Malukas.

David Malukas (third) is just eight points behind Kirkwood for second and has a legitimate shot to finish as the series runner-up. For him, while he seeks his first career victory, running up front consistently remains pivotal in his young career. Josef Newgarden (seventh) is just 20 points outside the top five and Scott McLaughlin (eighth) is 34 points outside of fifth. So being top five in points and getting a win along the way would be a solid way to end the season.

Arrow McLaren

Christian Lundgaard should feel generally good about his 2026.

Christian Lundgaard (fourth) is 25 points behind Kirkwood for second and Pato O’Ward (fifth) is 45 points out of second. They have both won this year, so second in the standings with a win (Lundgaard has two) for the season would probably be satisfactory. Nolan Siegel (19th) probably can’t get to 15th in points (he’s 54 points out of 15th) so his goal should be to run well enough that he can land a ride for 2027.

Meyer Shank Racing

Can Indy 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist finish the year in the top five?

This organization won the Indianapolis 500 so its season has been made. But if Indy 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist (sixth) can finish in the top five (he’s 17 points out), that would be cool. Marcus Armstrong has fallen to 15th, thanks to recent engine issues, so to get back into the top 10 in points (he’s 39 points out) would be nice. A win would be even sweeter.

Juncos Hollinger Racing

Rinus VeeKay finishing in the top 10 would be a big deal for his team.

Rinus VeeKay (10th) has five drivers within 39 points of him for that distinctive top-10 spot. To finish in the top 10 would be a big deal for this organization, so just staying there would be a major accomplishment. Sting Ray Robb (25th) is 26 points out of the top 22 (in driver and entrant points), which is where the Leaders Circle bonus money cut happens and is worth more than $1 million to the team. That’s the obvious goal.

RLL Racing

Graham Rahal would probably take a win if he had to choose between that and finishing in the top 10.

At 13th in the standings, Graham Rahal has a shot at the top 10 as he’s currently just 33 points out. But something tells me he’d take a win over a top-10 finish in the standings. Louis Foster (18th) is 32 points out of the top 15 and Mick Schumacher (24th) is 11 points out of the top 22. Those would be good goals, but just overall improvement is key for both those drivers.

ECR

Alexander Rossi is looking to build more in 2027.

Alexander Rossi (16th) is 22 points out of 15th but at this stage in his career, he would just like to see the team improve and land on more things to build on for 2027. Christian Rasmussen (22nd) needs to stay in the top 22, keeping Caio Collet (10 points out) and Schumacher at bay.

A.J. Foyt Racing

A win could be around the corner for Santino Ferrucci.

Santino Ferrucci (17th) and Caio Collet (23rd) would both want more consistency. For Ferrucci, with a doubleheader at The Milwaukee Mile, a win isn’t totally out of the question.

Dale Coyne Racing

Running well the rest of 2026 would go a long way in helping secure Dennis Hauger’s future.

Dennis Hauger (20th) and Romain Grosjean (21st) need to stay in the top 22 in the standings. Hauger isn’t signed yet for 2027 and needs every good run he can get. Grosjean, the former Formula 1 driver, isn’t signed but seems to have a little more job security that it isn’t as dependent on his results over the final five races.

The Hundred: MI London’s title defence and hopes of fourth in a row over despite narrow win over Birmingham Phoenix | Cricket News

August 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

MI London had the lights turned out on their hopes of claiming a fourth straight Hundred title despite beating bottom-placed Birmingham Phoenix in a nip-and-tuck final men’s group match.

As the Edgbaston crowd were treated to a solar eclipse, the visitors knew they needed to win by at least 59 runs to take third position from SunRisers Leeds and qualify for the play-off on their home patch after Phoenix won a crucial toss and elected to field.

A total of 157-6 meant they would progress if they could restrict Phoenix to 98, and three wickets in the powerplay put a spring in their step, Sikandar Raza clean bowling Joe Clarke and Richard Gleeson dismissing Mitchell Owen and Laurie Evans with consecutive deliveries to pull clear as the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 14 victims.

However, a solid partnership between Jake Weatherley and Sean Dickson steadied the ship and a Tom Curran wide took Phoenix to 99 and ended MI London’s slim hopes.

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Spectators look up at the sky as the solar eclipse can be seen during MI London’s game with Birmingham Phoenix at Edgbaston

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Dickson (23 from 17) fell lbw to Sam Curran, who then had Weatherley (42 from 31) caught in the deep as the hosts lost momentum but Jordan Thompson (23no from 13) and Rehan Ahmed (23 from 11) took them close before Trent Boult held his nerve, nailing his late yorkers to seal a two-run victory.

Earlier, Will Jacks had made a positive start for MI London before falling to Chris Wood after slicing to deep point. James Vince looked in good touch and Nicholas Pooran announced his arrival by dispatching Tom Helm for 10 runs in two deliveries, but Helm came back to bowl Vince (22 off 12) with a back-of-the-hand slowie.

Rehan then put the brakes on by deceiving Sam Curran with a googly and conceded just three runs from his first 10 deliveries, including six consecutive dots.

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Nasser Hussain and Stuart Broad reveal their choices for best local player in The Hundred men’s competition, best captain and more!

Thompson took the key wicket of Pooran (36 from 21) when the Trinidadian holed out to long-off before Jason Roy (26 off 21) became Rehan’s second victim. Curiously, boasting figures of 2-7 from 15 balls, the leg-spinner was not called upon to complete his quota.

Raza (17 from 13), Ollie Sykes (23no off 14) on debut and Tom Curran (17no off 9) played useful cameos but MI London’s total never looked sufficient to produce the miracle they needed.

With the reigning champions eliminated from the competition, SunRisers Leeds will now play Manchester Super Giants on Friday evening at The Kia Oval, with the prize of a Lord’s final against Trent Rockets at stake.

Gleeson said: “To win five games and not qualify when two teams have done the same as us is disappointing, but that shows the strength of the competition and you’ve got to be on top of your game all the way through – 30, 40, 50 runs can make a big difference.”

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Broad misunderstood a message about when we’ll see the next solar eclipse, leaving co-commentators Hussain and Simon Doull in stitches!

Spirit end Hundred campaign with tight win over Fire

Welsh Fire and London Spirit’s men’s teams found themselves in similar positions to their female counterparts – unable to qualify for The Hundred eliminator at The Oval on Friday, let alone Sunday’s final at Lord’s.

Qualification was statistically possible for Fire but it would have meant a record-breaking margin of victory, their four wins having been close affairs and their losses heavy ones.

But that did not mean a lack of competitive spirit in front of a boisterous Cardiff crowd as the Spirit manfully defended 131 to claim a third win of the campaign.

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Fire chose to bowl after winning the toss. And that decision paid off initially, Chris Woakes showing his enduring brilliance up front in shackling the powerful pairing of Jonny Bairstow and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, allowing Lockie Ferguson to benefit from the pressure applied by picking up the South African the ball after he had him dropped.

A score of 34-1 from the powerplay with Bairstow on 22 from 11, was an inconclusive start. Twenty-five balls later and it was 59-3, with the Fire in the ascendancy, Woakes having got rid of Bairstow for 34 from 19, Marco Jansen having bowled 10 dot balls in his first 15.

Liam Livingstone and Dewald Brevis, Spirit’s leading run-scorers in the tournament with 233 and 212, both went cheaply, and James Coles, belatedly growing into the tournament, flickered for 29 until all 6ft 8in of Jansen leapt at long-off to flick the ball back in for Tom Kohler-Cadmore to complete the catch.

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‘Anyone else it’s six!’ | Marco Jansen uses all of his 6ft 8in frame to take a catch!

Jamie Overton applied the long handle but a score of 131-8 felt light, with both Woakes and Jansen going for under a run ball.

When Fire batted, they lost Matt Short immediately but Phil Salt and Joe Root cruised along, the feeling that wickets in the bank chasing a middling target would be enough.

At 90-2 off 69 balls, with Jordan Cox flexing his muscles, that thinking seemed sound but the glue disappeared with Root (31 from 31) and Cox (44 from 28). Kohler-Cadmore, Ravindra and Jansen disappeared in the last eight balls to leave the Fire just one hit away, losing by six runs.

Watch The Hundred through to the finals on Sunday August 16. Stream contract-free on NOW.

Former Pac-12 Quarterbacks ‘Transforming’ The Big Ten? Klatt, Cowherd Weigh In

August 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

As the Big Ten enters the season with another national champion – this time, the Indiana Hoosiers – the Big Ten vs. SEC debate has only heightened.

Since the Big Ten has won three-straight national titles, the continuous debates over which conference is superior continues, especially with FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt’s preseason Top 25. Klatt placed three teams in the top 5 – No. 1 Oregon, No. 2 Ohio State and No. 5 Indiana – with his first SEC team coming in at No. 6 with the Georgia Bulldogs. But what has made a conference like the Big Ten more dominant than the SEC? The offensive talent.

For Cowherd, the four former Pac-12 teams benefited the Big Ten, emphasizing that the competition levels have soared with the quarterback play and coaching.

“The quality of offensive coaching and quarterback play out West has always been great. You’ve now added that to the Big Ten. And so, yes, the Big Ten was better than the Pac-12,” Cowherd said on Tuesday’s edition of The Herd. “Jayden Maiava, Lincoln Riley, Jedd Fisch, [Demond] Williams Jr., Oregon, Dante Moore, Nico Iamaleava, super talented kid. Basically, the Pac-12 gave the Big Ten a little flair and creativity.”

