Category: Sport

ATLANTA — Michael Penix Jr. made all of the performs crucial in his “Monday Night time Soccer” debut and had loads of assist from operating again Bijan Robinson and extensive receiver Drake London en path to the Atlanta Falcons beating the Buffalo Payments 24-14 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Penix, the second-year quarterback, was 20-of-32 for 250 yards passing and a landing. Robinson had 170 yards speeding, together with an 81-yard landing run, and one other 68 receiving. London had 10 catches for 158 yards and a landing. It was the second time Robinson and London every had 150 yards and a landing as teammates of their careers. They’re the one Falcons teammates to do it greater than as soon as because the 1970 merger, per ESPN Analysis.

Atlanta’s protection may need been even higher than its offense. The Falcons compelled the Payments into 4 three-and-outs, which was double Buffalo’s highest single-game whole of the season coming in, and sacked quarterback Josh Allen 4 occasions.

Listed below are a very powerful issues to know from Monday evening for each groups:

Is Robinson the main contender for NFL Offensive Participant of the 12 months? What Robinson has accomplished early this season is exceptional. The third-year operating again has extra yards from scrimmage by means of 5 video games than some other participant in Falcons historical past. His 138 speeding yards on the half had been essentially the most by any participant within the league after two quarters this season. Robinson got here into the sport main the league with 146 yards from scrimmage per recreation — after which put up 238 on Monday evening, the second-highest whole within the league this season. Robinson is the second participant to succeed in 450 speeding yards and 300 receiving yards by means of his first 5 video games of a season in NFL historical past, becoming a member of Thurman Thomas in 1991, in line with ESPN Analysis.

Development to observe: The Falcons had been with out two of their prime three extensive receivers in Darnell Mooney (hamstring) and Ray-Ray McCloud III (wholesome scratch). McCloud’s absence was a shock. It compelled the Falcons to rely closely on two talent gamers: Bijan Robinson and Drake London, who mixed for 89% of the group’s yardage within the first half and got here in with the best proportion of their group’s scrimmage yardage (57%) out of any duo within the NFL, in line with ESPN Analysis.

Stat to know: The Falcons’ 335 yards within the first half had been their most earlier than halftime since 2009. For the primary time in Falcons franchise historical past, the group had a operating again and extensive receiver — Robinson and London, respectively — eclipse the 100-yard mark within the first half. — Marc Raimondi

Subsequent recreation: at San Francisco (8:20 p.m. ET, Oct. 19)

The frustration was seen from quarterback Josh Allen, who pushed his helmet to the bottom as he sat on the bench as soon as once more after failing to string collectively a drive in the midst of the fourth quarter.

The struggles persevered in Monday’s recreation at Atlanta because the Payments (4-2) suffered their second straight loss. Although the protection was sloppy and gave up too many yards, the offense didn’t benefit from alternatives. Within the first half, the Payments punted on 4 straight drives, and although they scored a landing on their first drive of the second half, the spark didn’t linger. They turned the ball over on downs, giving the Falcons the ball again at their 47-yard line. And even when the Payments blocked a area purpose try, the offense responded with back-to-back three-and-outs.

Allen completed the sport 15-for-26 (57.7%) with 180 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 2 interceptions and 4 sacks. He additionally rushed for 42 yards on six carries. Tight finish Dalton Kincaid (indirect) was inactive, and extensive receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) was injured within the first half and didn’t return. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady went away from operating again James Cook dinner III late within the recreation and didn’t use him on third downs regardless of Cook dinner speeding for 87 yards on 17 carries.

After beginning the season scoring 30-plus factors within the first 4 video games, the Payments’ offense has work to do.

Development to observe: Accidents. The Payments got here into this recreation with two starters — linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral) and tight finish Dalton Kincaid (indirect) — out due to accidents. Earlier than the sport, defensive deal with DaQuan Jones suffered a calf damage in warmups and was dominated out. Huge receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) left the sport within the first half, linebacker Terrel Bernard didn’t play within the second half due to an ankle damage, and security Cole Bishop missed time within the second half due to cramping, however returned within the fourth quarter. The Payments have a bye this coming week, and it couldn’t come at a greater time for much-needed relaxation.

Stat to know: The Falcons’ 335 first-half yards had been essentially the most that the Payments have allowed earlier than halftime since 2001 (Week 2, at Indianapolis Colts). Missed tackles had been a serious theme for the Payments’ protection, particularly within the first half, however the unit adjusted properly within the second half. The Falcons had been held to eight web yards within the third quarter and 109 web yards within the fourth. — Alaina Getzenberg

Subsequent recreation: at Carolina (1 p.m. ET, Oct. 26)

Damage-hit France have been held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland in 2026 World Cup qualifying on Monday, whereas Germany received in Northern Eire with a Nick Woltemade objective and Belgium beat Wales to face on the point of a spot at subsequent 12 months’s finals.

