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Sources: Barcelona-Atlético in Miami put on hold
Plans to stage a LaLiga match in Miami have been put on hold for now, sources told ESPN, because of the time constraints involved in moving Barcelona's game against Atlético Madrid in December.
ESPN revealed last month that the Spanish league was increasingly optimistic of taking Barça's home league fixture with Atlético to Hard Rock Stadium.
However, various sources implicated in the project have told ESPN that time has run out to move that particular game, scheduled for the weekend commencing Dec. 21, adding that plans to move a game to the United States have been temporarily "parked."
A source at LaLiga referred the matter to Relevent Sports Group, who are working on taking a game to the U.S. in collaboration with the league, saying the North American company are leading the plans.
Relevent has not yet replied to an ESPN request for comment.
In order to move a regular-season game from Spain to the U.S., LaLiga need the go-ahead from various other bodies, including the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), U.S. Soccer, Concacaf, UEFA and FIFA.
One of the major hurdles in terms of moving a game next month is the fact the RFEF are without a permanent president until elections are held on Dec. 16.
Therefore, there remains uncertainty surrounding whether the interim management committee would have the power to sanction the game.
Increasing doubts is the fact the previous interim president of the RFEF, Pedro Rocha, is serving a suspension, imposed by Spain's Administrative Sports Court (TAD), for making decisions outside of his remit.
LaLiga have been trying to move a game to Miami for several years, with prior plans to take Barça-Girona and Atlético-Villarreal to the city in 2019 falling through.
At the time, there was also opposition from FIFA, among others, but a landmark court case earlier this year changed the picture and bred belief it would be possible to play a regular season match abroad sooner than later.
The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Relevent's antitrust lawsuit to go forward against FIFA and U.S. Soccer over the world governing body's policy of not permitting a country to host league matches involving teams from other countries.
A LaLiga source, while not commenting specifically on Barça-Atlético, confirmed the plan is still to take a match to the U.S, as has been reiterated on several occasions by the league's president, Javier Tebas.
Information from ESPN's Moises Llorens and Rodrigo Faez contributed to this story.
IPL 2025 mega auction to be held on November 24, 25 in Jeddah
Unlike regular auctions, the mega auction that takes place every three years is spread over two days instead of just one and it is one of the most-followed events in cricket, as the ten IPL franchises build their squads for the next three years (2025-27).
A total of 1574 players (1165 Indian and 409 overseas) had registered for the auction, which will be held at the Abady Al Johar Arena (also known as Benchmark Arena), by the deadline of November 4, the BCCI said. They range from countries like Italy, Canada, Netherlands, Scotland, USA and UAE, apart from the Full Member nations excluding Pakistan. Each franchise can build a squad of up to 25 players, which means that there are 204 slots available at the auction after the retention.
Each team has a total purse of INR 120 crore to build their squads, but following the retention, Punjab Kings have the biggest purse remaining (INR 110.5 crore) to spend at the mega auction, having retained just two uncapped players - Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh - for a total of INR 9.5 crore. Rajasthan Royals have the smallest purse of INR 41 crore after they, along with Kolkata Knight Riders, retained the maximum of six players. KKR will have INR 51 crore to spend at the auction.
The IPL has allowed teams to retain up to six players this time - of which a maximum of five can be capped and a maximum of two can be uncapped. The six players can either be retained outright ahead of the auction, or can be bought back using Right-to-Match (RTM) options at the auction, or a combination of both.
If a player has been bought by another franchise at the mega auction, the franchise that he was part of in IPL 2024 can step in at the end of the bidding process and buy back their player using the RTM option by matching the highest bid. After that, the franchise that made the winning bid will be given another opportunity to raise the bid to whatever amount they wish. In that case, the player's previous team will have to match the increased bid to buy back their player.
Having retained just two players, PBKS have the most RTM options (four) at the auction. RCB, who retained three players, have three while Delhi Capitals, who retained four players, have two. Five teams - MI, Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, SRH and LSG - retained five players each and have just one RTM option at the auction, while RR and KKR have no RTM options.
There is of course no limit on the number of players a franchise can buy back if they place the highest bids for them during regular bidding at the auction.
