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2023 World Series: Scherzer for Game 3

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PHOENIX – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Veteran right-hander Max Scherzer will take the ball for Game 3 of the World Series tonight when the Texas Rangers visit the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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It will be the third start of the postseason for Scherzer, who missed five-plus weeks with a teres major muscle injury in his pitching shoulder before making two starts in the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros.

Scherzer (0-1, 9.45 ERA this postseason) pitched just 6 2/3 innings in the two starts, but Texas manager Bruce Bochy is confident the three-time Cy Young Award winner can pitch deeper into the game this time.

“I think so. He could give us length,” Bochy said of Scherzer on Saturday. “I’ve talked to him about this. He’s comfortable pretty much throwing like he normally does. Maybe not quite as long as he’s been over 100 pitches, whatever, but pretty close.”

Scherzer is 7-8 with a 3.86 ERA in 29 career postseason appearances (24 starts). He is 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA in three World Series starts. Scherzer, 39, initially was a first-round draft choice by the Diamondbacks in 2006 and pitched a year in the majors for Phoenix in 2008-09 before being traded to the Detroit Tigers.

At Chase Field, he is 11-8 with a 3.86 ERA 29 appearances (25 starts), with 175 strikeouts in 156 1/3 innings.

Arizona named rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt (0-0, 2.70) as its Game 3 starter. Arizona has won all four of Pfaadt’s starts this postseason.

–Field Level Media

NFL Week 8 Round-Up

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NASHVILLE – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Tennessee QB Will Levis threw four touchdown passes, including three to DeAndre Hopkins, as the Titans held off a late surge by the Atlanta Falcons for a 28-23 win.

Levis completed 19 of 29 passes for 238 yards in his NFL start for Tennessee (3-4). Hopkins had four receptions for a team-high 128 yards.

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Derrick Henry had 22 carries for 101 yards and added four receptions for 21 yards. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine added a 33-yard scoring reception to give the Titans a commanding 28-16 lead with 6:59 to go in the fourth quarter.

Atlanta cut the lead to 28-23 on an 8-yard touchdown pass from Taylor Heinicke to Scotty Miller with 3:46 left in the game. But the Falcons (4-4) were stopped on downs on their last possession following a Titans punt.

Desmond Ridder completed 8 of 12 passes for 71 yards before leaving the game due to concussion protocol. He was sacked five times. Heinicke replaced Ridder and completed 12 of 21 passes for 175 yards.

Jets 13, Giants 10 (OT)

Greg Zuerlein converted the game-tying and game-winning field goals for the Jets to stun the host Giants in overtime in rain-soaked East Rutherford, N.J.

The Jets (4-3) forced overtime when Zuerlein drilled a 35-yard field goal as time expired in regulation. The Giants’ Graham Gano had missed his own 35-yarder with 24 seconds left. The Giants (2-6) went three-and-out to start the extra session, and the Jets — aided by a pass interference call on Adoree’ Jackson — traveled 46 yards in six plays to set up Zuerlein’s winner.

Zach Wilson finished 17-for-36 passing for 240 yards and one touchdown for the Jets. Quarterback Tommy DeVito, an undrafted rookie and New Jersey native, came in for the Giants when starter Tyrod Taylor suffered a rib injury during the second quarter and was taken to a hospital for further evaluation.

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Broncos 24, Chiefs 9

Russell Wilson became the first Denver quarterback since Peyton Manning to defeat Kansas City as the Broncos claimed a home victory.

The Chiefs had won 16 straight games against Denver, dating back to 2015. Wilson was 12-of-19 passing for 114 yards with three touchdowns. The Denver defense forced five Kansas City turnovers.

Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes fell to 29-4 vs. the AFC West in his career. This was his first loss in a division road game. He finished 24-of-38 passing for 241 yards with two interceptions and a lost fumble. It also was Mahomes’ first loss to the Broncos in 13 career starts.

Panthers 15, Texans 13

Eddy Pineiro kicked a 23-yard field goal on the game’s final play and Carolina won for the first time under first-year coach Frank Reich, beating Houston in Charlotte, N.C.

Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the first overall draft pick, directed the decisive 15-play, 86-yard drive that used the final 6:17 of the game. The Panthers (1-6) became the last team in the NFL to win a game this season, while the Texans (3-4) lost for just the second time in their last five games.

Young finished 22-of-31 passing for 235 yards and a touchdown. Houston’s C.J. Stroud was 16 of 24 for 140 yards and had a touchdown run.

Cowboys 43, Rams 20

Cornerback DaRon Bland cashed in another interception for a touchdown, Dak Prescott threw four TD passes and Dallas cruised to a comfortable win over Los Angeles in Arlington, Texas.

CeeDee Lamb caught two TDs and finished with 12 receptions for 158 yards and Prescott threw scoring passes to Brandin Cooks and Jake Ferguson in a game in which the Cowboys (5-2) led by 30 just before halftime.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford left the game in the third quarter with a right hand injury. He was 13 of 22 for 162 yards with a touchdown. Royce Freeman scored on a 1-yard run and led the Rams (3-5) with 44 rushing yards on nine carries.

Vikings 24, Packers 10

Kirk Cousins completed 23 of 31 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns before leaving with an Achilles injury, and Minnesota held on to beat host Green Bay.

Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson caught one touchdown pass apiece for Minnesota (4-4), which won its third game in a row. Cam Akers added a touchdown on the ground.

Jordan Love completed 24 of 41 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown and one interception for Green Bay (2-5). The Packers have lost four consecutive games.

Saints 38, Colts 27

Derek Carr threw two touchdown passes, Taysom Hill ran for two scores and Alvin Kamara had a touchdown run and a touchdown catch as visiting New Orleans held off Indianapolis.

Rashid Shaheed had 153 receiving yards and a touchdown on three catches as the Saints (4-4) had their largest point total in 20 games. Carr passed for 310 yards, while Hill accounted for 121 (63 rushing, 44 passing, 14 receiving).

Gardner Minshew passed for 213 yards and two touchdowns for the Colts (3-5), who lost their third straight game.

Dolphins 31, Patriots 17

Tyreek Hill caught eight passes for 112 yards and one touchdown in a milestone performance and Tua Tagovailoa passed for 324 yards and three touchdowns as Miami beat New England in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Hill became the first player to reach 1,000 receiving yards in the first eight games of a season during the Super Bowl era. Tagovailoa completed 30 of 45 passes with one interception while improving to 6-0 in career starts against Patriots coach Bill Belichick. The Dolphins improved to 6-2 on the season.

Mac Jones was 19-of-29 passing for 161 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for New England (2-6). Kyle Dugger had an interception and sack for the Patriots.

Jaguars 20, Steelers 10

Trevor Lawrence threw for 292 yards and a touchdown as Jacksonville stretched its winning streak to five games with a victory over host Pittsburgh.

Lawrence completed 24 of 32 passes with an interception. His biggest throw was a 56-yard scoring strike on a wheel route to running back Travis Etienne with 5:05 left in the third quarter, giving the Jaguars (6-2) a 17-3 lead. Etienne rushed 24 times for 79 yards and Evan Ingram caught 10 passes for 88 yards.

The Steelers (4-3) got within 17-10 when backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky found George Pickens for a 22-yard touchdown pass with 53 seconds remaining in the third. Trubisky relieved starter Kenny Pickett (rib) with 14 seconds left in the first half and completed 15 of 27 passes for 138 yards with two interceptions, one on a Hail Mary to end the game.

Eagles 38, Commanders 31

Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown delivered again, and Philadelphia denied another upset bid by Washington in a shootout in Landover, Md.

Hurts finished with four touchdown passes and 319 yards, including Brown’s eight receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns for the Eagles (7-1). They forced Washington quarterback Sam Howell into two fourth-quarter turnovers, with Haason Reddick recording a strip-sack off the left edge with 2:13 left to play.

Howell completed 39 of 52 passes for 397 yards and four touchdowns, Jahan Dotson had a team-high eight catches for 108 yards and a score and Jamison Crowder caught seven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown for the Commanders (3-5).

Seahawks 24, Browns 20

Geno Smith threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 38 seconds remaining as Seattle defeated visiting Cleveland.

The win, combined with the San Francisco 49ers’ third straight loss, left Seattle (5-2) alone atop the NFC West.

P.J. Walker, starting for the injured Deshaun Watson (strained right rotator cuff), failed in his bid to guide the Browns (4-3) to a third consecutive comeback victory. He completed 15 of 31 passes for 248 yards with one touchdown but threw two interceptions and lost a fumble.

Ravens 31, Cardinals 24

Gus Edwards rushed for 80 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, and Baltimore notched a win over Arizona at Glendale, Ariz.

Lamar Jackson completed 18 of 27 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown for the Ravens (6-2), who won their third consecutive game. Mark Andrews, who grew up in nearby Scottsdale, had a touchdown reception while Edwards registered his first game with multiple rushing touchdowns since Oct. 23, 2022, against the Browns.

Joshua Dobbs passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another for Arizona (1-7), which has lost five games in a row. Dobbs completed 25 of 37 passes for 208 yards with two interceptions.

Bengals 31, 49ers 17

Joe Burrow threw three touchdown passes and Cincinnati’s defense intercepted Brock Purdy twice as the Bengals beat San Francisco in Santa Clara, Calif.

Burrow finished 28-of-32 passing for 283 yards with touchdown passes to Tyler Boyd, Andrei Iosivas and Ja’Marr Chase. At one point in the first half, Burrow completed 19 straight passes for the Bengals (4-3).

The Bengals won their third straight game while the Niners (5-3) lost their third in a row after winning their first five. San Francisco also had its 11-game home winning streak (regular season and postseason) snapped.

–Field Level Media

TL’s Sunday Sports Notes | Oct 29

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While We’re Young (Ideas) on the Sports Equinox

By TERRY LYONS

BOSTON – When the NBA tipped-off the 2023-24 regular season earlier this week while MLB’s Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks became unlikely World Series foes and the Boston Bruins began their NHL season at 6-0 before falling to the Anaheim Ducks, 4-3 in overtime, and the NFL hit “Week 8” of a promising season to come, we all looked forward to Sunday, October 29th when all four major sports will be in action of the same day. It’s come to be known as “Sports Equinox.”

