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Jon Scheyer is at it again. Known for locking down elite talent, the Duke Blue Devils head coach made a major splash on the international trail by securing a commitment from one of the world’s premier young recruits.

First reported by ESPN, point guard Luke Paul has committed to the Blue Devils for their 2027 recruiting class. The 6-foot-6 Australian guard is highly regarded as a potential lottery pick in the 2028 NBA Draft.

Paul delivered a standout performance at the U17 FIBA World Cup in Turkey with Team Australia. He averaged 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game alongside his play with the Cairns Taipans.

Not only is Paul a unique talent, but he marks the second commitment in the Blue Devils 2027 recruiting class. He will now join four-star forward Kager Knueppel in the program’s early commitments, with plenty of other top targets still in the mix.

Knueppel is the younger brother of Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, following directly in his brother’s footsteps.

Paul was named to the All-Tournament Team at the FIBA U17 World Cup over the summer, where future Duke teammate Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje took home MVP honors. By expanding his recruiting footprint internationally, Scheyer has secured two high-upside talents for Duke. 

While Scheyer has built Duke into a perennial power since taking over the program, a National Championship still eludes him. With consecutive elite recruiting classes and an influx of top international talent, pressure is mounting to see if they can finally get over the hump.

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When Justin Herbert threw a costly interception in the Los Angeles Chargers’ loss to the Buffalo Bills last week, Tom Brady was more than blunt when he assessed the quarterback’s errant throw. 

“There’s a safety in the middle of the field. Poor awareness, poor decision, throws him a meatball sub,” Brady said of Herbert’s throw, which landed right in the arms of Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. 

Brady’s quote quickly went viral. FOX Sports’ video of the quote generated over 300,000 likes on Instagram, while a handful of posts on X about Brady’s comment garnered several thousand likes and views. 

But how did Brady learn about the term that’s become popular on social media for whenever a quarterback throws a bad pass? In the latest edition of #AskTom, Brady let everyone know that his kids have helped keep him hip to popular social media vernacular. 

“Chill, chill. Relax.Everyone’s got to remember, I’ve got three kids, OK? So, that should just point you in the right direction,” Brady said when asked who told him to say “meatball sub.”

Brady’s “meatball sub” remark was the second straight week that he said something on a broadcast that quickly made the rounds on social media. A week earlier, he called one of Dak Prescott’s passes a “piss missile” in the Dallas Cowboys’ victory over the Washington Commanders. 

Brady apologized for the “piss missile” comment in last week’s edition of #AskTom. But he isn’t apologizing for his “meatball sub” quote, although he admitted that some of his passes were meatball subs.

“I threw a lot. I probably threw over 200 interceptions in my career. I would say somewhere between 25 and 50 [were meatball subs],” Brady said. “And, believe me, Coach [Bill] Belichick, he never let me forget those.” 

That led Brady to express his appreciation for the coaching he got from Belichick over his career as he touched on that topic and more in this week’s #AskTom. Here’s what Brady had to say about Case Keenum’s surprising performance, Sean Payton’s gutsy calls in the Broncos’ win over the Rams and how cleats can make a difference in a quarterback’s throw. 

Tom Brady Threw Meatball Subs?! Bears’ Case Keenum Goes Vintage + Hilarious Belichick Impression

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Case Keenum is 38, third on the depth chart and hasn’t started since 2023, but he helped the Bears beat the Eagles on Monday night. What does a week like this look like for a veteran thrust into the spotlight?

Brady: Well, there’s definitely some nerves and anxiety as you prepare for the week. It’s been a long time since you’ve been the starter. It’s been a long time since the team really needed you to step up and play well. 

But, look, when you’re a veteran quarterback and you’ve got a lot of years of experience, as that ball’s kicked off and you run your first play, you settle in very quickly. There’s a lot of experience you can rely on and he’s really well-coached. I love this Ben Johnson offense. There were a lot of great throws out there and he made a lot of great decisions. 

That’s what it takes. That’s why you’re the backup. That’s why you pay ya to deliver for your team. 

Sean Payton went for it twice in the third quarter to tie the game in the Broncos’ win over the Rams. How much of that is a coach’s decision vs. the QB potentially going and fighting for the chance to win there?

Brady: In the end, it’s all about the head coach’s decision. What I think a lot of people need to understand is that the head coach needs to be accountable for every decision — offensively, defensively or special teams. It all comes down to one guy: the head coach making the decisions. He’s the one responsible in those big moments to make the call and put his team in the best position to win. 

Sean Payton’s 2-point decisions helped the Broncos get a comeback win over the Rams in Week 3. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Who told you to say meatball sub? Also, can I get an exact number of meatball subs that you threw during your career?

Brady: Chill, chill. Relax.Everyone’s got to remember, I’ve got three kids, OK? So, that should just point you in the right direction. 

And I threw a lot. I probably threw over 200 interceptions in my career. I would say somewhere between 25 and 50 [were meatball subs]. And, believe me, Coach [Bill] Belichick, he never let me forget those. 