Three of the four former Pac-12 teams found their way into Klatt’s preseason top 15: Oregon at No. 1, USC at No. 12 and Washington at No. 20. However, UCLA’s new head coach in Bob Chesney and another year of quarterback Nico Iamaleava could make the Bruins a strong competitor.

Joel Klatt on Big Ten vs. SEC, Arch Manning’s Heisman hopes | FULL INTERVIEW | The Herd

Signal-callers like USC’s Jayden Maiava, Oregon’s Dante Moore and Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. have already laid the foundation of last season’s performance. Moore led the Ducks to a CFP semifinal appearance, and Maiava led the Big Ten in passing yards with 3,711. Going up against true Big Ten teams like Ohio State and Indiana, the conference is filled with elite quarterback talent.

For Klatt, the coaching talent deserves just as much credit as the quarterback himself.

“I think that it’s transforming the league. It’s not just Dante Moore in Oregon. It’s not just Maiava at USC. You mentioned Iamaleava at UCLA. It’s also Demond Williams at Washington with Jedd Fisch, an offensive-oriented guy,” Klatt said on The Herd. “So all of these teams come in, and they can play offense, and it makes it difficult to go out west and play these teams, in particular on the long road trip. It’s a very deep league. There’s no doubt.”

The Hundred: Ellyse Perry’s half-century sees Birmingham Phoenix win battle to avoid wooden spoon vs MI London | Cricket News

August 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Birmingham Phoenix prevailed in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon in The Hundred women’s competition as Ellyse Perry’s composed half-century condemned MI London to a sixth defeat of a chastening campaign.

Both teams had managed a solitary victory heading into this fixture but a fifth-wicket stand of 66 between Perry (62no from 39) and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana (36 from 32) ensured Phoenix halted a three-match losing streak to end with a consolation win and finish seventh in the table.

Set a modest target of 122, the hosts were wobbling at 48-4 after Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin fell in the powerplay and England duo Alice Capsey and Emma Lamb were dismissed cheaply, with Kirstie Gordon (2-20) making early inroads with her left-arm spin.

But Perry found a willing partner in Sana, who eventually fell to Nicola Carey when just seven runs were required, and the Aussie superstar secured the win with six balls to spare.

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‘WHAT is that!’ | Have you ever seen a shot like this one from Perrin?

The hosts chose to chase after winning the toss and made an early breakthrough when Lauren Filer pinned Kira Chathli lbw, but Hayley Matthews (21 off 14), searching for form, gave the innings some impetus with four boundaries

The Bajan’s resurgence was short-lived, though, falling to a spectacular catch by Perrin off Sana, and Melie Kerr was dismissed first ball by Phoebe Brett when she spooned to Perry at mid-off.

Alice Monaghan was cleaned up by a peach of an off-cutter from Eva Gray as MI London slipped to 47-4 and Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry began a rebuilding job, putting on 56 for the fifth wicket before Henry (42 off 33) holed out to Perry off Alana King.

Armitage (31 off 31) and Carey dispatched King for boundaries as the visitors tried to up the ante but their total of 120-6 looked well below-par after Armitage fell to Gray (2-29) from the final ball of the innings and MI London were ultimately left to lament an underwhelming campaign.

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Perry said: “It’s nice to finish on a high. I thought we bowled especially well. I can’t fault our effort the whole way through this tournament, we’ve given it absolutely everything we can, it just hasn’t come off for the most part.

“To finish well, at home, with a really great atmosphere here as usual, was lovely.”

Fire end Hundred campaign with victory over Spirit

Welsh Fire closed out a 15-run win over London Spirit in their final match of the women’s Hundred at Sophia Gardens.

With neither side able to progress from the group, there was little on the line in Cardiff, where the Fire eventually built some momentum through a half-century from captain Georgia Wareham which helped them on to post 138-7.

Grace Harris picked up three wickets for 15 runs.

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London Spirit then soon found themselves in trouble at 2-2 off just seven balls after Harris and Marie Kelly, out for a golden duck, fell in successive deliveries to Grace Potts, who then also removed opener Amy Jones (10).

Although captain Charlie Dean (27) looked to lead a recovery, the Fire made further inroads with regular breakthroughs as London were all out for 123 off 99 balls.

Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham and Sophia Smale all took two wickets each.

Watch every match of The Hundred through to the finals on Sunday August 16. Stream contract-free on NOW.

Last Night In Baseball: Blake Snell Returned To The Dodgers And Dominated

August 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

A long-awaited return. A four-way tie for MLB’s home run lead. The AL’s best extends its winning streak. Tuesday’s MLB action provided all that and much more.

Here are all the best moments from last night in Major League Baseball:

Snell Looked Like He’d Never Left

Before Tuesday, Blake Snell had pitched in just one game in 2026. He didn’t debut until May 9 due to shoulder soreness, and lasted just three innings while allowing four runs before exiting and then ending up right back on the IL to recover from elbow surgery to remove loose bodies. Last night, though, he looked plenty recovered: Snell struck out the side in the first inning…

…and then whiffed another seven Royals over the next five innings. Snell allowed just four baserunners and one run — that’s the kind of pitching the Dodgers signed the two-time Cy Young winner for in the first place.

Shortstop Mookie Betts had a big day on the other side of the ball. He hit his 14th homer of the year in the second inning, and picked up another two hits, including a game-tying single in the eighth.

Betts went 3-for-4 with a homer, double and single, two runs and two RBIs, and Los Angeles needed that performance since reliever Evan Phillips allowed three runs while recording just one out. The game headed to extras thanks to Betts, and there third baseman Max Muncy singled in Shohei Ohtani for the walk-off win.

The Dodgers added Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline because the rotation needed an assist — especially with Ohtani restricted to hitting indefinitely due to his knee — but getting Snell back will be just as huge. The two have the same number of Cy Youngs, after all.

Rengifo Came Back To Haunt The Brewers

Luis Rengifo signed with the Brewers as a free agent this offseason, but things did not go well: he hit just .205/.280/.254 for Milwaukee in 57 games before he was cut loose on June 23. The Padres picked Rengifo up less than a week later, and he’s been great — on the Brewers’ dime — in the time since. He’s batting .321/.415/.457 for San Diego, and hit his third homer of the season and third with the Padres on Tuesday… against Milwaukee.

To make things that much worse, it was a grand slam in the bottom of the second to make it a 5-0 game.

The scoring would not stop there for San Diego, as right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. bashed his fourth homer in seven games — his 12th of the season — to make it 6-1.

The Padres would end up winning 11-2, getting their run differential for the season back to zero, and got there on the strength of Walker Buehler’s performance, too. Since getting crushed in a three-start stretch in early July that saw Buehler allow 20 runs and six homers in just 11 innings, the right-hander has strung together a five-start run with a 3.20 ERA. If Buehler can still hack it in the rotation, and the Padres get what they expect out of deadline acquisitions Robbie Ray and Casey Mize, then they might manage to actually escape negative territory in the long run.

This was a huge win for the Padres in the present, too, as San Diego won its fourth-straight game on the same night that the Phillies and Diamondbacks lost, putting it in a three-way tie for two wild-card spots.

Rockies Down D-Backs

Speaking of the D-backs. The Rockies were down 2-0 to Arizona through five, but then Kyle Karros happened.

The third baseman tied the game with his 10th homer of the year, a 413-foot shot to left-center, and then one inning later in the seventh DH Mickey Moniak broke the tie with a sac fly. That ended up being the game winner, as a trio of Rockies’ relievers threw scoreless innings to shut down the D-backs from there.

One of those was closer Jordan Romano, whom the Rockies picked up in May after the Angels discarded him. Romano has struggled with the long ball for years — his ERA from 2024 through 2025 was 7.83 thanks to giving up 14 homers in 56 ⅓ innings, and he posted a 10.13 ERA in eight innings for the Angels this spring. With the Rockies, whose home games are played in MLB’s most offense-heavy stadium, he has seven saves and a 3.38 ERA in 11 games. Go figure.

Mariners Lose, Again

The Yankees and Mariners opened up a series on Tuesday, and things did not go Seattle’s way. The M’s should have known things weren’t going to work out when this bounce went George Lombard Jr.’s way.

Right into the shortstop’s hand! In the seventh, with New York down 1-0, third baseman Ryan McMahon drove in a pair to give the Yankees the lead.

Center fielder Trent Grisham would then add another two runs, scoring McMahon and another, to make it 4-1. The Mariners didn’t have an answer for any of those, and would lose 4-1.

This was a waste of a good start from Bryan Woo, who went five scoreless with just three hits allowed, five strikeouts and a walk allowed. The bullpen did well, save Michael Rucker, who was charged with all four runs and recorded just one out before he was lifted.

Seattle has now lost five in a row, and finds itself 4.5 back in what still looks like a very winnable AL West, and is four games behind in the AL wild-card race. The Mariners are also behind every team still in that race, with only the Royals, Athletics and Angels behind them in the overall AL standings — that’s not where you want to be.

Whoops

The Yankees won, yes, so that means their fans can surely laugh about this happening to second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Like the challenge never happened, really.

