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🏈 Five key storylines for Friday
- Haynes King and Carson Beck shined during the Hall of Fame matchup. Marking perhaps the most thrilling start to an NFL preseason in history, Carolina sealed a victory over Arizona with a decisive rushing touchdown in the final moments. King rushed five yards into the end zone, securing a 33-30 win for the Panthers in an exciting game where a pair of first-year quarterbacks put on a show. Although King delivered the decisive blow, Beck caught everyone’s attention early on, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown to deliver an impressive initial performance.
- The Clippers and Kawhi Leonard are suspected of utilizing another marketing deal to bypass salary cap restrictions. While the NBA’s inquiry into Leonard’s suspected “no-show” marketing contract with Aspiration is still ongoing (thereby delaying his transition to the Raptors), further details are emerging. It is alleged that Leonard secured an undisclosed multi-million dollar agreement with Daktronics, the company responsible for the Intuit Dome’s massive scoreboard. Journalist Pablo Torre reports that the franchise potentially directed financial compensation to Leonard through this commercial tie-up.
- Jonathan Taylor and Jahmyr Gibbs have ascended to the highest echelon of running back salaries. Only 48 hours after Bijan Robinson secured a record-breaking deal, Gibbs surpassed that mark by agreeing to a three-year, $67.5 million extension with Detroit, featuring $51.5 million in guaranteed money. Shortly before that announcement, Taylor finalized a two-year, $44 million contract extension with Indianapolis. Both players have established a brand-new tier of $22 million annual salaries, revitalizing a market for running backs that had seen declining values over the previous decade.
- The United States has finalized its squad for the FIBA Women’s World Cup. Prominent WNBA names dominate the roster, with perennial MVP contenders like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson leading the charge. Fresh faces will also get their chance, as Aliyah Boston, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Caitlin Clark prepare for their first senior international appearances. The tournament kicks off on September 4 in Berlin, with the American team aiming to capture a fifth straight championship.
- Indiana gets a key defender back, whereas North Carolina and USC face notable absences. Thursday brought three major roster updates in college football, starting with the defending national champion Hoosiers. Just two days following Stephen Daley’s return, Indiana welcomed back fellow fifth-year edge defender Kellan Wyatt, who registered eight tackles behind the line of scrimmage in seven appearances last season. Conversely, USC suffered a setback when an experienced starter went down during practice; center Kilian O’Connor will miss the entire season after sustaining a non-contact knee injury. Meanwhile, North Carolina offensive coordinator Steve Belichick has taken an indefinite medical leave of absence.
⚾ Essential Reading: MLB postseason forecasts following the trade deadline
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An eventful trade deadline has concluded, featuring shifts by multiple All-Stars and a two-time Cy Young winner. These roster shakeups have altered the landscape of the playoff race compared to last week. However, despite landing Tarik Skubal, we remain skeptical that the Dodgers are the clear favorites in the National League.
Writer Matt Snyder projects the Brewers to claim the top spot in the NL bracket, suggesting the Cubs might even make a run at them. Where does that leave Los Angeles?
- Snyder: “A six-game losing streak shows that this squad is not quite as invincible as standard observers might assume. Even so, their division lead in the NL West remains secure, as they maintain an eight-game advantage over the Diamondbacks despite their recent struggles.”
Another major headliner traded at the deadline was Adley Rutschman. Landing in Boston, his presence bolsters the Red Sox‘ push for October—a scenario that would have sounded unbelievable just a month ago. Below are Snyder’s three predicted wild card entrants for the American League, featuring a surging Boston club:
4. Red Sox
5. Yankees
6. White Sox
On a related note, is it premature to look ahead to potential trade candidates for the upcoming winter?
⭐ The top active Hall of Fame contender on each NFL roster
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Once Saturday’s Hall of Fame induction concludes, the spotlight will turn toward future candidates for the Class of 2027. Although currently active competitors cannot be considered immediately due to the mandatory five-year retirement window, several active elite talents are practically guaranteed a bust in Canton eventually.
Take Aaron Rodgers, who is poised to be one of the next active stars enshrined in Ohio. As he gears up for what could be his final stretch in 2026, analyst Bryan DeArdo believes his first-ballot status is beyond doubt.
- DeArdo: “Rodgers is an absolute certainty for a first-ballot selection. His resume features a Super Bowl MVP award, four NFL MVP honors, and the most efficient touchdown-to-interception ratio the game has ever seen. He is aiming for a memorable finish with the Steelers, a team that also boasts a lock for Canton in T.J. Watt along with a strong candidate in Cameron Heyward.”
Indeed, Pittsburgh is loaded with future inductees. Most franchises aren’t quite as blessed. In fact, merely six rosters currently feature a definitive Canton “lock.” Here are three examples:
- Chiefs: TE Travis Kelce
- Rams: QB Matthew Stafford
- Saints: EDGE Cameron Jordan
👍👎 Highlights and lowlights from around sports
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- Check out this defensive mishap involving two Marlins outfielders that allowed Ronald Acuña Jr. to secure a home run.
- Anthony Davis is putting off contract negotiations. Discussions regarding his extension with the Wizards are reportedly paused until the start of the season.
- Following the Liberty releasing Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, we analyzed three likely franchises that could sign her.
- During his introductory press conference with the 76ers, Jaylen Brown opened up about leaving the Celtics, his bond with Jayson Tatum, and other topics.
- New York Mets relief pitcher Jefry Yan is standing by his viral strikeout reaction, despite drawing criticism from rival fans.
- Despite a strong opening stretch from Sahith Theegala, Beau Hossler paced the field to lead after the first round of the Wyndham Championship.
- Speaking exclusively with CBS Sports, Mike Boynton Jr. shared the details of his first discussions with the leadership at Michigan.
- Should the Pirates fall short of the playoffs, some responsibility might surprisingly rest on the shoulders of Paul Skenes.
- LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson caught up with CBS Sports to reflect on the ups and downs of her debut year.
- A historic $155 million deal for Yan Diomande marked a new record transfer for Real Madrid, while rivals Barcelona joined the race for Madrid’s targeted midfielder, Rodri.
- The latest edition of Mike Renner’s NFL Draft preview highlights the 10 best defensive tackles for the 2027 class.
- Now that the NWSL campaign is more than half over, we have updated our forecasts for the league MVP, champion, and award winners.
- Reporter Bryan DeArdo cleared up rumors and shared insights from his visit to Steelers training camp.
- Passing will be a major challenge against the 10 elite defensive backfields in college football.
📺 This weekend’s sports broadcast guide
Friday
⚽ Port Vale vs. Wolverhampton in the Carabao Cup, 2:45 p.m. on CBS Sports Golazo Network/Paramount+
🥎 Little League World Series matchup: Florida vs. Washington, 3 p.m. on ESPN2
⛳ Second-round coverage of the Wyndham Championship, 3 p.m. on Golf Channel
🥎 Little League World Series: Puerto Rico vs. New Jersey, 6 p.m. on ESPN2
⚾ New York Mets taking on the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6:40 p.m. on Peacock
⚾ Atlanta Braves squaring off against the New York Yankees, 7:05 p.m. on ESPN Unlimited
🏀 Atlanta Dream vs. Washington Mystics or Phoenix Mercury vs. Connecticut Sun, 7:30 p.m. on Ion
⚾ Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox or Minnesota Twins vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 7:40 p.m. on MLB Network
⚽ Leagues Cup action: Pumas vs. FC Cincinnati, 8 p.m. on Apple TV
⚽ San Diego Wave FC face off with NJ/NY Gotham FC, 8 p.m. on Prime Video
🤼 WWE Friday Night SmackDown, 8 p.m. on USA Network
⚾ Baltimore Orioles visiting the Texas Rangers, 8:05 p.m. on Apple TV
⚽ Leagues Cup clash: Minnesota United vs. Tigres, 9 p.m. on Apple TV
🏀 Golden State Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings, 9:30 p.m. on Ion
⚾ Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks, 9:40 p.m. on Peacock
⚾ Tampa Bay Rays at Seattle Mariners, 10:10 p.m. on Apple TV
⚾ Houston Astros vs. San Diego Padres or Detroit Tigers vs. San Francisco Giants, 10:30 p.m. on MLB Network
⚽ Leagues Cup matchup: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Juarez, 10:30 p.m. on Apple TV
Saturday
⚽ Millwall vs. Queens Park Rangers in the Carabao Cup, 9 a.m. on Paramount+
⚽ Portsmouth vs. West Ham United in the Carabao Cup, 10 a.m. on Paramount+
🥊 Zuffa Boxing 10 featuring Aaron McKenna vs. Etinosa Oliha, noon on Paramount+
🏈 The official Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction, noon on ESPN
⚽ Southampton vs. Colchester United in the Carabao Cup, 12:30 p.m. on Paramount+
🏀 Las Vegas Aces vs. Minnesota Lynx, 1 p.m. on CBS/Paramount+
⛳ Third-round coverage of the Wyndham Championship, 3 p.m. on CBS/Paramount+
🥎 First semifinal of the Little League World Series, 3 p.m. on ESPN
🏀 Indiana Fever facing the Chicago Sky, 3:30 p.m. on ABC
⚽ Utah Royals FC taking on the Summit, 4 p.m. on Ion
⚾ Los Angeles Angels vs. Miami Marlins, 4:10 p.m. on FS1
⚽ Houston Dynamo vs. New England Revolution, 4:30 p.m. on Apple TV
🤼 UFC Fight Night featuring Mateusz Gamrot vs. Salkilld, 5 p.m. on Paramount+
🥎 Second semifinal of the Little League World Series, 6 p.m. on ESPN
⚽ Leagues Cup: Club Leon vs. Orlando City SC, 6:30 p.m. on Apple TV
⚽ North Carolina Courage vs. Washington Spirit, 6:30 p.m. on Ion
⚾ Baltimore Orioles vs. Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers vs. San Francisco Giants, or Houston Astros vs. San Diego Padres, 7:15 p.m. on Fox
⚽ Leagues Cup clash: Monterrey vs. Inter Miami CF, 8 p.m. on Apple TV
🏀 Seattle Storm vs. Chicago Fire, 8:30 p.m. on NBA TV
⚽ Kansas City Current vs. Houston Dash, 8:45 p.m. on Ion
⚽ Leagues Cup: FC Dallas vs. Chivas de Guadalajara, 9 p.m. on FS1
⚾ Tampa Bay Rays at Seattle Mariners, 9:50 p.m. on ESPN Unlimited
⚽ Leagues Cup: Atlante vs. Real Salt Lake, 10 p.m. on Apple TV
⚽ Leagues Cup match: Los Angeles FC vs. Toluca, 11:10 p.m. on FS1
Sunday
🥎 Little League World Series: Consolation match for 3rd place, 10 a.m. on ESPN
⚽ Sheffield United vs. Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup, 11 a.m. on Paramount+
⚾ Cincinnati Reds face the Washington Nationals, 12:15 p.m. on Peacock
🏀 Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty, 12:30 p.m. on ABC
🏀 Big3 Basketball action: Triplets vs. Power, 1 p.m. on CBS/Paramount+
🏀 Big3 Basketball: Amps vs. Ball Hogs, 2 p.m. on CBS/Paramount+
⛳ Final-round coverage of the Wyndham Championship, 3 p.m. on CBS/Paramount+
🥎 Little League World Series Championship Game, 3 p.m. on ABC
🏀 Dallas Wings vs. Minnesota Lynx, 3:30 p.m. on NBC
🏁 NASCAR Cup Series live from Iowa, 3:30 p.m. on USA Network
⚽ Leagues Cup: Queretaro vs. Seattle Sounders, 3:30 p.m. on Apple TV
⚽ Portland Thorns FC vs. Legacy, 4 p.m. on CBS Sports Network
⚾ Detroit Tigers at San Francisco Giants, 4:05 p.m. on ESPN Unlimited
⚾ Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 4:10 p.m. on MLB Network
⚾ Tampa Bay Rays at Seattle Mariners, 4:10 p.m. on Peacock
🏀 Golden State Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks, 7 p.m. on ESPN
⚽ Leagues Cup: New York City FC vs. Cruz Azul, 7:30 p.m. on FS1
⚾ Houston Astros at San Diego Padres, 8:20 p.m. on NBC
⚽ Angel City FC vs. Seattle Reign FC, 9 p.m. on ESPN
⚽ Leagues Cup: Portland Timbers vs. Club America, 10:15 p.m. on FS1
