Category: Sport

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Austin Reaves scored a career-high 51 factors together with 4 clutch free throws within the last 32 seconds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings 127-120 with out Luka Doncic on Sunday.

Reaves made 12 of twenty-two from the sphere and sank six 3-pointers together with the five hundredth of his profession. Reaves additionally had 9 assists and 11 rebounds.

Reaves is simply the fourth participant within the final 40 years with no less than 50 factors, 11 rebounds and 9 assists in a sport, becoming a member of Doncic, Russell Westbrook (twice) and James Harden (twice). The final time a Lakers participant had 50-plus factors, eleven-plus rebounds and nine-plus assists was Feb. 13, 1963, when Elgin Baylor had 50 factors, 15 rebounds and 11 assists towards the Boston Celtics.

Deandre Ayton had 22 factors and 15 rebounds for the Lakers. Rui Hachimura scored 18 factors.

Doncic was dominated out earlier than the sport on account of a sprained finger on his left hand and a bruised decrease left leg. He’s anticipated to be reevaluated in a couple of week, in keeping with the Lakers.

That’s one other blow for Los Angeles, which isn’t anticipated to have LeBron James (sciatica) again till mid-November.

Towards the Kings it hardly mattered the way in which Reaves performed.

Reaves scored 15 factors within the fourth quarter after the Kings took a four-point lead, together with a clutch jumper that gave the Lakers a 122-116 lead with 1:48 remaining.

Zach LaVine scored 32 factors to steer six gamers in double figures for the Kings.

DeMar DeRozan scored 21 factors, Domantas Sabonis had 10 factors and 14 rebounds, whereas Dennis Schroder added 18 factors and 12 assists.

Even with out their prime two scoring choices, the Lakers obtained going early and took a 10-point lead within the first quarter.

Hachimura had 10 factors within the first 9 minutes of the sport whereas Ayton and Marcus Sensible every scored seven factors as Los Angeles led 31-21.

The Kings made seven 3s within the second quarter — three from Westbrook — to tie the sport at halftime.

DENVER — Dallas Cowboys proprietor and normal supervisor Jerry Jones was not happy with Sunday’s outcome, a 44-24 loss to the Denver Broncos, however the consequence won’t form how he seems to enhance the protection earlier than subsequent week’s commerce deadline.

“If I noticed a proposition for us to assist this group, it doesn’t matter what this rating was right now, then I’d have a look at it on the deserves of serving to the group,” Jones mentioned. “I’d utterly have a look at the deserves for each subsequent week or the weeks after [and the longer term]. No, right now wouldn’t have an effect on a call on buying and selling for a participant.”

The Cowboys have gauged curiosity from groups in potential targets, in accordance with a number of sources, however haven’t discovered a center floor to get a commerce agreed upon.

And Jones doesn’t see the Cowboys’ protection as one participant away from being aggressive.

On Sunday, the Cowboys gave up their most factors in a sport since a 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 5 final yr. It was the second time this season they allowed greater than 40 factors. It was the fourth time they allowed greater than 400 yards (426). It was the fourth time an opponent had at the very least 4 25 first downs, and the second time the Cowboys allowed 4 landing passes.

The Broncos had 179 yards speeding, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. It was the fifth time the Cowboys allowed greater than 6.2 yards per carry and the fifth time they gave up greater than 144 speeding yards.

“I don’t know what’s reasonable,” Jones mentioned. “May one higher participant — if we didn’t pay too massive a value to have a greater participant on protection to presumably assist? I’m not attempting to be cute, however that’s why you’d go get him since you suppose that you would go assist your protection. Are we one participant away on protection? I feel we’re not. I feel we’re greater than that away, however what we’re nearer to than it seems, in my thoughts, is executing higher on protection.”

Coach Brian Schottenheimer was not placing the loss on the protection.

“While you have a look at it, I’m not simply going to start out with the protection,” he mentioned. “I don’t suppose any of us coached and performed nicely sufficient.”

Schottenheimer additionally didn’t need to speculate on whether or not the protection wanted assist.

“On the finish of the day, I feel we’ve got adequate gamers,” Schottenheimer mentioned. “I feel we didn’t play nicely tonight.”

The protection entered Sunday ranked thirty second in yards per sport and thirtieth in factors per sport. The Cowboys have given up 250 factors, which is the third most in group historical past by means of the primary eight video games of a season. In 1960, the primary yr of the franchise, the Cowboys allowed 272 factors within the first eight video games and completed 0-11-1. In 2020, the Cowboys allowed 266 on their method to a 6-10 end.

Towards the Broncos, the Cowboys have been with out their prime three safeties — Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson and Juanyeh Thomas — as a consequence of harm. They misplaced Alijah Clark to a rib harm within the second half and changed him with cornerback Reddy Steward. Along with throwing 4 landing passes, Broncos QB Bo Nix was not sacked.

“I don’t see lack of effort,” Jones mentioned. “I see guys that may very well be surer, extra agency of their execution.”

In 2018, the Cowboys have been 3-4 after a 20-17 loss to Washington. A day later they traded a first-round decide to the Raiders for broad receiver Amari Cooper and gained seven of their closing 9 video games to say the NFC East.

Quarterback Dak Prescott was requested if the Cowboys want a commerce like that to jumpstart the season.

“I belief and I like the blokes that we’ve got. Actually l do. And that’s not only a political reply,” Prescott mentioned. “You see a few of these video games we’ve gained and actually even the tie (in opposition to Inexperienced Bay) and among the video games we’ve misplaced … our roster is OK. Can or not it’s higher? That’s for you guys to jot down about and to guage.

“I belief these guys. We’ve obtained to be higher in every little thing that we do. Getting a commerce takes alternatives and performs away from someone else, and so I simply echo … to the blokes within the locker room … overlook the commerce. Do extra. Proper? Like shut that speak up whether or not or not it’s offense, whether or not or not it’s protection, no matter place group that you simply guys are alluding to, step up and shut the speak up.”

Week 8 of the 2025 fantasy soccer season featured big performances by a number of star working backs, but additionally a number of disappointing efforts by just a few of the league’s finest fantasy choices.

Who have been the massive winners and losers?

Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft supply their analyses.

Leap to a subject:
Rating winners | Rating losers
Greatest accidents and what’s subsequent

1. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts: His sheer dominance of the division-rival Tennessee Titans continued on Sunday, as for his third consecutive recreation in opposition to them, he scored three touchdowns and at the very least 32 fantasy factors. Taylor’s 37.4 fantasy factors represented a season finest, in addition to his fourth 30-point efficiency previously six weeks. He and the Colts’ offense are on a large sizzling streak to start 2025, and it ought to proceed right into a Week 9 assembly with the Pittsburgh Steelers and their disappointing-to-date protection. — Cockcroft

2. James Cook dinner III, RB, Buffalo Payments: Is there any query now that his 2024 breakthrough was wholly reputable, and that he’s one of many league’s finest working backs? Cook dinner rushed for 216 yards, two touchdowns and scored 33.6 fantasy factors, tops amongst all gamers from the 1 p.m. ET video games, giving him a whopping 138.2 factors via seven video games. Seven of his 19 carries went for double-digit yardage, a profession finest, as he and the Payments romped over the Andy Dalton-led Carolina Panthers. Count on a way more aggressive contest in Week 9 in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, although Cook dinner stays a fantasy RB1 for that recreation. — Cockcroft

3. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles: Barkley left the sport in opposition to the Giants on the finish of the third quarter with a hamstring harm, so we’ll have to watch his standing all through the upcoming bye week. Earlier than exiting, nonetheless, Barkley produced season-highs in complete yards (174), touchdowns (two) and factors (33.4). The play velocity was up on his 65-yard landing run. There’s the house run capability we’ve been ready for this season. Barkley additionally had 4 receptions for twenty-four yards, which included a landing on a nine-yard move from Jalen Hurts. If Barkley can’t go when the Eagles return from the bye in Week 10 versus the Packers, Tank Bigsby (19.4% rostered) would elevate into the No.1 position. — Bowen