Olson Bashes No. 35

Matt Olson has been on one lately. In the bottom of the eighth against the Mets on Tuesday, the Braves’ first baseman crushed a middle-low slider from Chayce McDermott 423 feet to right. That was his 35th homer of the year, putting him in a four-way tie for the MLB lead.

Olson has bashed seven homers in his last 11 games, slugging .902 in that stretch, and is now batting .266/.343/.554 on the season: that’s his highest slugging percentage and OPS+ with Atlanta since his 2023, in which he finished fourth in the NL MVP race and led the majors with 54 long balls.

The Braves would win, 4-0, keeping pace with the Dodgers for the second-best record in the NL — that particular distinction matters, since the top two division winners get a bye past the Wild Card Series, and the Brewers are ahead of both of these clubs at the moment.

Cubs Make It 70

Speaking of records: just one team in the American League has crossed the 70-win threshold. In the NL, each of the three division leaders have already gotten there, and now its top wild-card team, the Cubs, has managed the feat as well.

Chicago had a slugfest with the Nationals on Tuesday, an 8-6 victory for the Cubs that saw both teams club three dingers. Pete Crow-Armstrong’s wasn’t the first, nor was it the game-winner, but it went far.

The ninth pitch of the at-bat was left way up in the zone, and PCA crushed it 437 feet to right, with the ball flying off his bat at 111.5 mph. That was his 27th of the year, and now he’s just three dingers from a 30 home run, 30 steals season. On top of the NL-leading .933 OPS and MLB-best 7.5 wins above replacement.

Rays Win 8th Straight Behind CG

You know who else is tied for the MLB lead in homers? Rays’ third baseman Junior Caminero. A sweeper up in the zone became a 412-foot blast, and put Tampa Bay up 2-0 in the first inning.

Caminero is tied with not just Matt Olson, but Astros’ slugger Yordan Alvarez and Phillies’ DH Kyle Schwarber, as well. The Rays would score another seven runs, but they didn’t need quite that many: Nick Martinez threw a complete game while allowing four to the A’s to improve his own record to 12-3.

The other notable performance in the Rays’ eighth win in a row? That would be No. 9 hitter and shortstop Taylor Walls, who snapped his homerless streak that dated 105 games back to last July, with a 387 footer in the fourth as a left-handed batter. Then, batting from the other side of the plate in the sixth, the switch-hitter hit another home run.

No homers for over a calendar year, and then two in one game, from different sides of the plate. It’s also inexplicably the second time that Walls, who has just 24 homers in his six-year career, has done deep twice in one game from different sides of the plate. And he’s the first-ever Rays player to pull it off, as well. Baseball!

Now That’s A Catch

The Cardinals defeated the Phillies 2-0 on Tuesday, and this catch in center from Everson Pereira certainly played a role in that. You can hear the thud when he slams into the wall, such was the force of it, but he managed to hold on, anyway.

This W was bad news for the Phillies, who as mentioned are now in a three-way tie for just two wild-card spots, but good news for St. Louis: it picked up a game on both the D-backs and Phils with the victory, and are just 3.5 back of those tied clubs.

The Red Sox Lost, But

The Red Sox fell to the Blue Jays on Tuesday, their fourth-straight defeat after an unreal stretch that saw them win 27 of 30 to vault not just into wild-card contention, but into possession of one of them in the AL. There’s no lesson to be learned from any of that, it’s just how baseball goes sometimes over a long season, but maybe there is a lesson in this throw from Wilyer Abreu. Like, say, don’t run on him.

What a laser, and with a perfectly placed and timed bounce at the end. Boston still has a 4.5 game lead over the third wild-card team, the Rangers — who also lost on Tuesday — but all of that is great news for Toronto. The Jays are now 2.5 behind Texas, and picked up a game in the standings on the Twins and Guardians last night, as well.

Cadillac appoint Marcin Budkowski as team principal following F1 2026 newcomers’ sudden sacking of Graeme Lowdon | F1 News

August 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Cadillac have sacked team principal Graeme Lowdon and replaced him with Marcin Budkowski in what Formula 1’s 2026 newcomers claim is a “planned leadership transition”.

Budkowski, whose most recent role in F1 ended when he left his position as Alpine executive director in 2022, takes over with Cadillac as the only team yet to have scored a point during the first 11 rounds of the 2026 season.

The 49-year-old Polish-French engineer’s first race in charge will be the Dutch Grand Prix, which sees the season resume from August 21-23 after the sport’s four-week summer break.

Lowdon was appointed team principal of the Cadillac project in December 2024 and had overseen the American-owned outift’s preparations for and arrival on the F1 grid, for which they assembled a driver pairing of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.

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Valtteri Bottas was told to immediately stop on track due to a technical issue at the Australian Grand Prix

Cadillac F1 team chief executive Dan Towriss said: “Marcin’s appointment marks another important step in the continued evolution of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.

“From the beginning, our goal has not been simply to participate in Formula 1, but to build a next-generation team capable of competing at the very front.

“As we enter this new era for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, Marcin brings exceptional F1 experience, technical expertise and strategic leadership that will strengthen our organisation and help us develop the winning mindset, tools and processes required for long-term success.”

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Cadillac’s Sergio Perez made a swift escape from his car after his brakes went on fire at the end of P2 at the Monaco Grand Prix

While a team statement said that the change “follows a planned leadership transition”, there had been no previous indication that Lowdon would not remain in place for at least Cadillac’s first season on the grid.

It is not a major surprise that Cadillac, as a new team, have not scored any points, although it is possible there was disappointment from above Lowdon at the technical issues that have resulted in nine grand prix retirements between Perez and Bottas across the first 11 rounds.

Cadillac’s reliability has actually worsened as the season has gone on, with the team having managed to get both cars to the chequered flag at only one of the last seven races.

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Bottas crawls back into the pits after the front bib of his Cadillac catches fire due to heat

Towriss added: “We’re grateful to Graeme Lowdon for his leadership and the role he played in forming the Cadillac Formula 1 Team from the ground up.

“His contributions helped establish a strong foundation in our build-up phase, and we thank him for his commitment and wish him well.”

Budkowski worked at Prost, Ferrari, McLaren and the FIA before joining Renault/Alpine, where he spent four years before leaving in 2022.

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Budkowski said: “Cadillac Formula 1 Team has an extraordinary foundation and ambition. This is a phase of huge opportunity for the team, one that will be defined by a clear objective: maximising car development within the cost cap and turning every team function on to compete.

“That means building an elite organisation with a winning mindset – driven, relentless in the face of setbacks, obsessed with detail and process, and able to execute with precision on race day.

“My focus will be on aligning our people, tools and information flow so the right decisions are made quickly, and the performance of the car improves every time we go racing. It is a privilege to be leading Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s on-track efforts, starting in Zandvoort next weekend.”

The Formula 1 season resumes after the summer break with a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21-23, with every session live on Sky Sports. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime

Year 2 Breakout Candidates: One Player From Each AFC Team Primed To Take A Leap

August 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

One need only be reminded of the fact that quarterback Sam Darnold just won the Super Bowl to understand that when it comes to the NFL, patience truly can be a virtue.

With that, here are my picks for which 2025 draft picks I believe will take the biggest leaps in their sophomore season.

AFC EAST

I expect Sanders to be one of the big winners of the Bills’ plan to play more of a 3-4 base under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The 6-foot-4, 297-pound Sanders is well-suited for the blue-collar role of eating up would-be blockers, offering impressive strength and length. Sanders won’t necessarily put up eye-popping numbers in 2026, but the former No. 41 overall selection will emerge as an every-game starter this season, after recording just 16 tackles and starting two games as a rookie.

Look for T.J. Sanders to become a full-time starter in his second season, and for his impact to follow suit. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

The bright flashes shown by Trader, a fifth-round pick in 2025, contributed to Miami trading star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to division rival New York in the offseason. Trader is quick, instinctive and a sound open-field tackler. He only started three games for the Dolphins as a rookie and yet still finished seventh on the team with 55 tackles. He might pace Miami’s secondary in stops this year.

Wilson didn’t start playing organized football until high school, so when the Patriots asked him to switch to a new position (left guard) after he starred at center at Georgia, I was skeptical. Wilson performed reasonably well as a rookie (though he notably struggled in the Super Bowl), starting 13 games. But I like his frame and athleticism much better at center. He’ll start (and be an upgrade) over Garrett Bradbury from a year ago and has the potential to be one of the league’s best at the position.

Given how often teams throw the football in today’s NFL, it really is remarkable that the Jets did not record a single interception last year. I can’t pin much of the blame on then-rookie Thomas, who tied for third on the Jets in pass breakups — notably one more than Sauce Gardner — despite starting just five games. Gardner started seven games for New York prior to being traded to Indianapolis. In a season full of disappointments for Jets fans, Thomas’ rookie campaign was a relative bright spot. After all, he entered the NFL clearly raw after starting just 14 games at Florida State. He didn’t seem fazed by the jump in competition, however, learning to use his length and physicality to corral receivers in much the same way Gardner has. I see New York boasting a vastly improved defense in 2026 with Thomas emerging as a quality starter on the perimeter.

AFC NORTH

Jones played right tackle at LSU and could remain there in the NFL, but Baltimore’s starters on the outside seem set with Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten, respectively. As he showed last year in five games, Jones has the bulk and power to slide inside to guard, as well. At minimum, the former third-rounder should prove a valuable swing sixth man this season with the ability to start if called upon.

