Category: Sport

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — When the Los Angeles Lakers reviewed the tape of their disappointing 119-109 opening-night loss to the Golden State Warriors, coach JJ Redick mentioned there was an necessary voice within the room as they sifted by means of the wreckage: LeBron James.

“LeBron was actually useful,” Redick mentioned after observe Wednesday.

James, wearing a go well with and glasses, appeared stoic in his padded seat on the finish of the bench Tuesday as he missed his first regular-season opener of his 23-year profession due to sciatica affecting his decrease again and proper leg.

Though James gained’t be reevaluated for one more one to 2 weeks and sources advised ESPN’s Shams Charania he isn’t anticipated to make his season debut till mid-November, he was energetic within the movie session when the teaching employees identified how L.A. allowed Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield to shoot too many open 3s.

“We did a poor job of finding the lasers in transition, which was a degree of emphasis of our protection,” Redick mentioned. “Buddy Hield obtained two [3-pointers] off within the second half. Steph obtained one proper in entrance of our bench within the first half. That was actually the second precedence of the sport, was finding these guys in transition. So, clear that up and once more speak by means of that. … All of us sort of talked about that in movie.”

Redick mentioned he encourages the discourse that the 40-year-old James can stir for the crew.

“I advised them him asking questions, him giving his enter, us having a back-and-forth is so wholesome,” Redick mentioned. “I want to have dialogue and back-and-forth and questions each single time we do movie and train. You bought a query, converse up. If you wish to make a degree, converse up. It was good.”

Hield and Curry combining to shoot 8-for-19 from 3, whereas the Lakers shot 8-for-32 as a crew, was simply certainly one of a number of issues for L.A. within the opener.

The Lakers additionally have been outscored 33-18 in bench factors and 35-25 within the third quarter, missed 11 free throws, and dedicated 20 turnovers, resulting in 22 factors for the Warriors.

Nevertheless, members of the crew mentioned the movie assessment allowed for clear-eyed perspective because the Lakers look to enhance on that preliminary displaying after they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

“I feel there have been some obtrusive issues that we are able to work on, which in some methods is encouraging,” Lakers guard Gabe Vincent mentioned. “You discover issues that find yourself being 12, 14 factors, and it’s like, ‘Oh, if we are able to clear that up, it’s a unique dialog. That sport seems to be loads completely different.'”

Added Lakers ahead Jarred Vanderbilt: “It wasn’t as unhealthy as we thought it was. It’s a pair issues that we are able to clear up on that would simply change the way in which the sport went. And it’s issues which are controllable. … So simply locking in, specializing in these.”

One other factor that doesn’t seem like as unhealthy because it appeared is Luka Doncic’s well being.

The Lakers star required greater than an hour of remedy on the within of his proper leg after showing to tug his groin late within the fourth quarter on the way in which to scoring 43 factors in 41 minutes towards Golden State. However Redick didn’t sound too involved Wednesday.

“He appears to be fantastic,” Redick mentioned. “I don’t assume it’s something main. He obtained some remedy this morning, and we didn’t observe lengthy, however he was a participant in observe.”

Doncic’s availability will likely be paramount, particularly with James out, as L.A. tries to construct some continuity to begin the season.

“Our crew, by the tip of final season, had a connective mind tissue,” Redick mentioned. “We functioned very well as a unit no matter group was on the market. We simply don’t have that but. We don’t have that connectivity the place all of us sort of belief and know one another on each ends of the ground and we all know precisely what we’re doing.

“We’re going to get there. I’m very assured we’re going to get there.”

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields, shrugging off criticism from group proprietor Woody Johnson, stated he’s not looking for a dialog to clear the air. And he doesn’t count on Johnson to method him.

“I don’t assume me speaking to him goes to do something,” Fields stated Wednesday after apply. “It’s not going to make me play higher. It’s not going to offer me extra confidence on the sphere, so I don’t assume there’s essentially some extent in speaking about that, and I doubt he’ll come and discuss to me.”

Fields is struggling mightily for the Jets and could possibly be on the verge of shedding his job to Tyrod Taylor. The muddled quarterback state of affairs took an sudden flip Tuesday, when Johnson, chatting with reporters on the NFL’s fall assembly in New York, blamed Fields for the 0-7 begin.

“I’m undecided how he feels in regards to the state of affairs in any respect, however, I imply, I don’t have any plans going as much as press him about what he stated,” Fields stated. “Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. That’s simply what it’s, however you simply have a alternative or not whether or not these opinions have an effect on you or not.”