Mohammad Salahuddin appointed Bangladesh's senior assistant coach
Salahuddin has previously served as Bangladesh's assistant and fielding coach under Dav Whatmore and Jamie Siddons. He also worked as a specialist coach in the BCB's national cricket academy from 2010 to 2011 before becoming Singapore's head coach in 2014. He holds an ACC-Cricket Australia Level 3 accreditation.
Salahuddin is also regarded highly by most players in Bangladesh, having started his coaching by developing the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal when they were young. He is also influential in the growth of the current crop of cricketers like Jaker Ali and Mahidul Islam Ankon.
BCB president Faruque Ahmed said Salahuddin ticked a number of boxes for the role. In his first press conference as the board chief, Faruque had said that he was in favour of promoting Bangladeshi coaches.
"When I took over as BCB president, I made a commitment to provide opportunities for deserving candidates to contribute to the national team set-up," he said. "Salahuddin brings with him a wealth of experience, pedigree, and knowledge, making him the ideal candidate for this role. I firmly believe it is time to integrate more capable Bangladeshi coaches into the system."
Gus Atkinson wins Bob Willis Trophy after stunning Test summer
"I was just hoping to make my England Test debut, and to have the summer that I've had, it's a huge honour and to get this award at the end of it tops it off," Atkinson said.
"My debut, obviously taking 12 wickets was very special, and playing in Jimmy Anderson's last Test was a big honour. Probably my favourite moment was that century against Sri Lanka."
Bashir has gone from virtual unknown to England's first-choice spinner in the last 12 months, claiming three Test five-fors - including a match-winning haul in the second Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge. He picked up the prestigious CWC award for players under the age of 21 at the start of the summer.
"Two years ago, I didn't have a county," Bashir said. "It's been really special. With a lot of hard work, I'm thankful to be playing for my country. Long may it continue.
"It was very special, first time I'd played at Trent Bridge. For me to take that last wicket and seal the deal to make it 2-0 in the series, it was one of the highlights of my season."
Other winners of the CWC awards included England Physical Disability opening batter Brendon Parr, who was presented with the Lord's Taverners charity's Disability Cricketer of the Year award.
James Anderson and the cast of Tailenders took the Peter Smith Award for outstanding presentation of cricket to the public, and the Derek Hodgson Cricket Book of the year was won by David Kynaston and Harry Ricketts for Richie Benaud's Blue Suede Shoes.
Cricket Writers' Club chair Dean Wilson said: "Huge congratulations to all our award winners, reflecting another terrific year of cricket for all members of the media to cover.
"At a time of unprecedented change in the game on and off the field, there are precious few opportunities to pause and reflect and honour the efforts of those who bring so much joy.
"Whether it is the skill and guile of Sophie Ecclestone and Shoaib Bashir, or the excellence of Gus Atkinson or Brendon Parr, there has been much to admire. Long may that continue."
Sources: USC to start Maiava at QB over Moss
USC is making a change at quarterback, replacing starter Miller Moss with UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava, sources confirmed to ESPN.
After the Trojans lost four of their past five games and fell to 4-5 on the season, coach Lincoln Riley will opt to give the sophomore starting reps when they host Nebraska on Nov. 16. USC is currently on its second bye week of the season.
Moss began the season by leading the Trojans to a signature victory over LSU in Las Vegas, but he has regressed over the past few games.
Playing behind a shaky offensive line, Moss has made crucial mistakes of his own. In his past five games, the junior has thrown seven interceptions. Against Washington on Saturday, Moss threw three costly picks in a 26-21 loss.
In nine games as starter, Moss has thrown for 2,555 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Maiava transferred to USC this offseason after a strong freshman campaign at UNLV during which he threw for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns. He completed 63.5 percent of his passes and added three rushing touchdowns.
Maiava is a more mobile option under center. In limited appearances this season, Maiava has showcased his ability to escape the pocket and make plays on the run. He has made eight completions for 66 yards and ran the ball three times for 27 yards, including a touchdown.
After backing up Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams for two seasons, Moss' first start came during the 2023 Holiday Bowl, where he threw for a bowl-record six touchdowns and staked his claim to be the starter in 2024.
