Paolo Banchero knew something was wrong. He was surprised to learn the extent.

The Orlando Magic All-Star will miss the next several weeks with a torn right oblique, an injury that happened in his team's loss to Chicago on Wednesday night. The abdominal muscle injury was diagnosed Thursday, causing Banchero to miss the game Friday in Cleveland. The Magic take on the Cavaliers in a rematch of an Eastern Conference first-round series from last season.

"I felt it when it happened," Banchero said Friday, speaking with reporters in Cleveland after Orlando's shootaround. "Didn't know what it was but knew it didn't feel good. Just tried to play through it, wanted to get it looked at after the game, was hoping it wasn't too bad but obviously it was a little worse than I thought."

Banchero was off to a huge start -- his 29 points per game ranked seventh in the league entering Friday. He's one of only three players who started the day averaging that many points along with 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists. The others: Denver's Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo.

"It sucks. There's no other way to put it," Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. "It sucks for him, the way in which he started this year, the way in which he was playing, the way he's carrying us in so many ways. And in the same breath, you have to say it's an opportunity -- it's an opportunity for guys to step up, step into their role, opportunity for guys to continue to play to our standard of basketball."

The Magic said Banchero will be evaluated in four to six weeks. He referenced the six-week timeline. If he misses six weeks, that means he'll be sidelined for at least 21 games. It would also mean he'll almost certainly be ineligible for most end-of-season NBA awards voting under the new policies that went into effect last season.

"Hopefully, it's not a multi, three-, four-month injury," Banchero said. "Hopefully, it's just six, something weeks. Just trying to stay engaged as much as I can and stay positive, take it one day at a time and be ready to come back."

Banchero had a career-high 50 points Monday against Indiana, the first -- and entering Friday, still only -- 50-point game in the NBA this season. The Magic said he was hurt in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's game in Chicago. Banchero, who finished that night with 31 points, was still on the floor at the end of that contest.

He intends to travel with the team while sidelined, Mosley said. Banchero will be involved in some coaches' meetings, giving the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year, No. 1 draft pick and first-time All-Star last season a chance to see the game a different way.

"It's another opportunity for his growth," Mosley said. "There won't be as much physical activity going on, but it'll be a mental version of it. His ability to be in some the coaches' meetings, to see the game differently from that side of the floor, it's an opportunity for his growth in that realm."

Warriors guards Stephen Curry and De'Anthony Melton will sit out their third consecutive game when Golden State faces the Houston Rockets on Saturday.

Both have been out since Sunday.

That night, Curry sustained a peroneal strain in his left ankle against the LA Clippers that forced him to exit in the fourth quarter. Melton also left in the fourth because of a back strain.

Melton dealt with multiple back injuries last season, which Warriors coach Steve Kerr said would play a role in how the team approached the current ailment with which Melton is dealing.

Andrew Wiggins is considered probable for Saturday's game at Houston as he deals with a lower back injury.

As anticipated, left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery exercised his $22.5 million player option to remain with the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to MLB.com.

A free agent after the 2023 season, Montgomery remained unsigned past the start of spring training but at the end of March, the Diamondbacks signed him to a one-year, $25 million deal with a player option for 2025.

When Montgomery signed the shorter-term deal with the aid of his then-agent Scott Boras, instead of the long-term contract he was initially hoping for, the thinking was that Montgomery would earn a long-term deal by proving his value over the course of the season.

However, the 31-year-old had a tough season, going 8-7 with a 6.23 ERA across 25 games (21 starts). He struck out just 83 batters while walking 44 in 117 innings. He also earned his first career save in September.

After the Diamondbacks were eliminated from playoff contention, Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick said in a radio appearance that he made a "horrible decision" to pursue Montgomery last spring.

"Let me say it the best way I can say it: If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you're talking to the guy that should be blamed because I brought it to their attention," Kendrick said on "Burns & Gambo."

"I pushed for it. They agreed to it. It wasn't in our game plan when he was signed right at the end of spring training, and looking back in hindsight, (it was) a horrible decision to have invested that money in a guy that performed as poorly as he did. It's our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint, and I'm the perpetrator of that."

Later, Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said the ultimate decision to sign Montgomery was his.

"That was a group process, and I understand why we made that decision at the time, and I believe that Jordan Montgomery will have a better year next year," Hazen said, according to MLB.com. "It didn't work out, but I also think next year is going to look a lot different."

Montgomery is expected to compete with veterans Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez, along with younger pitchers Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson.

A longtime member of the New York Yankees, Montgomery split the 2023 season between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers and pitched to a 3.20 ERA. He made five starts and one relief appearance for Texas in the playoffs on its run to the World Series title.

Since making the big leagues in 2017, he has career marks of 46-41 with a 4.03 ERA in 166 games (161 starts).

Also on Friday, outfielder Randal Grichuk turned down his $6 million mutual option with the Diamondbacks, triggering a $1.75 million buyout and becoming a free agent.

The 33-year-old hit .291 with 12 homers and 46 RBI after missing the first week of the season while finishing his recovery from right ankle surgery. He played left and right field this year and played in center in previous seasons.

Grichuk agreed in February to a deal with the Diamondbacks that included a $1.5 million salary and the option. The price of buyout escalated based on his 279 plate appearances.

An 11-year major league veteran, Grichuk has a .252 batting average with 203 homers and 602 RBI for St. Louis (2014-17), Toronto (2018-21), Colorado (2022-23), the Los Angeles Angels (2023) and the Diamondbacks.

Field Level Media and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Left-hander Blake Snell has exercised his right to opt out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants to become a free agent for the second straight offseason.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner agreed in March to a $62 million, two-year contract that included a $17 million signing bonus payable on Jan. 15, 2026, a $15 million salary for 2024 and a $30 million salary for 2025, of which $15 million would have been deferred and payable on July 1, 2027.

Snell, 31, was 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts, throwing a no-hitter at Cincinnati on Aug. 2 for one of only 16 individual shutouts in the major leagues this season. He struck out 145 and walked 44 in 104 innings.

He was sidelined between April 19 and May 22 by a strained left adductor and between June 2 and July 9 by a strained left groin.

Snell won Cy Young Awards in 2018 with Tampa Bay and 2023 with San Diego. He is 76-58 with a 3.19 ERA in nine seasons with the Rays (2016-20), Padres (2021-23) and Giants.

Because Snell turned down a qualifying offer from San Diego last November, San Francisco is not eligible to make him a qualifying offer this offseason and won't receive draft-pick compensation if he signs with another team.

NEW YORK -- Luke Weaver's 2025 option was exercised by the New York Yankees on Friday for $2.5 million.

Weaver took over from Clay Holmes as Yankees closer in September and finished 7-3 with a 2.89 ERA and four saves, striking out 103 and walking 26 in 84 innings.

The 31-year-old right-hander was 1-0 with a 1.76 ERA and four saves in the postseason as the Yankees won their first American League pennant since 2009 and lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.

He was claimed off waivers by the Yankees from Seattle in September 2023, became a free agent and re-signed with New York in January for a $2 million deal that wound up earning him another $250,000 in performance bonuses.

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani and his dog, celebrated their eighth World Series championship with a downtown parade and a raucous on-field party on Friday.

"This is so special," said Ohtani, who usually only speaks in his native Japanese but addressed a crowd of 42,458 at Dodger Stadium in English. "I'm so honored to be here. Congratulations, Los Angeles. Thank you, guys."

Fellow Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto added in English, "Thank you, Dodger fans."

Rapper Ice Cube kicked off the bash by performing "It Was a Good Day," with manager Dave Roberts dancing and joining in on the lyrics from a blue circular stage in the middle of the field.

"You guys wanted a parade. We got a parade," Roberts said. "Guys, let's get ready to run this back next year, too."

Players exchanged hugs and back slaps on the stage as blue-and-white confetti drifted in the air and the team's signature song, "I Love L.A.," blared. Their children played on the field, with Freddie Freeman's 8-year-old son, Charlie, leading some of them in jumping up on the lower retaining wall near the crowd.

Players took turns passing around the Commissioner's Trophy.

"Who else has more championships than us in the 2020s?" utilityman Kiké Hernández asked. "Absolutely nobody."

Roberts introduced Freeman as someone who "played with one leg and one rib," in reference to the first baseman's injuries.

"I did everything I could to get on the field for you guys and I'm so glad I did because we got a championship now," Freeman said. "I can't wait to run this back next year."

Earlier, seven double-decker buses filled with players, their families and the coaching staff rolled through streets packed on both sides with blue-clad fans. The City of Los Angeles estimated the crowd to be more than 200,000.

"This is incredible," said Freeman, the World Series MVP. "L.A. really showed out today."

Several players smoked cigars and drank beer aboard the buses on the sun-splashed day.

"It's the best thing I've ever been part of," pitcher Clayton Kershaw said. "I've never seen this many people in my life. They're all Dodger fans."

A shirtless Hernández hung over the front of his bus with a beer in his hand. Ohtani held his dog, Decoy, in his arms with his wife, Mamiko, nearby.

"I'm totally overwhelmed with the amount of fans who are here," Ohtani said through an interpreter as the bus rolled along. "It's been an incredible year. I'm so happy that I was able to contribute. The fans and everybody has been so welcoming."

Asked if he would take his shirt off like Hernández, a smiling Ohtani shook his head and replied in English, "No, never."

Walker Buehler, who pitched the ninth inning in the Series finale, did a beer bong while wearing Orel Hershiser's jersey from the team's 1988 World Series championship.

1988 2024 pic.twitter.com/swgeVBi5Nj

MLB (@MLB) November 1, 2024

"This is crazy, man. I love this," outfielder Teoscar Hernandez said.

Fans cheered and waved at their heroes. The parade occurred on what would have been the 64th birthday of Fernando Valenzuela, the 1981 NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year winner who died days before the World Series began.

The Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in five games, clinching the title with a 7-6 victory in the Bronx on Wednesday.

A portion of the proceeds from the ticketed stadium event will be donated to the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

LOS ANGELES -- Clayton Kershaw approached the podium on a blue, circular stage set up in center field at Dodger Stadium on Friday, after the downtown parade he'd always wanted, with his teammates bowing from behind, and the emotions hit him.

"I'm at a loss for words," Kershaw, his voice cracking, told a crowd of 42,448 people who showed up to celebrate the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series title. "I didn't have anything to do with this championship, but it feels like I have the best feeling in the world -- that I get to celebrate with you guys!"

When the Dodgers last won it all, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from enjoying most of the pageantry presented to Major League Baseball's champions, most notably a parade. Kershaw, who had spent his prolonged career chasing a title, never got to fully enjoy a moment that admittedly lifted a massive burden off his shoulders. When the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday night, it gave the franchise its first full-season championship since 1988 and provided its players with an opportunity to celebrate fully.

It probably meant most to Kershaw, even if a foot injury prevented him from helping.

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"I think in 2020 there was like a sense of relief almost," Kershaw said. "And this one -- especially because my role is pretty limited, just to be able to sit back and enjoy it, you know? I think there's just a lot more happiness, honestly. Just so happy to be able to celebrate finally. That parade was for this season, and I feel that this season was unique in its own, and we're gonna celebrate accordingly. But 2020, too -- it's a long time coming. We had a long time coming for this parade. So to be able to finally do it -- I think the build-up made it even sweeter, honestly."

Seven double-decker buses consisting of players, family members and coaches took a two-mile route from Gloria Molina Grand Park near City Hall, down First Street and through Grand Avenue before making their way to Dodger Stadium at around 12:30 p.m. PT. Ice Cube, who famously kicked off Game 2 of the World Series last week, greeted them with a rendition of his iconic song "It Was A Good Day." Dodgers manager Dave Roberts danced alongside him, then went about introducing some of his key players.

Walker Buehler, who recorded the final out, wore Orel Hershiser's grey road jersey from the 1988 World Series and yelled expletives into the microphone. Kiké Hernández, in many ways the team's spiritual leader, stirred the crowd by prompting them to yell "we don't give a f---," a reference to his line during an on-field, postgame interview after a pennant-clinching victory. Shohei Ohtani navigated the parade with his dog, Decoy, in tow, then spoke English from the stage.

"This is so special for me," Ohtani told the crowd. "I'm so honored to be here and to be part of this team. Congratulations, Los Angeles. Thank you, fans!"

Some of the biggest cheers went to Freddie Freeman, who willed his way through a litany of injuries in October and ultimately won World Series MVP. Roberts introduced Freeman as someone who "played with one leg and one rib," a reference to his sprained right ankle and, as ESPN reported Thursday, the broken costal cartilage he sustained the night before the National League Division Series.

Roberts said the team "got out of the woods" with Freeman's rib issue in the time off between the end of the NL Championship Series and the start of the World Series, helping Freeman launch a Kirk Gibson-style walk-off grand slam in Game 1.

"But he wasn't nearly close to 100 percent," Roberts added.

Neither was Kershaw, of course.

The 36-year-old left-hander underwent shoulder surgery last offseason and didn't make his 2024 debut until late July. Then, in his seventh start, he aggravated a long-standing toe injury. Attempts to return for the postseason only led to other ailments, forcing him out for the stretch run of the season.

On Wednesday, Kershaw said, he'll undergo surgery to fix his left foot -- consisting of a bone spur and a ruptured plantar plate, among other issues -- and another procedure to address a meniscus issue in his left knee.

At some point over these next few days, Kershaw will either exercise his player option for 2025 or sign a new contract to return for his 18th season with the Dodgers.

For 17 years, Kershaw established himself as one of the most monumental figures in the franchise's illustrious history. He won three Cy Young Awards and an MVP, made 10 All-Star teams, became the all-time leader in strikeouts and accumulated the second-most wins. But he was continually part of star-studded Dodger teams that came up short in the playoffs and, fairly or not, shouldered the blame for much of it.

The 2020 championship brought him vindication.

The 2024 championship allowed him to properly celebrate.

"I knew it was gonna be a special day, all the stuff, but it was a little bit more emotional than I expected," Kershaw said. "It's a day that I'll definitely never forget. You know, baseball is just a game. Everybody says that. But I don't know, man. You look around and you see how much it means to so many different people. It might be baseball, but it means a lot to a lot of different people. I'm no different."

Alexander Zverev will face Holger Rune in the semi-finals of the Paris Masters after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets.

German world number three Zverev defeated Greek 10th seed Tsitsipas 7-5 6-4 on Friday.

That victory made him only the third active player to reach 20 ATP Masters 1,000 semi-finals, joining Novak Djokovic (78) and Rafael Nadal (76).

Semi-final opponent Rune overcame Australian ninth seed Alex de Minaur 6-4 4-6 7-5.

Zverev, 27, is chasing his seventh career Masters 1,000 title and second of the season following his triumph in Rome.

He next faces a former Paris champion in Danish 21-year-old Rune, who won the tournament in 2022 by beating Djokovic in the final.

On meeting Zverev for a place in the 2024 final, world number 13 Rune said: "He is one of the best players this year, so I will have to be very well prepared and physically recover and build on the level from this match."

Bulgarian eighth seed Grigor Dimitrov plays Russian Karen Khachanov after Frenchman Ugo Humbert takes on Australian Jordan Thompson in the remaining quarter-finals later on Friday.

Napoli are the surprise early pacesetters in Serie A this season, but if they are to remain on top and achieve what had seemed an unlikely Scudetto triumph then work is required more than prayers, manager Antonio Conte said on Friday.

Last season Napoli finished 10th in a dismal title defence, which cost two managers their jobs. Conte's reign began with a 3-0 loss at Hellas Verona on this campaign's opening day, with the new coach calling his side a work in progress.

Since then, Napoli are undefeated in nine games, winning eight and conceding just two goals to open up a four-point gap at the top over defending champions Inter Milan.

When asked in a news conference if winning the title this season would be a miracle, Conte said: "I am a man of faith, even practically, and I know only one person who performs them.

"I always pray, even for the team, that they are well, in addition to my family there is also a prayer for the players.

"We must work, all of us, from the cook and the kit man to create something beautiful that can give extra points in a championship.

"We cannot make any mistakes in this, we are not in a position to make mistakes. Then, football miracles have always happened, but you have to work to hope it happens, it's not enough to pray."

On Sunday, Napoli host Atalanta, who lost three of their opening five games but are now up to third place in the table after four successive wins and claimed last season's Europa League under Gian Piero Gasperini, their coach since 2016.

"They have been in the Champions League for years, it is a team that today must be counted among the strongest, without a doubt," Conte added.

"Credit to the club, to Gasperini, who has done an extraordinary job in all these years and I have great respect for Gian Piero. When I played at Juventus he was coach of the youth team.

"I respect him a lot, through hard work he has achieved results, you don't win the Europa League if you are not strong."

At this time last week, the Seattle Seahawks were alone atop the NFC West at 4-3.

But by Sunday night, they could find themselves in last place. A loss to the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field would assure as much regardless of whether the Arizona Cardinals win or lose on the road against the Chicago Bears.

Such is life in the NFL's tightest division.

Entering Week 9, the Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers and Seahawks are all tied at 4-4, and the Rams are just half a game behind at 3-4. Arizona holds the tiebreaker by virtue of its 2-0 start in NFC West play. The Rams-Seahawks game on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox) is the first of eight NFC West matchups to close the season.

Elsewhere in the NFC, the gap between first and last place is 3 games in the East, two in the North and four in the South. The top and bottom spots in all four AFC divisions are separated by 3 to 5 games.

Why is the NFC West closer than the others? Among the reasons, the 49ers -- a Super Bowl favorite to start the season -- have been plagued by injuries, and the Cardinals have kicked three game-winning field goals.

Here's a breakdown of where things stand with the Seahawks, 49ers, Rams and Cardinals, plus how the NFC West might be won. -- Brady Henderson

Arizona Cardinals (4-4)

FPI's overall ranking: No. 21
Chances to win division: 32.9%
Chances to make the playoffs: 38.2%
Next five games: vs. Chicago Bears, vs. New York Jets, BYE, at Seattle, at Minnesota Vikings

Assess the quarterback: Kyler Murray is playing some of the best football of his career -- ranking third in the NFL in QBR (74.4) -- thanks to an intimate understanding of the Cardinals' scheme, a clean bill of health and both a comfortability and happiness with the coaches and players around him. Now in Year 6, he has faced a majority of what defenses are throwing at him.

Cardinals' X factor: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. When the fourth overall pick gets going, he -- as the kids say -- eats. Harrison, who had 26 catches for 411 yards and five touchdowns, has the capability to make any touch into a scoring play and change the direction of a game. His third-quarter touchdown against the Dolphins in Week 8 catalyzed Arizona's final two scoring drives in the victory. When he can string together a series of catches, it opens up the offense for everyone else.

Biggest concern going forward: Consistency. The Cardinals have found a bit of a rhythm with back-to-back wins for the first time since 2021. Arizona needs to fix some persistent issues -- for example, improving their third-down defense, which ranks last in the NFL -- or it will be at risk of getting passed in the division.

Reason for optimism: When the Cardinals' offense is clicking, it's as good as any offense in the NFL. It can deploy a mix of run -- between James Conner and Murray -- and pass that keeps a defense on its toes because of the unknown, namely whether Murray will run or throw. Arizona has shown the ability to score points quickly or eat the clock with an offense that can do it all from every angle.

Biggest divisional game left on schedule: There are really two. The first is Week 12 at Seattle because that's the next one and with the division so close right now, that game can add some separation in the tiebreakers with wins over all three of their NFC West rivals. But the most important one very well might end up being the last game of the season, when the 49ers visit the Cardinals. The division could come down to that.

Key player expected back from injury: Rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson. The second of Arizona's two first-round picks is expected back in the next week or two from a calf injury that has sidelined him this season. His presence will give the Cardinals an instant boost on a defensive front that has been hampered by injuries, especially at edge rush, which is down two of its top three options. -- Josh Weinfuss

Los Angeles Rams (3-4)

FPI's overall ranking: No. 18
Chances to win division: 15.5%
Chances to make the playoffs: 19.5%
Next five games: at Seattle, vs. Miami Dolphins, at New England Patriots, vs. Philadelphia Eagles, at New Orleans Saints

Assess the quarterback: The Rams feel great about quarterback Matthew Stafford, who had his best game of the season Thursday night when he had both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua for an entire game. In that game, he threw more touchdown passes (four) than he had in the first six games of the season (three).

Rams' X factor: Nacua. There's no doubt the Rams missed Nacua for the five-plus games he was on IR because of a right knee injury. The receiver had his eighth game with 100 receiving yards Thursday in his 19th career game, according to ESPN Research. And he did that despite catching just a few from Stafford leading up to the game because of the short week.

Biggest concern going forward: The secondary. The Rams have seen improvement in this area this season, especially since the return of cornerback Darious Williams, but it might be the weakest position group on the field. Los Angeles has a young defense and hasn't had an elite player in the secondary since trading Jalen Ramsey in March 2023.

Reason for optimism: Week 8 win against the Minnesota Vikings. The Rams got a glimpse of what they hoped this offense would look like before they were hit by injuries, scoring a season-high 30 points against a team ranked first in defensive DVOA. Los Angeles had a slow start to the season but is healthy in time to be in the playoff conversation.

Biggest divisional game left on schedule: Week 17 vs. Cardinals. There's no bad pick of the remaining four divisional games, but beating Arizona is important because they've already lost to them this season. Arizona beat Los Angeles 41-10 in Week 3, a game in which Stafford took nine hits and five sacks, and Kyren Williams was held to 25 yards on 12 carries.

Key player expected back from injury: OL Steve Avila. The Rams have been hit hard on the offensive line, including Avila, who is on IR because of an MCL sprain. When Avila and Jonah Jackson return, the Rams should have the majority of their preferred starting offense back. The line has looked better of late, but there's no doubt Avila's and Jackson's return will be a boost. -- Sarah Barshop

San Francisco 49ers (4-4)

FPI's overall ranking: No. 6
Chances to win division: 37.8%
Chances to make the playoffs: 44.2%
Next five games: BYE, at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, vs. Seattle, at Green Bay Packers, at Buffalo Bills

Assess the quarterback: For the most part, Brock Purdy has played well this season, but a rash of injuries at the skill positions combined with changing defensive game plans has made life more difficult for the offense. It has led to Purdy holding on to the ball longer, being forced to scramble more often and a decrease in yards after the catch. Purdy is still rolling toward a massive contract extension in the offseason, though the price tag might depend on how he closes out the year.

49ers' X factor: LB Dre Greenlaw. Aside from the Herculean efforts of Fred Warner, the Niners have simply not been good enough at linebacker. Greenlaw is working his way back from a torn Achilles and it seems unlikely he'll be at full strength this season. But San Francisco hopes he can return in the coming weeks and be an upgrade over the others who have filled in for him. Even at 80-85%, Greenlaw would help this defense significantly.

Biggest concern going forward: Special teams. In four losses, the 49ers have been outscored by an average of five points per game and three of those defeats have been by six points or fewer. The margin for error is slimmer for this team than it has been in the past, which is why a big special teams play or two can mean the difference between winning and losing. Through Week 8, San Francisco ranks 31st in the NFL in special teams expected points added (minus-17.89).

Reason for optimism: It's obviously not the preferred method of getting to the postseason, but this isn't the first time the Niners have started slow and gone on a run. Since Kyle Shanahan took over in 2017, the 49ers are a combined 39-22 in November, December and January, a 63.9% win percentage that ranks third in the NFL in that span. Most recently, they stormed back from a 3-5 start in 2021 to finish 10-7 and a 3-4 start that ended in a 13-4 record in 2022. Both teams made the NFC Championship Game. It also doesn't hurt that the NFC West is wide open.

Biggest divisional game left on schedule: Week 17 at Arizona. Because the 49ers blew double-digit leads against the Rams and Cardinals, every divisional game the rest of the way carries more weight than usual. But we'll opt for the season-ender in the desert based on the premise that this division is so up in the air that it very well could come down to the last week. The 49ers also surely wouldn't mind a measure of revenge for the walk-off loss to Arizona in Week 5.

Key player expected back from injury: RB Christian McCaffrey. Candidly, the 49ers' season might depend on not only McCaffrey's return but also his ability to be at or near his usual, prodigious levels of productivity. They are aiming for a Nov. 10 return against Tampa Bay. If that happens, the offense has a chance to take off and carry this team to contention. -- Nick Wagoner

Seattle Seahawks (4-4)

FPI's overall ranking: No. 24
Chances to win division: 13.8%
Chances to make the playoffs: 17.7%
Next five games: vs. Rams, BYE, at San Francisco, vs. Arizona, at Jets

Assess the quarterback: Geno Smith has been solid, but the Seahawks have needed him to be spectacular given all of their shortcomings. Often chasing big deficits and having no run game to lean on, Smith (14th in QBR) leads the NFL in attempts (308) and yards (2,197) but has eight TD passes compared to seven interceptions, with tough luck involved in a few of the picks.

Seahawks' X factor: Kenneth Walker III. The Seahawks' RB1 is tied for fourth with seven touchdowns from scrimmage even though he sat out two games. Walker is a difference-maker, but the Seahawks haven't involved him enough. They're last in the NFL in designed rush rate in part because they've abandoned the run in several games while playing from behind.

Biggest concern going forward: The run defense is a mess. The Seahawks are giving up the fourth-most rushing yards per game (148.4) and the fifth-highest yards-per-carry average (4.9). It has remained a weakness even as Seattle's defense has improved its health up front. Coach Mike Macdonald has identified it as a second-level issue, which helps explain why they traded for linebacker Ernest Jones IV.

Reason for optimism: Jones, acquired from the Tennessee Titans for Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick, should help Seattle's run defense. He's known as a strong run defender and plays with an aggressive, downhill style that the Seahawks weren't getting from Baker. Their run defense wasn't much better in Jones' debut, though he had 15 tackles after practicing with his new team twice.

Biggest divisional game left on schedule: Week 11 at 49ers. All of the games look big given the tightly packed standings, but none are bigger than the rematch with the 49ers. San Francisco won the first meeting at Lumen Field, so losing both would give the 49ers the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Seahawks will be coming off their bye, which should help as they try to end a six-game losing streak to their division rivals.

Key player expected back from injury: Abraham Lucas' long-awaited return appears to be getting closer. The third-year right tackle -- arguably the team's top O-lineman as a rookie in 2022 -- has been on the physically unable to perform list while working his way back from surgery for a knee issue that sidelined him for much of 2023. He's back at practice and could be on the field in Week 11. -- Henderson