France, World Cup winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, have been with out a host of gamers in Reykjavik together with captain Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, each out injured.

They fell behind to a Victor Palsson objective late within the first half, however Christopher Nkunku equalised simply after the hour mark.

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta then gave Les Bleus the lead halfway by means of the second half, getting his first senior worldwide objective on his first begin.

Nevertheless, Iceland have been again stage virtually from the restart as Kristian Hlynsson of FC Twente ran by means of unchallenged to make it 2-2.

France may have clinched qualification for subsequent 12 months’s match in North America with a win in Reykjavik mixed with Ukraine failing to beat Azerbaijan on the identical time.

However whereas they have been dropping factors, Ukraine have been beating Azerbaijan 2-1 within the Polish metropolis of Krakow — Oleksiy Hutsuliak and Ruslan Malinovskiy scored for Ukraine both facet of a Vitaliy Mykolenko personal objective.

France are however three factors clear on the high of Group D with two video games remaining subsequent month, and a win at dwelling to second-placed Ukraine in Paris will wrap up high spot.

“We completely managed the sport. Iceland had two pictures on track and scored two targets,” France coach Didier Deschamps advised TFI.

“However we have now one other level on the board and subsequent month shall be decisive.”

Germany have now recorded three consecutive victories in Group A after starting their marketing campaign with a defeat in Slovakia final month.

Newcastle United ahead Woltemade headed in the one objective of the sport as Germany beat Northern Eire 1-0 in Belfast, and Julian Nagelsmann’s group are high of the group with 9 factors.

“It was a vital three factors for us,” Woltemade advised Germany’s RTL, including that “on this ambiance and in a little bit of an unpleasant sport, you must win and we did effectively”.

– Switzerland pressured to attend –

Slovakia sit second solely on objective distinction as they defeated Luxembourg 2-0 at dwelling, Adam Obert and Ivan Schranz scoring the targets within the second half.

The 12 group winners in European qualifying will go to the World Cup, with runners-up persevering with on to play-offs set for subsequent March — the assembly between Germany and Slovakia in Leipzig subsequent month will subsequently be decisive.

Belgium have virtually certified from Group J after Kevin De Bruyne transformed two penalties in a 4-2 win over Wales in Cardiff.

Joe Rodon had given Wales an early lead however De Bruyne’s spot-kick double got here both facet of a Thomas Meunier objective.

Nathan Broadhead pulled it again to 3-2, just for Leandro Trossard of Arsenal to seal Belgium’s victory on the dying.

Rudi Garcia’s Crimson Devils — who beat Wales 4-3 at dwelling in June — now know one win from their two video games subsequent month away to Kazakhstan and at dwelling to Liechtenstein will clinch high spot.

In the meantime, Wales should attempt to catch second-placed North Macedonia, who have been held 1-1 at dwelling by Kazakhstan on Monday with Enis Bardhi replying for the hosts after Dinmukhamed Karaman’s opener.

Switzerland may have certified from Group B with the best mixture of outcomes, however should wait till subsequent month after a 0-0 attract Slovenia.

The Swiss at the moment are solely three factors away from Kosovo, who beat Sweden 1-0 in Gothenburg because of a solitary strike by Fisnik Asllani of Hoffenheim.

Sweden’s marketing campaign has confirmed to be a catastrophe as they sit backside of the part with only one level regardless of having Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak beginning collectively up entrance — they’ve didn’t even rating of their final three matches.

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Invoice Belichick has lastly addressed swirling rumors about his departure from UNC following a string of poor outcomes.

The veteran coach denied the claims however admitted that he has been experiencing a studying curve as he transitions from the NFL to varsity soccer.

Invoice Belichick additionally hinted that he has no plans to make adjustments to his program, including that he’s “100%” assured in his method.

Invoice Belichick has revealed that he’s dedicated to his program at UNC, opposite to latest rumors that recommended he was contemplating leaving.

The rumors got here within the wake of a string of poor outcomes which have fearful followers and oldsters who anticipated instantaneous success from the veteran coach, given his pedigree.

Now, in keeping with The Athletic’s Brendan Marks, Belichick has known as these speculations false, and he intends to finally make UNC a profitable staff.

“That’s simply categorically false. There’s no reality to that. I’m glad I’m right here,” the previous NFL coach stated.