Though the quarterback competition between Maiava and Moss extended into fall camp before the season, Riley was adamant throughout team practices that Moss was ahead.
Despite four losses in the past five games, Riley had remained outwardly steadfast in his confidence in Moss as the starter. At one point ahead of USC's matchup against Rutgers two weeks ago, Riley said Moss was "100%" the starter going forward.
USC beat Rutgers, but its loss at Washington puts it in danger of not securing a bowl berth. With three games remaining, the Trojans hope Maiava can provide a much-needed spark.
USCfootball.com first reported the news.
Cowboys likely to place Dak on IR, Jones says
The Dallas Cowboys likely will place quarterback Dak Prescott on injured reserve due to the hamstring injury he sustained in Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Jerry Jones said Tuesday.
The move would sideline Prescott for at least the next four games. The earliest he would be eligible to return would be a "Monday Night Football" matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14.
The Cowboys owner and general manager made his comments in his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan.
"It's an extended period of time here," Jones said. "I wouldn't dare make a prediction when it could be. We'll see kind of how his rehab goes."
On Monday, coach Mike McCarthy was only prepared to say Prescott would not play in Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
A source had told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday that Prescott's injury was expected to sideline the quarterback for several weeks.
Cooper Rush will take over as the starting quarterback starting this Sunday, with Trey Lance as his backup.
Since 2020, Prescott has missed games with a dislocation and fracture of his right ankle, a right calf strain and a broken right thumb.
Rush went 4-1 as the Cowboys' starter in 2022 after Prescott suffered the thumb injury in the season opener. The Cowboys did not score more than 25 points in any of Rush's starts, but the defense allowed more than 20 points just once. His lone loss came against the Eagles, when he was intercepted three times.
For his career, Rush is 5-1 as a starter.
"There's no question that Dak's injury is setback," Jones said. "But we've seen Cooper do it. We know what we need to do, the strategies on the offense. We just need to come together game by game, use all of our players to the extent that it helps us."
ESPN's Todd Archer and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sources: Cowboys trade 4th-rounder for Mingo
FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys acquired wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick from the Carolina Panthers for a 2025 fourth-round pick, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.
Mingo, a second-round pick in 2023 out of Mississippi, has 12 receptions for 121 yards this season. He has one catch in the past four games and has only two games in his career with more than four catches.
In Carolina, Mingo was behind 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette, undrafted rookie Jalen Coker and 2017 seventh-round pick David Moore, despite the hamstring injury suffered by Adam Thielen and the trade of Diontae Johnson.
Getting a fourth-round pick for Mingo after sending the Baltimore Ravens a 2025 sixth-round pick and Johnson to Baltimore for a 2025 fifth-rounder last week had to feel like a win for Carolina general manager Dan Morgan, who is trying to rebuild the 2-7 Panthers that appear headed for a seventh straight losing season.
After Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons that dropped Dallas to 3-5, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the team has "some things in the mill," for a trade but do not expect a blockbuster deal.
While not mentioning Mingo by name, Jones said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas that the receiver the Cowboys would acquire was somebody they felt highly about during the draft process.
In 2018, the Cowboys traded a first-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for wide receiver Amari Cooper and saw their season turn around, finishing 10-6, winning the NFC East and a playoff game.
This trade is not that, but it gives the Cowboys some depth at a position this year and for the future with Mingo under contract for two more seasons.
All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb is dealing with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, but Mike McCarthy was hopeful he would be able to play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Brandin Cooks is eligible to begin practicing this week, but he is expected to continue his rehab from knee surgery.
While Jalen Tolbert (30 catches, 353 yards, three touchdowns) has been productive, the Cowboys' Nos. 4-6 receivers have combined for 25 catches and one touchdown.
ESPN's David Newton contributed to this report.
New NFL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, plus each team's most important game down the stretch
Welcome to Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season. The trade deadline is here, and it's midseason.
The Kansas City Chiefs are the lone undefeated team, after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday. Three teams -- the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills and Washington Commanders -- boast seven wins this season, while nine teams have only two victories.