Was Bill calling them meatball subs? Was that where that lingo came from?

Brady: No, [Belichick would say]: “Brady, you bum.” And I just took it like a man. I learned from it, and hopefully I didn’t go out there and repeat them too often.

Actually, I’m glad you brought that up, because I think, and what I notice so much in the NFL is there’s so many people telling everybody how great they are all the time. I don’t think a lot of young people understand that the best way to learn is by getting outside their comfort zone and learning from coaches who are really pushing them. Coaches are the ones who should be telling you the truth every day. 

I was very fortunate. I had the greatest coach in the history of the NFL. He never let me forget when I threw an interception. He never glazed over it. He didn’t move on. He let me know about it, created awareness about it and he let me sit in the pain of letting the team down for a day or two before moving on. 

Tom Brady credited Bill Belichick for coaching him up when he was asked about meatball sub throws. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

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I think it was great learning for me, even though it was painful. It let me grow up. It helped me toughen up. It let me gain the respect of my teammates and coaches when they saw that, and I was able to move on and put it behind me.

Did you have that perspective in the moment, or was that something that came afterwards?

Brady: All of it’s learned. I think the great fortune for me is, being retired for four years, I look back on all the things that allowed me to be the player I wanted to be. I’m so grateful for everybody that was on my journey and all the coaches that pushed me and pushed me every single day, when they had higher expectations for me and they knew I could achieve them and they pushed me to do that. 

That’s what every great athlete should want. You should want a coach that’s demanding and calls you out when you’re not playing up to your standard, because that’s going to elevate your game. Yeah, it may sting in the moment a little bit, but when you reflect back at the end of a long career, you’re going to be appreciative and respectful of the coaches that did just that.

How much attention did you pay to a field and the cleat choice going into a game and what did that have to do with your throwing mechanics?

Brady: It was always important that you had to know the surface that you were playing on. But, listen, I loved grass fields. I hated turf fields. What we’re doing to kids at turf fields in high school, college and, ultimately, when they get to the pros, the wear and tear on those bodies over time really takes a toll. I really love the grass fields. So what, it’s a little bit slick? So what, it’s a little bit muddy? I’d much rather fall on a grass field than not. 

I think the most important point when you have a field that’s a little bit slick is you wear a longer seven-stud, so it digs into the surface. A lot of guys actually didn’t like playing with the long seven studs. But I always felt as a quarterback, if I was able to drive the ball, I would need a really firm base in the pocket. And when I plant on the back foot of either a three-step, five-step or seven-step drop, the back cleats really allowed me to dig into the surface to transfer my ground force going backwards into going back into my hitches. If I was hitching into the throw, I could create a lot of ground force going into my target, the right amount of torque with my body — my shoulder-hip dissociation — and then, when I released the ball, I still maintained the whip. 

The field conditions for Sunday’s Ravens-Cowboys game were less than ideal, with players taking extra steps to prepare for the field at Rio de Janeiro. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images)

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The problem is, if you lose your ground force because you’re slipping on the surface, your whole mechanics shift to only using your torque and this really relaxed whip in your arm. So, I would say you become much stronger with your throw. The whole point, I would say, is to get the ground force from your legs into your torque into the whippy arm. That’s how you generate the maximum force throwing a football.

Equipment managers everywhere are scrambling this week after that, Tom.

Brady: Hey, go figure it out, young equipment managers. You have to figure it out, too. 

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We’re not even a month into the season, and six NFL teams have already had to replace their starter for at least one game. 

The Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears have had to replace two potential starters, and they got two very different results from their QB3s. Cooper Rush sabotaged a talented Falcons offense that immediately broke out once Michael Penix Jr. returned to the lineup. In Chicago, the Bears offense didn’t suffer any hiccups with Case Keenum stepping in for Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent. Having Ben Johnson dialing up the plays certainly made things easier for Keenum. The best backup quarterback might just be a good play-caller. 

Every NFL season offers several reminders of how handy a good backup can be, and this one is no different. So with that in mind, let’s rank which teams could survive without their starting quarterback and which ones would be ruined by a QB injury. 

Tier 5: ‘We’re Losing This Game’

Cade Klubnik and Kyle McCord could develop into mid-tier backups at some point, but we just haven’t seen enough from either to get a good feel for their respective ceilings. 

We’ve seen more than enough of Tommy DeVito and Kyle Allen to know an offense is in trouble if either of them is in the starting lineup. Both quarterbacks struggle to make routine throws consistently and compound that issue with questionable decision-making. 

Tier 4: It Will Be Bad, But It Might Be Fun!

Enjoying these three comes down to your taste in quarterback play. 

If you enjoy quarterbacks frantically trying to escape pressure and occasionally pulling off miracle completions, these are your guys. Pickett has the most experience; Huntley is more well-rounded thanks to his running ability; and Howell has the best arm but shaky pocket presence. If you combined their skill sets, you’d get Baker Myfield. 

25. Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns

Watching Jalon Daniels fire off tight-window throws in the preseason was a blast. But that tape was also full of sprayed passes, so don’t expect an efficient stat line from the Day 3 pick as he fills in for an injured Baker Mayfield. 

If Shedeur Sanders had Daniels’ arm and athleticism, he’d be much higher on this list. He approaches the game as if he does, which can get him into trouble. The long sacks and throws into coverage offset his good plays.

Shedeur Sanders has watched Deshaun Watson lead the Browns to a 2-1 start this season. (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

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Trey Lance and Justin Fields are one bad preseason away from officially losing their “high potential” tag, if they haven’t already. Lance made some dreadful decisions and had a few frustrating misses during his preseason run. Fields is still dealing with the issues that plagued his rookie season. Both can produce a jaw-dropping throw or two per game, but neither is reliable down-to-down. Fields has Andy Reid and Ken Walker in his corner, so he’d have a fighting chance if he had to play this season. Lance would be overwhelmed by the Chargers’ offensive dysfunction.

Tier 3: Can Execute A Game Plan – But It Better Be A Good One

At their athletic peaks, these three would have landed in the first tier. Erratic throwing ability and waning athleticism don’t make a winning combination for quarterbacks, though. 

It’s been over six years since Trubisky and Taylor put together a full season of competent play. Josh Dobbs played relatively well for Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota, but who doesn’t, other than J.J. McCarthy? 

These three can still lead you to a win if they don’t have to do too much and the defense can keep the scoring in the high teens.

These quarterbacks have a good grasp on their offenses and just enough accuracy to complete passes, but they can’t make all the throws needed to lead a successful passing game. They’re the quarterbacks who prove that arm strength matters. 

Andy Dalton still isn’t immune to lapses in judgment, as we saw this past week on Monday night. Quinn Ewers has some Mac Jones potential but needs more reps to fully realize it. 

Jarrett Sidham and Mason Rudolph are essentially the same quarterback. They’re solid backup options in theory, but once they step on the field, it becomes apparent why they’ve never gotten a real shot at a starting job.

After Bo Nix’s ankle injury in the playoffs last season, Jarrett Stidham started the AFC Championship Game for the Broncos. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

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This group is the dividing line between the competent backups who can keep an offense on the rails for a game or two and those who will completely tank their teams. Davis Mills has been a valiant backup in Houston, thanks to quick processing and decent accuracy. Tyson Bagent and Stetson Bennett haven’t played much, but both seem to be in the perfect systems to maximize their skill sets. 

Tier 2: It Might Be Bad, But It Will Be Fun

Carson Wentz and Jameis Winston offer the same experience as fill-in quarterbacks: they’ll make a few solid throws, but an inexplicable mistake is always around the corner.

Jameis Winston enters Week 4 with new competition for his spot on the depth chart after the Giants acquired J.J. McCarthy. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

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I still believe. Anthony Richardson would be the second-youngest starter in the NFL right now, and he’s coming off a solid preseason showing. Richardson’s inability to make simple passes has been a limiting factor, but he’s put some legitimately great throws on film. His contributions to the run game make him a viable spot starter. 

Tier 1: Little To No Drop-off

If you’re looking for “The Next Sam Darnold,” Rattler is a strong candidate. He’s got legitimate arm talent and looks comfortable in the pocket. With a little more accuracy and significantly fewer mistakes, Rattler could lock down a starting job eventually. 

Gardner Minshew can be tolerable in small doses. At his best, Minshew can do a passable impression of Baker Mayfield. He doesn’t have the arm to make some of the throws Baker can, but, like the Bucs quarterback, he can spread the ball around and knows how to escape from crumbling pockets. 

Minshew’s zeal for play-making comes at a cost, though: he runs himself into sacks, and he can be reckless when throwing outside the pocket.  

This might be too high for Tua Tagovailoa based on what he put on tape in 2025. I’m willing to give him a pass – that Dolphins offense was a mess from top to bottom – and consider his larger body of work. Tagovailoa still has a skill set that can thrive in a point-and-shoot offense. 

Tua Tagovailoa suffered an injury before the Falcons’ Week 1 opener that has kept him off the field so far this season. (Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)

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Drew Lock is basically a value-brand Sam Darnold, so Seattle doesn’t have to change its approach when the former second-round pick has to play. He’s got a live arm and a desire to use it. Lock’s accuracy is hit-or-miss, but when he’s on, he can put on a show. 

The Raiders offense would likely improve in certain areas if Fernando Mendoza replaced Kirk Cousins. Mendoza is more mobile and more willing to push the ball downfield. The Las Vegas offense would be more explosive with Mendoza but not nearly as consistent. 

Over the last two years, Washington’s offense has actually been more efficient with Marcus Mariota on the field. Jayden Daniels offers a higher ceiling, but Mariota raises the floor. And while Mariota doesn’t create as many explosive plays, he’s been more accurate.