If you’d like, you can toss-in the English Premier League and the MLS for a five sport equinox with a tip of the cap to the PGA Tour which is smartly taking a weekend off before returning with the World Wide Technology championship in Los Cabos, Mexico from November 2-5.

Add-in some weekly college football and you have what many believe is the best week of the year for sports fans.

Great? Only great if you prefer a World Series between such unlikely participants Arizona and Texas instead of a Fall Classic with 100-win teams like Atlanta Braves and LA Dodgers vs upstart and extremely likable Baltimore Orioles.

The NFL and NHL are knee-deep in highly competitive and unpredictable seasons ahead. Yes, the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francesco 49ers look good in the NFC while the Kansas City Chiefs look like the team to beat in the AFC. But, don’t be surprised if you’re watching the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jags or Baltimore Ravens rep the AFC this February.

Similarly, the NBA of 2023-24 will be rush to the finish for talented teams that can stay healthy and peak on the 1st of May. In the East, the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics are getting the most favorable look by Las Vegas oddsmakers while the West is still in the hands of the Denver Nuggets for most observers.

And, they’ll run the first ever “In-Season” tournament to get the ball rolling. It should be interesting as it makes early season game count even more than usual. This columnist likes the idea a lot and loves the NBA promo just as much. If you haven’t seen the spot, it’s entitled, “The Heist” and it’s a take-off of a Sopranos episode meeting Ocean’s 11. I only wish they’d have put some of the players in team uniform and had a cameo by team mascots Rocky or The Coyote. The theme will repeat in additional spots as the In-Season Tournament progresses. Give it a look, knowing the tournament’s finale will be in Sin City:

The full cast of “The Heist” includes:

  • The Mastermind: Michael Imperioli (“Goodfellas,” “The Sopranos”)
  • The Heavy: Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
  • The Sly Guy: DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls)
  • The Ice Man: Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
  • The Lookouts: Julius Randle (New York Knicks) and Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
  • The Vet: Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
  • The Inside Man: Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers)

WWYI will do a more in-depth look at the NBA in the next week or two. Preseason predictions are often quite inaccurate, so this columnist will await the 10-game mark of the regular season to make some enlightened observations and predictions.

For the others?

  • MLB World Series: Texas is up 1-0 as of column creation, so Texas 4-games-to-1
  • NFL: KC Chiefs over the San Francisco 49ers – 27-21.
  • NHL: Las Vegas Knights over the Boston Bruins – 4-games-to-2

HERE NOW, THE NOTES: With the start of each pro season, WWYI usually runs Team Valuations calculated by our friends at Sportico, but since my company subscription ran-out a few weeks back, we’ll look to the old standard of Forbes for NBA Team Valuations of 2023-24.

Team, State, Current Value, 1-year change in value (%), debt/value (%), revenue, income

1. Golden State Warriors CA $7.7b 10 14 $765 M $79 M

2. New York Knicks, NY $6.6b 8 4 $504 M $169 M

3. Los Angeles Lakers, CA $6.4b 8 1 $516 M $159 M

4. Boston Celtics, MA $4.7b 18 4 $443 M $88 M

5. Los Angeles Clippers, CA $4.65b 19 2 $425 M $-12 M

6. Chicago Bulls, IL $4.6b 12 4 $372 M $115 M

7. Dallas Mavericks, TX $4.5b 36 3 $429 M $83 M

8. Houston Rockets, TX $4.4b 38 5 $381 M $125 M

9. Philadelphia 76ers, PA $4.3b 37 3 $371 M $120 M

10. Toronto Raptors, 🇨🇦 $4.1b 32 5 $305 M $75 M

NFL FUTURE FANS: A new kids’ game, Future Fans, was born when one of those iconic sports moments happened but for a young Dad watching the game with his young child, there was no one there to really share it with. The specific game was the 2022 AFC Championship game and the Cincinnati Bengals were about to earn their first trip to the Super Bowl in 33 years. Mike Schroder, a lifelong Bengals fan, watched nervously alone, wishing his then five-year-old daughter would watch with him.

Mike had spent countless hours trying to teach her about football and she knew the players and the fight song, but he couldn’t get her to watch the game. In that moment, he wondered whether there was a better way to get her engaged as a fan, and what that might mean for their future relationship together.

Mike (Schroder) sought out his friend Michael (Gold) and a small business was built on the belief that shared experiences in sports creates and sustains lifelong bonds. Michael (Gold) saw the power of his friend’s idea, reflecting on the central role of sports in the relationships in his life – going to Cincinnati Reds games as a kid with his grandmother, Ohio State college football games with his dad, and now Columbus Crew soccer games with his own kids.

Together, Michael and Mike set out to teach kids the rules of sports in ways they could understand – through stories, games and toys. They built Future Fans with the knowledge that life for parents of youngsters is quite busy – but win or lose, participation as a player or viewer in sports provides an opportunity to spend time together, and maybe, all week long talk about the next big game. Sports adds a bond between people over a shared passion – the experience of life as a true fan. Future Fans exists so everyone can experience a lifetime of great moments with their favorite teams, and enjoy the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat – together.