4. Breece Corridor, RB, New York Jets: Whereas his 32.86 fantasy factors didn’t characterize a profession excessive (43.10, in Week 16 of 2023), Corridor’s efficiency in Week 8 was arguably his private finest in 4 years within the NFL. He shredded a foul Cincinnati Bengals protection for 7.4 yards per carry, 4 dashing performs for double-digit yardage, and capped his day with the game-winning, four-yard passing landing to tight finish Mason Taylor. You learn that proper, the Jets are off the schneid after beginning the 12 months 0-7. Corridor stays a rumored identify on the commerce block, and maybe this effort highlighted what he may do on a extra well-rounded offense. If he stays in New York past the Nov. 4 deadline, nonetheless, he’ll face back-to-back difficult matchups in opposition to the Cleveland Browns (Week 10) and New England Patriots (Week 11) following his workforce’s Week 9 bye. — Cockcroft

5. Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots: In a very powerful matchup versus the Browns’ protection, Maye’s 26.28 factors led all quarterbacks via the early window. Maye stayed environment friendly as a thrower, finishing 18 of 24 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns. Huge performs down the sector, too. Plus, Maye produced on the bottom, dashing for 50 yards on seven carries. Possibly has now rushed for 50 or extra yards in back-to-back video games, and he’s scored 23 or extra factors in 4 of 5. With a Week 9 recreation versus the Falcons, I’ll have Maye locked-in as a High-5 play on the place, and I don’t assume that basically adjustments a lot shifting ahead. He’s a star. — Bowen

6. Joe Flacco, QB, and Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals: Whereas the Bengals’ protection melted down in spectacular trend, dropping a heartbreaker, 39-38, to a New York Jets workforce that started the season 0-7, their offense remained as stable because it has been in every of Flacco’s three begins since being acquired from the Cleveland Browns. Flacco scored 24.32 fantasy factors, whereas Brown totaled a season-high 25.5. Flacco’s arrival has breathed new life into this offense, which once more ought to have the ability to pile up fantasy factors in opposition to a so-so Chicago Bears protection in Week 9. — Cockcroft

7. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins: Regardless of unexpectedly popping up on the harm report mid-week with points with each of his hamstrings, in addition to his dealing with a suboptimal matchup in opposition to the hot-starting Atlanta Falcons protection, Waddle scored 20.9 fantasy factors, solely two-tenths of some extent shy of the broad receiver lead from the 1 p.m. ET video games. That he did it whereas largely aligned throughout from Mike Hughes, who up so far had been the Falcons’ best-performing cornerback in protection, made it all of the extra spectacular. Although his offense had seemingly been given up for useless after final week, Waddle appears to be like like a viable fantasy WR2 for Week 9’s matchup in opposition to the underperforming Baltimore Ravens protection. — Cockcroft

8. Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Los Angeles Chargers: Within the Thursday evening win over the Vikings, Gadsden caught all 5 of his targets for 77 yards and a landing (18.7 factors). Look, that’s two straight video games with a landing for Gadsden, and he’s averaged 20.0 PPG over his final three. Gadsden is a straightforward mover at 6-foot-5, which creates catch and run alternatives within the Chargers offense, plus he can work the seams/third stage for quarterback Justin Herbert. Gadsden will likely be a TE1 in my ranks for the Week 9 matchup versus the Titans, and he’s nonetheless obtainable in over 30% of ESPN leagues. Go get him. — Bowen

9. C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans: The Texans completely managed tempo within the win over the 49ers, holding the ball for nearly 42 minutes. And Stroud produced his finest numbers of the season (21.72 factors) – with out No.1 receiver Nico Collins (concussion). Stroud distributed the ball to 10 completely different targets, finishing 30 of 39 passes, whereas topping the 300-yard passing mark for the primary time this season. With a Week 9 recreation versus the Denver protection, Stroud will slide again right down to the QB2 ranks, however he can be utilized as a matchup-based streaming possibility over the second half of the season. — Bowen

10. Troy Franklin, WR, Denver Broncos: Franklin’s season-high 26.9 factors within the win over the Cowboys led all broad receivers via the late window on Sunday. A preferred streaming pick-up with six groups on a bye this week, Franklin caught six of a team-high eight targets for 89 yards, and he scored two touchdowns. Franklin has now seen 19 targets over his final two video games – with at the very least two finish zone targets and a landing in every. With the utilization climbing, and his position increasing in Sean Payton’s offense, Franklin ought to be a precedence waiver add this week. Franklin is presently obtainable in over 55% of ESPN leagues. — Bowen

1. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers: I wrote about McCaffrey this week. The run recreation upside there with tight finish George Kittle again on the sector. All good, proper? Not on Sunday within the loss to the Texans. Sure, the 49ers’ lack of ability to ascertain any sense of rhythm/tempo performed a significant position right here, as Kyle Shanahan’s workforce had the soccer for less than 18:38 minutes. Tough. However CMC was nonetheless a bust in Week 8, as he completed with a season low 9.8 factors — after scoring 22 or extra in seven straight video games. McCaffrey managed simply eight carries for 23 yards, and he added three receptions for 43. McCaffrey (and your complete 49ers’ soccer workforce) will look to rebound within the Week 9 matchup versus the Giants. — Bowen

2. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons: Place a few of the blame for his 5.8 fantasy level efficiency — that his worst since Weeks 7 (0.3) and 15 (0.4) of his 2023 rookie marketing campaign — on the Falcons’ offense, which struggled mightily with each quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and prime receiver Drake London (hip) sidelined. That mentioned, Robinson nonetheless warrants some himself, having averaged 2.8 yards per carry, been stuffed as soon as on his 9 carries and dashing for 12 yards fewer than anticipated (per Subsequent Gen Stats). His fantasy managers are absolutely hoping for the wholesome returns of these two gamers in order that Robinson’s rebound likelihood is wonderful for his Week 9 assembly with the New England Patriots. — Cockcroft

3. Baker Mayfield, QB, and Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Fantasy managers who see the Buccaneers’ 23-3 victory over the New Orleans Saints will likely be disillusioned to study that neither of those gamers exceeded 6.5 fantasy factors, nor did anybody from the offense besides Sean Tucker (10.2) attain double-digits. The Buccaneers’ protection did a lot of the soiled work on this recreation, and by the early levels of the third quarter, neither Mayfield nor Egbuka was wanted to contribute a lot statistically. That received’t be the case in opposition to higher offenses, such because the New England Patriots (Week 10), Buffalo Payments (Week 11) and Los Angeles Rams (Week 12), the Buccaneers’ subsequent three opponents after their Week 9 bye. — Cockcroft

4. Rico Dowdle, RB, Carolina Panthers: Within the blowout loss to the Payments, Dowdle (5.4 factors) was out-touched by Chuba Hubbard 12-to-8, regardless of averaging 6.8 YPC. And it’s straightforward to query this Panthers’ backfield cut up after we can see the noticeable distinction in Dowdle’s play velocity. He merely brings extra juice to the Carolina run recreation. Nonetheless, with out No.1 utilization, Dowdle’s worth will proceed to slip. He’s a greater match for deeper codecs in Week 9 at Inexperienced Bay. — Bowen

5. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys: That Denver protection is a tricky matchup for quarterbacks, however I nonetheless anticipated extra from Prescott given his current run on manufacturing. After 4 straight video games with 22 or extra factors, Prescott had a season-low 6.62 factors in Sunday’s loss to the Broncos. Prescott did not throw a landing for the primary time since again in Week 1, he accomplished solely 61.3% of his throws and he was intercepted twice. Tough day for Dak, who will look to bounce again with a extra optimistic Week 9 matchup versus the Cardinals protection. — Bowen

6. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson’s opening play scripts work. And the Bears had alternatives early in Sunday’s loss to the Ravens to attain touchdowns. However with a scarcity of purple zone execution, and only one offensive rating on the day, Williams completed with 11.8 factors. Certain, Williams accomplished 25 of 38 passes for 285 yards, plus he rushed for an additional 24 yards (on three carries). Not unhealthy. With out the scoring performs, nonetheless, and a late interception that basically put Chicago in a tricky spot, Williams had a below-average recreation. The Bears get the Bengals protection up subsequent in Week 9, and that’s a optimistic matchup for Williams. He may be began in 12 workforce leagues for that one. — Bowen

7. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots: He went from scoring 16.8 fantasy factors in Week 7 to five.9 on Sunday, and lo and behold, these got here with him dealing with matchups at reverse extremes on the spectrum! Stevenson’s yards per carry common (2.4) in opposition to the Cleveland Browns was lower than half what it was in opposition to the Tennessee Titans (4.9) per week in the past, and it’s notably troubling in mild of rookie TreVeyon Henderson turning three of his personal 10 carries for double-digit good points. The 2 may see a narrowing of their rushing-chores hole come Week 9 in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons. — Cockcroft

Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants

What we all know: He caught his ankle beneath a defender on a throw from Jaxson Dart within the second quarter, and was carted off the sector in an aircast. Skattebo was recognized with a dislocated ankle, and per Adam Schefter was taken to an area hospital for additional analysis.

What’s subsequent: Tyrone Tracy Jr., who totaled 34 yards on eight touches after Skattebo’s departure, will reclaim the Giants’ beginning working again job, making him a must-add in any of the season-high 58.2% of ESPN leagues wherein he’s obtainable. Devin Singletary, who caught a 28-yard move late within the recreation, will again Tracy up and warrants a stash in deeper leagues. Count on the Giants’ passing recreation to take a major step backwards with each Malik Nabers (knee) and now Skattebo sidelined. — Cockcroft

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns

What we all know: He left Sunday’s recreation within the third quarter with a shoulder harm, ending his day with solely 4.7 fantasy factors. The Browns have been trailing by two scores on the time.

What’s subsequent: There’s a superb probability that the Browns have been merely taking precautions with Judkins’ harm, contemplating the sport consequence, and the workforce does have a Week 9 bye to assist him heal. Ought to this be a lingering challenge, nonetheless, Dylan Sampson would take over because the workforce’s starter with Jerome Ford backing him up. — Cockcroft

Virtually each soccer coach within the identified universe professes a need for excellent steadiness, the need to have the ability to run and cross in equal proportion and with equal high quality.

Week 9 of the school soccer season created steadiness of a distinct type: It gave us a very fascinating mixture of pretty, shut video games and large assertion performances. (It additionally gave us just a few probably season-altering quarterback accidents, however I assume that comes with the territory.)

The SEC alone gave us 4 one-score finishes, 5 fourth-quarter comebacks and a Hail Mary accomplished at in regards to the 1-inch line. It additionally gave us Texas A&M’s resounding second-half surge towards LSU that each erased the aura of Tiger Stadium at night time and put LSU’s Brian Kelly on the most well liked of sizzling seats.

The Massive Ten gave us tense, down-to-the-wire affairs with Rutgers-Purdue and Nebraska-Northwestern and blowouts with Indiana over UCLA and Iowa over Minnesota. The ACC gave us a pair of extra time thrillers, a last-second discipline objective stunner and two top-10 groups profitable by a mixed 60. The Group of 5 gave us a playoff plot twist (Memphis 34, USF 31), 4 extra time epics and a 600-yard passing recreation, and a 37-0 run from North Texas. The smaller-school ranks gave us a (almost) walk-off pick-six, an ideal Anchor-Bone Traditional and an FCS No. 1-versus-No. 2 recreation determined by 31 factors and 344 yards.

I discussed in final week’s preview that Week 9 tends to declutter issues for us, shutting down some upstart tales and laying out some fairly clear stakes as we head into November. A whole lot of upstart tales proceed, however even in a sea of parity discuss and shut video games, one factor Week 9 did do is make clear which groups are taking part in probably the most like nationwide champs for the time being. Let’s begin there.

Even after 9 weeks, the polls can typically be deceptive. At this level in 2022, 8-0 Tennessee was No. 1 within the nation, and 8-0 Clemson was No. 4; the Volunteers and Tigers went a mixed 6-5 the remainder of the way in which. Hell, at this level in 2021, Michigan State was 8-0 and No. 3 — the Spartans are 20-28 since. November normally brings us loads of surprising twists, however I can say that, not like Tennessee, Clemson or Michigan State, the highest 4 groups within the present AP ballot — Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M and Alabama — are those wanting most like nationwide title groups for the time being.

Indiana Hoosiers

Every week in the past on this house, I wrote that I used to be fairly positive Ohio State was “comfortably the perfect crew within the nation for the time being.” I definitely don’t suppose any much less of the Buckeyes after their Week 9 bye, however Saturday made me re-think the premise a bit. In spite of everything, solely twice has a crew overwhelmed a convention opponent by 50-plus factors this yr, and it was Indiana each instances.

The highest of my SP+ rankings are typically reserved for groups that repeatedly present boundless upside. During the last 20 seasons, the one packages to complete No. 1 in SP+ are Alabama (10 instances), Ohio State (3 times), Georgia (twice), Florida (as soon as), Florida State (as soon as), LSU (as soon as), Michigan (as soon as) and Texas (as soon as). Bluebloods, all. However following IU’s 56-6 humiliation of UCLA, the Hoosiers jumped Ohio State into the highest spot. Till in any other case famous, the middle of the school soccer universe is Bloomington, Indiana.

I doubt UCLA would disagree. The Bruins got here to Bloomington having received three video games in a row with disruptive protection and an improved run recreation. They created only one sort out for loss towards the Hoosiers, and it got here when IU was already up 42-3. (It additionally didn’t cease the Hoosiers from making it 49-3 two performs later.) UCLA working backs, in the meantime, averaged simply 3.3 yards per carry, and quarterback Nico Iamaleava took three sacks and threw two picks. Indiana quarterback (and Heisman betting favourite) Fernando Mendoza accomplished simply 15 passes for 168 yards, and it didn’t matter within the slightest.

The 2024 Hoosiers have been, per SP+, the second-best crew within the historical past of this system. This crew is kind of a bit higher than that one. I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds within the coming weeks (and months).

Remaining regular-season schedule: at Maryland (SP+ projection: IU by 16.1), at Penn State (IU by 8.5), Wisconsin (IU by 34.8), at Purdue (IU by 28.1).

Ohio State Buckeyes

We’re simply ready on the large performs. Ohio State at the moment ranks ninth nationally in factors scored per drive and first in offensive success charge; the protection ranks first in factors allowed per drive and has compelled extra turnovers (9) than it has allowed features of 25-plus yards (six). The Buckeyes enable simply 4.0 yards per dropback (first) and have given up touchdowns on simply two of 12 opponent purple zone journeys (16.7%, additionally first).

Due to Texas’ typically mediocre exhibiting in 2025, their season-opening win over the Longhorns doesn’t carry as a lot weight as anticipated, however they performed two different SP+ top-30 opponents on the street (Washington and Illinois) and beat them by a mixed 58-22.

They’ve executed that whereas barely even making an attempt to get aggressive on offense. Julian Sayin’s 80% completion charge leads the nation (nobody else is even above 75%), however regardless of having two otherworldly deep threats in Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, the Buckeyes’ common cross travels simply 7.6 yards downfield (a hundred and fifth), and solely 12.9% of completions have gained 20-plus yards (109th). It appears like they aren’t even exhibiting us half the playbook but, they usually’ve reached November having barely damaged a sweat. Indiana reveals us it’s among the best groups within the nation each week; Ohio State simply drops us reminders of what they’ll most likely do when the video games actually matter.

Remaining regular-season schedule: Penn State (SP+ projection: OSU by 13.2), at Purdue (OSU by 27.7), UCLA (OSU by 32.9), Rutgers (OSU by 27.7), at Michigan (OSU by 8.5).

Texas A&M Aggies

In Friday’s preview, I wrote, “If the Aggies overcome this crew and this setting, they’re legit SEC, and probably nationwide title, contenders.” I don’t find out about you, however I feel happening a 35-0 run over about 24 minutes within the second half and turning a nip-and-tuck recreation right into a 24-point laugher counts as “overcoming” LSU and Tiger Stadium.

In what was each a referendum on Texas A&M’s title chops and Brian Kelly’s standing as LSU’s head coach, A&M suffered a few early turnovers and wobbled within the second quarter, falling behind 18-14 at halftime. However for the second straight season Mike Elko’s Aggies made an instance out of LSU and Kelly, Elko’s former Notre Dame boss. Final yr they went on a 31-6 second-half run in a 38-23 win that served as an announcement of what A&M is perhaps able to below Elko. The run additionally solidified quarterback Marcel Reed’s place within the beginning lineup (authentic 2024 starter Conner Weigman transferred to Houston, the place he’s helped to steer the Cougars to a 7-1 begin).

This yr’s second-half surge was an much more resounding assertion. Aggie defenders sacked poor Garrett Nussmeier 5 instances (three after halftime), then sacked backup Michael Van Buren Jr. twice in six cross makes an attempt. Reed was just a little too aggressive at instances however wanted simply 12 completions to achieve 202 passing yards — 4 receivers had at the very least one 20-yard catch — whereas speeding 13 instances for 108 yards. Mario Craver and KC Concepcion are quick and terrifying in house (Concepcion’s punt return rating hastened LSU’s second-half collapse), and even backups like redshirt freshman Ashton Bethel-Roman are able to absolute nonsense like this:

When you’re nonetheless sluggish to undertake the Aggies as potential title contenders, you may definitely level to their inconsistency. The protection has allowed greater than 40 factors twice and nearly received them into bother at Arkansas every week in the past, whereas the offense misfired in a near-loss to Auburn. You might additionally merely word that after final yr’s “assertion win” towards LSU, A&M misplaced 4 of its subsequent 5 video games. Proving your self in a giant recreation solely affords you larger video games down the road, and we don’t understand how the Aggies will deal with that. They do, in any case, nonetheless should play at Missouri and Texas. However when you’ve dealt with Tiger Stadium at Evening the way in which A&M did Saturday, I provide you with all the good thing about the doubt.

Remaining regular-season schedule: at Missouri (SP+ projection: A&M by 0.8), South Carolina (A&M by 18.2), Samford (A&M by 69.6), at Texas (A&M by 0.7).

Alabama Crimson Tide

The 2023 Washington vibes proceed. After profitable 4 straight video games towards ranked opponents — together with three that had the ball with an opportunity to take the lead within the fourth quarter (and two that, per SP+, generated the sport’s superior stats), Bama seemingly received a break towards a 3-4 South Carolina crew. However even with an unimaginable — and extremely fortunate — first-half pick-six, the Tide discovered themselves trailing 22-14 in Columbia with lower than three minutes remaining. Then they magicked their means proper out of a jam. Ty Simpson discovered Germie Bernard for a landing and Josh Cuevas for a 2-point conversion, then Deontae Lawson ripped the ball out of Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers’ arms two performs later, and Tim Keenan III recovered it. Bernard raced down the sideline for a landing with 34 seconds left, and that was that. Disaster averted.

Barely beating a two-touchdown underdog is a bizarre means of getting onto a “taking part in like a nationwide champion” record, however I’m struggling to keep away from emotions of inevitability right here, each due to what number of instances in a row the Crimson Tide have made the precise performs they wanted to make within the fourth quarter and since Kalen DeBoer’s Washington Huskies principally did the very same factor two years in the past on the way in which to the nationwide title recreation. They received eight one-score video games throughout a 14-game profitable streak, getting simply the precise mixture of quarterback play, turnovers and particular groups contributions to outlive and advance. It’s arduous to maintain that from yr to yr, however we’ve seen groups experience runs like this to rings all through faculty soccer historical past.

Granted, DeBoer’s Huskies misplaced in 2023’s title recreation, however they misplaced to a Michigan crew that ranked 12 spots increased than them on 247 Sports activities’ Expertise Composite. The one crew that ranks increased than Alabama on this yr’s Expertise Composite is Georgia, a crew the Tide have already overwhelmed. This crew is aware of learn how to see video games out and received’t face many matchup disadvantages in any hypothetical CFP matchup. That’s a reasonably scary mixture, isn’t it?

Remaining regular-season schedule: LSU (SP+ projection: Bama by 9.0), Oklahoma (Bama by 2.0), Japanese Illinois (Bama by 58.1), at Auburn (Bama by 5.6).

Kansas State Wildcats

On Saturday, Kansas State reminded us that groups aren’t the identical entity all season and that Lou Holtz’s previous “You coach a distinct crew each week” adage without end rings true. After a brutally disappointing 2-4 begin, with the defeats by solely 13 mixed factors, the Wildcats performed effectively in a win over TCU, then overachieved towards SP+ by 30 factors in a 42-17 demolition of Kansas. The Wildcats haven’t misplaced to the Jayhawks since 2008, and extra importantly, they’re again to .500. At 3-2 in convention play, they’re technically not out of the Massive 12 title race simply but (although their odds clearly aren’t nice).

two components — latest wins and up to date overachievement towards projections — Kansas State is likely one of the hotter, extra fast-rising groups within the nation. Listed below are just a few different groups whose latest enchancment may critically have an effect on how the remainder of the season performs out (or at the very least redefine how their followers look again on 2025).

San Diego State Aztecs

I warned you in regards to the Aztecs in Friday’s preview, however I nonetheless didn’t count on them to cruise to such a straightforward 23-0 win at Fresno State on Saturday. They’ve received their final three video games by a mixed 112-34, and per SP+ they’re projected favorites in each remaining recreation, together with a Week 12 go to from Boise State. If the contenders within the American Convention all bloody one another up, and SDSU finally ends up a 12-1 Mountain West champion, the Aztecs may find yourself with a playoff case.

Washington State Cougars

In Weeks 3 and 4, Wazzu misplaced to North Texas and Washington by a mixed 118-34. The protection was a catastrophe, and the offense wasn’t progressing. However since then, the Cougars have overwhelmed two Group of 5 opponents (Colorado State and Toledo) by a mixed 48-10 and misplaced to 2 7-1 power-conference opponents, on the street, by solely 5 mixed factors. They really got here nearer to beating Ole Miss than Oklahoma did. The offense is coming alongside, and the protection is dynamite. They need to end at the very least 7-5.

Kennesaw State Owls

Kennesaw State face-planted in its FBS debut season in 2024, famously upsetting Liberty however in any other case going 1-10 and firing Brian Bohannon, the one coach in program historical past. I liked their substitute rent – Jerry Mack did glorious issues at NC Central just a few years in the past – however I didn’t count on massive issues so rapidly from him right here. Whoops. The Owls almost beat Wake Forest to start out the season, and since a blowout loss to Indiana they’ve received 5 straight, together with the previous two by a mixed 80-33. They’re proper in the midst of the Convention USA race.

Pittsburgh Panthers

Normally, when a crew decides to push a real freshman quarterback into the beginning lineup, it’s an announcement that they’re punting on the season. However Pitt has been reborn since handing the reins to Mason Heintschel. Heintschel has thrown for at the very least 321 yards in three of 4 begins, the Panthers have scored at the very least 30 factors in all 4, they usually’ve jumped from a disappointing 2-2 to a massively intriguing 6-2. The house stretch is fairly brutal — after this coming week’s journey to Stanford, they end with Notre Dame, at Georgia Tech and Miami. However with this stage of play, they’ll both pressure their means into the ACC title dialog or probably take down an ACC favourite late within the season.

Iowa Hawkeyes

After turning into the one crew to lose to Indiana by one rating, Iowa loved one hell of an October, outlasting interim-coached Penn State and walloping rivals Wisconsin and Minnesota by a mixed 78-3. They head into November ranked seventeenth in SP+, and Kinnick Stadium might be an absolute cauldron when Oregon visits Nov. 8.

Utah Utes

43-0! The Utes led Colorado 43-0 at halftime Saturday night time! And it may have been even worse. Whole first-half yardage: Utah 398, Colorado minus-18. The Buffaloes have been fortunate Kyle Whittingham determined to take it straightforward within the second half and settled for a 53-7 win.

North Dakota State Bison

We’ve got to speak about what NDSU is doing to the remainder of FCS this season. The Bison have been projected first in SP+, however they’ve nonetheless managed to overachieve towards projections by a median of 8.6 factors. And so they principally pulled a Utah towards their largest rival Saturday night time, beating South Dakota State by a beneficiant 38-7 rating. SDSU needed to begin its backup quarterback, however he wasn’t going to do something to cease NDSU from gaining 354 yards within the first half.

NDSU is now at the very least 10 factors forward of each different crew in FCS, per SP+. There are a number of pleasant upstart tales in FCS this season – latest Division II convert (and Military beater) Tarleton State is second in SP+, whereas Harvard is third, Tennessee Tech is fourth and Lehigh is tenth – however it should take a mammoth upset to forestall the playoff from being one more lengthy Bison coronation.

Others: Notre Dame, Marshall, Hawai’i, Southern Miss, Central Michigan, Cincinnati.

The SP+ rankings have been up to date for the week. Let’s check out the groups that noticed the most important change of their general rankings. (Word: We’re rankings, not rankings.)