Marcus Mariota showed he still has something left in the tank in Week 3, when the Commanders took down the defending-champion Seahawks. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

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Kyle Shanahan wouldn’t lose any sleep if Mac Jones had to step in for Brock Purdy at any point this season. He doesn’t create out of structure like Purdy, but he plays the point guard role just as well. There was a slight uptick in San Francisco’s offensive success rate when Jones played in 2025.

Joe Flacco’s complete lack of mobility is really the only thing holding him back from still being a starting-level quarterback. If his offensive line keeps him in a clean pocket, Flacco can pick apart a defense at all three levels. If Joe Burrow misses time, the Bengals have a backup who can keep the ship afloat.

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Sammy P warned us last week to beware of The Swamp, and he was on the money. 

Should bettors back the Gators again as they face another SEC foe?

And how about USC over in the Big Ten? Can Lincoln Riley and the Trojans be trusted to cover against the Washington Huskies — or at least win outright — after falling to Oregon?

Here are the five games that every fan and bettor should have on their radars for college football Week 5 (odds via DraftKings as of Oct. 1).

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Spread: Alabama -5.5
Moneyline: Alabama -225; Mississippi State +185
O/U: 60.5

What To Know: The Crimson Tide take an undefeated show on the road to face SEC opponent Mississippi State on Saturday at noon. In a decisive Week 4 victory, Alabama put up 489 total yards against South Carolina in a 49-18 win over the Gamecocks. But the Mississippi State Bulldogs are also unbeaten and come into this weekend after defeating a ranked Missouri team, 31-24. One spot where State has a leg up is in its record against the spread (ATS). The Bulldogs are a perfect 4-0 there; the Tide are 3-1.

Spread: Ohio State -14.5
Moneyline: Ohio State -625; Iowa +455
O/U: 45.5

What To Know: The Buckeyes bounced back from their Week 2 loss to Texas by rolling past Kent State and Illinois. Will the path to victory this weekend be as seamless? They’re facing a team ranked in the Top 25 in Iowa — a Hawkeyes squad that boasts the top scoring defense in the nation. But according to FOX Sports college football writer Laken Litman, Iowa will be no match for Ohio State. “It’s not smart to pick against Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith at this point,” she noted. 

Spread: Florida -5.5
Moneyline: Florida -205; Missouri +170
O/U: 57.5

What To Know: The Gators look like the real deal. They’ve put up at least 40 points in every contest, they’re 3-1 ATS and they’re 4-0 straight up (SU). In Week 3, they got past Ole Miss — a team led by one of the most electric quarterbacks in the country in Trinidad Chambliss. Missouri, on the other hand, comes into this matchup 1-3 ATS and 3-1 SU. In the Tigers’ loss to Mississippi State last week, Mizzou QB Austin Simmons had 295 passing yards and three touchdowns. In the Gators’ win last week, they got it done on the ground, racking up 302 rushing yards.

Spread: USC -9.5
Moneyline: USC -275; Washington +295
O/U: 58.5

What To Know: RJ Young explained that USC has a “Lincoln Riley problem” and that once again, Riley’s Trojans are “mid.” But based on the line, the Trojans should get right after losing 41-27 to Oregon last weekend. Like SC, though, Washington is coming off a crushing loss, after falling to Minnesota 27-24. Which team comes out of the Coliseum with the W? FOX Sports college sports writer Ben Portnoy is backing Troy. “The noise is growing louder around Lincoln Riley,” he explained, “but I do think USC is just a flat out more talented team than Washington right now.”

Spread: Indiana -23.5
Moneyline: Indiana -2100; Rutgers +1100
O/U: 56.5

What To Know: Indiana is on a quest to defend its national title, but in Week 4, the Hoosiers got a scare from Northwestern. The Wildcats made it a close game, with Indiana rallying to win, 29-23. With that, the Hoosiers come into this contest with a 4-0 record to face a Scarlet Knights team that has just one win on its record this season. However, Rutgers has kept its meetings close. The Scarlet Knights lost to USC 42-35 in Week 3 and the week before, they kept it tight before losing to Boston College, 28-21.

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The team with the best record in baseball faces the hottest team in baseball in a huge NLDS showdown on FOX and FS1. 

Let’s check out the Brewers-Padres divisional series odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Oct. 1, along with what to know about the matchup.

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   Series Winner

Brewers: -180 (bet $10 to win $15.56 total)
Padres: +150 (bet $10 to win $25 total)

   Correct Score

Brewers win 3-2: +275 (bet $10 to win $37.50 total)
Brewers win 3-1: +330 (bet $10 to win $43 total)
Brewers win 3-0: +425 (bet $10 to win $52.50 total)
Padres win 3-1: +425 (bet $10 to win $52.50 total)
Padres win 3-2: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Padres win 3-0: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)

   Game 1 (Oct. 3)

Spread: Brewers -1.5
Moneyline: Brewers -233, Padres +189
O/U: 7

Here’s what to know about the Brewers-Padres odds:

Season Series: The Padres won the 2026 season series against the Brewers 4-2. Milwaukee took two of three at American Family Field in May, but San Diego answered with a three-game sweep at Petco Park in August. Since the All-Star break, these two teams have the best records in baseball, with the Brewers going 44-22 in that span and the Padres 43-23. San Diego has now won 10 of its last 12 games heading into this series but will have to travel to Milwaukee, where the Brewers had the best home record in baseball in the regular season. 