Fields stated he wasn’t conscious of Johnson’s feedback till knowledgeable by reporters, though the matter was addressed by Aaron Glenn earlier within the morning group assembly, the coach stated.

The quarterback isn’t notably shut with Johnson. Fields stated they met for the primary time earlier than a latest recreation, including that their relationship consists of fast chats earlier than video games.

“It doesn’t hassle me,” he stated of the proprietor’s criticism. “After all, everyone is aware of I have to play higher and we have to play higher as a group. And, in fact, irrespective of how the offense does as a unit, I’m going to get the blame. And I perceive that — that’s simply what comes with the job. You possibly can’t let something have an effect on your thoughts.

“Irrespective of if it’s him, irrespective of if it’s relations, even teammates, generally there’s going to be instances the place it’s a must to be the one one who believes in your self.”

Fields, 26, who’s beneath contract by way of 2026, declined to deal with the potential of a commerce request. It might be troublesome to commerce his contract, which incorporates $10 million in assured wage in 2026.

“I don’t like answering these questions, these — quote, unquote — what-if questions,” he stated. “I’m not going to do this. That’s not going to do something for me. That’s not going to do something for this group. If something, that’s going to placed on a topic that the group’s going to not deal with, and the most important focus proper now’s this recreation on Sunday. In order that’s simply going to fire up extra stuff that we don’t want.”

Johnson created the firestorm when, unsolicited, he alluded to Fields’ poor play, saying, “It’s laborious when you might have a quarterback with a score that he’s obtained. I imply, he has means, however one thing simply shouldn’t be jiving.”

Johnson additionally stated, “If we are able to simply full a cross, it could look good.”

Glenn stated he and Johnson are “on the identical web page” with regard to personnel. On Wednesday, Glenn declined to call his starter for Sunday towards the Cincinnati Bengals, saying he desires to create a aggressive benefit by retaining the Bengals at midnight. All indications level to Taylor changing Fields.

TORONTO — The Maple Leafs and Raptors are altering the occasions of their video games this weekend and subsequent week to keep away from overlap with the Blue Jays’ World Collection video games.

“Toronto sports activities followers are undeniably a number of the most passionate followers on the planet, and we’re proud to have town’s groups come collectively and provides these followers a possibility to expertise a major second in our metropolis’s and nation’s historical past,” mentioned Keith Pelley, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports activities & Leisure, which owns the Maple Leafs and Raptors.

Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto will host Video games 1 and a couple of of the World Collection on Friday and Saturday. Every recreation within the best-of-seven sequence is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

The Raptors’ dwelling opener towards Milwaukee on Friday was moved from 7:30 p.m. to six:30, and the Maple Leafs’ recreation towards Buffalo on Saturday was moved from 7 p.m. to five.

The Leafs have additionally adjusted the beginning time of subsequent Tuesday’s recreation towards Calgary to six p.m. The Raptors will host Houston at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 29. Video games 3-5 of the World Collection are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Oct. 19.

“Every of those recreation time modifications are fairly difficult and signify the co-operation of many stakeholders, together with the respective leagues, coaches and gamers of the Leafs, Raptors and opposing groups and broadcasters,” Pelley mentioned. “We’re grateful to all of them for his or her help as we work to make this a really particular second for Toronto followers as we come collectively to assist the Blue Jays.”

The Maple Leafs and Raptors may even present the World Collection video games on the Scotiabank Enviornment videoboard following their video games.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators are turning to Steve Spurrier to assist repair the staff’s floundering offense.

Steve Spurrier Jr., anyway.

Interim coach Billy Gonzales mentioned Wednesday the youthful Spurrier, who was employed as an offensive analyst earlier this yr, shall be extra concerned with quarterback DJ Lagway when the Gators (3-4, 2-2 SEC) play No. 5 Georgia (6-1, 4-1) in Jacksonville on Nov. 1.

Gonzales may have tight ends coach/offensive coordinator Russ Callaway set up the offense alongside quarterbacks coach Ryan O’Hara within the sales space. O’Hara shall be on the headset calling performs to Lagway.

Spurrier, in the meantime, shall be on the sideline working immediately with the sophomore quarterback.

“What we’re attempting to do proper now could be tweak a pair issues so we will put our gamers in a greater scenario to exit and make performs and carry out at a better stage,” mentioned Gonzales, named the interim after Billy Napier was fired Sunday. “All of us perceive that’s what we have to do. In order that’s the No. 1 objective for us as a training workers proper now.”

Napier was dismissed, largely, as a result of he didn’t get Florida’s offense on monitor in his 4 seasons. The Gators totaled a mixed 50 factors in losses to South Florida, LSU, Miami and Texas A&M this fall, they usually rank fifteenth within the league in scoring.