In addition to the updated rankings, we asked NFL Nation reporters to pick the most important game of the second half of the season for each team. This could be a rivalry game, a matchup with playoff implications or one that might affect the team's draft standing.
Let's start with the Chiefs.
Our power panel of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluates how NFL teams stack up against one another, ranking them from 1 to 32.
Previous rankings: Preseason | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9
Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
1. Kansas City Chiefs (8-0)
Week 9 result: Beat the Buccaneers 30-24 (OT)
Week 9 ranking: 1
Most important game remaining: Week 11 at the Bills
The Chiefs lead in the race for the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed and the conference's only playoff bye. The Bills are one of the few teams that can realistically catch them. If Buffalo wins, the race might get interesting down the stretch. If the Chiefs win, they can start making plans for a bye week during the wild-card round of the playoffs. -- Adam Teicher
2. Detroit Lions (7-1)
Week 9 result: Beat the Packers 24-14
Week 9 ranking: 2
Most important game remaining: Week 17 at the 49ers
Lions All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell said he rewatched last year's NFC Championship Game loss to the 49ers at least 10 times in the offseason. After blowing a 17-point halftime lead, the Lions want revenge against San Francisco. That game still stings. Yes, the Week 15 game against the Bills is perhaps the toughest remaining matchup, but facing the 49ers again for a "Monday Night Football" showdown will be the perfect shot at redemption. -- Eric Woodyard
3. Buffalo Bills (7-2)
Week 9 result: Beat the Dolphins 30-27
Week 9 ranking: 3
Most important game remaining: Week 11 vs. the Chiefs
This game has an exclamation point next to it. Not only is it another matchup involving the Bills and Chiefs, but it is an opportunity for the Bills to take a step forward in seeding for the playoffs. The teams have met four times in the regular season since 2020 (the Bills have won three of four), but only one of those games was in Orchard Park (Chiefs won in 2020). During that stretch, the Chiefs have won all three playoff meetings, including last season. Beating the Chiefs in the playoffs is the big test, but this regular-season game has plenty of significance. -- Alaina Getzenberg
4. Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
Week 9 result: Beat the Broncos 41-10
Week 9 ranking: 6
Most important game remaining: Week 16 vs. the Steelers
This game could determine whether the Ravens repeat as AFC North champions for the first time since 2018-19 and get a home playoff game. The last time the Ravens beat the Steelers in Baltimore was 2019. The Steelers have been one of the few teams to frustrate quarterback Lamar Jackson. He's 1-3 against Pittsburgh, throwing four touchdowns and seven interceptions. Pittsburgh is the only team Jackson has faced multiple times and recorded more interceptions than touchdown passes. -- Jamison Hensley
5. Washington Commanders (7-2)
Week 9 result: Beat the Giants 27-22
Week 9 ranking: 7
Most important game remaining: Week 12 vs. the Cowboys
There are multiple reasons for this game. Washington plays two tough games in a row -- hosting Pittsburgh and playing at Philadelphia on a Thursday night. If those games don't go well, then the Cowboys' game becomes one to regain momentum. But, even if those games don't go poorly, this would be a chance to perhaps end Dallas' realistic playoff hopes. And if Washington wins at Philly, it could get to 4-0 in the NFC East. A huge tiebreaker advantage. -- John Keim
Adam Schefter reports that players, ahead of the trade deadline, are telling their agents they would like to be traded to the Commanders.
6. Minnesota Vikings (6-2)
Week 9 result: Beat the Colts 21-13
Week 9 ranking: 9
Most important game remaining: Week 17 vs. the Packers
At this point, the Lions are in the driver's seat in the NFC North. The Vikings have already lost to them once, and have a worse conference record if it comes to that tiebreaker. But beating the Packers, and sweeping the season series, could well be key to them securing a wild-card berth. The Vikings have already won at Lambeau Field and would presumably have the advantage in the second matchup as well. -- Kevin Seifert
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Week 9 result: Bye
Week 9 ranking: 8
Most important game remaining: Week 16 vs. the Ravens
The Steelers don't play an AFC North team until their first meeting with the Ravens in Week 11, but they exit their Week 9 bye still ahead of Baltimore. Every divisional game is important -- especially for a team that hasn't played any -- but beating the Ravens could go a long way in division and playoff seeding. It also sets the tone for a potentially pivotal meeting with the Chiefs on Christmas Day four days later. -- Brooke Pryor
8. Green Bay Packers (6-3)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Lions 24-14
Week 9 ranking: 4
Most important game remaining: Week 14 at the Lions
If the Packers have any chance to win the NFC North, they probably can't afford to be swept by the current division leaders. They have already lost at home to the Lions (7-1) and Vikings (6-2) in the only two division games they've played to date, making the Thursday night rematch in Detroit a near must-win game. -- Rob Demovsky
9. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)
Week 9 result: Beat the Jaguars 28-23
Week 9 ranking: 10
Most important game remaining: Week 16 at the Commanders
The Eagles play the Commanders twice in the second half of the season: On Thursday, Nov. 14, at home and on Dec. 22 at FedEx Field. Those games could very well determine the division winner with Washington (7-2) and Philadelphia (6-2) neck and neck right now. As it stands, the Commanders have a 50.6% chance of winning the NFC East compared to 48.2% for the Eagles, according to ESPN's FPI. -- Tim McManus
10. Atlanta Falcons (6-3)
Week 9 result: Beat the Cowboys 27-21
Week 9 ranking: 11
Most important game remaining: Week 14 at the Vikings
The Vikings are one of the toughest NFC teams left on the Falcons' schedule, which ESPN's FPI has ranked the weakest remaining in the league. There could be playoff implications here. More than that, though, it's a revenge game for quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Vikings were not willing to commit to the veteran over the long term for what he was asking. Now, Cousins, at age 36, has led the Falcons' resurgence with the third-most passing yards (2,328) and touchdowns (17) in the league. -- Marc Raimondi
11. Houston Texans (6-3)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Jets 21-13
Week 9 ranking: 5
Most important game remaining: Week 17 vs. the Ravens
The Texans' 2023 season started and ended against the Ravens. This matchup comes after they play the Chiefs on the previous Saturday. This will be a good test to see where they stack against the best teams in the AFC ahead of the playoffs. Since the Texans are on track to win the AFC South after sweeping the second-place Colts, their matchup against the Ravens could determine who earns the No. 1 seed in the conference. -- DJ Bien-Aime
12. Arizona Cardinals (5-4)
Week 9 result: Beat the Bears 29-9
Week 9 ranking: 18
Most important game remaining: Week 12 at the Seahawks
While the most important game of the season might end up being Week 18 against the 49ers, which, very well, could decide the NFC West, for now, it's this game against Seattle. If Arizona wins, it'll be 3-0 in the division with wins against each NFC West team. That'll help put the Cardinals in the driver's seat of the division as long as they continue winning. -- Josh Weinfuss
13. Los Angeles Chargers (5-3)
Week 9 result: Beat the Browns 27-10
Week 9 ranking: 17
Most important game remaining: Week 12 vs. the Ravens
This game will be coach Jim Harbaugh's first chance at revenge since losing to his brother, John, in Super Bowl XLVII with the 49ers. It will also be revenge for many of the Ravens' castaways who are playing or coaching for Los Angeles. The Ravens are a Super Bowl contender, so the game will be a measuring stick for a Chargers team that has only one win over a team with a winning record, which came in Week 6 against the Broncos. -- Kris Rhim
Jim Harbaugh chats with Alex Smith over a game of catch about his long-term expectations for the Chargers.
14. San Francisco 49ers (4-4)
Week 9 result: Bye
Week 9 ranking: 12
Most important game remaining: Week 10 at the Buccaneers
The Bucs game isn't only important because it's next on the Niners' schedule but because of what that game could tell us about where this season is headed. The 49ers have made a habit of kicking into gear post-bye under coach Kyle Shanahan. Since Shanahan took over in 2017, the Niners are 43-18 after their bye week. San Francisco is also expecting to get running back Christian McCaffrey back from Achilles tendinitis. How he looks and how the 49ers fare on a long trip should offer strong clues on whether another finishing flourish is on the way or if this team is as middling as its first-half record would indicate. -- Nick Wagoner
15. Los Angeles Rams (4-4)
Week 9 result: Beat the Seahawks 26-20 (OT)
Week 9 ranking: 19
Most important game remaining: Week 15 at the 49ers
The Rams enter Week 10 tied with the 49ers (4-4), holding the tiebreaker over San Francisco after winning in Week 3 at SoFi Stadium. Los Angeles has three more division games -- at San Francisco and then versus Arizona and Seattle at home to end the season -- but a prime-time matchup with the reigning division champions in five weeks should give a clear picture of how the teams stack up down the stretch. -- Sarah Barshop
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Chiefs 30-24 (OT)
Week 9 ranking: 13
Most important game remaining: Week 10 vs the 49ers
If the Falcons start to run away with the division, the Bucs will need to rely on a wild-card spot to reach the playoffs as they did in 2020, which is where a 4-4 Niners team comes in. Considering the Bucs haven't beaten the Niners since 2018, it would be a huge momentum boost as they enter their Week 11 bye. Then after the bye, Mike Evans (hamstring) returns, and their only remaining opponent with a winning record would be the Chargers in Week 15. -- Jenna Laine
17. Denver Broncos (5-4)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Ravens 41-10
Week 9 ranking: 16
Most important game remaining: Week 11 vs. the Falcons
A win in Baltimore this past Sunday would have changed some things, but the 31-point loss to the Ravens might have recalibrated the Broncos' confidence a bit. The road game against the Bengals in Week 17 looms large for the Broncos' playoff hopes, but they have to keep themselves in the race first. The now 5-4 Broncos are in Kansas City on Sunday, where they haven't won since 2015. If they don't break that streak, they'll need to beat the Falcons to remain above .500. And if they are going to cling to the playoff chase, they need to get to their Week 14 bye with no more losses to be ready for a stretch push. -- Jeff Legwold
18. Seattle Seahawks (4-5)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Rams 26-20 (OT)
Week 9 ranking: 14
Most important game remaining: Week 11 at the 49ers
You could pick any of the Seahawks' four remaining division contests given how tightly packed the NFC West is, with only one game separating first-place Arizona and last-place Seattle. But their next game is the most important one, and not in a coach-speak sense. There's the practical matter of needing to beat the 49ers to avoid a season sweep and the tiebreaker going to San Francisco. But they also need a win given how deflating it would be to lose six of their past seven games and seven straight to their divisional rivals -- coming off a bye, no less. -- Brady Henderson
19. Cincinnati Bengals (4-5)
Week 9 result: Beat the Raiders 41-24
Week 9 ranking: 22
Most important game remaining: Week 11 vs. the Chargers
Let's look at this according to quarterback Joe Burrow's napkin math. For Cincinnati to make the playoffs, the Bengals can lose only two more games before things get dicey. Per ESPN's FPI, the Chargers have a slight advantage in a home game against Cincinnati. If the Bengals lose to the Ravens on Thursday, a defeat to the Chargers the following week will leave no margin for error if Cincinnati wants to feel remotely confident about the postseason. -- Ben Baby
Tyler Fulghum breaks down why he's leaning towards the over in a potential shootout between the Bengals and Ravens to kick off Week 10.