Playoff History: Since2018, the Brewers have made the playoffs in seven of the last eight seasons with the only exception being 2022. However, in that span, they have gone 11-20 and only reached the NLCS two times (2018 and 2025). The last time Milwaukee made the World Series was in 1982, when it lost in seven games to the Cardinals. It has never won the World Series. Last season, the Brewers beat the Cubs in the NLDS before getting swept by the Dodgers in the NLCS. Meanwhile, since 2020, the Padres have now made the playoffs five times. But like Milwaukee, San Diego has continued to fall short, as it has only made the championship series once, back in 2022. The Padres are coming off a dominant sweep of the Cubs in the wild-card round and will look to avoid a third straight playoff exit before the championship series. 

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For five teams in the NFL, the 2026 season couldn’t have gotten off to a better start.

The Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings are all 3-0 to start the season. For the Bills and Chiefs, their starts have become what we’ve grown accustomed to seeing in recent years. And after the 49ers’ upset of the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, it isn’t a shock they’re 3-0, either.

But the Raiders and Vikings have been the biggest surprises so far this year, with each already recording multiple upset victories. And in Las Vegas’ case, it’s off to a 3-0 start after holding the No. 1 overall pick in this past year’s draft.

While a 3-0 start is certainly encouraging, it doesn’t guarantee a spot in the postseason. In fact, 33 of the 45 teams (73.3%) that started 3-0 over the last 10 years went on to make the playoffs, per FOX Sports Research. Four of the six teams that went 3-0 last season also went on to make the playoffs. 

So, if recent history carries into this year, at least one of the five 3-0 teams will miss the playoffs in 2026. Which team could it be? We determine which 3-0 starts are real or fake. 

Buffalo Bills: Real

Joe Brady is 3-0 in his first year as head coach, leading to somehope that this is the year that Josh Allen finally gets over the hump. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

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Steven Ruiz: Very real. I know we say this every season, but this might be the best chance the Bills have at getting over the Super Bowl hump. 

It starts with Josh Allen, because of course it does. It appears he’s leveled up his game. The ball is getting out quicker, and he’s seeing coverages better than he ever has. The Bills offensive line remains strong, and the run game takes playmaking pressure off Allen. The pieces are in place for another MVP-caliber campaign for No. 17. 

But it’s the defense that really has me thinking this team has a real shot at hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February. New defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is installing a scheme that should give quarterbacks more issues compared to Sean McDermott’s static defense. And the emergence of defensive tackle Deone Walker as an interior menace, along with the continued ascension of Greg Rousseau, gives Leonhard a defensive line that will wreck game plans. 

The ceiling for the offense is as high as ever, and the defense’s ceiling is higher than ever in Buffalo. 

Kansas City Chiefs: Real

Kenneth Walker has added another gear to the Chiefs’ offense. (Photo by Alie Skowronski/Getty Images)

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Ben Arthur: First of all, Patrick Mahomes is back from the torn ACL and LCL he suffered in December, and he’s off to a great start in 2026 — a 68.4% completion rate for 912 yards and seven touchdowns against just two interceptions with a 108.9 passer rating, plus 10 carries for 41 yards and another score. The two-time MVP should only get more comfortable as the season wears on and he’s further removed from knee surgery. 

But the biggest reason why the Chiefs are a true Super Bowl contender, and not just in the conversation with a healthy Mahomes, is because of running back Kenneth Walker III. The reigning Super Bowl MVP’s dynamic ability out of the backfield has opened up Kansas City’s offense in a way we haven’t seen in the Mahomes era. For years, we’ve been talking about how the Chiefs haven’t had a consistently dominant and available WR1 since the Tyreek Hill days, but Walker’s presence has allowed the Chiefs’ offense to be explosive without one. The attention he draws brings safeties down to the box, freeing up shots in the pass game. It’s a big reason why we see 37-year-old Travis Kelce (77.0 receiving yards per game) and wide receiver Rashee Rice (63.3) finding so much success. 

And then, of course, Walker is doing damage when he actually touches the ball. The former Seahawk is leading the league with 360 rushing yards and 34 missed tackles forced (next closest is the Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs at 22), according to Pro Football Focus. 

The Chiefs currently rank second in total offense (416.3 yards/game) and tied for seventh in scoring (29.3). They’re also getting it defensively, ranking third in points allowed (16.7) and fourth in yards allowed per game (278.0). 

Between Mahomes, Walker and the highly effective units around them, Kansas City is absolutely in the Super Bowl conversation. 

San Francisco 49ers: Real

Brock Purdy leads the league in passer rating as he’s become a frontrunner for MVP. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

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Eric Williams: The 49ers lose key healthy bodies each week, but the same thing happens every year and head coach Kyle Shanahan patches enough holes to make it work. Edge rusher Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle all missed games due to injury last season, but San Francisco still finished in the playoffs at 12-5.

This year, Purdy is the frontrunner for MVP and new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris hasn’t missed a beat replacing the departed Robert Saleh. And rookie running back Kaelon Black has been a nice backup for Christian McCaffrey, giving the All-Pro a break at times so he doesn’t break down at the end of the year.

The Los Angeles Rams were supposed to be the superteam leading the NFC West, but San Francisco overwhelmed them in Australia to start the year and have proven over the years they can keep it going, despite injuries.

Las Vegas Raiders: Fake

Kirk Cousins is tied for the league lead in passer rating. Can he keep it up? (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

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Greg Auman: It’s cruel to make this a pass/fail. No team in the NFL has overachieved more than the Raiders have to be 3-0. Kirk Cousins has shown why it was smart to let Fernando Mendoza wait, and the defense has been a surprising spark. Linebacker Nakobe Dean has three forced fumbles and looks like a smart signing; rookie corner Hezekiah Masses has three interceptions in the last two games.

However, they’re in a division with the 3-0 Chiefs and 2-1 Broncos, and they still have four games against those two. And consider their next four games: vs. Chiefs, at Patriots, vs. Bills, vs. Rams. They could be a really good team and go 0-4 in those games. They will far exceed their preseason projected win total of 5.5 wins, and head coach Klint Kubiak has already changed the culture in a locker room that needed it. I just don’t know that it translates to even a wild card this season.

Here’s how to map it out: They have five games left against teams in the bottom 10 of the current FOX Sports Power Rankings: Browns, Jets, Chargers, Cardinals and Titans. Take four of those five and get two surprise wins in the other eight games, and you’re 9-8 and a wild card and one of the best turnarounds in the league, and there’s nothing fake about that.

Minnesota Vikings: Real

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has gotten the most out of his unit to start the year. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Henry McKenna: Given the value of quarterbacks in this league, it says something when a team is winning without one. The win over the Bears was legit. Kyler Murray has been in and out of the lineup (and back in again). He has played just one complete game, and he hasn’t been spectacular. But that’s sort of the whole point. The idea was to let Murray ride the wave of the offense, starting as a guy who — at the very least — wouldn’t get in the way. (Hate to throw J.J. McCarthy under the bus, but that’s what he couldn’t figure out. His turnovers and outside-the-system decision-making cost him a job.) Murray is right where he needs to be to start the season: a modest system quarterback. He can grow into a role as a facilitator and — then maybe coach Kevin O’Connell will let the training wheels off when everyone is comfortable.

Ironically, we’ve spent the last few years talking about O’Connell and his quarterbacks. But it’s Brian Flores who really has this team firing. The Vikings’ defense has the second-fewest points per game allowed. They have the most sacks (14), led by edges Dallas Turner (3.5) and Andrew Van Ginkel (3) and linebacker Blake Cashman (2.5). Flores’ game plans are like an escape room for a quarterback. And I haven’t seen a quarterback solve it this year.

 

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Start your Week 4 of the NFL season with Kalshi. New users can use Kalshi promo Code FOXSPORTS55 to unlock a $55 bonus for Thursday Night Football between  the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Cleveland Browns.

The Steelers enter Thursday night at 2-1 after beating the Bengals in Week 3, while the Browns are 2-1 after pulling out a close win over the Panthers. Aaron Rodgers and Pittsburgh look to earn another divisional win, while Cleveland goes for three straight wins for the first time since 2023.

It’s Week 4 of the NFL and Thursday Night Football kicks off with an AFC North showdown. Sign up with promo code ‘FOXSPORTS55’ and get involved in the markets surrounding Pittsburgh, Cleveland and the rest of the NFL Week 4 action.

For more information and full terms and conditions, visit our Kalshi promo code page.

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5. Deposit funds and trade at least $25 in prediction markets to receive up to $25 in trading credit.

*Probabilities are subject to change* 

Teams	Chance	Yes	No
PIT Steelers	57%	58¢	43¢
CLE Browns	43%	44¢	58¢

More markets available on Kalshi.

How to Watch Steelers vs. Browns

• When: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video
• Follow Live: FOX Sports

Players To Watch

Pittsburgh’s backfield workload has shifted squarely to Warren, and Sunday showed why. He turned 17 carries into 127 rushing yards against Cincinnati and added 3 catches for 49 more, 176 total yards in one afternoon, with Rico Dowdle still sidelined by a toe injury after missing Monday’s walkthrough.

Warren carries that volume into Thursday night at Huntington Bank Field, where Cleveland’s defense will make stopping the run its first priority.

Cleveland’s secondary could be without Grant Delpit and Tyson Campbell Thursday night, and Pittsburgh has a receiver ready to take advantage of the openings. Pittman caught just 2 of 5 targets for 16 yards against Cincinnati, but he played 45 of 62 offensive snaps, 72.3 percent, second among Pittsburgh wide receivers behind DK Metcalf. He enters Thursday night questionable with a foot injury after a limited practice week.

The Steelers already lead the NFL in yards after catch with 409, and Pittman’s snap share puts him in position to keep adding to that total.

Cleveland’s offense has been uneven through the first month, and Boston’s ability to create in the fourth quarter has stood out. He caught 2 passes for 41 yards and added a two-point conversion against Carolina, both receptions coming after halftime, and he now has 9 catches for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 targets through 3 games.

Every possession against Pittsburgh figures to be a fight for field position, and Boston’s chunk-play ability carries more weight in a game like that.

Cleveland still needs someone to finish drives, and Fannin has become that answer. He caught 7 of 9 targets for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns against Carolina, and over his last 2 games he has stacked 12 catches for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 targets as Deshaun Watson leans on him in the red zone.

The Browns have managed just 587 receiving yards through 3 games, the sixth fewest in the league, and 46 first downs, the fourth fewest, making Fannin one of the offense’s few consistent answers heading into Pittsburgh.

]–>

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Thursday Night Football kicks off Week 4 with an AFC North rivalry as the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Cleveland Browns. New users can use Polymarket promo code FOX to get a $25 bonus for any markets on Steelers vs. Browns.

Both teams enter Thursday night at 2-1, with Pittsburgh coming off a win over Cincinnati and Cleveland riding a two-game winning streak. Aaron Rodgers leads the Steelers, while Deshaun Watson and running back Quinshon Judkins headline the Browns’ offense. 

With both teams tied in the AFC North standings, the Steelers vs. Browns brings plenty of divisional stakes to Thursday Night Football, and it’s the perfect time to use Polymarket’s promo code FOX to get a $25 bonus.

For more information and full terms and conditions, visit our Polymarket promo code page.

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1. Click here to download the Polymarket app on iOS or Android.
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6. Your $50 trading bonus will be credited to your account automatically after the qualifying deposit.
7. Deposit funds and trade at least $25 in prediction markets to receive up to $25 in trading credit.

*Probabilities are subject to change* 

Teams	Chance	Yes	No
PIT Steelers	58%	58¢	42¢
CLE Browns	42%	42¢	58¢

More markets available on Polymarket.

How to Watch Steelers vs. Browns

• When: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video
• Follow Live: FOX Sports

Players To Watch

Pittsburgh’s backfield workload has shifted squarely to Warren, and Sunday showed why. He turned 17 carries into 127 rushing yards against Cincinnati and added 3 catches for 49 more, 176 total yards in one afternoon, with Rico Dowdle still sidelined by a toe injury after missing Monday’s walkthrough.

Warren carries that volume into Thursday night at Huntington Bank Field, where Cleveland’s defense will make stopping the run its first priority.

Cleveland’s secondary could be without Grant Delpit and Tyson Campbell Thursday night, and Pittsburgh has a receiver ready to take advantage of the openings. Pittman caught just 2 of 5 targets for 16 yards against Cincinnati, but he played 45 of 62 offensive snaps, 72.3 percent, second among Pittsburgh wide receivers behind DK Metcalf. He enters Thursday night questionable with a foot injury after a limited practice week.

The Steelers already lead the NFL in yards after catch with 409, and Pittman’s snap share puts him in position to keep adding to that total.

Cleveland’s offense has been uneven through the first month, and Boston’s ability to create in the fourth quarter has stood out. He caught 2 passes for 41 yards and added a two-point conversion against Carolina, both receptions coming after halftime, and he now has 9 catches for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 targets through 3 games.

Every possession against Pittsburgh figures to be a fight for field position, and Boston’s chunk-play ability carries more weight in a game like that.

Cleveland still needs someone to finish drives, and Fannin has become that answer. He caught 7 of 9 targets for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns against Carolina, and over his last 2 games he has stacked 12 catches for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 targets as Deshaun Watson leans on him in the red zone.

The Browns have managed just 587 receiving yards through 3 games, the sixth fewest in the league, and 46 first downs, the fourth fewest, making Fannin one of the offense’s few consistent answers heading into Pittsburgh.

]–>

Source

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.

The Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Cleveland Browns in Week 4 and bet365 is getting in on the Thursday night showdown. Bonus code FOX365 unlocks $200 in bonus bets, win or lose for new users.

Pittsburgh and Cleveland meet in a divisional matchup with early-season implications, as both teams look to gain ground in the AFC North. Aaron Rodgers leads the Steelers’ offense, while the Browns will look to make an impact at home with Deshaun Watson and their offensive playmakers. .