Dealing with the Bulldogs with out Napier may present how a lot of a hindrance he was to an offense that believes it has sufficient expertise to compete within the SEC. Gonzales has made it clear he desires to open issues up extra and get the ball down the sphere to receivers.

Spurrier is part of the plan. The 54-year-old son of a Corridor of Fame participant and coach who’s a dwelling legend in Gainesville, Spurrier spent the previous two years at Tulsa. He additionally labored at Mississippi State (2020-22), Washington State (2018-19), Western Kentucky (2017) and Oklahoma (2016). Earlier than that, he spent a decade working beneath his well-known father at South Carolina (2005-15).

“Everytime you’re round one of many biggest offensive minds in historical past, it’s clearly going to rub off on you as effectively,” Gonzales mentioned. “He’s been concerned, however now he’s going to have extra of a task as a result of he’s going to be down there on the sphere with the quarterback trying in his eyes and getting an opportunity to speak to him and overview the movie that’s being relayed.

“It’s going to place us in an amazing scenario to assist DJ and the quarterbacks carry out on the soccer subject.”

Lagway has thrown for 1,513 yards, with 9 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, this season whereas taking part in behind a shaky offensive line. He has appeared higher of late as he strikes nearer to completely recovering from a derailed offseason that included core-muscle surgical procedure, nagging shoulder ache and a strained calf muscle.

“It’s been an extended journey, and I’m grateful for the nice and the dangerous,” Lagway mentioned. “God doesn’t make any errors. I’m simply excited to see the place my journey continues and the way I can proceed to get higher.”

Managing expectations. It’s a cornerstone to modern-day dwelling. A mantra employed by tech bros and youth soccer coaches alike. A well-intentioned warning that caps hope as a way to guard in opposition to disappointment. Although I’m undecided what’s worse; Coaching one’s self to accept much less or truly being let down?

I had a supervisor again in my table-waiting days who would begin each crew assembly with a reminder to speak cook dinner occasions and bar delays to our friends. He believed this method delivered and maintained decorum. It ensured that patrons remained content material … whereas additionally protecting him from having to comp an apologetic dessert from somebody’s tab. He wasn’t incorrect. The pasta at all times got here out before the filet, and our diners deserved to know that.

Generally, although, we get so wrapped up in what can’t occur that we neglect to permit ourselves to ponder what could possibly be.

That’s what caught out to me on the heels of my journey to Austin, the place I coated the Method 1 United States Grand Prix for ESPN final weekend. I’ve been lucky sufficient to broadcast from the Vegas and Miami Grand Prix races, however had by no means attended the Circuit of the Americas. Whereas this wasn’t my first F1 rodeo (if you’ll), I had a basic sense of how race weekends unfold. Nonetheless, I’m comparatively new to the game and to the people who find themselves deeply concerned in its interior workings. Plus, I had by no means been to Austin earlier than. Actually, I had no thought what to anticipate.

I initially caught myself hedging, waffling about whether or not a query was too private for the driving force I used to be interviewing or if a take wasn’t knowledgeable sufficient. I received nervous about whether or not the opposite journos within the paddock would settle for me, or if my earlier race expertise would afford me mutual respect. My mind was (fairly aptly) on overdrive. After which, quite serendipitously, a reporter from Sky Sports activities approached me and sheepishly requested me for assist setting his fantasy soccer lineup.

The ice was damaged. The expectations had been tabled. The journey was on.

And what an journey it was! From sitting down with four-time World Champion Max Verstappen to sweating by means of three reside exhibits (actually and figuratively, the Texas warmth isn’t any joke) to seeing Garth Freaking Brooks carry out on my birthday to choking again responsible tears whereas FaceTiming my children from the media middle. I attempted my greatest to step into every second because it arrived. Quite than staying in my very own lane, I swerved throughout the entire observe, cautious to not put the automotive within the wall, but in addition unbothered by a stopwatch. Consequently, the expertise delivered large wins each professionally and personally.

That’s what I’m pondering as we head into “bye-mageddon.” With six groups out of the combo and quite a few starters sidelined, expectations are out the window. There isn’t a changing Amon-Ra St. Brown or discovering worth versus the Raiders’ protection. We will’t dwell on the absences. As an alternative, let’s deal with discovering the shock stop-gaps. That is one go to in a 17- (or 18-) week journey. The forecast might not initially appear promising. But, I assure the sport will jolt an unassuming hero into the non permanent highlight. Quite than fret about what’s lacking, let’s get enthusiastic about who may present up.

Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders: Presently fantasy’s QB18 general, Daniels has underwhelmed in his sophomore marketing campaign, from a faux soccer perspective. Two missed video games have clearly depressed his totals, however even on a per-game foundation his manufacturing has been extra ground than ceiling. Whereas Daniels has posted a minimum of 17 or extra fantasy factors in every outing, he has cleared 20 fantasy factors solely twice and ranks eleventh on the place in fantasy factors per recreation (19.3).

The exits of Austin Ekeler and Noah Brown had been obstacles Daniels tried to beat early within the season. More moderen accidents to Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel have additional stymied the electrical signal-caller from a passing perspective (7.1 YPA, QB21). Sadly, given a possible hamstring downside and this week’s matchup at Kansas Metropolis, a top-five bounce-back appears unrealistic. The Chiefs are holding opposing QBs to underneath 11 fantasy factors when taking part in at Arrowhead. In actual fact, solely two of seven signal-callers have managed to go over 17 fantasy factors when going through Steve Spagnuolo’s unit in any respect this season. On the plus aspect, Kansas Metropolis has allowed the sixth-most dashing yards to quarterbacks.

Whereas mobility is a trademark of Daniels’ recreation, the aforementioned mushy tissue situation may subdue his dashing numbers. The Commanders play on Monday evening, so there’s time for Daniels to get wholesome. If Daniels had been to endure a setback, nonetheless, Marcus Mariota could be in line to start out. Managers may need to contemplate rostering Joe Flacco or Michael Penix Jr. as attainable backup plans ought to the information not be encouraging by Sunday morning.

Breece Corridor, RB, New York Jets: The Jets have been a tough watch, averaging 18.4 factors per outing (sixth fewest) because the begin of 2025. Whereas there’s no disputing that the offensive inefficiencies have negatively affected Corridor’s manufacturing, the 24-year-old continues to see ample alternatives, managing greater than 14 carries (RB11) and 4 targets (RB8) per recreation. In actual fact, Corridor has touched the ball a minimum of 18 occasions in three of his previous 4 contests. He was on tempo to match these numbers earlier than exiting simply previous to halftime final Sunday. Quantity stays king in fantasy. And in a plus matchup at Cincinnati, the embattled RB figures to ship stable fantasy beginning numbers.

Cincinnati has allowed essentially the most fantasy factors to the operating again place. For context, the Bengals have given up 23 or extra fantasy factors to backfields in each recreation. Extra particularly, 9 operating backs have logged 15 or extra fantasy factors in seven totally different outings when going through Cincy. Whereas questions surrounding New York’s quarterback scenario proceed to swirl, Corridor endures because the crew’s surest producer. His lack of purple zone publicity stays an issue, however the Bengals’ generosity close to the tip zone (10 TDs to RBs) may assist to ship Corridor his first rating of the season. Counting on Corridor doesn’t really feel nice, however the information present him with top-10 positional attraction in Week 8.

Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson has delivered for digital buyers, rumbling his approach to almost 150 fantasy factors (24.2 per recreation) to date in 2025. In the meantime, his backup has carved out a nifty function, offering some standalone worth to savvy stashers. Allgeier has in no way “damaged the sport,” however he has recorded double-digit fantasy totals in three of his previous 5 outings. Apparently, Allgeier has logged 10 or extra touches in every of Atlanta’s 4 wins and fewer than 5 touches within the crew’s two losses. Betting on recreation script is at all times a doubtful endeavor, however on condition that the Falcons are 7.5-point favorites (third-largest favorites in Week 8), the 25-year-old gives streaming potential this specific Sunday.

The Dolphins’ protection has emerged as a balm to opposing backfields, permitting the third-most fantasy factors to RBs. For context, Rico Dowdle, Rhamondre Stevenson and Kimani Vidal every cleared 130 scrimmage yards versus Miami. And if you happen to want additional reminding, Quinshon Judkins hung three scores on the Fins simply three days in the past. It must be no shock, then, to see Robinson atop consensus rankings. Don’t depend out Allgeier, although. With six groups on bye and loads of stars banged up, the Falcons’ RB2 tasks as a top-30 positional play in Week 8.

Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos: Sutton might need dispatched a pair of duds, however he has been fantastically constant in any other case. The Broncos’ No. 1 WR has recorded 5 video games of 16 or extra fantasy factors this season. For context, solely three different wideouts have logged extra: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Puka Nacua. That’s spectacular firm, particularly given Sutton’s seventh-round ADP.

Sutton is in line to eat once more versus a beneficiant Dallas secondary in Week 8. Along with permitting the second-most fantasy factors to vast receivers, the Cowboys’ protection has additionally given up 12 receiving scores to the place (essentially the most within the NFL). Furthermore, Dallas is permitting the second-highest catch price (71%), which figures to make for some Bo Nix-to-Sutton fireworks. In what’s projected to be an in depth (3.5-point unfold) and high-scoring (51.5-point over/underneath) contest, Sutton ought to submit high-end WR2 fantasy numbers at Mile Excessive on Sunday.

Tez Johnson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: On a squad filthy with dangerous harm luck, Johnson appears to have emerged as digital managers’ highest hope. Discovering the tip zone in back-to-back contests whereas recording 4 grabs and greater than 55 receiving yards in two of his previous three outings, Johnson has flashed. The rookie has averaged 12.4 fantasy factors per recreation throughout the previous three weeks, a few of which included the on-field abilities of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr. and/or Emeka Egbuka, signaling the Oregon product’s ascent up the depth chart. With Evans (collarbone) out for the quick future and with Johnson coming off of a nine-target effort, his contributions can now not be shrugged off as flukey.

The Bucs’ 15-point loss at Detroit wasn’t a fairly watch, however Johnson demonstrated a handful of Madden-level strikes, notably when side-stepping tackles on his approach to the tip zone within the third quarter of Monday evening’s tilt. Showcasing that sort of twitch on a crew determined for dynamism issues. It additionally doesn’t damage that Johnson has recorded an aDOT of 12.9 yards. When evaluating his common depth of goal to that of the opposite starters (Evans 13.5, Godwin 11.4 and Sterling Shepard 8.2), it seems as if the first-year wideout has staked a declare on deeper and higher-value alternatives. In a matchup in opposition to an exploitable Saints protection, Johnson tasks as a ceiling-reaching flex.

Dalton Schultz, TE, Houston Texans: Schultz has lengthy thrived as a high-floor safety blanket for QBs and fantasy managers alike. The veteran tight finish recorded six targets and 5 grabs in three straight outings previous to his nine-catch, 98-yard outburst this previous Monday evening. With Nico Collins sidelined with a concussion, Schultz tied a profession excessive with 11 seems. These alternatives may lengthen into the approaching week if Collins had been unable to go well with up on Sunday.

Even with Collins on the sector, Schultz figures to remain busy. The Texans’ offensive line has remained a legal responsibility all season, rating twenty sixth in run block win price. That has pressured C.J. Stroud to throw quick, repeatedly counting on his sure-handed tight finish. Moreover, this week’s matchup ought to assist Schultz convert. Whereas San Francisco’s protection has stayed impressively stiff regardless of the absences of Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, the 49ers have allowed 45 or extra receiving yards to opposing tight ends for six consecutive efforts. The enigma that’s Kyle Pitts Sr. even managed a seven-catch (out of 10 seems), 62-receiving-yard outing at Levi Stadium final Sunday evening. Think about Schultz an appropriate substitute with low-end TE1 potential in Week 8.

Chig Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans: Now we have reached that time within the season, people! It’s time for me — maybe in honor of this weekend’s impending Nationwide Tight Finish Day — to extoll the virtues of Chig and his (nonetheless) yet-to-be-unlocked potential. The very fact is, Okonkwo was blanked in Week 7. However I really feel a bounce-back approaching in Week 8.

Okonkwo ranks third on the crew in seems drawn (34, one fewer than Calvin Ridley) and second on the squad in routes run (171). Whereas the vet was out-targeted by Gunnar Helm in Week 7, Okonkwo recorded extra snaps (31 to Helm’s 27) and ran extra routes (22 to Helm’s 14) than the rookie. With a juicy matchup across the nook and given the state of the place, I’m keen to lean into Okonkwo’s upside, viewing final Sunday as an anomaly quite than a altering of the guard.

The Colts have allowed the fifth-most fantasy factors per recreation to opposing tight ends. For context, Trey McBride managed a 8-72-1 stat line at Lucas Oil Stadium simply earlier than rising star Oronde Gadsden II hung a 7-164-1 complete versus Indianapolis this previous weekend. Apparently, Okonkwo himself managed a season-high 66 receiving yards and 11.6 fantasy factors versus the Colts as not too long ago as Week 3. With Ridley’s availability in jeopardy and along with his Titans as 14.5-point highway canine, Okonkwo ought to draw an ample variety of alternatives, serving up stable substitute vibes for stream-seeking players.

For extra start-sit selections, try Liz Loza’s Week 8 rankings