To get a Future Fans game for yourself or a friend or family member, visit: AMAZON

TIDBITS: The NBA on TNT and its emmy award winning wrap-around show enjoyed its debut this week, and was certainly beyond “mid-season form.” … Amongst the revelry and chaos, Charles Barkley made his viewpoint known when he commented, “Golden State is the fourth-best team in California,” placing the Warriors behind an unnamed order of the Los Angeles Clippers, LA Lakers and Sacramento Kings.

Later on as the “Inside the NBA” stars were enjoying local cuisine, the producers had a little surprise – especially for Shaquille O’Neal and Barkley.

Shaq: “Chuck, if you put him around your neck, I’ll give you 100,000 dollars.”

The BIG NOON (Big 12) game on FOX on Saturday ended at 4:30 (ET). Good game, but a rain (and some lightning) delay from 1:08pm (ET) to 2:02pm (ET). Kansas upset OK, 38-33, to snap an 18-game losing streak. … Saturday, in the FOX studio show before the Clemson vs N.C. State, Steve Smith Jr. said that “N.C. State was a basketball school.” After N.C. State upset Clemson, 24-17, Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren told the game announcers of CW Network, to tell Steve Smith “he can kiss my ass.” … On Friday night, with the Miami Heat in town to take on the Celtics in Boston’s home opener Celtics all-stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown told guard Derrick White that he had to be more aggressive this season. White responded and was trending on “X,” the artist formerly known as Twitter, all day Saturday after posting a 28 points, six rebounds, three blocked shots and five 3-pointers made line vs the Heat. Celtics opponents can expect – at least – four players to score in double figures, maybe six players. Tatum, Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White and toss in Jrue Holiday and Al Horford for the six-some.

WEMBY & WILT: Much was said this week over San Antonio Spurs rookie first overall selection Victor Wembanyama’s NBA debut when he finished with 21 points on 7-of-19 shooting (0-for-6 from deep), 12 rebounds, three blocks and two steals in the Spurs’ 126-122 overtime victory. … Without any doubt, he’ll be fabulous. … But consider this, Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA rookie debut on October 29, 1959 showed a final (hand-written) boxscore of 43 points, 28 rebounds. … Keep in mind, the NBA didn’t track blocked shot until the 1973-74 season. Can you imagine?

While We’re Young (Ideas) continues to grow and is enjoying a whopping, grand, incredible 73% “open rate,” as of last Sunday. FYI (for those not in the business of PR or e-Newsletters, the norm of 27.9% is considered quite good.

LPGA – BOSTON: While the PGA Tour has taken a pass on the Boston market the last few years, the LPGA and Fenway Sports Group are planning a tournament at TPC Boston for 2024.

In a formal announcement this week, which included Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy on the dais, the LPGA Tour and FM Global named TPC Boston in Norton, Mass., as host golf course for the 2024 FM Global Championship. From Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, the newly created tournament will feature a field of 144 players competing for a $3.5 million purse, the largest prize fund on the LPGA Tour outside of the majors and Tour Championship.

The last time the LPGA played in Greater Boston/Mass was 20 years ago and the 2004 U.S. Women’s Open, held at Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley, Mass. It was won by Meg Mallon.

NFL Previews: Week 8

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Week 8 NFL Capsules

Houston Texans (3-3) at Carolina Panthers (0-6): Carolina selected Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft and Houston took C.J. Stroud next. The rookie quarterbacks are the main attraction Sunday with each team coming off of bye weeks. The Texans beat the New Orleans Saints in their most recent game for their third win in their last four outings. The Panthers are still searching for their first victory under coach Frank Reich. Young is leading a different setup as offensive coordinator Thomas Brown has taken over the play-calling in place of Reich and plans to commit to running the ball and getting RB Miles Sanders more involved. The Panthers have been outscored by 74 points and have a net-TD total of -11. Only the New York Giants are worse (89, 13).

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Los Angeles Rams (3-4) at Dallas Cowboys (4-2): Health is on the side of the Cowboys, who come out of the bye week for their first home game in four weeks. After throwing three interceptions against the 49ers, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott completed 70 percent of his passes (21 of 30) against the Chargers in a 20-17 victory Week 6. He threw for a season-best 272 yards with a touchdown and no picks. The Rams are working to replace starting RB Kyren Williams (ankle) with a combination of Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson and a goal of balancing a steady passing game. QB Matthew Stafford has been sacked 18 times, causing concern about his longevity if Los Angeles continues falling behind.

Minnesota Vikings (3-4) at Green Bay Packers (2-4): The Vikings were being escorted to the NFL cellar after an 0-3 start but with three wins in the past four games, they’re closer to the top of the NFC North after seven games. The Packers have lost three in a row and haven’t scored more than 20 points in four consecutive games. QB Jordan Love has posted a subpar 79.4 passer rating this season while completing 57.5 percent of his passes for 1,263 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven picks. Much of the Vikings’ recent confidence has come from the emergence of rookie wideout Jordan Addison, who has formed a fast connection with quarterback Kirk Cousins. Addison caught seven passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns against the 49ers, and he has six touchdown receptions in his first seven games.

New Orleans Saints (3-4) at Indianapolis Colts (3-4): Despite injuries (QB Anthony Richardson) and unrest (RB Jonathan Taylor), the Colts are the only team in the NFL to score 20-plus points in every game this season. First-year coach Shane Steichen said the Colts are 3-4 for one primary reason. “We need to protect the football,” he said. QB Gardner Minshew has four fumbles and four interceptions and the Colts have lost consecutive games for the first time this season entering Week 8. This will be New Orleans’ third game against an AFC South opponent in two weeks. The loss to the Jaguars was preceded by a 20-13 setback at Houston four days earlier. New Orleans wide receiver Chris Olave is expected to play against the Colts despite being arrested for suspicion of reckless operation of a motor vehicle on Monday night.

New England Patriots (2-5) at Miami Dolphins (5-2): The Dolphins’ five wins this season have come against squads with a combined 8-25 record and a lowly .242 winning percentage. The Patriots are one of those foes, as Miami notched a 24-17 road win in Week 2. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa passed for 249 yards, and Raheem Mostert rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns in that encounter. While Patriots coach Bill Belichick may have recorded his 300th career regular-season victory in last week’s 29-25 win over the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa is 5-0 when starting against the legendary Belichick. There were positive signs of life from a heavily scrutinized offense last week, capped by Mac Jones tossing a 1-yard scoring pass to former Dolphins TE Mike Gesecki with 12 seconds left. New England has scored 46 points over the past two games after tallying just 55 over their first five.

New York Jets (3-3) at New York Giants (2-5): It might not be the Aaron Rodgers-Daniel Jones matchup most wanted to see in the quadrennial regular-season showdown, but these co-tenants lock up in a game that will be important to any turnaround plans either franchise has for the 2023 season. With Zach Wilson in for Rodgers, the Jets’ saving grace has been a defense that has yielded just 19.8 points per game. Their eight interceptions are off the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen (three), Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes (two) and Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts (two). This week, they’ll get a close up with Tyrod Taylor while attacking an offensive line under serious ridicule for allowing 37 sacks in seven games. “I say they have a really good front four,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said. “Call it more than a front four with the amount of times they rotate in there. Two good cover corners (Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed). … This is a challenging defense to get ready for, and it shows.”

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2): Given the team’s minus-24 point differential, the Steelers are still questioned as a contender in the AFC. But they’re also a half-game out of first place in the AFC North and rallied to beat the Rams even as offensive production appears only in fits and starts. The Jaguars ride a four-game winning streak into Heinz Field, a run that coincides with a commitment to giving RB Travis Etienne the ball early and often. The Jaguars are in the top 10 in scoring and time of possession. Etienne leads the NFL in rushing attempts (127) and is fourth in rushing yards (504). Pittsburgh is still trying to find rhythm in the running game. Najee Harris has 300 yards on the ground through six games and just one touchdown.

Atlanta Falcons (4-3) at Tennessee Titans (2-4): The Titans scored 27 points in each of their two wins and haven’t topped 16 in any of their four losses. It could be up to rookie second-round pick Will Levis to help put points on the board Sunday with Ryan Tannehill dealing with a high ankle sprain. The Falcons won the road to jump into first place in the AFC South last week even without their bell-cow RB Bijan Robinson at full strength. Atlanta has been white-knuckling victories due to turnovers. QB Desmond Ridder fumbled three times in the red zone last week and has six total turnovers in the past two games. Levis has yet to throw a regular-season pass, pointing to a game plan that features RBs Derrick Henry and rookie Tyjae Spears. Henry has 98 carries for 425 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and three touchdowns through six games. He also has 11 receptions for 117 yards.

Philadelphia Eagles (6-1) at Washington Commanders (3-4): Philadelphia escaped the first meeting between these teams with a 34-31 overtime win and the Eagles made a big addition this week before a second spin with the Commanders this month. Hard hit by injuries at safety, the Eagles acquired two-time All-Pro Kevin Byard from the Titans to shore up the secondary. Now Philadelphia’s defensive line can focus on heating up the pocket around QB Sam Howell. He has been sacked 40 times through seven games, a record-setting pace that includes five takedowns by the Eagles in the Oct. 1 matchup. A.J. Brown caught nine passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Eagles in that meeting, part of his active streak of five consecutive games with 125-plus receiving yards. Howell was sacked six times in last Sunday’s 14-7 road loss to the New York Giants.

Cleveland Browns (4-2) at Seattle Seahawks (4-2): Seattle has held opponents to 30 total points in three games this month and the Seahawks have four wins in their past five games. The Browns, winners of three of their last four games, shift back to No. 2 QB PJ Walker with Deshaun Watson (shoulder) focused on rehabbing from his lingering injury. Walker hasn’t thrown a TD pass with the Browns and has four interceptions with a completion percentage of 50 and QB rating of 48.2, a signal the Seahawks are likely to see a lot of RB Kareem Hunt. Jerome Ford (foot) could play, but isn’t 100 percent. Slow starts have been a bugaboo for the Browns, who average less than three points in the first quarter this season. DE Myles Garrett (7.5 sacks) leads a Cleveland defense with multiple dominant outings, but the Browns allowed 38 points at Indianapolis last week. Walker came off the bench and led the Browns to a 39-38 comeback victory against the Colts and steered Cleveland past San Francisco, 19-17, the week prior.

Kansas City Chiefs (6-1) at Denver Broncos (2-5): Kansas City’s dominance of its AFC West rival can be summarized in a pair of active winning streaks: The Chiefs (6-1) haven’t lost in Denver since 2014, and they hold a 16-game winning streak over the Broncos (2-5) that dates to the Peyton Manning era. The Broncos last beat the Chiefs on Sept. 17, 2015 — a 31-24 win in Kansas City. Denver lost 19-8 at Kansas City two weeks ago. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is 12-0 all-time in the matchup with a 96.4 passer rating — part of a larger dominance of the entire division. Mahomes last lost a game in the division in Week 3 of the 2021 season (against the Los Angeles Chargers). Mahomes called playing any opponent twice in less than three weeks a “unique challenge,” but it’s the Chiefs who force a more dynamic level of preparation from opponents. Mahomes is more than capable of winning a shootout, but this season he has rarely been asked to outscore teams thanks to a stellar defense. Kansas City ranks second in the NFL in both total offense and scoring defense. Denver has two big dates coming up: the NFL trade deadline is Tuesday (Oct. 31), which falls in the middle of the Broncos’ bye week.

[Read more…] about NFL Previews: Week 8

Ketel, Kelly Power DBacks; Even Series

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DALLAS – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Arizona SP Merrill Kelly went seven strong innings, while teammate Ketel Marte set a major league record by extending his playoff hitting streak to 18 games and the Arizona Diamondbacks got even in the World Series with a 9-1 victory over the Texas Rangers in Game 2 on Saturday at Arlington, Texas.

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Gabriel Moreno hit a home run, Tommy Pham had four hits and Corbin Carroll drove in a pair of runs on two hits for Arizona. Marte’s record-breaking hit was a two-run single in the eighth inning that gave Arizona a five-run lead.

Kelly (3-1) gave up one run on three hits with no walks and nine strikeouts and lowered his postseason ERA to 2.25 across 24 innings.

Arizona bounced back after a heartbreaking defeat in Game 1 when Texas’ Corey Seager hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning and Adolis Garcia hit a game-winning homer in the 11th.

After giving up two runs over six innings, Rangers starter Jordan Montgomery (3-1) was allowed to start the seventh, where he was charged with two more runs.

Mitch Garver hit a home run for the Rangers, who fell to 2-4 at home in the playoffs.

The series now shifts to Phoenix for Games 3, 4 and 5 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Arizona is 3-1 at home in the playoffs.

Moreno broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning with a solo shot to center field, his fourth home run of the playoffs. Christian Walker followed by grounding out to third base on a spectacular diving stop by Rangers third baseman Josh Jung, which failed to shift the momentum.

Pham then doubled for Arizona and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit an RBI single for a 2-0 lead.

Kelly was rolling early, not giving up his first hit until the Rangers’ Evan Carter smacked a single with two outs in the fourth inning. Garver brought Texas within a run at 2-1 with his homer in the fifth inning, his third of the playoffs.

The D-backs got to Montgomery quickly in the seventh with an Alek Thomas leadoff double and an RBI single from Evan Longoria. Left-hander Andrew Heaney replaced Montgomery, with Carroll delivering a two-out RBI single for a 4-1 advantage.

Marte’s two-run single in the eighth scored Pham and Emmanuel Rivera to give him 11 RBIs in the playoffs. Carroll added an RBI single in the inning for his 10th postseason RBI. Rivera plated two more with a single in the ninth.

–Field Level Media

NFL: Week 8 Picks

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EAST RUTHERFORD – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Nearly to the midseason mark in the regular season, we’re gearing up to maintain momentum after last week’s Eagles and Falcons betting victories.

This time, it’s the Battle for New Jersey between a pair of “New York” teams, the Jets and Giants.

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This is also an “eye test” game, with several factors to compare as these squads’ respective seasons continue to circle the drain.

As a betting experience, this matchup provides plenty of intrigue because, by and large, you just can’t trust one of these options.

We have our pick and a couple of bonus options ready to roll.

(Odds per BetMGM.com)

THE HEADLINER

Jets at Giants, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

https://bettinghero.com/digital-sports-desk/The line: Jets -3, total 36.5.

The lead running backs, Breece Hall of the Jets and Saquon Barkley of the Giants, are ranked No. 12 and 11, respectively, in yards per game.

Barkley has had the advantage of facing the Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders and Arizona Cardinals over his past three games, while Hall has shown flashes of elite talent. Metrics also credit Barkley with more than 40 percent more yards gained over expected.

Both defenses will aim to slow the ground game, and that’s where the pass rush comes in.

The Jets have one and the Giants suffer in pass protection. This isn’t good news for backup Tyrod Taylor, who is set to start in place of Daniel Jones again Sunday.

A quick nugget from Action Network:

“The Jets have played the toughest schedule of QBs in the entire NFL – Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott and Josh Allen. Despite this tough schedule, the Jets are 10th in success rate and 12th in EPA per play allowed.”

The Jets are dialed in after a week off – which followed their upset of the Philadelphia Eagles – and if they are able to stuff the run, their pass defense could have a big day.

With a top-five defensive secondary in terms of coverage stats, the Jets aren’t likely to allow much from a very average Giants receiving group.

The Jets’ eight interceptions have come off the Bills’ Josh Allen (three), Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes (two) and Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts (two).

The pick: Jets -3.

THEY SAID IT

“I say they have a really good front four. Call it more than a front four with the amount of times they rotate in there. Two good cover corners (Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed). … This is a challenging defense to get ready for, and it shows.”

– Giants coach Brian Daboll on Sunday’s opponent, the Jets

BONUS COMBO

Who doesn’t like a good story? Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent may be the exciting blend of good story and serviceable player.

Bears at Chargers, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday

The line: Chargers -8.5.

You didn’t think you needed to watch the “Sunday Night Football” game? With undrafted Bagent starting at quarterback for the Chicago Bears, you almost have to tune in with the World Series on a travel day.

The Bears are looking to go back-to-back after Bagent’s impressive debut last week.

Bagent, a product of Division II Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va., started in place of Justin Fields (right thumb) and completed 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown in Chicago’s 30-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

With receiver DJ Moore clicking, the Bears offense could do some business against a leaky Chargers defense.

And the Chargers don’t look like a team capable of covering this wide margin. Should be fun – for a while anyway.

The pick: Bears +8.5.

PROP CORNER

The good fortune Kirk Cousins found in leading the Minnesota Vikings past the San Francisco 49ers can’t continue.

In this road contest against the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings figure to begin more conservatively as the Packers employ lessons from last Monday night’s game tape (Cousins throwing everywhere – successfully).

The number is too high for a team that relied on a stolen 60-yard TD pass last week and remains without Justin Jefferson.

Prop play: Vikings’ Cousins under 250.5 passing yards (BetMGM).

–Field Level Media

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Don’t Mess with Texas

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DALLAS – Corey Seager belted a game-tying, two-run homer in the ninth inning and Adolis Garcia went deep in the 11th to give the Texas Rangers a 6-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday in Arlington, Texas.

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Arizona’s Paul Sewald converted all six of his previous save opportunities in the postseason before starting the ninth inning by issuing a walk to Leody Taveras. Seager stepped up two batters later and deposited a first-pitch fastball over the wall in right field to forge a 5-5 tie.

The homer was Seager’s fourth of this postseason and the fourth of his career during the World Series.

Jose Leclerc (1-1) retired the side in order in both the 10th and 11th innings to set the stage for the Rangers.

Miguel Castro (0-1) replaced Kyle Nelson with one out in the 11th and saw Garcia take his 3-1 sinker over the wall in right field. Garcia’s eighth homer of the postseason pushed his RBI total to 22, eclipsing David Freese (2011) for the most in one postseason in major league history.

Texas’ Evan Carter smacked an RBI double and scored on Garcia’s RBI single in the first inning.

Garcia had three hits, Carter and Josh Jung each had two for the Rangers, who snapped a three-game home losing skid. They will look to continue their momentum at home on Saturday in Game 2.

Arizona’s Corbin Carroll ripped a two-run triple in the third inning and scored on Ketel Marte’s fielder’s-choice grounder. Marte wasn’t done, as he smashed an RBI double in the fifth to extend his career postseason hitting streak to 17 games — matching the major league record shared by Hank Bauer (1956-58), Derek Jeter (1998-99) and Manny Ramirez (2003-04).

Tommy Pham homered to lead off the fourth inning and Alek Thomas had two hits for the Diamondbacks, who lost for just the second time in their past six games.

Carroll, who had a National League-best 10 triples this season, ripped a tied the game 2-2 with his triple in the third. The speedy Carroll then beat the throw home from first baseman Nathaniel Lowe on Marte’s grounder.

Mitch Garver worked a bases-loaded walk to tie the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the third before Pham deposited a 1-0 fastball from Nathan Eovaldi over the wall in left field to start the fourth. Pham’s homer was his third of the postseason and second in three games.

–Field Level Media

Where Have You Gone, Nathan Eovaldi?

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DALLAS – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi could etch his name in the record books on Friday when he takes the mound for Game 1 of the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Arlington, Texas.

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Eovaldi (4-0, 2.42 ERA) is aiming to become the first pitcher to win five starts in the playoffs. Randy Johnson (2001), Francisco Rodriguez (2002) and Stephen Strasburg (2019) have recorded five wins in a single postseason, but each of the three pocketed a victory in relief.

Eovaldi, 33, allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings in a 9-2 victory over the Houston Astros in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series on Sunday. The Texas native has struck out 28 batters against just four walks in 26 innings in the postseason.

Although Eovaldi is making his first career start in a World Series, it’s not his only appearance in the Fall Classic. He made three relief appearances with the Boston Red Sox in the 2018 World Series versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He was the loser of the epic 18-inning Game 3 when he served up Max Muncy’s walk-off homer. Eovaldi allowed two runs (one earned) and three hits in six-plus innings of relief in that game.

“Obviously I’m very grateful for the past experiences. Just being able to participate and get into the World Series was big. I kind of had my moment there,” Eovaldi said on Thursday.

“But coming in, having Game 1, trying to set a tone for the team, there’s a lot of pressure with that, but also a lot of excitement. But definitely ready for this opportunity to go out there, compete against a really good lineup.”

Eovaldi owns a 3-0 mark with a 2.78 ERA in eight career appearances (five starts) against the Diamondbacks.

National League Championships Series MVP Ketel Marte carries a 16-game hitting streak in the postseason into Friday’s opener. Another hit on Friday will put Marte with Manny Ramirez, Derek Jeter and Hank Bauer as the lone players to notch a hit in 17 consecutive playoff games.

Marte went 6-for-14 and joined Christian Walker in belting three homers to help the Diamondbacks win three of four games against the Rangers this season.

Arizona will hand the ball to right-hander Zac Gallen (2-2, 5.24), who’ll try to turn the page from a pair of tough outings in the National League Championship Series when he makes his World Series debut.

Gallen, 28, permitted nine runs on 14 hits — including five homers — over 11 innings in a pair of losses to the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS.

“I think for me I said it after the two starts, just lack of execution, really,” Gallen said. “So for me, just trying to execute a little bit better and give us a chance to win, really.

“No secret, I feel like I didn’t help the guys that much. So I’m looking to try and pull my weight this time around.”

The Diamondbacks, however, overcame Gallen’s troubles to dispatch Philadelphia in seven games and advance to their second World Series appearance in franchise history. That’s not too shabby considering some questioned the legitimacy of an 84-win team while certain Phillies players threatened to have a pool party at Chase Field.

“When we hear those things, they’re out there,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “… And we just put it on our list and keep those receipts and walk around with a little bit more of a chip on our shoulder. It gives you a little bit more motivation. And when you can get a little bit more, you take it.”

Texas manager Bruce Bochy said he wasn’t using a perceived underdog mentality as motivation.

“We really didn’t talk about it. We weren’t concerned with what people thought of us,” Bochy said. “We thought we were good. We thought we belonged and we thought we could win and that’s how we looked at it.”

Gallen struck out 11 batters and allowed one run in six innings of a 6-3 victory over Texas on Aug. 22. He is 1-1 with a 3.57 ERA in three career starts vs. the Rangers.

Gallen will need to tread carefully around ALCS MVP Adolis Garcia and Corey Seager. Garcia went 10-for-28 (.357) with five homers and 15 RBIs in the ALCS, while Seager is 15-for-45 (.333) with three homers, six RBIs and 12 runs during the postseason.

–Field Level Media

The Bills Are Back

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ORCHARD PARK – (Staff and Wire Service) – Buffalo QB Josh Allen threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another as the Bills held off a late comeback attempt to pick up a 24-18 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL’s Thursday Night Football offering.

Buffalo (5-3) led by 14 when the Buccaneers took over on offense with 10:05 left in the game.

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QB Baker Mayfield led Tampa Bay (3-4) on a 17-play, 92-yard excursion, making it a six-point affair when he found Mike Evans for a 24-yard touchdown and connected with Cade Otton for the subsequent two-point conversion.

But the drive ate up 7:21 of clock, and the Bills were able to chew off an additional 2:23. That left the Buccaneers with just 21 seconds to put together a game-winning drive, and they were unable to do so.

Allen completed 31 of 40 passes for 324 yards and an interception. He also ran the ball seven times for 41 yards.

Gabe Davis had nine receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown for the Bills. Khalil Shakir added six catches for 92 yards.

Mayfield threw for 237 yards and two TDs on 25-for-42 passing for Tampa Bay, which has lost three straight.

Buccaneers running back Rachaad White totaled 109 yards (39 rushing, 70 receiving), while Chris Godwin had five catches for 54 yards and a score.

Tampa Bay erased a 10-point deficit in a span of 54 seconds in the second quarter. Chase McLaughlin drilled a 57-yard field goal and, two plays after William Gholston picked off Allen, Mayfield found Godwin for a 3-yard TD.

But Allen capped the Bills’ next drive with a 22-yard scoring strike to Dalton Kincaid to send Buffalo into the break up 17-10.

The Bills added on with 10:40 left in the third quarter, as Allen tossed a 4-yard TD to Davis.

On Buffalo’s first drive of the contest, Allen completed 6 of 7 passes for 64 yards to help the Bills work down to the Buccaneers 19. However, the hosts had to settle for Tyler Bass’ 37-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.

Allen made it 10-0 when he used his legs to get to the end zone from 13 yards out with 11:03 left in the first half.

–Field Level Media

Patriots Re-Sign QB Cunningham

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FOXBOROUGH – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The New England Patriots re-signed quarterback Malik Cunningham and returned him to their practice squad Thursday while also signing wide receiver Jalen Reagor from the practice squad onto the 53-man roster.

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Cunningham, who joined New England as an un-drafted free agent out of Louisville, was signed to a three-year deal before the Patriots’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders two weeks ago. But the team released him on Tuesday, and he cleared waivers.

Cunningham, 25, played six snaps against the Raiders, four at wide receiver and two at quarterback. He took one sack in the 21-17 loss. He was a healthy scratch for this past Sunday’s 29-25 win over the Buffalo Bills.

Reagor, 24, has appeared in the past two games for the Patriots, catching one pass for 11 yards against Buffalo.

Reagor was a first-round draft pick (No. 21 overall) in 2020 by the Philadelphia Eagles and spent two seasons as a starter for them. He appeared in all 17 games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 and has 73 career receptions for 810 yards and four touchdowns.