Category: Sports

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. FanDuel is the market leader in U.S. sports betting, known for its polished app, fast payouts, and deep selection of betting markets across every major sport. The current FanDuel promo gives new users the chance to get $350 in Bonus Bets when you bet $5 for seven consecutive days. This welcome bonus is available to eligible customers in approved states, and no promo code is required. Atlanta’s seven-game winning streak is over after the Giants handed the Braves a loss last night. The Braves look to bounce back against San Francisco, while Boston carries the energy of a 10th-inning walk-off against Seattle into today’s action. Current FanDuel Promo Offer for New Users: Bet $5 Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 Days Each day you qualify, you’ll receive a Bet Reset Token that can be applied to any wager. If your bet loses, you’ll be refunded in Bonus Bets—up to $50 per token. No promo code is needed — the bonus is auto-applied as long as you register through the links provided here. FanDuel Sportsbook $1,000 Promo Terms & Conditions Today’s Top FanDuel Promos for Existing Customers Get 250/1 odds on your $1 Team USA to Reach the Round of 16 Wager. You can get up to $250 in CASH if your $1 bet wins! How to Claim the FanDuel Sportsbook Welcome Bonus Claiming the FanDuel welcome offer takes only a few minutes. Here’s how to get started: FanDuel Ongoing Promotions For Existing Users FanDuel doesn’t just reward new sign-ups. Existing users can also take advantage of a wide range of promos and features: FanDuel Referral Bonus FanDuel Profit Boost Tokens A profit boost token is a coupon you apply to a qualifying bet to increase your winnings by a set percentage (for example, 30%, 50%, or 100%). It does not change your stake, your odds on the slip, or your risk. They are similar to Odds Boosts, but Odds Boosts are pre-selected by FanDuel on specific bets, while profit boosts let you choose the wager within stated limits (eligible sports/markets, minimum odds, and a max stake cap). These tokens are usually tied to a particular event, league, or bet type and are time sensitive, so they expire if not used by the listed deadline. Example: You receive a 50% profit boost for NFL straight bets. You place $25 at +200. Normally, profit would be $50. With the 50% boost, FanDuel adds $25 extra profit, so your total return is $25 stake + $75 profit = $100. FanDuel Promo Comparison vs Other Sportsbooks How Does the FanDuel Sign-Up Offer Compare to the Competition? To stay competitive, FanDuel is currently offering a Bet Reset bonus, diffeerent from sportsbooks like DraftKings and bet365. Like bet365, FanDuel requires one wager have odds of -500 or greater (still a pretty easy bet). The low $5 minimum bet makes it beginner-friendly. Where is FanDuel Legal? FanDuel Sportsbook Review 2026 FanDuel has set the standard for online sports betting in the U.S. Its combination of an easy-to-use platform, deep market coverage and innovative features makes it the go-to choice for millions of bettors. In this section, we’ll break down the key areas that matter most when evaluating a sportsbook. FanDuel Desktop User Experience & Interface The UX & interface is truly one of FanDuel’s top selling points. It’s hard to quantify but they may be the best. Fast and intuitive are the two words that come to mind when describing the experience. FanDuel Betslip FanDuel’s betslip stands out thanks to its top-tier Same Game Parlay builder, which makes it easy to customize wagers. You can add markets from anywhere in the app, and they’ll automatically populate in the betslip—streamlining the process without relying on clunky popups. The design is widely praised for convenience and functionality, though some desktop users note that the betslip can take up a bit too much screen space. FanDuel Mobile App Experience Market Depth & Betting Options FanDuel is recognized for its market depth, with betting options that stretch across every major sport as well as niche events. Standard spreads, moneylines, and totals are available for all games, complemented by a wide range of player props and creative specials. Bettors can explore both mainstream and alternative markets: Sports You Can Bet On With FanDuel: Key Events You Can Bet On With FanDuel: Every game mentioned above has standard spread, moneyline, totals, and a wide variety of player props you can bet on. But the platform doesn’t stop with the major leagues, as it also features odds on entertainment and alternative markets such as the Oscars, eSports, lacrosse, and table tennis. This breadth of coverage helps explain why FanDuel frequently appears in roundups of the best NFL betting sites and top sportsbooks in the U.S. Betting Features & Innovation FanDuel is #1 for a reason; they’re constantly pushing the envelope. In March 2025, they launched the first AI sports betting chat experience. Bet Back Tokens Bet Your Bracket Real Time Check-In FanDuel Live Betting FanDuel shines here, and it might be the best in the business. Its advanced game tracker pairs crisp visuals with real-time context, making it a perfect companion while you watch. You get live stats inside the tracker along with clear play-by-play summaries, so it’s easy to follow momentum and key moments. The result is a second-screen experience that actually helps you make smarter in-game decisions. FanDuel Promotions FanDuel’s current offer is Bet $5, Get $50 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 Days. It suits new users who want a low-risk way to start betting. A simple $5 daily wager unlocks Bet Reset Tokens that protect each bet’s downside. If the bet loses, they’re refunded in Bonus Bets up to $200; if it wins, they keep the profit. It’s a structured, repeatable entry point that limits exposure while building comfort with real-money wagering. FanDuel runs daily odds boosts on major leagues and regularly issues profit boost tokens you can apply to eligible bets to increase winnings without increasing risk. You will also see featured Same Game Parlay and SGP+ promos, plus periodic “no-sweat” or parlay insurance style offers around marquee events. Check the Promotions tab for current terms, minimum odds, max stake caps, and expiry. FanDuel Banking: Deposit & Withdrawals Trust & Safety FanDuel Sportsbook is legally available online in 24 states plus Washington, D.C., with additional retail locations in Nevada, Washington, and Mississippi. Expansion is expected to continue, with Missouri being the latest to legalize sports betting. The platform also emphasizes player protection, offering responsible gaming tools such as real-time check-ins, deposit and loss limits, timeouts, and exclusion options. For customer support, users can access live chat or email assistance, while secure payment processing and multi-factor authentication ensure that both transactions and accounts remain protected. FanDuel Sportsbook Pros & Cons Pros: Cons: FanDuel Players Club & FanDuel Points The FanDuel Players Club is the sportsbook’s way of thanking you for being a loyal fan. All FanDuel players are automatically enrolled, and you’ll get special rewards based on the amount of FanDuel Points (FDP) you earn every month. So, for example, the amount of FDP you earn in September will determine your Players Club status for December. FanDuel Promo Code FAQ What is the current FanDuel promo code, and how does it work? Do I need to enter a promo code to get the FanDuel welcome bonus? How do you enter a promo code on FanDuel? What states allow FanDuel? Can I cash out FanDuel in another state? How long does FanDuel withdrawal take? Who owns FanDuel? Does FanDuel have a referral bonus? Gambling disclaimer: Only individuals aged 21 and over are permitted to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling is subject to local state regulation and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly – information relating to responsible gambling can be found here.

No one knows for sure how things might change during the upcoming college football season, but early indications are that the 2027 NFL Draft will be the strongest in years. Quarterbacks — such as Texas’ Arch Manning, Oregon’s Dante Moore and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin — have dominated the early buzz because, well, they’re quarterbacks brimming with talent and potential. But the beauty of next year’s draft class is that it could offer several franchise-altering prospects at other positions, as well. I’ve ranked the top 10 non-QBs heading into the season and, as you’d expect, all of them have a realistic chance at being a first-round pick next spring. Frankly, the top seven players would have been selected on Day 1 this year. As a bonus, I’ve included a pro comparison for each prospect. Grading offensive linemen is more about fit and grit than analytics, but Green checks in with the numbers that even a stat geek can appreciate. The 6-foot-5, 324-pounder is a three-year starter dating back to his true freshman season at Oklahoma. He allowed just two sacks in 751 pass drops last year, his first at the premium left tackle position after spending his first two seasons inside at left guard, where he routinely delivered pancake blocks. Green is a talented pass blocker, as well as a spark plug in the running game. He gains impressive depth in his kick-slide and has the lateral agility and core strength to handle counters. I’m eager to see if he is even smoother in Year 2 at tackle. Between his girth, grip-strength, competitiveness and previous experience at guard, Green should offer his future NFL team plenty of roster flexibility. Pro comp: Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills Lacy went from a backup at Missouri to leading the entire country with 24 rushing touchdowns at Ole Miss last year. He is sudden and slippery, consistently zipping around and past would-be tacklers. His elusiveness generates plenty of highlight-reel worthy plays, but Lacy is also quite effective in short yardage, showing impressive leg drive, balance through contact and sheer determination to grind out the tough yards, too. Along with his frequent trips to the end zone, the 5-foot-11, 205-pounder led the nation with 335 touches in 2025. There is no denying that Lacy was aided by the creative playcalling of former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. With Kiffin now in Baton Rouge, scouts are curious to see if Lacy can duplicate his remarkable sophomore campaign. Pro comp: TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots Robinson wasn’t quite as flashy as the aforementioned Lacy last year, but he was close, earning FWAA Freshman Defensive Player of the Year honors with four interceptions, tying for tops in the talent-rich SEC. Robinson is every bit the athletic phenom you’d expect as a former five-star recruit out of IMG Academy. He has a tight, low backpedal and easy hip turn to track receivers downfield, showing impressive balance and burst out of his breaks and legitimate recovery speed when necessary. He’s also a surprisingly scrappy tackler. A rarity for a young cornerback, Robinson’s hands might be even better than his feet. Robinson can get a bit grabby downfield, but refs often let him compete because he locates the ball well, showing impressive hand-eye coordination to either catch it himself or rake it out of the hands of the intended receiver at the final moment. Interceptions against state rival Georgia Tech and this one versus Charlotte show Robinson’s rare body control and extension to make tough grabs look easy. Pro comp: Trent McDuffie, Los Angeles Rams With all due respect to star quarterback Dante Moore, Washington is both literally and figuratively the biggest reason why Oregon has a chance to match Indiana from a year ago and win its first national championship in program history. He is the centerpiece of arguably the best defensive line in college football. Washington would have been a first-round pick last year but was one of several Ducks who chose to stay north for one more winter rather than migrate to the NFL. He is surprisingly quick and agile for someone listed at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, and he already possesses NFL power, stacking and discarding would-be blockers like paper plates at a summer barbeque. And just ask No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza about Washington’s bull rush. Pro comp: Kenny Clark, Dallas Cowboys If you thought the hype built up around Arch Manning last year was intense, just wait until this season, with the Longhorns set to stampede for a national title and dominate the first round of the 2027 draft. Coleman — the first of three Longhorns in this article — was lured to Austin from Auburn, where he caught a combined 93 receptions for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns over his first two seasons, despite a limited supporting cast. The stats on Coleman are good, but the tape is even better. He is already an established playmaker whose film screams first-round pick. His star could shine from another galaxy, however, now that he’s working with Manning and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, one of the best offensive minds in the sport at any level. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Coleman has the size and athleticism of a future No. 1 NFL receiver. He is an effortless mover who accelerates in a flash and changes directions fluidly. Better yet, he offers exceptional body control and sticky hands to make acrobatic catches even with defenders draped over him. Pro comp: George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys Cornerback is not universally regarded as one of the premium positions by NFL teams. Otherwise, Moore might rank even higher on this list, as his profile is spectacular. He is coming off of a unanimous All-American campaign as a true sophomore in which he recorded five interceptions and was a finalist for not only the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, but the Bronko Nagurski Award as the best overall defender in college football. Listed at 6-foot-2, 197 pounds, Moore has intimidating size for a cornerback. He has a smooth turning motion, seamlessly transitioning out of his backpedal into full gallop. He locates the ball well for a young player, instantly reading underneath routes and showing impressive downhill quickness to trigger back toward the quarterback. Moore has broken up and/or intercepted more passes (25) than he has allowed first downs (23) over his first two seasons of college football, and he’s also a physical hitter, having forced three fumbles. These numbers are all the more impressive when considering Notre Dame often asked him to travel with the opponents’ top receiver, including playing out of the nickel. Pro comp: Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots No disrespect to former Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr. — the No. 9 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2025 — but the Longhorns might have upgraded with the 6-foot-7, 325-pound Goosby succeeding Banks at left tackle. Pro Football Focus pinned three sacks (out of 492 reps in pass protection) on Goosby last year, but I don’t know that he was truly at fault for any of them. His tape was as clean as any blocker in the 2026 draft, and remember, there were nine blockers drafted in the first round this past spring. Goosby is still just growing into his body, but he already moves with such an exciting combination of grace and force that it is easy to project him as a future Pro Bowler, if not All-Pro. He eases off the snap in pass protection, sliding laterally and keeping himself square to the rusher. Goosby surges low and hard as a run blocker, as well, showing impressive bend, balance and power to move defenders in the running game. Pro comp: Laremy Tunsil, Washington Commanders Stewart promises to be one of the most scrutinized non-quarterbacks of this draft class because he is remarkably gifted yet has not generated the eye-popping production his talent portends. He checks in at a prototypical 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, with long arms, which he already effectively uses to lock out and shed would-be blockers, as well as lasso ballcarriers from behind. As a pass-rusher, Stewart is sudden off the snap and has excellent core flexibility to dip under the reach of offensive tackles, greasing the edge and closing in a flash. He’s recorded 11.5 sacks over his first two seasons of SEC football, but his frequent pressures suggest his production could be twice that. Stewart’s blend of size and athleticism are exciting build blocks. He’s already quite strong and is technically sound with some refined pass rush techniques. He’s just growing into his frame and game, projecting as a future All-Pro caliber edge. Pro comp: Robert Quinn (retired) Similar in many ways to 2026 No. 5 overall selection Arvel Reese, Simmons is a malleable monster capable of starring off the edge or as an off-ball linebacker. He is as swift on the perimeter as any rusher in this class, accelerating off the ball like a receiver getting into his route. He isn’t just explosive, he’s flexible, slithering his way through waves of blockers. Watch his anticipation on this snap. The quarterback (and left tackle) had no chance. Moreover, Simmons is shockingly strong at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds. Like all great speed rushers, Simmons generates impressive power with the momentum he gains off his rush, often bulldozing through blockers nearly 100 pounds larger. He has recorded 21 sacks over his first two seasons — despite starting just 13 games. Simmons’ physical gifts are undeniable and will almost certainly earn him a top-five selection whenever he chooses to enter the draft. He isn’t a prospect without flaws, however. He’s been penalized a dozen times in just two collegiate seasons, with most of his penalties coming from mental errors, such as lining up in the neutral zone or unnecessary late hits on the quarterback. Even with the occasional hiccup, Simmons has the look of a future franchise cornerstone. Pro comp: Von Miller, Dallas Cowboys It is difficult to discuss Smith and not venture into hyperbole. Ohio State’s track record for producing superstar NFL wide receivers has been well documented and Smith’s production over his first two years in Columbus is unprecedented even among them. His 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns during his first two seasons on campus aren’t just records for an Ohio State receiver; they top all pass-catchers in Big Ten history. Along with current and future Hall of Famers Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, Derrick Henry, Myles Garrett and Penei Sewell, Smith is one of a handful of players I’ve evaluated over my career who I believe were capable of playing in the NFL as true freshmen. At a rocked up 6-foot-3, 223 pounds, Smith can simply bully most defensive backs at the college level. His size and strength make him an ideal weapon in the red zone, where he shows good timing and hand-eye coordination to play above the rim. And he’s a legitimate vertical threat who accelerates smoothly and tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Smith is also excellent on slants and crossing routes, utilizing his frame to keep himself between the defender and the ball and showing good vision to rack up yardage after the catch. It is remarkable how many times he outruns pursuit angles or slips between defenders seemingly in position to stop him. We’ve often heard the expression “runaway freight train” used to describe running backs, but the characterization also applies to Smith at receiver. Comparisons to past size-speed phenoms such as the aforementioned Johnson, Jones and DK Metcalf will be common throughout the draft process. The scary part about Smith is that he’s already further along as a route-runner than any of these receivers were coming out of college. Pro comp: Julio Jones (retired)

Following initial 53-man roster cutdowns, NFL teams continued adjusting their active rosters through waiver claims, injury designations and more Monday. The Dallas Cowboys made a surprise roster move in their quarterback room by waiving Joe Milton, leaving Sam Howell as the backup to Dak Prescott despite Milton’s preseason performances. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders placed left tackle Laremy Tunsil on injured reserve Monday. More NFC East news dropped as New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers stayed noncommittal about his Week 1 availability. And the Los Angeles Chargers made headlines by reuniting the Herbert brothers. Here is the latest from around the league on Monday: With Week 1 right around the corner, the Dallas Cowboys made a surprising roster move on Monday morning. The Cowboys are waiving quarterback Joe Milton to make room for running back Emari Demercado, according to ESPN. The decision clears the path for Sam Howell to serve as Dak Prescott’s backup quarterback to start the season. Milton was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots out of Tennessee. Milton spent six years in college playing for both Michigan and Tennessee, but only started one full season during his redshirt senior year. With the Volunteers, Milton completed 64.5% of his passes for 2,813 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. Now with Milton’s NFL future up in the air, it will be worth keeping an eye on whether another team claims him off waivers. A player with his physical tools might not stay a free agent long and could find his way into a quarterback competition sooner rather than later. The Washington Commanders took a major roster hit on Monday afternoon. They’re placing five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton on injured reserve, according to ESPN. Both players could return later this season, but Tunsil faces a long recovery after tearing his triceps early in training camp. Newton faces a similar uphill battle after suffering a torn pectoral muscle during a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. Tunsil played in 14 games last season for the Commanders after an offseason trade with the Houston Texans that brought in a true pass protector for quarterback Jayden Daniels. For a team repeatedly plagued by injuries, this season doesn’t appear to be any different. Missing Tunsil and Newton for most or even all of the 2026 season puts head coach Dan Quinn in a tough spot in a crowded and competitive NFC East. The Commanders are set to kick off their season on the road in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers progressed from individual drills to full-contact team sessions at practice on Monday, shedding his no-contact jersey. However, with New York set to open its regular season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13, the wideout remains uncertain if he will be cleared in time as he recovers from a torn ACL in his right knee. “My mind is focused on playing the regular season: playing whenever that is,” Nabers said after practice Monday. “There’s still some things that you still have to check off the box for you to participate. I’m still going through that, still listening to the trainers, still listening to doctors and sharing everything with them.” Nabers added that he feels “real good” physically, but emphasized that final clearance remains a process between himself, doctors, and the coaching staff. “That’ll be a decision that will be made when that time comes,” Nabers said regarding Week 1. “There’s certain things that, as a football player, you’ve got to mentally prepare (for) before you go into a game… I want to be able to come out there and make no mistakes and just be able to fly around and do what I do. I’m getting there, for sure.” The Los Angeles Chargers signed tight end Patrick Herbert to their practice squad Monday, joining his brother, starting quarterback Justin Herbert, according to NFL Network. Patrick Herbert was waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of Sunday’s 53-man roster deadline and chose Los Angeles after receiving interest from multiple teams. The Herbert brothers previously played together at Oregon during the 2019 season, helping lead the Ducks to a Rose Bowl victory. Patrick, who recorded two catches for 12 yards during Jacksonville’s 2026 preseason action, joins a Chargers tight end group featuring Charlie Kolar, Oronde Gadsden, and David Njoku. The Chargers open the regular season on Sept. 13 against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Chicago Cubs are making history once again, but this time it comes at the expense of their division rival, the first-place Milwaukee Brewers. Following a convincing 17-3 victory, the Cubs found themselves back in the record books. The Cubs’ offense was unstoppable on Monday night at Wrigley Field. Chicago set a franchise single-game record by launching nine home runs, capping off a historic month in which they hit over 60 home runs in August. Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison had a start he will certainly want to forget, allowing nine earned runs in just 3.2 innings of work. Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman led the charge with three home runs, channeling his inner Pete Crow-Armstrong, who did the same earlier this week. Crow-Armstrong has been on an offensive tear this season, firmly placing himself alongside Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani in the National League MVP race. His spark has energized the rest of the lineup, as seven of nine Cubs starters hit home runs against the Brewers. With Monday night’s win, the Cubs still remain seven games behind the Brewers in the NL Central. However, they hold a comfortable five-game cushion over the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres for the top Wild Card spot. With Chicago’s offense firing on all cylinders, the Cubs are building the kind of momentum that wins in October. If Crow-Armstrong and company can sustain this production, nobody will want to face them come playoff time and that includes the World Series-favorite Dodgers.

A Louisiana court ruling permitting NFL players to return to campus has ignited immediate pushback from college football’s top powerhouses. Despite heavy penalties from the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12, head coaches remain sharply divided over how to handle the roster chaos. To no one’s surprise, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin is leaning right into the storm. Rather than diffusing the backlash over his latest roster additions, Kiffin doubled down during his Monday press conference, seemingly embracing the heat. “I feel like my decision should always be made in the best interest of the players that sit in this team room and not for my reputation and how the decisions play in the national media or other fanbases,” Kiffin said. “I’ve never been that way and that could be wrong.” Rather than backing down, Kiffin leaned directly into the chaos as he normally does. Kiffin framed college football and the NFL as two sides of the same coin, positioning the shift not as a temporary phase, but as the sport’s inevitable future. “Those players and the people that hire me always know he’s constantly trying to do the best thing for them,” Kiffin said. “So I struggle too. Even though that’s what you do in the NFL and there’s an argument that these players are paid like that and it’s what happened yesterday.” Kiffin might back it, but Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian isn’t buying in. In fact, he’s questioning the very ethics of bringing former NFL players into the college game. “The fact that somebody out there is going to take a player off of an NFL roster and tell somebody who’s been doing it for nine months to go kick rocks, that doesn’t sit well with me” Sarkisian said. “I think that’s wrong. That morally is wrong.” Even with the brutally honest response from Sarkisian, Kiffin took the matter to LSU’s player leadership committee before making any moves. Even if Kiffin isn’t solely to blame, he’s clearly shielding his decision behind the green light from his team. “I met with our leadership committee and every one of them was emphatic about, ‘If they can help us win, bring them,'” Kiffin said. “We understand that we have a team that’s practiced together all offseason, but this is how it works at the next level and this is how the real world works.” Whether you side with Kiffin’s cold pragmatism or Sarkisian’s ethical stand, this debate is just getting started. Expect every late-season roster addition to be judged under this exact spotlight.

The revamped Chase has 16 drivers in a 10-race mini-season after the points reset following the regular season. There are no eliminations. It all comes down to who has the most points after these 10 races. That driver will be the champion. There are just 100 points separating the top-16 drivers. The Chase tracks: Darlington, St. Louis, Bristol, Kansas, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Phoenix, Talladega, Martinsville and Homestead. Here are the 16 drivers who will compete for the 2026 championship: Points: First with 2,100 (+25 ahead of second)2026 Wins: Las Vegas, Nashville, Michigan, Pocono Why He Will Win Title: Hamlin has the experience of competing for a title and has won at all 10 Chase tracks at some point in his career. And if it comes down to Homestead, he has the third-best average finish there of any driver, including seven top fives in 21 starts. Why He Won’t Win Title: He’s Denny Hamlin. He’s not supposed to win the title. And when he gets to Homestead, he’ll be older than every champion in NASCAR history. Points: Second with 2,075 (-25 behind leader)2026 Wins: Phoenix, Atlanta, New Hampshire Why He Will Win Title: This could come down to stage points, and he and Ty Gibbs have earned the most this year. Plus, he should be good at Phoenix and Martinsville, two of the final four races. Why He Won’t Win Title: The Penske intermediate program is just not strong enough for Blaney to compete with the Toyotas. Points: Third with 2,065 (-35 behind leader)2026 Wins: Daytona, Atlanta (1), Austin, Darlington, Kansas Why He Will Win Title: He’s been known to go on a roll. And both Darlington and Kansas are in The Chase and those are tracks where he’s won. Why He Won’t Win Title: After an incredible start to the season, he’s lost momentum. Does anyone even remember that he had more than a 100-point lead in the standings earlier this year? Points: Fourth with 2,060 (-40)2026 Wins: Bristol, Iowa Why He Will Win Title: He earns lots of stage points so he should be in the hunt. And he now knows how to win Cup races. Why He Won’t Win Title: He’s just a little too young. He’d be the youngest champ ever. And can he really beat Denny Hamlin — his teammate — straight up over 10 races? Points: Fifth with 2,055 (-55)2026 Wins: Chicagoland Why He Will Win Title: Briscoe and the JGR No. 19 team tend to hang within striking distance. He has won the last two Southern 500s so he very well could open the race strong. Why He Won’t Win Title: Inconsistency could plague this team. Points: Sixth with 2,050 (-5)2026 Wins: None Why He Will Win Title: He’s had the most top-five finishes than in any season in his career. That should continue and will be key in this new format. Why He Won’t Win Title: He most likely will have to win a race. There’s no doubt he can. But many doubt he will. Points: Seventh with 2,045 (-55)2026 Wins: None Why He Will Win Title: Larson won the 2025 title without a win in The Chase. So why not? Granted, it’s a different system, but he could rack up the points. Why He Won’t Win Title: He just hasn’t had as consistent speed as he has in the past. And he needs to have that speed to compensate for the occasional mistake that results from his aggressive driving style. Points: Eighth with 2,040 (-60)2026 Wins: Martinsville, Texas Why He Will Win Title: Never count out Elliott, who can sneakily put together solid finishes. Why He Won’t Win Title: Like Larson, he just hasn’t had consistent speed. Points: Ninth with 2,035 (-65)2026 Wins: North Wilkesboro, Richmond Why He Will Win Title: It’s an even year, and Logano seems to perform when he needs it the most. Why He Won’t Win Title: It’s going to take a much better performance on the intermediates for him to have a shot. Points: 10th with 2,030 (-70)2026 Wins: None Why He Will Win Title: The guy rarely gets rattled and rarely makes mistakes. Why He Won’t Win Title: He and his team haven’t had the speed to overcome any mistakes or misfortunes. Points: 11th with 2,025 (-75)2026 Wins: Charlotte Why He Will Win Title: This is his best regular-season points position of the last four years, and he has confidence. Why He Won’t Win Title: He has rattled off top 10s and won Charlotte, but he hasn’t been up front enough to challenge. Points: 12th with 2,020 (-80)2026 Wins: Talladega Why He Will Win Title: He seems to have an attitude that he’s going to take it from the field. Why He Won’t Win Title: The field is determined not to let him take it. Points: 13th with 2,015 (-85)2026 Wins; None Why He Will Win Title: For the most part, Byron appears unflappable. But this certainly has been a trying year. Why He Won’t Win Title: He has led only 31 laps this season. That isn’t going to get it done. Points: 14th with 2,010 (-90)2026 Wins: None Why He Will Win Title: He has a Toyota in his hands and will be strong at most tracks. Why He Won’t Win Title: He just hasn’t put together consistent solid results for much of the year, and The Chase will reward consistency. Points: 15th with 2,005 (-95)2026 Wins: None Why He Will Win Title: He is relatively good at staying out of trouble and if others have misfortune, he could capitalize. Why He Won’t Win Title: He didn’t clinch a spot in The Chase until Daytona, a clear sign that he doesn’t have the week-in, week-out speed to win the title. Points: 16th with 2,000 (-100)2026 Wins: Daytona Why He Will Win Title: After Daytona, he probably feels he can do anything, and there’s something to be said for that confidence. Why He Won’t Win Title: He was a bubble driver because, until Daytona, Preece has been good and not great. Drivers typically don’t make that big of a jump in the final 10 races.

UCLA fired athletic director Martin Jarmond on Monday and replaced him with Tim Harris, the former longtime president of business operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. The shake-up was announced in a letter from Chancellor Julio Frenk to the university community. Frank described it as a “new path forward for UCLA Athletics.” Jarmond, who had the job for six years, leaves immediately. The Bruins won three NCAA championships last season, including the first by the women’s basketball team. Harris, 64, will have the title of CEO and athletic director and work on a pro bono basis, Frenk wrote. Harris graduated from UCLA in 1989 with a sociology degree and played goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team while in Westwood. Harris spent over 35 years with the Lakers and left the NBA franchise in February, four months after the Buss family sold it to Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter. Harris was among Lakers governor Jeanie Buss’ inner circle who received a major financial bonus after the sale. The team was recently sold again. Jarmond, 46, replaced Dan Guerrero as AD in 2020. He signed a five-year contract extension in May 2024. During his tenure, the athletic department has run yearly deficits for seven consecutive years, totaling $241 million in shortfalls. UCLA joined the Big Ten Conference two years ago, raking in millions of dollars in media rights fees while also facing increased travel expenses. Its deficit was reduced to $21.6 million for the 2025 fiscal year. The university has repeatedly bailed out the athletic department to keep it afloat. Frenk cited the financial situation as a reason for the change. “UCLA Athletics currently carries a significant financial debt, and its current path is not sustainable,” Frenk wrote. “Now is the moment to build a model for Athletics that protects the breadth of our program, creates new opportunities for student-athletes and coaches, and supports itself through the revenue it generates.” Frenk mentioned the rapid transformation of college sports in recent years, propelled by name, image and likeness deals that allow athletes to earn money. “UCLA must have an athletics model that leads — not just keeps pace,” he wrote. Jarmond won’t be around to see the debut of his last major coaching hire. Bob Chesney arrived in early December from James Madison to reinvigorate UCLA’s moribund football program. The Bruins open the season at California on Saturday. Reporting by the Associated Press.

Almost everyone has a good feeling who’ll finish first and second in the AFC East in 2026, but what will the order of those two teams look like? The Buffalo Bills are looking to get back to the top of the division behind Josh Allen after finishing behind New England last year. The Patriots enter with high expectations after making the Super Bowl last season while reloading on offense behind a developing core. With opening night of the NFL season just over a week away, the “First Things First” panel took a look at the AFC East, projecting how the standings will unfold for the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins. All three panelists arrived at a unanimous consensus for the final order of finish. Nick Wright’s AFC East Prediction Nick Wright picked the Buffalo Bills to win the AFC East with an 11-6 record, placing the New England Patriots second at 10-7, the New York Jets third at 4-13, and the Miami Dolphins fourth at 3-14. Wright trusts Buffalo’s foundational offensive pieces to carry them despite defensive secondary questions. “Josh Allen healthy gives you a 10-win floor,” Wright said. “There’s other players in the Bills who are pretty good too. James Cook won a rushing title and is going to go top 10 in your fantasy draft. They have an awesome offensive line, and I think there’s a chance this is the year Dalton Kincaid finally lives up to some of his draft status.” Despite a tough early schedule for New England, Wright believes head coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye will push the Patriots into the postseason. “Three of their first four games at Seattle, at Jacksonville, at Buffalo. I don’t love that. I didn’t love how Drake Maye finished the season. However, I think Mike Vrabel is an excellent coach,” Wright said. “Overall, I do believe in Drake Maye, and I believe in young players progressing, even if it’s not linear. I believe they go 10 and seven, and I believe they make the postseason.” Wright did not have the same outlook toward Miami’s season. “They have more money and more dead cap money than any team in the league. Their four highest-paid players play for someone else. They might have the worst wide receiver core in the history of the league,” Wright said. Chris Broussard’s AFC East Prediction Chris Broussard agreed with the order of Wright’s, placing Buffalo in first place, New England in second, New York in third, and Miami in fourth, though he projected the Patriots to miss the postseason. Broussard pointed to their new head coach and a key addition at receiver as reasons Buffalo could get back to the top of the division. “I love the addition of D.J. Moore at receiver. Look, Sean McDermott was a great defensive mind. I think Jim Leonhard is going to bring some new stuff. They’re going to be doing some more modern stuff, and I think he’s going to have that defense clicking,” Broussard said. When evaluating New England’s record, Broussard cautioned against high postseason expectations. “I got three words for you: Super Bowl hangover. There’s no playoff stamp there. They play 11 teams that last year had a winning record, and one of the teams that didn’t have a winning record is the Chiefs,” Broussard said. Danny Parkins’ AFC East Prediction Danny Parkins mirrored the consensus, projecting the Buffalo Bills at the top of the division ahead of the New England Patriots with a playoff berth, New York Jets in third, and Miami Dolphins in fourth. Parkins expects immediate high-volume production from Buffalo’s new primary target. “D.J. Moore is going to be excellent for them. He had 140 targets last year for the Bears. He’s healthy. He’s going to be Josh Allen’s No. 1. I think he’s performed consistently as a true number one with way less quarterback talent, including in Chicago two years ago,” Parkins said. Parkins viewed New England as a dangerous playoff team despite facing a tougher schedule. “They are the most obvious better team, worse record candidate that I’ve seen in the last decade in the NFL. They’re really good. It’s just a really solid football team, but they’re not taking anyone by surprise,” Parkins said. “I still think they can be an 11-win team, but a better team, worse record, still very, very dangerous.” Parkins also detailed why Miami sits at the bottom of the divisional hierarchy. “We have not seen a team carry this much dead cap. It’s the worst wide receiver pass catcher group in the history of football. If your best player is a running back, but you’re never going to be leading, so you’re not going to be able to run the ball in the second half with De’Von Achane, that’s a problem,” Parkins said.

The NFC East enters the upcoming season with its usual share of uncertainty and high expectations across all four teams. The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to earn the division crown for the third consecutive time after but after several offseason changes, the door may have opened for another team to knock the Eagles off. Dallas enters with a re-tooled defensive unit, New York looks to bounce back behind structural offensive upgrades, and Washington works through significant offensive line setbacks. With week one just around the corner, the “First Things First” crew predicted the NFC East, projecting how the season will unfold for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders. Each panelist had a different pick for division champion, reflecting the uncertainty of the division of these four squads. Nick Wright’s NFC East Prediction Nick Wright selected the Philadelphia Eagles to win the division with a 13-4 record, projecting the Dallas Cowboys in second at 9-8, the New York Giants in third at 7-10 and the Washington Commanders fourth at 5-12. Wright favored Philadelphia despite offseason roster turnover, pointing to quarterback resilience and potential trade deadline activity. “All offseason, I have said the Eagles could be 13-4, they could be 7-10, and firing Sirianni. I landed for the Philadelphia Eagles at 13-4,” Sirianni said. “I think A.J. Brown is addition by subtraction. I think they know the salary cap chickens are coming home to roost in the next couple years because of the void year, so they will be extra aggressive at the trade deadline, as [Eagles general manager] Howie [Roseman] often is.” The Cowboys did not fully convince Wright as he projected them to miss the postseason. “Since Dan Quinn left, they’ve been awful. They’ve got nine wins. To me, I think they’ll be fun, interesting, but not good enough,” Wright said. He went on to pick New York third, expressing skepticism about quarterback Jaxson Dart. “Jaxson Dart’s not wearing his hat backwards. He’s wearing it sideways and cocked with maybe a bandana underneath it. And it is not someone you can trust to be your franchise quarterback,” Wright said. Wright added that Washington faces significant depth concerns. “I don’t like their weapons. The offensive line is banged up. They have a bad defense,” Wright said. Chris Broussard’s NFC East Prediction Chris Broussard differed at the top of the standings, picking the Dallas Cowboys to win the division, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles in second as a playoff wildcard, the New York Giants in third, and the Washington Commanders in fourth. Broussard expects an improved defensive unit to propel Dallas to the top spot. “Love the offense. Expect a huge year from Dak and his receivers. Love the new defensive coordinator Christian Parker and the additions that they made. I think their defensive line is going to be tough with Quinnen Williams and all these guys,” Broussard said. Regarding the rest of the division, Broussard projected Philadelphia to drop from the top spot while Washington struggles up front. “Last year, they became the first team in 23 years to repeat as NFC champions. I don’t think there’s a three-peat. I would love to see Jayden Daniels have a bounce-back year, a terrific year, but that offensive line with Laremy Tunsil is now out with a tear. I think they’re gonna struggle, and I think the defense isn’t that great either,” Broussard said. Broussard liked the head coaching hire of John Harbaugh for New York in third. “Love the hire of John Harbaugh in New York. I think they desperately needed a culture change. I think he’s in the process of doing it,” Broussard said. “Defense should be better, but it’s a tough division. I got them third.” Broussard added that Washington will struggle up front. “I would love to see Jayden Daniels have a bounce-back year, terrific year, but that offensive line with Laremy Tunsil is now out with a triceps tear. I think they’re gonna struggle, and I think the defense isn’t that great either,” Broussard said. Danny Parkins projected a surprise shift in the division, picking the New York Giants to finish in first place, followed by the Dallas Cowboys in second, the Philadelphia Eagles in third out of the playoff picture and the Washington Commanders in fourth. Parkins put Dallas in second as a playoff team, anticipating a high-scoring offense. “They’re going to be in the playoffs. They’re very good as the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are going to throw 600 times. They’re going to score,” Parkins said. Conversely, Parkins expressed skepticism toward Philadelphia’s outlook following recent offensive struggles. “All they were last year was a bottom half of the league team in points, passing yards, rushing yards, total yards, and third downs, and they lost A.J. Brown,” Parkins said. Parkins projected Washington at the bottom, pointing to head coach Dan Quinn and offensive line injury troubles. “The Washington Commanders are in trouble, and I think Dan Quinn should be the heavy favorite to be first coach fired,” Parkins said. “When you need to keep your quarterback healthy and you have a bad offensive line and Laremy Tunsil goes down, that is just a very bad recipe.”

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. MLB, college football and tennis are all heating up, giving Kalshi users plenty of markets to trade this week. New users can enter promo code FOXSPORTS to get a $25 bonus and jump into the action. College football Week 1 kicks off Thursday, bringing the first full slate of the 2026 season. Meanwhile, MLB continues its push toward the postseason with races tightening across both leagues. The U.S. Open has already delivered major drama, with four-time champion Novak Djokovic suffering a stunning first-round exit to Mariano Navone. The men’s draw is wide open after Jannik Sinner withdrew with a knee injury and Arthur Fils was eliminated, while Carlos Alcaraz returned from a four-month layoff with a win. Ready to trade on your favorite sports? Enter promo code FOXSPORTS on Kalshi and get your $25 bonus. For more information and full terms and conditions, visit our Kalshi promo code page. How to Claim the Kalshi Welcome Bonus MLB: Brewers vs. Cubs Today *Probability is subject to change* U.S. Open Final Men’s Qualifiers CFB Week 1: No. 11 LSU vs. Clemson More markets available on Kalshi.