Belichick additionally revealed that, within the wake of the rumors, he launched an announcement final week “only for clarification.”

He additional famous that he was moved to take action as a result of most of the statements he had seen about his program had been “factually inaccurate.”

One of many rumors circulating is that the veteran coach is operating a program that promotes an “individualistic mindset,” which has allegedly led to a “poisonous atmosphere” for the staff.

A number of the criticisms additionally got here from mother and father of gamers who felt Belichick was not doing an important job as a coach.

Equally, sources near this system described the staff’s disastrous begin to the season as “the product of a divided locker room” and that Belichick has “a disorganized teaching workers” and struggles with communication with stakeholders.

Regardless of these claims, the coach revealed he has no intention of adjusting his teaching method, as he believes it’s “100%” working.

Nonetheless, he admitted that he’s nonetheless going through a “studying curve” for now and that he and the staff have been left “a little bit annoyed” by the latest string of poor outcomes.

He went on to say that they’re “all on this collectively” and intend to maintain bettering and dealing to ultimately obtain nice success at UNC, simply “like in all places else I’ve been.”

Again in August, Belichick introduced that his soccer program could be featured in a season-long docuseries on Hulu.

The venture was initially slated to be produced by NFL Movies’ Laborious Knocks, however the deal finally fell by way of.

“That is in regards to the UNC soccer program, there’s clearly a variety of curiosity in it, and it’ll stream on Hulu later this fall,” the 73-year-old stated on the time in regards to the venture.

However in a stunning flip of occasions, stories emerged that the take care of Hulu would additionally not be shifting ahead.

Whereas the explanations weren’t confirmed, the information that Belichick’s documentary was scrapped got here after UNC suffered a 3rd loss to a Energy 5 staff.

This led to hypothesis that the staff’s poor efficiency could have influenced the choice.

Apparently, Belichick has now given followers renewed hope by revealing that the Hulu documentary is “nonetheless a piece in progress.”

He added, “We’re working by way of a number of logistics on it There’ll be one thing.”

In response to Marks, Belichick additionally had one thing to say in regards to the sources who’ve reportedly been sharing details about his program.

“A few of these are simply not credible … It’s what it’s,” the a number of Tremendous-Bowl-winning coach stated in regards to the info from the insiders.

It was beforehand reported by WRAL’s Pat Welter that the veteran coach has been looking for the leak in his program, a element which Belichick didn’t verify or deny throughout his latest press interview.

“Persevering with to achieve out to sources about what’s occurring contained in the Belichick program,” Welter revealed in a tweet final week. “Some now are feeling reluctant to share new info as internally the Belichick workers is looking for the leak.”

On the time, the revelation led to backlash amongst followers who felt that the coach ought to concentrate on saving his program.

“That is what’s worrying about as a substitute of really placing a aggressive product on the sector. Speaks volumes about what must be executed,” one particular person commented.

“Possibly they need to spend extra time making an attempt to determine easy methods to rating touchdowns as a substitute of discovering a leak,” a second consumer remarked.

The sixth Sunday of the NFL season featured one other improbable efficiency from Carolina Panthers RB Rico Dowdle, one other landing from Dallas Cowboys WR George Pickens, and continued growth from precocious New England Patriots QB Drake Maye as a top-10 fantasy possibility. Oh, there have been accidents, too, with wonderful broad receivers Puka Nacua (ankle), Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) and Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) leaving video games prematurely. Fantasy managers should monitor their standing for the upcoming week.

Every Monday, earlier than the present NFL week ends, we’ll establish gamers obtainable in at the least 50% of ESPN customary leagues worthy of your consideration, from customary codecs to deeper choices. The NFL is a weekly league, and participant valuation and roles seldom stay stagnant. It doesn’t matter the way you purchase gamers on your fantasy rosters, simply that you just get them.

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants (34.4% rostered): This isn’t the primary time we’ve mentioned Dart on this house, although fantasy managers remained quite tepid with curiosity. Dart was lively in fewer than 10% of ESPN customary leagues in Week 6. That should change after Dart scored 23.6 factors in a surprising win over the beleaguered Philadelphia Eagles. Though Dart stays an unfinished product as a passer, he has notably rushed for greater than 50 yards in every of his three begins, scoring touchdowns in two of them. That is sufficient to make him related in fantasy. A highway recreation in Denver this week won’t be as a lot enjoyable as going through Philly, however Dart boasts plain QB1 potential in fantasy this season and needs to be rostered in lots of extra leagues.

Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (23.1%): Some fantasy managers simply refuse to consider in Darnold regardless of his stable numbers. Darnold scored 20.0 factors on Sunday towards the Jacksonville Jaguars, and after a tough Week 1 outing, he’s averaging practically 20 PPG over his previous 5 video games. He and the Seahawks face the Houston Texans in Week 7. Given his numbers, it’s arduous to counsel something however Darnold being underrated in fantasy. He confirmed us his capacity final season with the Minnesota Vikings, and he’s performing equally this season.

Deep-league choices/streamers/random ideas

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers (27.1%): Somebody needed to decide up the working again duties with starter Omarion Hampton (ankle) shelved, and we had a good suggestion it will be some mixture of Vidal and Hassan Haskins. Most sided with Haskins (49.7%), since he performed at Michigan for Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. Mistaken alternative! These coaches simply hold everybody guessing! Vidal loved a far better efficiency, turning 21 touches into 138 yards and 22.8 factors. Haskins had seven touches. Add Vidal for Week 7 towards the Indianapolis Colts, whereas noting Hampton may miss extra time than initially anticipated.

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans (23.6%): Spears (ankle) made his season debut in Week 5 with little statistical consequence. In Week 6, he turned 9 touches into 50 yards and 9.0 factors, outpacing starter Tony Pollard, who scored 6.7 factors on 12 touches. The elusive Spears does his greatest work catching passes, and maybe the Titans will use him much more in Week 7 towards the Patriots. For now, Pollard buyers have little to fret about.

Bam Knight, Cardinals (5.6%): We featured Michael Carter on this house final week, as he seemed to be the Arizona working again of alternative with James Conner and Trey Benson sidelined. On Saturday, a day earlier than going through the Colts, quite stunning phrase got here that the Cardinals supposed to provide Knight, together with his third NFL group earlier than his twenty fifth birthday, an opportunity at first-team quantity. Knight scored a landing and notched 12.4 factors on his 12 touches Sunday, however he didn’t differentiate himself a lot from Carter, who scored 8.4 factors on 11 touches. Knight is more likely to be a bit overrated this week for the sport towards a tricky Packers staff.

Deep-league choices/streamers/random ideas

Steelers starter Jaylen Warren (knee) returned from a number of weeks off and scored 8.3 factors towards the Browns. In the meantime, Kenneth Gainwell (56.8%) caught six passes (although for less than 14 yards), however his total output was 9.6 factors. This stays a timeshare, with Warren clearly the popular alternative. Though Gainwell has reached double-digit factors in just one recreation, he continues to matter at a weak place in fantasy.

The Vikings and Texans loved the bye in Week 6, and all 4 of the working backs for these groups related to fantasy stay rostered in additional than 50% of leagues. Nonetheless, verify your league for Texans Nick Chubb (68.2%) and Woody Marks (59.7%), as they face the Seahawks this week. They nonetheless come most well-liked to Browns backups Jerome Ford (24.9%) and Dylan Sampson (14.3%), who mixed for 12.4 factors in Sunday’s loss.

Kayshon Boutte, Patriots (7.0%): Boutte was featured on this house after his stable Week 1 outing, during which he caught six passes for 103 yards towards the Las Vegas Raiders. Then Boutte caught a measly seven passes for 105 yards over the subsequent 4 video games, making his opening-week output look mighty aberrant. Effectively, the quite inconsistent Boutte returned to relevance Sunday towards the New Orleans Saints, catching all 5 of his targets for 93 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Does any of this imply Boutte may have an enormous Week 7 recreation towards the Titans? Nope, however QB Drake Maye is terrific, and the Titans, effectively, usually are not. Pats teammate DeMario Douglas (6.7%) scored 16.1 factors Sunday, and he additionally will get to face the Titans!

Josh Downs, Colts (41.5%): Downs has reached double-digit factors in three of six video games to date. These are those during which he has seven or extra targets from resurgent QB Daniel Jones. Within the different three video games, Downs has not been focused a lot, so he has not accomplished a lot. We will’t make certain Jones will goal Downs this week towards the Chargers, however at this level, fantasy managers have to belief Jones, and Downs feels a bit too obtainable. As well as, the Colts face the Titans in Week 8.

Deep-league choices/streamers/random ideas

Harrison won’t play in Week 7 towards the Packers, which suggests extra consideration for Michael Wilson (3.9%), Zay Jones (0.1%) and Greg Dortch (0.2%). Yeah, it’s not precisely a Corridor of Fame crew for a Cardinals QB (to be named later) to throw to with out Harrison (although TE Trey McBride may see 20 targets in Week 7). Jones scored 12.9 factors in Sunday’s loss, however Wilson has been concerned within the offense all season, and he feels extra more likely to matter.