Transferring up

Listed below are the ten groups that noticed their rankings rise probably the most this week:

Kennesaw State: up 3.7 adjusted factors per recreation (rating rose from ninety fifth to 82nd)

Wyoming: up 2.9 factors (from 99th to 92nd)

Washington State: up 2.9 factors (from 84th to 72nd)

Utah: up 2.8 factors (from 14th to seventh)

Kansas State: up 2.8 factors (from 53rd to thirty sixth)

Central Michigan: up 2.7 factors (from 114th to 103rd)

San Diego State: up 2.6 factors (from 59th to forty sixth)

Indiana: up 2.5 factors (from third to first)

Northern Illinois: up 2.4 factors (from 127th to 123rd)

Iowa: up 2.3 factors (from twenty second to seventeenth)

We coated most of those groups above.

Transferring down

Listed below are the ten groups whose rankings fell probably the most:

Toledo: down 4.5 factors (from 54th to sixty fourth)

Minnesota: down 4.0 factors (from forty ninth to 58th)

Colorado: down 3.5 factors (from 63rd to 68th)

Kansas: down 3.4 factors (from forty first to 53rd)

LSU: down 3.3 factors (from nineteenth to twenty sixth)

Stanford: down 3.0 factors (from one hundred and first to a hundred and tenth)

Kentucky: down 3.0 factors (from sixtieth to 66th)

UCLA: down 2.9 factors (from 68th to 78th)

Fresno State: down 2.7 factors (from eightieth to 93rd)

UConn: down 2.5 factors (from 56th to 59th)

Minnesota has utterly confounded SP+ this season. The Gophers have overachieved towards SP+ projections by at the very least 18 factors twice (together with a Week 8 thumping of Nebraska) and have underachieved by at the very least 16 factors 3 times. That, in fact, consists of Week 9’s rivalry recreation no-show towards Iowa. The Gophers have both risen or fallen by at the very least 9 spots within the rankings six instances in eight video games. They’re fairly the transferring goal, and that isn’t a praise.

I’m as soon as once more awarding the Heisman each single week of the season and doling out weekly factors, F1-style (on this case, 10 factors for first place, 9 for second and so forth). How will this Heisman race play out, and the way completely different will the consequence be from the precise Heisman voting?

Right here is that this week’s Heisman prime 10:

1. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss (24-for-44 passing for 315 yards and a landing, plus 58 non-sack speeding yards towards Oklahoma).

2. Haynes King, Georgia Tech (25-for-31 passing for 304 yards and three touchdowns, plus 96 non-sack speeding yards and a pair of TDs towards Syracuse).

3. Drew Mestemaker, North Texas (37-for-49 passing for 608 yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT, plus 18 non-sack speeding yards towards Charlotte).

4. Isaac Brown, Louisville (14 carries for 205 yards and a landing towards Boston Faculty).

5. Bear Bachmeier, BYU (22-for-35 passing for 307 yards and a pair of touchdowns, plus 60 non-sack speeding yards and a TD towards Iowa State).

6. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech (10 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 compelled fumble and a 69-yard fumble return TD towards Oklahoma State).

7. Joey Aguilar, Tennessee (20-for-26 passing for 396 yards and three touchdowns towards Kentucky).

8. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas (10 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 1 compelled fumble and 4 QB hurries towards Mississippi State).

9. Demond Williams Jr., Washington (26-for-33 passing for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns, plus 66 non-sack speeding yards towards Illinois).

10. KJ Duff, Rutgers (six catches for 241 yards and a landing towards Purdue).

Welcome again, Trinidad Chambliss! Every week after a late-game collapse at Georgia knocked Chambliss and Ole Miss from the ranks of the unbeaten, the Rebels needed to face a good higher protection (Oklahoma) in an much more hostile setting. Trailing into the fourth quarter, Chambliss led a 75-yard landing drive and a clock-eating discipline objective drive to seal a 34-26 win. The Sooners have been giving up a paltry 213 yards per recreation this season; the Rebels gained 431.

Haynes King, in the meantime, generated much more yards than Chambliss — albeit towards a far weaker opponent — and holy moly Drew Mestemaker. Charlotte’s protection is terrible, however no different crew has gained 750 complete yards on the 49ers this season.

Honorable point out:

KC Concepcion, Texas A&M (three catches for 45 yards and a landing, plus a 79-yard punt return TD towards LSU).

Justice Haynes, Michigan (26 carries for 152 yards and a pair of touchdowns, plus 19 receiving yards towards Michigan State).

Mason Heintschel, Pitt (28-for-48 passing for 423 yards and three touchdowns towards NC State).

Quinton Jackson, Rice (21 carries for 168 yards and three touchdowns, plus 80 receiving yards and a TD towards UConn).

Javen Nicholas, Charlotte (7 catches for 187 yards and a pair of touchdowns, plus 20 receiving yards towards North Texas).

Eddie Partitions III, Houston (5 tackles, 3 sacks, a cross breakup and a rush towards Arizona State).

Terry Webb, SMU (8 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, a compelled fumble, a cross breakup and a rush towards Wake Forest).

Conner Weigman, Houston (17-for-22 passing for 201 yards and a landing, plus 119 non-sack speeding yards and a pair of TDs towards Arizona State).

By 9 weeks, listed below are your factors leaders:

1. Ty Simpson, Alabama (29 factors)
2. Taylen Inexperienced, Arkansas (27)
3. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss (25)
4. Demond Williams Jr., Washington (21)
5T. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (19)
5T. Gunner Stockton, Georgia (19)
7T. Luke Altmyer, Illinois (16)
7T. Julian Sayin, Ohio State (16)
9. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (14)
10. Jayden Maiava, USC (12)

I’m not going to lie: This stays a really unusual Heisman race. At this level final season, the highest two gamers in our factors race had 41 (Ashton Jeanty) and 40 factors (Cam Ward), respectively. Travis Hunter, priming for a surge, was at 26. This season nobody has topped 30, and the second-highest level complete has gone to Inexperienced, the quarterback of a 2-6 crew. The betting favourite, Mendoza, threw for all of 168 yards Saturday however remained the betting favourite as a result of No. 2 decide (and factors chief) Simpson almost misplaced to South Carolina. I nonetheless suppose we’re going to see a surge — in each efficiency and sentiment — from somebody, however damned if I do know who. My finest guess at this level: Julian Sayin. We’ll see.

1. No. 10 Vanderbilt 17, No. 15 Missouri 10. Mizzou blew an opportunity to grab this recreation with a pair of third-quarter purple zone failures — or, in case you favor, Vandy’s protection seized the initiative with a pair of nice defensive stands — and quarterback Beau Pribula dislocated his ankle within the course of. However freshman Matt Zollers led the Tigers to 1 game-tying rating within the fourth quarter and got here inside centimeters of a second.

2. Wake Forest 13, SMU 12. Wake Forest: your “strive, strive once more” crew of the week. The Demon Deacons misplaced two fumbles contained in the SMU 10 within the fourth quarter, however Kamrean Johnson made an unreal, 25-yard catch from backup quarterback Deshawn Purdie with 4 seconds left, and Connor Calvert’s 50-yard game-winner traveled about 50.1 yards.

3. FCS: Georgetown 31, Bucknell 24. Three weeks in the past, Georgetown made this record with a game-winning Hail Mary. The Hoyas are again with one thing nearly as dramatic: a walk-off (nearly) pick-six. Having overcome a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit, Bucknell was driving for a possible profitable discipline objective within the closing seconds, however Naiteitei Mose stepped in entrance of a Christopher Dietrich cross and rumbled 65 yards for the win.

4. Memphis 34, No. 18 USF 31. USF simply couldn’t fairly knock Memphis out. The Bulls led by 14 heading into the fourth quarter, however three length-of-the-field drives and 17 factors gave the Tigers the lead, and after an iffy snap, Nico Gramatica’s 52-yard discipline objective on the buzzer sailed extensive.

5. No. 4 Alabama 29, South Carolina 22. It’s undoubtedly extra enjoyable when the underdog will get the turnover breaks, however that’s not the way in which both Alabama’s or South Carolina’s story is taking part in out in 2025.

6. Rutgers 27, Purdue 24. You get bonus factors on this record once you lose a recreation in a means I’ve by no means seen. I’d say “catching your personal cross off of a deflection, then shedding a fumble to arrange the game-winning discipline objective” is price fairly just a few factors.

7. Virginia Tech 42, Cal 34 (2OT). There’s one thing so heartening about seeing a fan base rally round a crew in a misplaced season. At 2-5, Virginia Tech didn’t have a ton to play for Friday night time towards Cal, and the Hokies seemed like a 2-5 crew in shedding a late lead. However from “Enter Sandman” via the second OT, the Lane Stadium crowd remained engaged, and Takye Heath’s 7-yard landing catch and an extra time cease gave the Hokies the win.

8. Division III: St. Olaf 44, St. Scholastica 41. This one was just like Georgetown-Bucknell in that one crew was driving for a late win after which out of the blue misplaced. St. Scholastica took a 38-24 lead late within the third quarter up in Northfield, Minnesota, however St. Olaf tied it at 41-41 on a Rob Htoo landing within the fourth. CSS launched into an almost seven-minute drive to take the lead, however Will Harris recovered a fumbled handoff, and Ethan Hess knocked in a 29-yard discipline objective on the buzzer to provide the Oles (sure, Oles) a shock win.

9. No. 16 Virginia 17, North Carolina 16 (OT). A scoreless, four-turnover second half gave this one fairly a sloppy vibe, however as soon as once more Virginia made the performs when it counted. After failing to attain a landing over the ultimate 36 minutes of regulation, each groups scored fairly simply in extra time, however Gio Lopez’s 2-point cross to Ben Corridor got here up simply brief after a superb sort out from Ja’son Prevard.

10. No. 22 Texas 45, Mississippi State 38 (OT). I assume it is sensible that Mississippi State didn’t know learn how to shut out a win. The Bulldogs have been fairly aggressive this season, however they nonetheless got here into this one having misplaced 15 straight convention video games, and after Davon Sales space’s 62-yard landing put the Bulldogs up 38-21 early within the fourth quarter, the MSU offense proceeded to lose six yards over its closing 17 snaps. Texas scored twice, then tied the sport on a 79-yard punt return Ryan Niblett, the scariest return man within the nation who has made pivotal fourth-quarter returns in three straight video games.

In extra time, Arch Manning left the sport with an obvious concussion, however backup Matthew Campbell pulled a Main Applewhite, throwing a gorgeous 10-yard landing to Emmett Mosley V. MSU’s hopeless offense moved straight backward, giving the Longhorns a second straight extra time street win over a winless-in-the-league opponent.

11. FCS: NC A&T 28, Campbell 24. We’ll save an honorary place on this week’s Heisman record for North Carolina A&T’s Elijah Kennedy, who tied this recreation up with a 96-yard punt return with 6:12 left after which, after Campbell took the lead on a discipline objective, returned the following kickoff 85 yards for the win. He out-Niblett’d Niblett.

12. Kent State 24, Bowling Inexperienced 21. Kent State entered this season having received simply one among its earlier 24 video games. The Golden Flashes are actually 3-5 after turning round a 21-3 deficit with three touchdowns — together with a trick-play cross from receiver Da’Realyst Clark to Wayne Harris — and two late stops.

13. No. 8 Ole Miss 34, No. 13 Oklahoma 26. Ole Miss threatened to run away with this one, easing out to a 22-10 halftime lead. A 16-3 run gave the Sooners the benefit heading into the fourth quarter, however the Rebels made all of the late performs they didn’t make towards Georgia, scoring twice, making three stops and leaving Norman with a playoff bid wanting possible.

14. FCS: Charleston Southern 17, Japanese Illinois 16. With six minutes left, this was something however a Favourite Video games candidate. EIU led 16-3, however CSU scored, compelled a three-and-out and took the lead on a brief Hakeem Watters landing. EIU rapidly drove the size of the sector to avoid wasting itself, however David Portu blocked what would have been the game-winning 35-yard discipline objective.

15. Temple 38, Tulsa 37 (OT). Temple is one win away from bowl eligibility, but it surely took extra time to get the job executed in Tulsa. After 4 second-half lead adjustments, Tulsa’s Dominic Richardson scored to ship the sport to extra time, the place, like North Carolina, the house underdog scored second, went for 2 and failed.

16. Nebraska 28, Northwestern 21. Nebraska had it, misplaced it, then took it away another time. Northwestern’s Caleb Komolafe scored twice to show a 21-6 deficit right into a 21-21 tie, however Nebraska drove 60 yards in 6:27, made it 28-21 with Emmett Johnson’s 4-yard landing and compelled a turnover on downs at their 35 with a minute left. A enjoyable, intense recreation in a forever-intense setting.

17. Division III: DePauw 35, Denison 28. DePauw’s protection misplaced the sport, then received it. Down 28-0 late within the first half, Denison roared again and tied the sport on a 99-yard Tyler Inexperienced-to-Grayson Kerscher landing cross with 7:02 left. DePauw recovered and took the lead again with a 5:34 drive and a 1-yard Caden Whitehead rating, however Inexperienced accomplished 4 passes to maneuver Denison again contained in the Tigers’ 25. However Joey Fico broke up a cross in the long run zone, and DePauw survived.

18. Rice 37, UConn 34 (2OT). Like Minnesota, UConn has been all around the map, overachieving massively towards projections twice and underachieving 3 times. Following a win at Boston Faculty, the Huskies visited Rice, jumped out to a fast lead, then fell sufferer to 2 lengthy Quinton Jackson touchdowns in regulation, then two extra Jackson scores in OT.

19. NAIA: Faculty of Idaho 7, Japanese Oregon 0. Once more, you get bonus factors for profitable a recreation in a means I haven’t seen. In a recreation that featured 12 punts, three missed discipline targets, three turnovers, three turnovers on downs and fewer than 400 mixed yards, Japanese Oregon used an interception to arrange a possible profitable discipline objective with 1:10 left. However Faculty of Idaho’s Dee’Shon Swaffo blocked the 49-yarder, then took it 60 yards for the sport’s solely factors.

20. Division II: No. 1 Ferris State 38, No. 18 Grand Valley State 31. The Anchor-Bone Traditional, the most important helmet recreation in Division II, lived as much as its billing. GVSU outgained the defending nationwide champs (462-433) however couldn’t fairly overcome Taariik Brett, who ran for 2 touchdowns and caught two landing passes from Wyatt Bower (aka the brand new Trinidad Chambliss). GVSU overcame an early 14-0 deficit to tie the sport at 21-21, however Brett and Bower each scored to construct the lead again. The Bulldogs lastly put the sport away with an onside kick restoration with 1:35 remaining.

Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season started in Los Angeles on Thursday night time, with quarterback Justin Herbert and the Chargers cruising to a win over the Vikings. Herbert threw three landing passes and rushed for 62 yards, whereas rookie tight finish Oronde Gadsden II continued his sizzling begin with 77 yards and a landing.

Within the early window Sunday, working again James Prepare dinner III carried the Payments to a blowout win over the Panthers. He completed with 216 dashing yards by means of three quarters, probably the most by any NFL participant since 2018. The Eagles additionally obtained a classic efficiency from working again Saquon Barkley, who led them to an enormous win over his former workforce within the Giants.

Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every recreation and detailing every thing else you might want to know for each workforce. Let’s get to it.

Soar to:
SF-HOU | CLE-NE | NYG-PHI
BUF-CAR | MIN-LAC

Compensate for the motion: Field rating | Recap

Can this move safety proceed for quarterback C.J. Stroud? When Stroud has safety, he’s confirmed he can shred a protection. He proved that at present, as he threw for 318 yards with two touchdowns. He was pressured on solely 19% of his 42 dropbacks, in accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, and wasn’t sacked. It will likely be fascinating to see if the Texans and Stroud proceed this momentum into their matchup in opposition to the Broncos, who at the moment lead the league with 34 sacks.

Development to look at: The Texans’ line of defense solely has 9 sacks previously 5 video games after beginning the primary two weeks with seven sacks. Houston completed final season tied for fourth in sacks (49), so we all know that they’re able to producing rather more sooner or later. — DJ Bien-Aime

Subsequent recreation: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Ought to this loss make the 49ers roughly pressing earlier than the commerce deadline? After the Texans dominated them for many of the recreation, it was made clear how a lot assist San Francisco wants. That’s very true on the line of defense, the place stress was practically non-existent and two extra starters — defensive deal with Jordan Elliott and defensive finish Sam Okuayinonu — left the sport with ankle accidents. However this recreation additionally delivered to gentle points in move safety, protection and tackling within the again seven. A commerce or two may undoubtedly assist the Niners, however giving up helpful draft picks for momentary fixes seemingly wouldn’t be sufficient to make them a Tremendous Bowl contender — and will additionally do extra hurt than good within the long-term.

Stat to know: After 14 video games and 469 move makes an attempt, the 49ers lastly obtained an interception. Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir picked off an errant Stroud move to finish the primary half, bringing an finish to the longest lively streak within the NFL. Lenoir’s try and return it for a landing went for naught although, as he didn’t get out of bounds or down shortly sufficient to offer the Niners a last-second discipline aim try. — Nick Wagoner

Subsequent recreation: at Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Compensate for the motion: Field rating | Recap

What step did quarterback Drake Maye take as he continues to construct his MVP candidacy? Maye was below siege within the first half in opposition to Myles Garrett and a relentless Browns protection, which led to Maye’s first interception since Week 3. However he didn’t again down after which took over the sport after halftime with a mixture of what has made him so potent this season: working, maintaining performs alive within the pocket and focusing his eyes downfield to attach on passing performs. Regardless of being sacked six instances, Maye completed with 171 passing yards on throws of 15-plus air yards, together with three touchdowns and 50 dashing yards on seven carries.

Turning level: Your complete third quarter. The Patriots led 9-7 at halftime and Garrett was wreaking havoc, however after an preliminary cease on protection within the third quarter, New England exploded for 3 touchdowns because the Patriots discovered the important thing to neutralizing Garrett. All three touchdowns have been throws by Maye, who turned the primary Patriots quarterback to throw for 3 touchdowns in a recreation since Tom Brady on Dec. 9, 2018, at Miami. — Mike Reiss

Subsequent recreation: vs. Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

How for much longer will the Browns keep on with Dillon Gabriel at quarterback? One week after lastly eclipsing 17 factors, Cleveland’s offense reverted to its previous kind, mustering two touchdowns in its loss at New England. Gabriel additionally couldn’t maintain the ball — the one factor coaches had constantly praised him for — with two interceptions. Backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders was inactive due to a again damage, however the requires him to play will solely develop louder after the Browns’ Week 9 bye, which ought to give Sanders much more time to heal. And if Gabriel’s struggles proceed, Cleveland might need to contemplate making a transfer sooner reasonably than later.

Stat to know: Along with his first of 5 sacks, Garrett handed Reggie White for probably the most sacks by a participant (108.5) earlier than turning 30 since sacks turned an official stat in 1982. Garrett’s first two sacks got here within the pink zone on third down and compelled the Patriots to accept discipline objectives. The five-sack single-game complete marks a franchise document and profession excessive for Garrett. — Daniel Oyefusi

Subsequent recreation: at Jets (Nov. 9, 1 p.m. ET)

Compensate for the motion: Field rating | Recap

Is that this model of Saquon Barkley right here to remain? We’ll need to see about his well being first: He got here up limping after a 28-yard run on the finish of the third quarter and didn’t return on account of a groin damage. The Eagles undoubtedly discovered one thing within the floor recreation in opposition to New York that had been lacking all season. Barkley eclipsed 100 yards dashing for the primary time all 12 months. It seemed identical to 2024 when he reached a pace of over 21 miles per hour throughout a 65-yard run on the second play from scrimmage, with the play effectively schemed and effectively blocked. Barkley mentioned this week he felt like he was the identical participant, and he seemed it Sunday due to a pleasant number of run calls by offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo and sound execution up entrance.

Most shocking efficiency: Reserve working again Tank Bigsby had 87 yards dashing on eight carries within the win. He was acquired from the Jaguars in September for a pair of draft picks and primarily used as a kick returner for the primary handful of video games. That didn’t go in addition to hoped, however he has began getting extra work within the backfield of late and has capitalized with a handful of chunk runs. The Eagles have an excellent working again rotation going proper now with Barkley, Bigsby and Will Shipley. With Bigsby extra lively, AJ Dillon has dropped to fourth on the depth chart. — Tim McManus

Subsequent recreation: at Packers (Nov. 10, 8:15 p.m. ET)

What now for the Giants offense after RB Cam Skattebo’s damage? Shedding Skattebo for the season is an enormous blow. His grotesque ankle damage within the second quarter left teammates visibly disturbed. Skattebo was turning into a playmaker for the Giants and fellow rookie Jaxson Dart. He scored his seventh landing within the first quarter of Sunday’s contest. Skattebo’s absence leaves the Giants much more shorthanded on offense, as Dart is already working with out star receiver Malik Nabers. The offense struggled with out them, totaling lower than 200 yards till the ultimate two drives when the sport was out of hand.

Development to look at: The Giants have been thirty first within the NFL permitting 5.2 yards per carry getting into Sunday. That solely obtained worse when Barkley and the Eagles ran throughout them for 277 dashing yards. Barkley averaged 10.7 yards per carry on this contest. The Eagles averaged 8.4 per carry. The run protection, for the third straight season, stays an actual downside for New York. Even on second-and-26 within the fourth quarter, the Giants instantly allowed a 29-yard run. It’s arduous for them to win with this deficiency. — Jordan Raanan

Subsequent recreation: vs. 49ers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Compensate for the motion: Field rating | Recap

Can the Payments’ protection use this recreation as a leaping off level? Buffalo’s protection got here out of the bye in complete command, permitting 9 factors, sacking Andy Dalton seven instances and forcing three takeaways after not recording a couple of in any of the six earlier video games. The Panthers have been held to certainly one of their lowest dashing totals of the season (114 yards). These are promising indicators for a unit that has struggled to seek out consistency, however the long-term image is clouded by the standing of defensive deal with Ed Oliver, who was shortly dominated out with a biceps damage within the first half.

Most shocking efficiency: Operating again James Prepare dinner III. It’s not a shock Prepare dinner had an enormous day; he’s been robust all season. However it was the extent of Sunday’s efficiency. He had a career-high 216 yards on 19 carries and scored two touchdowns in opposition to a protection that allowed greater than 100 dashing yards in solely three of their first seven video games. Prepare dinner broke a number of information Sunday, together with probably the most dashing yards by one participant in a single recreation in opposition to the Panthers. — Alaina Getzenberg

Subsequent recreation: vs. Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

What occurred to the run protection? This seemed extra just like the NFL’s worst protection in 2024, not the one ranked eighth in opposition to the run heading into Sunday. However the blowout loss to the Payments was an entire catastrophe, stuffed with unhealthy tackling and no hole management. Carolina had allowed simply 131 dashing yards over the earlier three video games mixed, however Prepare dinner had 130 yards dashing earlier than contact within the first half. This was an embarrassing effort.

What to make of the QB efficiency: As Bryce Younger’s substitute, Dalton was as unhealthy because the Carolina run protection. The 37-year-old’s interception and two misplaced fumbles led to 17 factors for Buffalo. He took sacks he shouldn’t have. He’s 1-6 as a starter in his three seasons with Carolina. It might be time for the Panthers to develop one other backup. — David Newton

Subsequent recreation: at Packers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Compensate for the motion: Field rating | Recap

Can the Chargers survive one other damage storm? This was the sport during which the Chargers have been lastly purported to be again to full well being: offensive tackles Joe Alt and Trey Pipkins III have been each lively, and linebackers Khalil Mack and Denzel Perryman have been additionally again for a second recreation collectively. However the Chargers sustained extra accidents Thursday. Security Derwin James Jr. (ankle), cornerback Tarheeb Nonetheless (knee) and proper guard Mekhi Becton (knee) didn’t end the sport. Coach Jim Harbaugh had no replace on their accidents postgame, however dropping three affect gamers may considerably harm the Chargers transferring ahead.

Most shocking efficiency: Quarterback Justin Herbert has a brand new favourite goal: rookie Oronde Gadsden II. The fifth-round choose caught 5 passes for 77 yards and a landing, turning into the primary rookie tight finish since Mike Ditka in 1961 with 240 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in a two-game span. Extra essential, Gadsden caught all the passes focused to him. — Kris Rhim

Subsequent recreation: at Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Is it J.J. McCarthy time? It must be, proper? Carson Wentz has crammed in as a median backup quarterback, profitable two of 5 begins, however has offered no indication that he’s able to be the following veteran reclamation of coach Kevin O’Connell. McCarthy has hit the excessive finish of the timetable for therapeutic his proper excessive ankle sprain (six weeks). McCarthy carried out poorly in his first two NFL begins, ending with a QBR (20.3) that ranked second-to-last within the NFL on the time, however he must play. That’s the Vikings’ high organizational precedence, and if it doesn’t occur subsequent week, when will it?

Most shocking efficiency: The Chargers gashed the Vikings’ protection in each method possible. Some opponents have managed to build up yards in opposition to them this season, however earlier than Thursday night time, the Vikings had a minimum of restricted scoring. They entered the sport tied for No. 10 within the NFL with 20 factors allowed per recreation. However they’d no solutions for Herbert, who weaved by means of their blitzes to hurry for 62 yards and in addition threw three landing passes. The Chargers confronted little resistance in amassing 419 complete yards and 29 first downs. — Kevin Seifert

Subsequent recreation: at Lions (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

MADRID — Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham struck within the first half as Actual Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 on the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday to stretch their lead over their Clásico rivals on the high of LaLiga to 5 factors.

Fermín López had briefly canceled out Mbappé’s opener within the thirty eighth minute of an incident-packed recreation just for Bellingham to web the winner 5 minutes later as Madrid ended as a four-match shedding streak in opposition to Barça. It may have been extra, too, with Wojciech Szczesny saving a second-half penalty from Mbappé, whereas Madrid additionally had three targets chalked off for offside.

Barça tried to rally late on however, aside from a late Jules Koundé likelihood that he couldn’t fairly management, they by no means appeared like troubling the house aspect. The sport led to a brawl between gamers and employees on and off the pitch after Pedri’s late crimson card for a second reserving despatched temperatures hovering. — Sam Marsden

Xabi Alonso wanted this. There have been loads of indicators of enchancment because the coach took over from Carlo Ancelotti in the summertime, however within the actually high-profile video games, Alonso’s Actual Madrid had fallen quick: overwhelmed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain within the Membership World Cup semifinals and 5-2 by Atlético Madrid a month in the past within the Madrid derby.

Now, Alonso has his first signature win, and within the recreation that issues most to Madrid: the Clásico. Final season’s quartet of defeats to Barça have been the clearest signpost that the Ancelotti period was ending — it wasn’t simply that Madrid misplaced all 4, it was the dimensions of these losses, with an combination rating of 16-7 — and Sunday’s end result, and efficiency, is an announcement of intent.

Madrid performed right here with depth, aggression and cohesion, disrupting Barça’s buildup as they regularly pressed goalkeeper Szczesny and heart backs Pau Cubarsí and Eric García. Alonso’s determination to choose an additional midfielder, sacrificing a large participant, labored, as Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga joined Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler in a 4-4-2 when out of possession.

There are nonetheless challenges for Alonso to beat, notably how one can deal with Vinícius Júnior, who reacted so vehemently to being substituted within the 72nd minute, in a really public present of dissent. And there have been moments when Madrid’s protection appeared susceptible, even when Barça struggled to create clear-cut probabilities.

General, this was the primary efficiency — on the largest stage — that Alonso can level to as concrete proof of actual progress, despite the fact that he’ll insist that they’re nonetheless simply getting began. — Alex Kirkland

The main focus is usually on Barça’s excessive line, but when they will’t defend critically, it doesn’t matter how far up the pitch the again 4 place themselves. The defending all through this recreation was far too lackluster for a fixture of this depth.

Alejandro Balde performed Mbappé onside for the primary objective and Bellingham was left unmarked to faucet within the second after Balde had been overwhelmed too simply within the air by Éder Militão. Past the targets, Koundé was too passive defending Vinícius one on one, and there are nonetheless query marks over the center-back pairing of García, who was unlucky in giving freely the penalty missed by Mbappé, and Cubarsí. It doesn’t have the texture of a long-term partnership at this degree.

Following the massive lack of Iñigo Martínez in the summertime, many thought Flick would go along with Cubarsí and Ronald Araújo as his pairing in the midst of the backline. The choice of García, who has been good this season, right here was additional proof of the German coach’s most popular partnership, although. The pondering is that they’re the duo that give Barça essentially the most on the ball, however the larger query is whether or not they provide greater than they take away when Barça must defend in opposition to the perfect forwards on the earth. — Marsden

Mbappé ended up scoring a good 5 Clásico targets final season, however he nonetheless wanted to exorcise some demons from the sport right here on the Bernabéu, the place his debut Clásico noticed him caught offside a career-high eight instances, with out scoring, as Barça gained 0-4. There’s little question this was a big enchancment on that exhibiting, even when it wasn’t an ideal recreation from Mbappé, given his second-half penalty miss.

A dream begin within the twelfth minute — thrashing the ball into the web from distance, with the sweetest of finishes — was denied by a VAR test, which revealed Mbappé had been fractionally offside. Undeterred, he scored 10 minutes later, to make it 16 targets in all competitions this season, and 11 in LaLiga. There was no hesitation with the end, and little question he’d discover the web.

There was one other offside objective later — clearer this time — after which a penalty, which Szczesny did extraordinarily effectively to avoid wasting. Mbappé was unreliable at instances from the spot final season, saying he hit “all-time low” after misses in opposition to Liverpool and Athletic Membership. This marketing campaign, he’d scored 5 penalties in a row, till now.

When he was substituted within the 91st minute, his stats recommended restricted involvement, with the fewest touches of any participant on the pitch. However the actuality was very totally different. — Kirkland

Lamine Yamal was public enemy No.1 on the Bernabéu after feedback he made in midweek suggesting Madrid “get all of the refereeing calls” and nonetheless “complain.” The remarks didn’t go down effectively with Madrid followers and his identify was fiercely jeered when learn out earlier than the sport. Each contact was subsequently met with whistles, from the primary minute to the final.

Among the greatest cheers got here when Álvaro Carreras, who defended him effectively, acquired the higher of him, or when he fired a second-half shot comfortably over the bar.

Yamal has usually produced his greatest performances when the highlight is most on him. Barça assistant coach Marcus Sorg mentioned earlier than the sport “the criticism motivates him,” however this time he couldn’t dig Barça out of a gap only a week after coming back from a groin damage. He was shifted right into a central position late on, shifting him away from Carreras, however it was a transfer that in all probability got here a bit of too late.

“Whereas I’m successful they will’t say something,” Yamal purred as Barça loved Clásico domination final season. There can be loads of speaking in Madrid on Sunday night time. — Marsden

Bellingham constructed his Madrid status on defining moments in Clásicos: scoring well-known, match-winning targets in each dramatic video games with Barça in his debut marketing campaign, 2023-24. Final season was tougher, failing to attain in any of Madrid’s 4 heavy defeats, his kind matching the group’s struggles.

However right here, there was one other match-winning objective, and it was Bellingham’s second in every week, following the one objective of the sport in opposition to Juventus on Wednesday. It was one among most simple targets Bellingham will ever rating, a close-range tap-in, however as ever the midfielder’s knack of being in the suitable place on the proper time shone by. Earlier than that, there was an help for Mbappé, too, with a trademark, completely executed by ball.

For Madrid to be at their greatest — and to compete on the highest degree, in Europe in addition to LaLiga — they want their greatest, star gamers to ship. Right here, Mbappé, Bellingham and Vinícius have been all necessary, even when Vinícius sullied that together with his response to being substituted. There’s work to do on precisely the place Bellingham matches into Alonso’s Madrid, however right here — in a midfield 4, typically outdoors, typically switching infield — he appeared comfy.

Bellingham’s return from shoulder surgical procedure in July has been sluggish and regular, and he was rushed again forward of schedule. However now, prior to now week, we’re seeing the Bellingham of his first season in Spain, and that’s excellent information for Madrid. — Kirkland

Fermín was on course once more after netting a hat trick within the midweek UEFA Champions League win over Olympiacos. He has a knack, not dissimilar to Frank Lampard, of arriving within the field simply on the proper time. That was the case right here as he timed his run completely to fulfill Marcus Rashford’s move and degree the sport. His depth can be one thing Barça missed when he sat out a stretch of the season by damage earlier within the marketing campaign.

Nonetheless, his want and thirst for targets, so usually a constructive for Barça, additionally price his group within the second half. On two events, across the fringe of the realm, as a substitute of passing, he took on the shot. Each instances, Thiubaut Courtois saved comfortably.

In the end, although, it was Barça’s lack of our bodies that haunted them late on. They needed to wait till the ultimate quarter-hour to make a change attributable to an absence of attacking choices on the bench. And with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Gavi and Dani Olmo amongst these lacking, it was and Araújo and Marc Casadó who have been tasked with making an attempt to show this recreation round. — Marsden