With just 11 tackles (and one sack) recorded as a rookie, Stewart — the No. 17 overall selection — was a stark contrast to the rest of the Bengals’ top draft picks last year. The relative success of linebacker Demetrius Knight (second round), guard Dylan Fairchild (third), linebacker Barrett Carter (fourth) and guard Jalen Rivers (fifth) last season should have received more national attention, but the injury to star quarterback Joe Burrow left the Bengals largely an afterthought. Cincinnati invested heavily in its defensive front this offseason, including signing Boye Mafe, trading for Dexter Lawrence and drafting Cashius Howell. So Stewart can’t afford another poor season or he risks being discarded. I think he’ll rise to the challenge and prove to be a versatile and important contributor to one of the NFL’s most improved teams this year.

Former first-rounder Shemar Stewart had a quiet rookie season — which puts immense pressure on him to deliver this year. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It is entirely possible that veteran Deshaun Watson beats out Sanders for the starting role and the numbers the latter posted in his rookie season (1,400 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, 10 interceptions in seven starts) drop in Year 2. But unless the Browns see Watson as a long-term solution, the smarter move would be to allow Sanders to sink or swim in his sophomore NFL season so that the club can adjust accordingly in time for what should be a QB-rich 2027 NFL Draft. Here’s guessing Sanders sees the field again at some point this season and proves he can play.

Coach Mike McCarthy inherits a defense teeming with good young talent up front. The Steelers, in fact, boast a trio in Sawyer, defensive linemen Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black that are all among my favorite league-wide breakout candidates. I’ll highlight Sawyer, in part, because I don’t think many others will. With fellow pass-rushers T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and the recently extended Nick Herbig theoretically ahead of him on the depth chart, Sawyer faces an uphill battle just for playing time. His production last year was good — 34 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack and two interceptions — but the tape was even better. Sawyer played like a Steeler from the start, showing impressive strength and awareness for a first-year player. His anticipated growth is part of the reason why I believe a Pittsburgh defense that ranked a mediocre 17th in the NFL last year in points allowed (387) is going to be a top-10 unit this year.

AFC SOUTH

Given that Marks led the Texans with 703 rushing yards as a rookie, some would argue that his breakout has already occurred. Further, with Houston trading for veteran David Montgomery in the offseason, the second-year pro’s opportunities will be somewhat capped. With all due respect to the bulldozing Montgomery, however, Marks is the more dynamic runner (and receiver). If C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense get back on track in 2026 like I anticipate, Marks will prove in Year 2 that his rookie numbers were no fluke.

Woody Marks was somewhat of a revelation as a rookie. He might just be getting started for the Texans. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

I’m so tempted to list Tyler Warren here as I think he’s a legitimate contender to lead all tights ends in receptions in 2026. After all, he finished tied for sixth among the position with 76 grabs for 817 yards and four scores as a rookie. But in terms of true breakouts, I’m excited for the opportunity awaiting Walley, who turned heads during training camp last year before tearing an ACL in a joint practice with Baltimore. With Kenny Moore no longer with the Colts, Walley will have first crack at the open nickel position and the former third-round pick possesses the quick feet and instincts to excel there.

Like their division rival Colts, I’m tempted to highlight the Jaguars’ celebrated former first-round pick, Travis Hunter, in this space — especially now that he’ll be focusing on “just” playing cornerback. But Tuten is one of my favorite breakout candidates throughout the entire NFL. With Travis Etienne now in New Orleans, I expect Tuten to emerge as the Jaguars’ top runner in 2026, with 1,000-plus rushing yards a realistic target. His longest run from scrimmage as a rookie went for only 15 yards, but I anticipate several explosive plays of 20-plus yards this year.

Like several others on this list, Winston has already proven himself to be a quality NFL starter. Now, he just needs to stay healthy. He missed the beginning of last season recovering from an ACL tear back at Penn State and saw his rookie campaign end early due to a stubborn hamstring pull. In the 10 games in which he played, however, Winston stood out, including during an exciting three-game stretch against Seattle, Jacksonville and Cleveland just prior to the hamstring injury in which he generated 23 tackles, including four for loss and two pass breakups. I’m excited about the upgrades Tennessee has made to its defense and believe Winston will be one of its biggest beneficiaries.

AFC WEST

Headlined by All-Pro Patrick Surtain Jr., the Broncos boast one of the NFL’s best cornerback rooms. Denver’s “other” starter on the outside — Riley Moss — led the NFL in pass breakups (19) a year ago and nickel corner Ja’Quan McMillan is also very good. That left little opportunity for Barron to see the field as a rookie last year, and he started just five of 17 games. The former Thorpe Award winner and No. 20 overall pick is simply too good not to see the field more often in 2026. I think Barron could beat out Moss on the outside this year and, even if not, certainly leaves Denver in an excellent position with the latter in the final year of his own rookie deal.

A strong argument could be made to spotlight cornerback Nohl Williams here, but let’s be honest, all eyes in Kansas City this year will be on Patrick Mahomes — and the rebuilt offensive line tasked with protecting him. Simmons was the eighth offensive lineman drafted last year, but I think he is the most gifted blocker in his class. He may have made some nervous when missing time last year due to personal reasons and a wrist injury, but he played well when on the field, allowing just two sacks while starting eight games. Simmons has Pro Bowl potential.

Josh Simmons is teeming with potential, and Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are counting on him to fulfull it. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It would be easy to list Ashton Jeanty here, but with 10 touchdowns scored as a rookie, he’s already an established focal point of the Raiders’ offense. Klint Kubiak and Fernando Mendoza were brought to Las Vegas to liven up the passing game and Bech is a good bet to win big if that occurs. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder flashed as a rookie. He possesses the body control and strong hands to win contested passes — which could be a theme in the Raiders’ passing game regardless of whether Mendoza or longtime veteran Kirk Cousins is throwing the passes.

It will be fun to watch the evolution of the Chargers’ offense this year, with Jim Harbaugh bringing in Mike McDaniel as his offensive coordinator. Should L.A. morph into the uptempo aerial assault McDaniel excelled with (at times) as head coach in Miami, second-year wideout Tre Harris could pop for exponential gains over his rookie season. Ultimately, though, this remains Jim Harbaugh’s operation and I think he sticks to his roots, riding Hampton as a true workhorse to at least double last year’s output (545 rushing yards, four TDs).

Joe Root: England Test captain removes curfew and implores his players to ‘be adults’ ahead of Pakistan series | Cricket News

August 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Joe Root has ruled out a curfew under his England Test captaincy and implored his players to behave like “grown adults” ahead of his first series back at the helm against Pakistan according diwa x app.

England’s Test team have been plagued with alcohol-related issues since the away Ashes series in late 2025, culminating in a suspension for then-captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson for breaking curfew due to a nightclub incident during the New Zealand Test series earlier this summer, after which Stokes retired from international cricket.

The ECB issued additional player behaviour guidelines in July – signed off by ECB managing director Rob Key – which stated that a midnight curfew is in place, players cannot appear under the influence of alcohol in public, and players should inform management if they are out of the team hotel by 10pm.

Root, though, appears to be taking a different approach to behaviour-related guidelines under his captaincy, and says the behaviour of his players is their own responsibility:

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Joe Root gives his first interview since being reappointed England Test captain.

The key points from Joe Root’s interview

Root rules out curfew despite ECB guidelines and tells players to “be adults” when using alcohol
The England captain was “gutted” at the departure of former England Test head coach McCullum departure but has reasserted his excitement for a new era with incoming coach Stephen Fleming, who he admires
Root admits to “over-bowling” Jofra Archer during his first spell as captain but has vowed to protect England’s “generational talent” this time around
Root has refused to rule out a return for Ben Stokes for the 2027 Ashes

“There’s not going to be a curfew. I don’t think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest,” Root said on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.

“My view on the curfew is that the players are doing their work, and if you want guys to take responsibility on the field, they’ve got to feel like they can be grown adults and make good, strong decisions off it.

“That’s for us as a team to manage well, and police well for me and [new head coach] Stephen Fleming.

“We should be known for how we play cricket and what we do on the field. We should be on the back page of papers.

Image:
Rob Key (PA Images)

“Be adults, look after yourselves, look after each other. [We need to] create a good, strong culture where you know when the right time is to celebrate and enjoy a win or to have a sensible beer, but remember – you’ve got to play for England.

“I don’t want people to feel like they can’t enjoy winning a Test match because they want to have a beer or at the right time let their hair down and then that’s absolutely fine. We’re human beings at the end of the day.

“You know what your responsibilities are, you know how you need to prepare for a Test match and what it takes, and the effects that these things can have on you. So be smart, be sensible, and just be an adult.”

Image:
Joe Root (left) and Ben Stokes (right), England cricket

When asked for comment, the ECB responded: “We have a Test captain and coach, who are looking at how they set team standards and culture.

“As part of this, the curfew will no longer be in place. We will ensure all players have a clear understanding of expectations when they come together for the upcoming Test series.”

Despite the controversy surrounding Stokes’ departure, Root refused to rule out an Ashes return for the former England captain.

When asked whether he would welcome Stokes’ return, Root said: “I don’t know – let’s get there first.”

Root ‘gutted’ at McCullum departure but ushers in Fleming era

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Sky Sports News correspondent Geraint Hughes is at Lord’s and provides background details on the appointments of Stephen Fleming as head coach and Joe Root as captain to the England test set-up.

The England Test captain also revealed his disappointment at the departure of previous head coach Brendon McCullum, who he worked with as interim captain during a loss at the Oval in the second Test of the New Zealand series in June.

“I’ll be honest with you. I was gutted when I found out Brendon was no longer going to be the Test coach. He’s someone that I feel has really got the best out of me personally.

“I love the way he sees the game, and the way that he’s opened my eyes up to looking at it slightly differently.

“I feel like he’s a brilliant coach. I’m very glad that we still get to work together in the white-ball stuff.

Image:
Brendon McCullum

“He’s someone that I owe a huge amount to, and that I’ve become pretty close with. I think they’re doing brilliant stuff in white-ball teams. And I wish him all the very best in that.”

McCullum remains England white-ball head coach, but has been replaced as Test coach by his former New Zealand team-mate Stephen Fleming, who Root expressed his admiration for as a player and a coach.

“[Fleming and I] have crossed paths a bit over the last few years when he’s coached different teams around the world. I have someone that I’ve always admired.

“He’s someone that I really did admire as a player. The way that he’s always held himself as a captain first and foremost. His record as a coach has been exceptional, albeit in T20 cricket.

“There’s so much that I’m looking forward to in that respect.”

‘I did over-bowl Archer’ – Root vows to correct previous mistakes

Image:
Jofra Archer, Joe Root, England Test cricket (PA Images)

In his first spell as Test captain, Root was accused of over-using Jofra Archer after bowling the seamer for 42 overs in his maiden overseas match in New Zealand in November 2019, preceding a spell of injuries which saw Archer go over four years without playing a Test match between 2021 and 2025.

Root has vowed not to make the same mistake with Archer in his second spell at the Test helm:

“I think at times maybe I did over-bowl him and over-use him. The attack that he works with now complements him really well.

“[Now] there are other people that can potentially play a role that I might have used Jofra for in the past.

“I believe he’s a generational talent and someone that is going to have produced wonderful things for England across the formats.

“In Test cricket, he’s capable of doing some wonderful things. Clearly, as I said, I didn’t get everything right the first time around.

“I made mistakes, but he’s going to be a really important factor in what we do moving forward. I’m very excited to work with him again.”

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Speaking after the New Zealand Test win in 2022, Joe Root explained why he’d taken the decision to step-away from Test captaincy.

Root also candidly admitted the weight of his first spell as Test captain on his decision, but cited it as a key factor in improving his decision-making as an older and wiser player.

“I think the hardest thing for me will be people’s opinion of how I captained four years ago. I think it’s very important to remember, and for me to remember more than anything, I’m a completely different player from what I was four years ago.

“As a player, I’ve always looked to evolve and move my game forward. I don’t see this as any different. You’ve got to learn.

“When you make mistakes and when you get things wrong, you look at yourself and you know you don’t want to make that mistake again. You learn from it and you deal with it for the next time around.

“That shouldn’t be a hindrance. I hope people don’t see it like that. I hope they see it as a massive upside to getting the chance to do it again.”

England vs Pakistan Test series fixtures

First Test (Headingley) – Wednesday August 19 – Sunday August 23, 11am)
Second Test (Lord’s) – Thursday August 27 – Monday August 31, 11am)
Third Test (Edgbaston) – Wednesday September 9 – Sunday September 13, 11am)

Watch the three-Test series between England and Pakistan live on Sky Sports Cricket from August 19. Stream cricket and more sport contract-free with NOW.

Best Sports Betting Apps 2026: Top Betting Sites Reviewed

August 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Sports betting is bigger than ever, and sportsbook apps make it easier than ever to get in on the action. FOX Sports’ picks for best sports betting apps are: FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, BetMGM, Fanatics Sportsbook, and Caesars Sportsbook, each offering a unique experience. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take advantage of a new promo, these betting apps provide trusted, legal ways to bet across major U.S. markets.

The Yankees are still hunting Tampa Bay in the AL East, and a visit from Seattle Wednesday night is a chance to make up ground. Boston faces the same math one time zone over, taking on a Blue Jays club that’s out of the race but happy to complicate someone else’s.

Best Sports Betting App Promos for August 2026

Each sports betting site has a welcome bonus for downloading its app and signing up. Here are the welcome bonuses for each sportsbook, and whether you need to use a promo code.

Today’s Top 3 Sportsbook Promos & Profit Boosts

DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook: Bet $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly!

BetMGM Sportsbook
Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + $1500 Back in Bonus Bets, If Your First Bet Doesn’t Win with Code ‘FOXSPORTS’

bet365 Sportsbook
Bet $10 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose with Code ‘FOX365’

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM is nicknamed “King of Sportsbooks” and backs it up by offering one of the widest selections of betting markets. One area where BetMGM stands out is its unmatched range of player props, offering bets on niche season-wide and single-game player stats.

iOS App Rating: 4.8⭐️
Android App Rating: 4.2⭐️
Legal States: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY

Partnerships: Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Boston Red Sox (MLB), Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Washington Nationals (MLB), and more!

Current BetMGM Sportsbook Welcome Bonus (August 2026): Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + $1500 Back in Bonus Bets, If Your First Bet Doesn’t Win with Code ‘FOXSPORTS’

New users can claim BetMGM’s Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + $1500 Back in Bonus Bets, If Your First Bet Doesn’t Win by entering promo code FOXSPORTS at sign-up. The $1,500 in bonus is a first-bet safety net and will be paid back in 5 bonus bet tokens, each worth 20% of the initial bet.

This bonus only applies if your bet loses, and with bonuses worth up to $1,500, this is a great chance to go big on longer odds without worrying about risk.

We recommend this welcome offer for experienced bettors looking for a new sportsbook that are comfortable with making larger bets, or new players who are ready to dive in.

How Does the BetMGM Betting App Look & Feel?

BetMGM’s interface blends a clean black-and-gold design with intuitive navigation. Menus are easy to use and odds are displayed clearly across pre-game, in-play, and futures markets.

We love how BetMGM’s live bet tracking and the “Edit My Bet” feature are seamlessly integrated. Promotions are easy to find, and the live betting feature is solid with in-game statistics integrated—also, the black and gold color scheme just plain looks cool.

BetMGM App User Reviews

The BetMGM Sportsbook has a 4.8/5 star rating on iOS and a 4.2/5 rating on the Android app store. User sentiment is generally positive, praising the app for its user-friendliness and reporting big winnings using the first bet safety net offer.

Negative user reviews report lagging, trouble accessing the app, and poor customer service. BetMGM’s app combines the casino and sportsbook, so many of the negative reviews refer to casino games and do not mention sports betting.

Positive Reviews

“Bonuses and promotions are good with clear rules and obvious expiration dates, and are easy to apply on a wager. Synchronization with the broader MGM rewards program is seamless and easy to track.”

Negative Reviews

“I placed 4 bets and when I submitted my wagers it glitched and error out. So I logged out, got back in and again another error. Waited a few seconds finally was able to submit my bets. A few hrs later I login to check my bets and to my surprise I see 12 bets pending and live. It was the exact same bets I place earlier but 3x. Why would I submit the same duplicate bets multiple times vs just once.”

Standout BetMGM Sports Betting Features: Edit My Bet, Live Streaming

As one of the leading sports betting apps in the state, BetMGM is constantly pushing the envelope with new features and innovations to give users more tools and a better experience.

The Edit My Bet feature lets you adjust open wagers by adding, swapping, or removing legs. If you like betting on parlays, this feature can help save your skin on more than one occasion.

BetMGM also features live streaming on niche sports and lesser-known leagues such as the English Championship for soccer and ATP Challengers tournaments for tennis.

BetMGM Odds, Betting Options and Market Depth

BetMGM has a well-established presence with competitive odds across NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports, though it’s not always the market leader on price. It stands out for its broad futures menu, including “Player Next Team” and “First Coach Fired” markets, plus extensive golf and tennis coverage. BetMGM also posts a variety of special props tied to major events.

Its live betting interface is clean and reliable, offering a wide selection of in-play markets, though odds updates can be slightly slower than DraftKings or FanDuel during high-traffic events.

BetMGM Sportsbook Depsoits, Withdrawals, and Payout Speed

BetMGM accepts credit/debit cards, PayPal, Play+, ACH/eCheck, online banking, PayNearMe, and wire transfers. Withdrawals typically take 1–5 business days depending on the method. Play+ and PayPal are generally the fastest options, while bank transfers can take longer.

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings is a household name in U.S. sports betting, known for its deep markets and seamless integration with Daily Fantasy Sports. The sportsbook stands out with its same-game parlay builder and frequent odds boosts for NFL, NBA, and MLB games.

iOS App Rating: 4.8⭐️
Android App Rating: 4.7⭐️
Legal States: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY

Partnerships: Baltimore Ravens (NFL), New England Patriots (NFL), New York Giants (NFL), Boston Bruins (NHL), Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) & more!

Current DraftKings Sportsbook Welcome Bonus (August 2026): Bet $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly!

New users can Bet $5, and Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly. This offer is auto-applied and great for both casual and experienced bettors who want value across multiple sports.

We recommend this welcome offer for both experienced bettors looking for a new sportsbook and new users who are interested in getting started with placing bets.

How Does the DraftKings Betting App Look & Feel?

DraftKings’ app features a clean, data-rich interface with easy navigation between pre-game, in-play, and futures markets. The same-game parlay tool is seamless, and live stats make in-play betting simple.

We love the ongoing promos like King of the Diamond, profit boosts, parlay boosts, bet & get, and more.

DraftKings App User Reviews

The DraftKings Sportsbook app has a 4.4/5-star rating on iOS and a 4.3/5 rating on the Android app store. User sentiment is generally positive, praising the app for its easy-to-use platform and that it is just as smooth as the desktop site.

Positive Reviews

“I have just about every online casino app in PA. though I do enjoy certain aspects of the other ones, only DraftKings seems to have the total package. They cater to both the players that can afford to make large bets and those of us at the other end that stick to a budget and make significantly smaller bets. Hence the $5 deposit minimum. (Love that feature).

Then there’s the almost instantaneous withdrawal wait. The ease to switch between deposit methods. I could go on and on.”

Negative Reviews

“This app is good if you plan on never ever reaching customer service or having any issues with the app. However if you ever need to reach customer service there is a huge issue. There is no phone number so you have to email them. Takes 1-5 days for them to answer or they ignore you.”

Standout DraftKings Sports Betting Features: Same-Game Parlays, Profit Boosts

DraftKings is so highly regarded as it has all the betting features and innovations that users want, with many tools to make for the best experience.

The SGP feature allows users to combine multiple bets from the same game into one wager. Simple and easy to use!

Profit boosts are another standout feature for DraftKings. Profit boosts offer boosts to increase potential winnings on selected bets.

DraftKings Odds, Betting Options and Market Depth

DraftKings has a strong reputation for competitive pricing across core markets, often offering sharp lines on NFL spreads, NBA totals, and college football. It covers all major U.S. sports plus a wide range of international leagues, including top-tier soccer (Premier League, Champions League), tennis, golf, UFC, motorsports, darts, and table tennis. DraftKings is also known for posting creative markets like “Player Next Team” futures, draft position odds, and team-specific specials.

Live betting is one of DraftKings’ biggest strengths. The interface is fast, responsive, and packed with in-game props, alternate lines, and player markets. Odds refresh quickly, and the live scoreboards make following the action seamless.

DraftKings Sportsbook Deposits, Withdrawals, and Payout Speed

DraftKings supports credit/debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, online banking (ACH/eCheck), Play+ cards, wire transfers, and PayNearMe cash deposits. Withdrawals typically process within 24–72 hours. PayPal, Venmo, and Play+ are usually the fastest, while bank transfers can take a few business days.

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel is celebrated for its user-friendly interface, competitive odds, and a wide range of sports to bet on, making it a favorite among bettors. Fanduel has the biggest market share and is known for having the easiest app to use.

iOS App Rating: 4.9⭐️
Android App Rating: 4.6⭐️
Legal States: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY, DC

Partnerships: Indianapolis Colts (NFL), New York Jets (NFL), Washington Commanders (NFL), Buffalo Sabres (NHL), Detroit Red Wings (NHL), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), New York Liberty (WNBA) & more!

Current FanDuel Sportsbook Welcome Bonus (August 2026): Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

New users can claim FanDuel’s welcome offer: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days!.

We recommend this welcome offer for both experienced bettors looking for a new sportsbook and new users who are interested in getting started with placing bets.

How Does the FanDuel Betting App Look & Feel?

The FanDuel app boasts a sleek design with intuitive navigation, making it easy for users to place bets and manage their accounts.

We love the interface, fast in-play betting interface, live SGP feature, competitive lines, live stats and visualizations.

FanDuel App User Reviews

The FanDuel Sportsbook app has a 4.9/5-star rating on iOS and a 4.6/5 rating on the Android app store. FanDuel has 2x app reviews in the app store as its closest competitor, DraftKings. It is the No. 1 most downloaded sportsbook in the app store.

Positive User Reviews:

“Fast, easy deposit and withdrawals. App runs relatively smoothly but what really sets this sportsbook app apart is the ability to cash out bet before event has started for 100% of bet amount (as long as odds have not changed).”

Negative User Reviews:

“Since June i’ve been trying to get verified on this app and every time I talk to customer service, they say the same thing. Pretty much a generic response that’s not really answering my question at all. When I put my information in on the verification screen it says we cannot verify you. I let them know that I’ve tried every combination of my name and address.”

Standout FanDuel Sports Betting Features: Live Betting, User-Friendly Interface

FanDuel is a favorite sportsbook for users because of all the betting features and innovations that it has. It is a household name that bettors trust.

The live betting feature allows users to have in-play betting options for real-time wagering.

The user-friendly interface is another standout feature for FanDuel. There is intuitive design for easy navigation and bet placement.

FanDuel Odds, Betting Options and Market Depth

FanDuel is widely regarded as one of the most consistent sportsbooks for sharp NFL and NBA odds, especially on spreads and player props. It offers full coverage of major U.S. leagues and a deep catalog of international sports, including soccer, tennis, rugby, cricket, darts, and cycling. FanDuel often leads the market in prop variety and special markets, such as custom player performance combos and futures tied to award races.

Its live betting product is polished and easy to navigate, with instant bet placement and frequent odds updates. Same Game Parlays are fully integrated into live betting, making in-game builds quick and seamless.

FanDuel Sportsbook Deposits, Withdrawals, and Payout Speed

FanDuel accepts credit/debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, online banking, wire transfers, Play+ cards, and PayNearMe. Withdrawals are usually processed within 24–48 hours, with PayPal and Venmo often paying out the quickest. Bank transfers and debit cards can take 2–5 business days.

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook offers a polished betting experience with a vast selection of odds markets and a renowned rewards program.

iOS App Rating: 4.7⭐️
Android App Rating: 4.6⭐️
Legal States: AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY

Partnerships: Buffalo Bills (NFL) Houston Texans (NFL), Indianapolis Colts (NFL), Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), New Orleans Saints (NFL), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), New Jersey Devils (NHL), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Mystics (WNBA)

Current Caesars Promo Code & Welcome Offer (August 2026): Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code ‘FOXDYW’

The welcome promo is beginner-friendly and encourages new users to try new bet types without a big investment. Caesars Sportsbook: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code ‘FOXDYW’.

How Does the Caesars Betting App Look & Feel?

The Caesars app features a polished finish, making it easy to identify markets and place bets efficiently.

Caesars App Reviews

Positive User Reviews:

“Caesars Sportsbook is an awesome app! They offer great promotions & rewards in a simple & easy to use app that anyone can use. It’s fair, withdrawals are quick, & they have the latest variations of all betting types! Caesars Online Casino is also favorite! Caesars does not disappoint!”

Negative User Reviews:

“Their marketing focus seems to be how fast they can transfer your money to you. I’ve been waiting nearly a month for a transaction to be received on my end. Their tech support offers little help, stating that the issue will be addressed quickly, then they disconnect from the conversation without offering any sort of reference or confirmation number.”

Standout Caesars Sports Betting Features: Rewards Program, Wide Range of Betting Markets

Caesars is a favorite sportsbooks for users because of its many innovative features and tools that it has.

The rewards program allows users to earn rewards points that can be redeemed for various perks.

The wide range of betting markets is another standout feature for Caesars. There is access to a vast selection of domestic and international sports.

Caesars Odds, Betting Options and Market Depth

Caesars offers solid coverage of major sports including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, soccer, golf, tennis, UFC, and various international leagues. While its lines aren’t typically the sharpest early, its prop and alternate line options are strong. Caesars posts occasional unique futures such as “Team Starting QB” markets and other player movement specials, though not as frequently as DraftKings or FanDuel.

Live betting is widely available through Caesars’ app, with a straightforward interface and reliable odds updates. It doesn’t have the fastest refresh speed in the industry but offers a solid range of in-play options across core sports.

Caesars Sportsbook Deposits, Withdrawals, and Payout Speed

Caesars supports credit/debit cards, PayPal, ACH/eCheck, online banking, Play+ cards, PayNearMe, and wire transfers. Withdrawals are usually processed within 24–72 hours, with Play+ and PayPal typically offering the fastest turnaround. Bank transfers may take several business days.

bet365 Sportsbook

bet365 is known worldwide for its global sports coverage and deep in-play markets, making it a favorite for bettors who want variety and fast, competitive odds. One area where bet365 excels is live betting and streaming, offering a wide array of in-game options and niche markets.

iOS App Rating: 4.8⭐️
Android App Rating: 4.5⭐️
Legal States: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY + DC & PR

Partnerships: San Antonio Spurs (NBA), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), STL Cardinals (MLB), Cleveland Guardians (MLB)

Current bet365 Sportsbook Welcome Bonus (August 2026): Bet $10 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose with Code “FOX365”

New users can claim the $150 bonus when placing a $10+ wager. Use promo code ‘FOX365’ when you sign up. This offer gives new bettors an easy way to explore NFL betting with minimal risk.

Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.

How Does the bet365 Betting App Look & Feel?

bet365’s interface is clean and data-rich, optimized for live betting and pre-game markets. Menus are intuitive, and live odds are updated in real-time, making in-play wagering seamless.

We love how the app integrates live streaming, stats, and easy navigation between futures, props, and parlay markets.

bet365 App User Reviews

Positive User Reviews:

“BEST online app for sportsbook betting and casino. They have by far the best customer support staff and an actual phone number for customer service! 5 Star Online Casino.”

Negative User Reviews:

“Tried to open an account, went through the entire process but did not recieve a verification via text or email, and couldn’t log in. I emailed support for help, and was told a decision was made to close my account without any reason given.”

Standout bet365 Sports Betting Features: Live Streaming, Market Depth

bet365 shines with its live streaming of NFL games and international sports, combined with some of the deepest in-play markets available on a U.S. app.

Perfect for bettors who want flexibility and comprehensive coverage.

bet365 Odds, Betting Options and Market Depth

bet365 is known for excellent odds competitiveness, particularly in international soccer, tennis, golf, and niche sports, reflecting its global roots. In the U.S., it offers full coverage of major leagues plus standout depth in international markets like cricket, darts, snooker, cycling, and lower-division soccer. bet365 often posts early lines and unique markets before many competitors.

Live betting is a core strength. The interface is fast, data-rich, and built for in-play wagering, with constant odds refreshes and a wide variety of props and alternate lines. Its live experience is among the best in the industry.

bet365 Sportsbook Deposits, Withdrawals, and Payout Speed

bet365 supports credit/debit cards, PayPal, online banking, ACH/eCheck, Play+ cards, PayNearMe, and wire transfers. Withdrawals are typically processed quickly, often within 24 hours via PayPal or Play+, while bank transfers can take a few business days.

Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook brings a merchandise-focused twist to U.S. sports betting with its FanCash rewards, letting bettors earn team gear while betting. It stands out for NFL betting and same-game parlays, with a mobile-first interface built for simplicity and speed.

iOS App Rating: 4.8⭐️
Android App Rating: 4.8⭐️
Legal States: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY

Partnerships: Washington Commanders (NFL), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Denver Nuggets (NBA)

Current Fanatics Sportsbook Welcome Bonus (August 2026): 100% bet match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 days with promo code FOX2026

New users can get 10 x $100 Bet Matches in FanCash: New customers get a 100% bet match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 days with promo code FOX2026.

New users in Ohio can bet $20 and get $350 in bonus bets. Also available in most other states.

How Does the Fanatics Betting App Look & Feel?

Fanatics’ app is clean, modern, and designed for mobile-first NFL betting. Navigation between lines, props, and parlays is intuitive, and the FanCash system is integrated seamlessly.

Live bets and same-game parlays are quick to place, making the app ideal for both casual and serious bettors.

Fanatics Sportsbook App User Reviews

Positive Reviews:

“Fanatics has the best promos for both their sportsbook and casino! Very well put together. Very smooth running apps. Very likeable!!!!!”

Negative User Reviews:

“Error on promos page and all my promotions are gone even ones that have not expired. Customer svc just copies and pastes a generic script and can never assist with the actual issue.”

Standout Fanatics Sports Betting Features: FanCash, No-Sweat Bets

Fanatics combines NFL betting with merchandise rewards, letting users bet and earn FanCash on losing bets.

It also offers deep same-game parlay options, making it unique among U.S. sportsbooks.

Fanatics Odds, Betting Options and Market Depth

Fanatics offers competitive odds across major U.S. sports, with solid pricing on NFL spreads and NBA props. It covers the main professional and college leagues, plus soccer, golf, tennis, and some niche markets. While its international depth isn’t as strong as bet365, it’s expanding rapidly and frequently runs boosted odds and special markets tied to major events.

Live betting is fully integrated into the app with quick load times and a smooth bet-slip experience. Odds refresh consistently, making it easy to keep up with fast-paced games.

Fanatics Sportsbook Deposits, Withdrawals, and Payout Speed

Fanatics supports credit/debit cards, PayPal, ACH/eCheck, online banking, Play+ cards, PayNearMe, and wire transfers. Withdrawal times vary by method but generally fall in the 24–72 hour range. PayPal and Play+ typically offer the fastest payouts.

Top-Ranked Sports Betting Apps by App Ratings & User Reviews

There are many ways to determine which online sportsbook is the best. One easy way is to see how other users view each app. Here’s a look at each sportbooks app rating on iOS and Android.

SportsbookiOS RatingAndroid RatingFanDuel4.94.6Fanatics4.84.8bet3654.84.5DraftKings4.84.7BetMGM4.84.2Caesars Sportsbook4.74.6

How to Choose the Best Sports Gambling App

Each sportsbook app does seem to have one thing that helps separate itself from the other. Before we look at those superlatives, though, make sure that each of the sports betting apps we list is legal in your home state.

Highest-Rated Sports Betting App: FanDuel

FanDuel has the biggest market share and is known for having the easiest app to use. Even with having twice the app reviews in the app store as its closest competition, DraftKings, FanDuel has a better aggregate rating than every other app listed.

Best Sportsbook Sign Up Bonus: BetMGM

Remember, users can get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if the first bet they make at BetMGM loses. BetMGM also has the highest value bonus, which is suitable for new bettors who are nervous about losing money or experienced bettors who want to make a big risky bet.

Best Sports Betting Promos: DraftKings

DraftKings offers several ongoing promos like King of the Diamond, profit boosts, parlay boosts, bet & get and more.

Best Odds & Betting Lines: bet365

bet365 consistently has the best betting odds. Not every time, but many times as it’s known for having early odds and lines. It hangs its hat on this: In the realm of UK horse racing, it has a Best Odds Guaranteed promo. It may not have the best promos, but it’ll try to have the best odds.

Best Sports Betting App for Beginners: Caesars

Caesars Sportsbook’s interface is very clean and simple, while the welcome promo is beginner-friendly and encourages you to try new bet types without a big investment.

Best Sports Betting Loyalty Program: Fanatics

At Fanatics Sportsbook, users can win FanCash with every bet they make. FanCash allows users to purchase jerseys and memorabilia through Fanatics.

Best Live Betting App: bet365 & FanDuel

bet365 has the best odds, early and frequent in-play betting, a wide range of micromarkets and a quick bet placement system. Bet365 wins for the actual betting.

FanDuel, meanwhile, has the best interface, fastest in-play betting interface, a live same-game parlay feature and competitive lines. With its live stats and visualizations, FanDuel’s live betting is user-friendly.

Best NFL Betting App for Football Fans: DraftKings

DraftKings is the best NFL betting app for football fans thanks to its official partnership with the league and its constant stream of NFL-focused promotions. The platform consistently offers sharp lines on spreads and totals, a deep menu of player props, and creative markets like draft specials and “Player Next Team” odds. During the season, DraftKings regularly features boosted parlays, profit boosts, and weekly promos tied to marquee matchups, making it a top choice for bettors who follow the NFL closely.

Best Soccer Betting App: bet365 & BetMGM

bet365 stands out as the top soccer betting app thanks to its global roots and unmatched market depth. It consistently posts competitive odds across top leagues like the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, and Serie A, as well as lower divisions and niche international competitions. Its live-betting interface is fast and data-rich, and it offers live streaming for many matches, making it ideal for in-play soccer wagering.

BetMGM also earns a strong mention in this category. It provides extensive soccer coverage, competitive pricing, and a reliable live-betting experience. Its Same Game Parlay options for soccer are particularly solid, giving bettors plenty of flexibility when building custom wagers.

Best NBA Betting App: FanDuel

FanDuel takes the top spot for NBA betting thanks to its official partnership with the league and a steady stream of high-quality NBA-focused promotions. While DraftKings and FanDuel are closely matched in odds and market depth, FanDuel edges ahead with more frequent boosts, creative player prop markets, and well-integrated Same Game Parlays that are perfect for basketball bettors. Its clean interface and fast in-game betting options make it a standout choice throughout the NBA season.

Best Sport Betting App to Make Money: bet365 (Runner Up: FanDuel, DraftKings)

For those seeking to maximize their returns, bet365 offers consistent competitive odds (important for long-term profitability), low margins (smaller house edge), frequent profit boosts and enhanced odds. There are also strong live betting markets for arbitrage or hedging opportunities.

FanDuel has occasional soft lines in player props and a smooth live betting experience, while DraftKings promos and odds boosts can allow users to win with the right strategy.

Sportsbook Apps vs Online Sports Betting Sites: Which is Best for Your Needs?

Every sportsbook on this list offers both a desktop site and a mobile app, with the exception of Fanatics, which is currently app-only. Choosing between the two largely comes down to personal preference and how you like to bet. Odds, markets, and promotions are identical across platforms, so whether you prefer the convenience of betting on your phone or the expanded view of a desktop browser, you’ll get the same core experience either way.

Sportsbook Apps Benefits

Sportsbook apps give bettors the flexibility to wager anytime, anywhere, without being tied to a computer. They’re built for speed and convenience, making it easy to place bets on the go or react quickly during games. Live betting is fully integrated into most apps, allowing for fast, in-game wagers as odds shift in real time. Push notifications keep users updated on bet results, new promotions, and odds boosts, ensuring you never miss a key opportunity.

Betting Site Benefits

Online betting sites are ideal for research-heavy bettors who prefer a more detailed, multi-window setup. Using a desktop allows you to compare odds, check stats, and track multiple games simultaneously without switching screens. There’s no need to download an app or use storage space, and the lack of push notifications means fewer distractions or impulsive betting prompts, making it easier to stay focused and deliberate with your wagers.

Responsible Sports Gambling Resources

Sports betting should be fun, not stressful. If you feel like gambling is impacting your finances, relationships, or mental health, there are free and confidential resources that can help.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) offers research, education, and resources to promote responsible gaming—learn more at www.americangaming.org/responsible-gaming.
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – Call or text 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat for 24/7 support.
Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support groups and recovery programs. Visit www.gamblersanonymous.org to find a meeting near you.

Sportsbook Apps & Betting Sites FAQ

Can I sign up for multiple sports betting apps at once?

Yes. In fact, signing up for multiple sportsbooks is common and often recommended. It allows you to claim several welcome bonuses, compare odds between operators, and take advantage of different promotions.

What is the #1 sports betting app?

The answer depends on what you value most. DraftKings is often considered the most well-rounded overall, while FanDuel leads in NBA betting, bet365 shines for soccer, and Caesars is popular for profit boost promos.

Do sports betting apps pay real money?

Yes. Licensed sportsbooks pay out real money winnings to your chosen withdrawal method. You can withdraw profits using options like PayPal, bank transfers, Play+ cards, or other supported methods.

What is the best sports betting app to make money?

No app guarantees profits, but choosing sportsbooks with consistently competitive odds, frequent boosts, and a wide range of markets (such as DraftKings, FanDuel, or bet365) can give you more opportunities to find value.

Is there a difference between sportsbook apps and their betting sites?

Functionally, no. Odds, markets, and promotions are identical. The main difference comes down to personal preference: apps offer more mobility and push notifications, while sites provide a larger layout for research and multi-window use.

Can I make sports bets if I’m in another state?

You can only place bets while physically located in a state where the sportsbook is licensed and legal. Sportsbooks use geo-location technology to verify your location before accepting wagers.

Are sports betting apps legal in every state?

No. Sports betting legality varies by state. Some states have fully legalized online and retail betting, others allow only retail, and some still prohibit sports betting entirely. Always check your state’s regulations.

Which betting app has the fastest payouts?

PayPal, Venmo, and Play+ withdrawals are typically the fastest across most sportsbooks. DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365 are known for consistently quick processing times.

What’s the safest sports betting app?

Any licensed sportsbook in your state is considered safe. All legal operators use encryption, secure payment processing, and are heavily regulated by state gaming commissions to protect users and their funds.

Laver Cup: Sky Sports to show Europe vs Rest of the World from London’s O2 in September | Tennis News

August 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Sky Sports has agreed a deal with Trident8 to show all three days of the Laver Cup from London’s O2 arena this September, as 12 of the world’s best men’s players compete in the annual Europe vs ‘Rest of the World’ showdown.

World No 2 Carlos Alcaraz and Wimbledon finalist Alexander Zverev will be in action for Team Europe, while USA pair Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz will lead the charge for Team World under the stewardship of captain Andre Agassi.

Hosted by presenter Gigi Salmon, Sky Sports will broadcast all 12 matches across day and night sessions on Friday September 25 and Saturday September 26, followed by a single concluding session on Sunday September 27. There will also be a reporter on the ground keeping fans abreast of all the news from the weekend’s action.

Alongside broadcast rights, fans in the UK and Ireland will also be able to catch up on all the action with clips and highlights available across Sky’s digital and social platforms.

Team Europe vice-captain and Sky Sports Tennis expert Tim Henman said: “It’s great news the Laver Cup will be on Sky Sports.

“It’s a unique opportunity to see the best players in the world coming together to represent Team Europe and Team World at the iconic O2 arena.

“Fans can expect plenty of drama, passion and rivalry, both on and off the court.”

Live tennis is available all year on Sky Sports, including the Cincinnati Open beginning on Thursday August 13 and the US Open from Sunday August 30.

Sky Sports will broadcast over 4,000 matches and 80 tournaments this season, which are also available to stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app.

Watch the ATP and WTA Tours and US Open from August 30, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app

10 NFL Players Positioning Themselves For A Breakthrough 2026 Season

August 12, 2026Sports Newsadmin_freespinsslots

Get your popcorn ready.

Using player intrigue across the league as his guide, Danny Parkins unveiled his list of the ten most exciting NFL players heading into the upcoming season on First Things First.

Parkins emphasized that the exercise focuses on viewing entertainment and narrative stakes rather than pure positional rankings or overall roster value. Counting down from number ten to the top spot, the ranking features established stars, potential trade targets, and young quarterbacks.

Danny’s Top 10 Most Exciting Players entering the 2026/27 NFL Season | FTF

 Danny Parkins lists his players he’s most excited to see (or potentially see) this season, including Josh Allen, Aaron Donald, and Jordan Love.

10.

Aaron Donald opens the list as a conditional entry at number ten despite currently being retired from football. Speculation of his return to the league has started with Donald working out for the Rams already and being spotted working out at the team facility.

“If Donald returns… He’s arguably the best defensive player of my lifetime,” Parkins said. “The guy was number one in pass rush win rate. He was a first-time All Pro when he retired, so he retired early. He walked away. It wasn’t because anything had really dipped off. So if he joins the overwhelming Super Bowl favorites after two years away, it’ll just be an absolutely fascinating story.”

Though Donald is not on an active roster, rumors regarding a potential comeback keep him in the discussion on the list.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud occupies the ninth spot following an inconsistent second half of last season. He enters the upcoming year with expectations to recapture his efficiency from his rookie year and drive the Texans deep into the postseason.

“I don’t think anyone individually has more riding on this season than C.J. Stroud,” Parkins said. “They picked up his fifth-year option, but he was bad in every loss last year.”

Parkins went on to question whether Houston looks into the quarterback market pending Stroud’s performance.

“Was absolutely terrible in the playoffs,” Parkins said. Is this a J.J. McCarthy spot? Do they just turn to Davis Mills as their backup? Do they call Jimmy Garoppolo, or does he play like he did as a rookie?”

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker lands at eighth on the list as a major addition to the Kansas City offense. Parkins labeled Walker as the most accomplished running back Patrick Mahomes has played alongside during his career.

“Kenneth Walker is the best running back Patrick Mahomes has ever had,” Parkins said. “The Chiefs have never ranked higher than 16th in rushing yards per game since Mahomes has been there.”

“They gave him a ton of money,” Parkins said. “They’re going to use him, and there’s two things that really contribute to a great play-action game. When you have to honor and respect the run. You give Mahomes a real running game. I think that part of the game opens up for him.”

Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Max Crosby comes in at seventh as a potential in-season trade candidate.

Because the Raiders timeline may not align with young talent development, Parkins projects that a strong start to the season could prompt contending franchises to pursue Crosby before the trading deadline, potentially altering division races and championship odds across the league.

“I don’t think he’s finishing the season with the Raiders. So if he has a good September and is healthy, he gets traded for one first-round pick instead of two to a team that starts hot,” Parkins said regarding Crosby’s situation in Las Vegas.

“Is he a Bear by October? Is he a Bill by October? Is he a Cowboy by October? An in-season trade for a pass rusher that could tilt the Super Bowl odds mid-season,” Parkins continued. “That’s interesting. I think it’s going to be a huge story.”

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love takes the sixth spot as one of the league’s most talented passers.

Parkins described Love as a high-upside quarterback capable of producing elite offensive production during hot stretches, balanced by occasional turnover issues during off weeks.

“He is just streaky. When he is on a hot streak, he looks like he could be the MVP of the league. He doesn’t throw a lot of interceptions, but when he throws interceptions, they are among the worst interceptions you’ve ever seen,” Parkins said.

“The first five, six, seven weeks of the season, Micah Parsons is going to be out. So Jordan Love, I mean, they gave him Matthew Golden and Christian Watson, and Tucker Kraft is back,” Parkins said. “He has to lead a top 10 offense this year.”

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs arrives at fifth as an explosive offensive focal point for Detroit.

“I think he should be the number one pick in fantasy football over Bijan Robinson, a great one v two debate. But also, we’ve never seen this guy without David Montgomery. Like his touches have gone up year-to-year to year,” Parkins said.

Parkins highlighted Gibbs’ dynamic playmaking ability out of the backfield and as a receiver, Gibbs projects as one of the most versatile weapons in football.

“I don’t see why Jahmyr Gibbs shouldn’t lead the league in touches this year. So if Jahmyr Gibbs gets 350 plus touches, I just think the sky’s the limit for him. Is one of the most dynamic offensive players in football.”

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen lands at fourth due to the structural expectations and legacy implications tied to his upcoming season after a divisional round exit last season.

“Speaking of dynamic offensive players, Josh Allen at number four. No one has more on the line legacy-wise for him,” Parkins said about the Buffalo quarterback on First Things First.

Parkins went on to highlight the recent addition of wide receiver DJ Moore.

“You add DJ Moore. I don’t think the defense is going to be very good this year. Think they’ve got a real shot at the number one ranked offense.”

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett enters the rankings at third following his offseason trade from Cleveland.

“We talked about this when the trade happened when we were all on. It is a stat that is just now seared into my brain. He had 23 sacks last year. It’s five straight years of 14 or more sacks,” Parkins explained.

Parkins went onto explain how Garrett can break his own record that he set last year.

“Why can’t he have more sacks this year than he did last year and break his own record when he’s going to be playing with a lead. He is going to just have more pure pass rush opportunities this year than he’s had in the last couple of years combined in Cleveland could be an absolutely monstrous season.”

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert takes the second spot on the list of most exciting players across the NFL.

Parkins went on to explain how in

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