Equally, we have no idea if Buccaneers rookie star Egbuka might be obtainable to play on “Monday Evening Soccer” towards the Lions. Tez Johnson (0.0%), a rookie chosen within the seventh spherical from Oregon, made the spotlight reels together with his 45-yard, fingertip landing, however it was his solely catch Sunday. Kameron Johnson (0.0%) performed extra snaps and noticed 4 targets, changing one right into a landing. We suggest veteran Sterling Shepard (14.8%) first, then Kameron Johnson, however whereas Bucs head coach Todd Bowles already dominated out Chris Godwin Jr. and RB Bucky Irving out for Week 7, for all we all know Egbuka, and Mike Evans (hamstring) may nonetheless play. It’s early within the week, however make plans in case neither can go.

San Francisco 49ers reserve Kendrick Bourne caught 10 passes for 142 yards whereas filling in for Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings in Week 5, scoring a cool 24.2 factors. He adopted that up on Sunday with 5 catches for an additional 142 yards and a still-cool 19.2 factors. Bourne, 29, has been round for some time and by no means surpassed 800 receiving yards in a season. At this charge of 142 yards per recreation, he would get there effectively earlier than Thanksgiving. It’s attainable the 49ers QB (to be named later) will ignore Bourne when everybody else turns into wholesome (together with TE George Kittle), however take an opportunity for Week 7 towards the Falcons.

Texans rookie Jayden Higgins (22.9%) caught 5 passes on six targets over the primary 4 video games of the season previous to the bye week, after which in Week 5 towards the Ravens he caught 4 passes on as many targets. Maybe star Nico Collins is the lone Texans WR price counting on, however Higgins was a improbable faculty participant at Iowa State and a second-round draft decide. He ought to matter quickly.

Harold Fannin Jr., Browns (29.1%): This isn’t actually an rising passing recreation to put money into (but), however Fannin caught 7 of 10 targets from fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel towards the Steelers, and a few of them got here after beginning TE David Njoku (knee) left early. Maybe Njoku will miss a while. Fannin has scored double-digit factors in three of six video games, and the Browns face the Miami Dolphins in Week 7.

Deep-league choices/streamers/random ideas

Raiders star Brock Bowers (knee) has missed consecutive video games, a lot to the chagrin of fantasy managers who anticipated one other monster season. Backup Michael Mayer (3.1%) caught 5 of seven targets for 50 yards and a landing on Sunday, his 16.0 factors eclipsing any efficiency from Bowers this season. There won’t be controversy for the Raiders, for Bowers is the starter when wholesome, however Mayer is the one wholesome one for this week.

Seahawks starter AJ Barner (10.1%) continues to supply fantasy-relevant numbers, however managers proceed to depend on underachievers akin to Njoku and the Ravens’ Mark Andrews. Barner scored 10.1 factors towards the Jaguars, the fourth time in 5 weeks he reached double digits. His isn’t main quantity, and his landing charge is a bit excessive, however you’ll be able to belief him in Week 7 and drop him for his bye in Week 8.

Bye weeks proceed in Week 7 with the Buffalo Payments and Baltimore Ravens taking off. For the Payments, fantasy managers may want to half with WRs Keon Coleman (75.5%) and Khalil Shakir (76.8%), together with TE Dalton Kincaid (78.7%). In every case, it will be extra prudent to maintain these gamers in your bench quite than dumping them for one-week fixes, in case you may also help it. This stays one of many high offenses within the league. Transfer on from the Payments D/ST (62.1%), although.

The bye week comes at a great time for the struggling Ravens, who may get QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring) again for Week 8 towards the Bears. Fantasy managers should hold RB Derrick Henry and WR Zay Flowers by way of the bye as effectively. That’s not the case with veteran TE Mark Andrews (84.3%), who scored 6.6 factors on Sunday and boasts greater than half of his season complete from one Week 3 recreation. In the meantime, why is the Ravens D/ST (41.0%) nonetheless so in style? Solely the Cowboys D/ST has been worse for fantasy!

Deep-league choices/streamers/random ideas

The Browns proceed to battle to attain factors, so though the Dolphins don’t precisely play superior protection, the Miami D/ST (2.5%) unit seems to be a helpful streamer for Week 7.

The Giants D/ST (18.3%) scored 8.0 factors within the victory over the Eagles, and it’ll face a Denver Broncos offense that scored just one landing in Week 6. The Giants have registered three or extra sacks in half their video games, they usually create turnovers. Go along with the Giants over the scuffling New York Jets (9.1%), who face the seemingly simpler opponent within the Panthers. The Panthers have scored 57 factors over the previous two video games and have Dowdle and star rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan.