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🏀 Quintet of Facts for This Day
- The Lynx are advancing, and the Mercury have necessitated a third game. For a significant portion of the evening, it appeared as though both series were destined for a Game 3. However, Napheesa Collier amassed 24 points, leading the Lynx to recover from a 17-point disadvantage to triumph over the Valkyries, thereby concluding their remarkable inaugural season. In the earlier contest, the Mercury decisively contained the Liberty in their home arena, setting the stage for a decisive Game 3 in Phoenix on the following day. Alyssa Thomas delivered an outstanding performance, securing 15 points and contributing seven assists.
- The Cubs have re-entered the MLB postseason arena, marking their first appearance since 2020. Following an 8-4 victory against the Pirates, the Cubs concluded their four-year absence from playoff contention. The strategic blueprint envisioned by President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is beginning to materialize. Regarding seeding, Chicago is practically guaranteed the NL’s leading wild card position, suggesting a probable encounter with the NL West’s second-place team.
- Justin Fields has been officially ruled out of the upcoming game against the Buccaneers scheduled for this Sunday. Fields sustained a concussion during Week 2, prompting the Jets to rely on Tyrod Taylor. Fields demonstrated explosive potential in Week 1, which diminished notably against the Bills. Can Taylor secure New York’s first victory of the Aaron Glenn tenure? Tampa Bay is currently facing considerable challenges.
- The NCAA has rescinded the spring transfer portal opportunity. Are you weary of the continuous player turnover during the college football offseason? That situation is now modified. The NCAA has eliminated the spring transfer portal period, leaving only the winter portal available. Further determinations regarding the timing and duration of this window are still required, but this represents a constructive move.
- Lionel Messi is approaching a long-term contract renewal with Inter Miami. Since his transition to the MLS in 2023, Messi has been a formidable adversary. Regrettably for these competitors, Messi is reportedly nearing the completion of a multi-year contract extension with the Herons. With 20 goals scored and nine assists provided in 21 appearances, the 38-year-old Messi retains considerable ability.
📉 Essential Reading: NFL QB Rankings
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Following another week of NFL competition, we possess additional insights into the true nature of these players and teams. The quarterback situation remains unpredictable as we approach Week 3. Russell Wilson and Daniel Jones are leading the NFL in passing statistics, while Patrick Mahomes is still seeking his first win. Precisely as anticipated. Correct?
This implies an intriguing iteration of the QB Rankings this week. Due to a sluggish start, Mahomes has descended four places, exiting the top 10. However, Cody Benjamin elucidates the reasons why he is not solely responsible.
- Benjamin: “He is not receiving substantial support from a declining, inconsistent, and injured set of skilled players. However, the three-time champion may be succumbing to increased pressure. At least he demonstrates resilience as a scrambler when necessitated.”
The established names remain near the pinnacle, but Justin Herbert continues to ascend toward the top spot following another remarkable display:
1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
2. Josh Allen, Bills
3. Justin Herbert, Chargers
4. Jordan Love, Packers
5. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
With Week 3 commencing imminently, we are providing comprehensive coverage with as much football-related content as you could desire. Pete Prisco has submitted his forecasts for each individual game. Tyler Sullivan has designated five teams as potential upset candidates. Garrett Podell provides all the injury updates necessary to stay informed when making wagers or configuring fantasy lineups.
Regarding fantasy football, CBS Sports continues to offer the most exceptional advice and information available in the industry on a daily basis. Explore it below:
🌟 The Bryce Underwood versus Dylan Raiola contest promises a spectacular showcase
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One of the most highly anticipated matchups of the Week 4 college football schedule will occur in Lincoln on Saturday afternoon. No. 21 Michigan will travel to face Nebraska, featuring the highly anticipated contest between Bryce Underwood and Dylan Raiola.
Raiola, currently a sophomore, was ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2024 class. Underwood, a true freshman, was identified as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 class. This represents only the 18th occasion since 2013 that the top two quarterbacks from their respective classes have faced each other.
Cody Nagel analyzed the history of these contests, and while the outcome will be crucial for both teams, this showdown may be equally significant for the Big Ten as a whole.
- Nagel: “The Raiola versus Underwood game serves as a statement game not solely for the individual programs, but also for the Big Ten conference. It highlights the conference’s increasing quarterback depth compared to the traditionally dominant SEC — which has produced 13 of the 38 quarterbacks selected in the last three NFL drafts, compared with seven from the Big Ten. Contests of this nature serve as a test to determine whether the generated excitement translates to performance on the field.”
How can you participate in this contest between collegiate quarterback titans — both of whom are ascending in our College Football QB Power Rankings? That is a relevant question. Tune in to CBS at 3:30 p.m. ET for what promises to be an entertaining matchup between Michigan and Nebraska.
🔥 MLB managers experiencing pressure
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As the MLB regular season approaches its conclusion, the future prospects of several managers are uncertain. Dayn Perry identified the managers facing the most significant job insecurity, including the likelihood of their potential dismissal.
Could the Yankees implement a change if they encounter an abbreviated playoff run? (Or none whatsoever.) Across the city, is Carlos Mendoza at risk of being replaced as the Mets falter during the final stretch? Perry examines these situations and others.
The Giants represent an especially compelling scenario. San Francisco has surged into contention for an NL wild card position, but faces considerable competition for the final playoff berth. The Giants’ potential qualification for the postseason could influence the future of manager Bob Melvin.
- Perry: “Melvin has guided the Giants to postseason contention late in the season, but he is on track to achieve approximately a .500 record after two seasons in his role. If the Giants manage to surpass the Mets and secure the third wild card spot in the NL, Melvin’s position is presumably secure. However, Melvin’s tenure precedes that of lead decision-maker Buster Posey, and Posey may prefer to appoint a manager of his choosing moving forward.”
👍👎 The most commendable (and least commendable) elements of the remaining content
📺 What We Intend to View on This Day
⚾ Padres vs Mets, 1:10 p.m. on MLB Network
⚾ Cubs vs Reds or Yankees vs Orioles, 7:15 p.m. on Fox
🏀 Game 3: Fever vs Dream, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2
🏈 Rice vs Charlotte, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
🏈 Dolphins vs Bills, 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video
🏀 Game 3: Storm vs Aces, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN2
⚾ Giants vs Dodgers, 10:10 p.m. on MLB Network