20. Chicago Bears (4-4)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Cardinals 29-9
Week 9 ranking: 15
Most important game remaining: Week 10 vs. the Patriots
Coach Matt Eberflus' future in Chicago is hanging in the balance after two confounding losses coming off the team's bye week. The first 10 weeks is where the Bears needed to stack wins given how difficult their schedule becomes in Week 11 with six NFC North games in eight weeks. If the Bears don't beat the Patriots to get back over .500, the noise around whether Eberflus is the right fit after three seasons and whether he's a hindrance to quarterback Caleb Williams' growth will grow only louder. -- Courtney Cronin
21. Indianapolis Colts (4-5)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Vikings 21-13
Week 9 ranking: 21
Most important game remaining: Week 10 vs. the Bills
The Colts' season is in a precarious spot, with Indianapolis falling below .500 after Sunday night's loss. If the Colts are going to stay in the playoff race, they need to steal a win in a rare home game amid a stretch of five of seven road games. Can the Colts get their offense -- and quarterback situation -- figured out against a defense that's top 10 in scoring defense (19.2 points per game), defensive EPA (12.2) and opponent QBR (50.4)? -- Stephen Holder
22. Dallas Cowboys (3-5)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Falcons 27-21
Week 9 ranking: 20
Most important game remaining: Week 10 vs. the Eagles
Why wait? After losing three in a row, the Cowboys need a win in a bad way. Dallas is pinning its hopes on winning the division, which makes this game even more important. With a loss, its odds go down. But according to ESPN Research, at least one team starting 3-6 or worse has made the playoffs in each of the previous four seasons. But what would make you believe the Cowboys can make it five straight seasons? -- Todd Archer
23. Miami Dolphins (2-6)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Bills 30-27
Week 9 ranking: 23
Most important game remaining: Week 10 vs the Rams
Looking ahead is a luxury reserved for teams whose seasons aren't on the line. The most important game for the Dolphins, to borrow a term from many football coaches over the years, is the next one. If the Dolphins fall to 2-7, a playoff run would require perfection through the final eight games of the season. ESPN's FPI gives Miami a 6.6% chance at making the playoffs; another loss probably would shift focus from the 2024 season to the 2025 draft. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques
24. New York Jets (3-6)
Week 9 result: Beat the Texans 21-13
Week 9 ranking: 27
Most important game remaining: Week 10 vs. the Cardinals
Yes, that's right, this week. At 3-6, the Jets have virtually no margin for error to keep alive their faint playoff hopes. They played their best half of the season in Thursday's win over the Texans, outscoring them 21-6 in the second half. That might have been a turning point -- or maybe it was just a tease. How they fare against the streaking Cardinals, winners of three straight, will go a long way toward defining their season. -- Rich Cimini
25. Cleveland Browns (2-7)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Chargers 27-10
Week 9 ranking: 26
Most important game remaining: Week 11 vs. the Saints
Five of the Browns' final eight opponents have winning records, but Cleveland enters its bye week as one of nine teams with two wins. The Browns' road game against the Saints could have huge ramifications for the franchise's long-term prospects. ESPN Analytics gives Cleveland a 36.9% chance to get a top-five pick in the 2025 draft, slightly below the Saints' projections. That head-to-head matchup could loom large for draft positioning and possibly acquiring a franchise quarterback. -- Daniel Oyefusi
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-7)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Eagles 28-23
Week 9 ranking: 30
Most important game remaining: Week 11 at the Lions
The Jaguars and Lions were supposed to be on similar trajectories after they both finished the 2022 season 9-8, but the Lions are now one of the best teams in the NFL and the Jaguars have gotten worse. This game will show just how far apart the two franchises are -- and the gulf is considerable, especially with the Jaguars fielding one of the NFL's worst defenses. The bye week follows and if owner Shad Khan decides to make a coaching move before the season ends, that would be the logical week to do it. -- Michael DiRocco
27. New York Giants (2-7)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Commanders 27-22
Week 9 ranking: 28
Most important game remaining: Week 10 vs. the Panthers
The Giants are playing Sunday morning in Germany for the football world to see. Losing this game to what many consider the NFL's worst team would be a bad look, and it would provide a sinking feeling heading into the bye. Coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen need to avoid another 2-8 start, which could spiral out of control with a quarterback decision on the horizon. -- Jordan Raanan
Check out the stats and figures behind Daniel Jones' fantasy performance in the Giants' loss vs. the Commanders.
28. Tennessee Titans (2-6)
Week 9 result: Beat the Patriots 20-17 (OT)
Week 9 ranking: 31
Most important game remaining: Week 12 vs. the Texans
The Titans have faced an AFC South division opponent only once this season, resulting in a 20-17 loss to the Colts. Week 12 kicks off a stretch of five divisional matchups in their final seven games. Starting off with a win over the Texans, who probably will still be on top of the AFC South, would give Tennessee a tremendous boost and help the Titans finish strong. -- Turron Davenport
29. New Orleans Saints (2-7)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Panthers 23-22
Week 9 ranking: 24
Most important game remaining: Week 10 vs. the Falcons
The game against the Falcons is the most important on the schedule because it's the next one. It might be a cliché, but the Saints need a win, any win, to even attempt to salvage a season that went completely south after a 2-0 start. The Saints fired coach Dennis Allen on Monday after losing to the Panthers, but they still have a lot of games left on the schedule to get through, so they'll need to figure out how to win the first one before anything else. -- Katherine Terrell
30. New England Patriots (2-7)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Titans 20-17 (OT)
Week 9 ranking: 29
Most important game remaining: Week 12 vs. the Dolphins
The Patriots are one of nine teams with only two wins this season, which means their draft position could vary considerably depending on how things shake out. The Dolphins, who already recorded a 15-10 win over the Patriots in Week 5, are among that group. The rematch between the teams takes place in South Florida, which has traditionally been a hard place for the Patriots to win. -- Mike Reiss
31. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Bengals 41-24
Week 9 ranking: 25
Most important game remaining: Week 11 at the Dolphins
Or, the next one. And why not? The Raiders will be coming off their bye week with a new offensive playcaller in place, new position coaches at QB and O-line and perhaps a new starting quarterback in Desmond Ridder. Coach Antonio Pierce says he is using the bye week to "reset" the season for the Raiders, who are riding a five-game losing streak for the first time since 2018. Obviously, the most important game for such a team is its next one. -- Paul Gutierrez
32. Carolina Panthers (2-7)
Week 9 result: Beat the Saints 23-22
Week 9 ranking: 32
Most important game remaining: Week 10 vs. the Giants
Any momentum the Panthers gained from Sunday's win against the undermanned Saints will be wasted if they can't follow it up with a win against the 2-7 Giants. The rest of the schedule is tough with the Chiefs, Buccaneers and Eagles before the next possible winnable game against the 3-5 Cowboys. Then they close against the hot Cardinals, Buccaneers and Falcons. To make any kind of a run, it has to start now. -- David Newton
Sale's Hill gets 10-week ban for Bath fan incident
England forward Jonny Hill has been given a 10-week suspension following an incident involving a fan after Sale's Premiership semi-final defeat by Bath in June.
A 28-year-old man complained that he was left with a cut above his eye.
Hill appeared before an independent disciplinary panel on Monday regarding a "breach of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game" - specifically an allegation that he "physically abused" a spectator.
He accepted the charge against him.
Hill's club Sale and Avon and Somerset Police both said they were investigating the incident at the time it occurred.
The 30-year-old's ban has been backdated, and four weeks of the ban have been suspended until next season. He will be eligible for selection from 7 December, Sale said.
"The panel concluded the appropriate starting point was a 20-week suspension from playing," said Philip Evans KC, chair of the independent panel.
"They also found the circumstances of this case to be exceptional and as a consequence, and because of the substantial mitigation available to Jonny Hill, that starting point was reduced to 10 weeks, four of which will be suspended until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
"In addition he is required to give a presentation to young players at the club which is to be recorded and provided to the RFU [Rugby Football Union]."
England international Hill has not played since January.
He sustained a season-ending patella tendon injury in their Champions Cup loss to La Rochelle, and watched Sale's semi-final defeat from the stands at the Recreation Ground.
Sale sit eighth in the Premiership table, having won three of their six games so far this season.
In addition to three Tests against the Wallabies, next summers fixture list includes a match against a combined Australia and New Zealand team.
Las Vegas has made a concerted move into hosting sport in recent years, with the city putting on the NFL's Super Bowl, a Formula 1 Grand Prix and the NBAs In-Season tournament this year.
Baseball's Oakland Athletics are the latest major franchise to relocate to the city, joining top-level American football and ice hockey teams.
The city has also hosted rugby league and next year Vegas will be the venue for a four-game event, featuring two NRL fixtures, Wigan v Warrington, and England's women's team taking on their Australian counterparts, booked in for March.
A warm-up match for the Lions in the United States in 2029 could form part of a series of events to build interest in rugby union in the run-up to the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups in the country.
New Zealand and Ireland are set to meet in Chicago in autumn 2025, with the 2030 edition of the new biennial Rugby Nations Championship, set to begin in 2026, another possibility to be staged on that side of the Atlantic.
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