Before this AFC North rivalry kicks off, sign up for bet365 and use bonus code FOX365 to unlock $200 in bonus bets, win or lose.

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1. Click the “Claim Bonus” button on this page to go directly to bet365.
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6. Bonus bets are credited within 24 hours of the qualifying wager settling.

*Odds are subject to change*

PIT Steelers	-2.5 (-120)	O 38.5 (-105)	-160
CLE Browns	+2.5 (+100)	U 38.5 (-115)	+135

How to Watch Steelers vs. Browns

• When: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video
• Follow Live: FOX Sports

Players To Watch

Pittsburgh’s backfield workload has shifted squarely to Warren, and Sunday showed why. He turned 17 carries into 127 rushing yards against Cincinnati and added 3 catches for 49 more, 176 total yards in one afternoon, with Rico Dowdle still sidelined by a toe injury after missing Monday’s walkthrough.

Warren carries that volume into Thursday night at Huntington Bank Field, where Cleveland’s defense will make stopping the run its first priority.

Cleveland’s secondary could be without Grant Delpit and Tyson Campbell Thursday night, and Pittsburgh has a receiver ready to take advantage of the openings. Pittman caught just 2 of 5 targets for 16 yards against Cincinnati, but he played 45 of 62 offensive snaps, 72.3 percent, second among Pittsburgh wide receivers behind DK Metcalf. He enters Thursday night questionable with a foot injury after a limited practice week.

The Steelers already lead the NFL in yards after catch with 409, and Pittman’s snap share puts him in position to keep adding to that total.

Cleveland’s offense has been uneven through the first month, and Boston’s ability to create in the fourth quarter has stood out. He caught 2 passes for 41 yards and added a two-point conversion against Carolina, both receptions coming after halftime, and he now has 9 catches for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 targets through 3 games.

Every possession against Pittsburgh figures to be a fight for field position, and Boston’s chunk-play ability carries more weight in a game like that.

Cleveland still needs someone to finish drives, and Fannin has become that answer. He caught 7 of 9 targets for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns against Carolina, and over his last 2 games he has stacked 12 catches for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 targets as Deshaun Watson leans on him in the red zone.

The Browns have managed just 587 receiving yards through 3 games, the sixth fewest in the league, and 46 first downs, the fourth fewest, making Fannin one of the offense’s few consistent answers heading into Pittsburgh.

]–>

Source

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.

Thursday Night Football kicks off Week 4 with an AFC North rivalry as the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Cleveland Browns. Betr offers $200 in bonuses for new users with promo Code FOXSPORTS.

Pittsburgh and Cleveland both enter the divisional matchup at 2-1, making Thursday night’s game an important early-season battle in the AFC North. Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers are going for two straight divisional wins. 

New users can use Betr promo code FOXSPORTS to get $200 in bonuses before kickoff in Steelers vs. Browns. With both teams looking to gain ground in the division, this AFC North showdown brings plenty of stakes to Thursday Night Football.

How to Sign Up and Claim the Betr Picks Promo Code FOXSPORTS

1. Click any “Claim Now” button on this page to open Betr.
2. Download the Betr app for iOS or Android.
3. Create your account and complete verification (name, DOB, address, last 4 SSN if required).
4. Your four No Sweat Entries will be added once your account is verified.
5. Make your first deposit to receive Betr Bucks using code FOXSPORTS (up to $200).
6. Use your Betr Bucks to enter pick’em-style contests in the Betr Picks lobby.
7. Winnings from Betr Buck entries may be withdrawn once all requirements are met.

How to Watch Steelers vs. Browns

• When: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video
• Follow Live: FOX Sports

Players To Watch

Pittsburgh’s backfield workload has shifted squarely to Warren, and Sunday showed why. He turned 17 carries into 127 rushing yards against Cincinnati and added 3 catches for 49 more, 176 total yards in one afternoon, with Rico Dowdle still sidelined by a toe injury after missing Monday’s walkthrough.

Warren carries that volume into Thursday night at Huntington Bank Field, where Cleveland’s defense will make stopping the run its first priority.

Cleveland’s secondary could be without Grant Delpit and Tyson Campbell Thursday night, and Pittsburgh has a receiver ready to take advantage of the openings. Pittman caught just 2 of 5 targets for 16 yards against Cincinnati, but he played 45 of 62 offensive snaps, 72.3 percent, second among Pittsburgh wide receivers behind DK Metcalf. He enters Thursday night questionable with a foot injury after a limited practice week.

The Steelers already lead the NFL in yards after catch with 409, and Pittman’s snap share puts him in position to keep adding to that total.

Cleveland’s offense has been uneven through the first month, and Boston’s ability to create in the fourth quarter has stood out. He caught 2 passes for 41 yards and added a two-point conversion against Carolina, both receptions coming after halftime, and he now has 9 catches for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 targets through 3 games.

Every possession against Pittsburgh figures to be a fight for field position, and Boston’s chunk-play ability carries more weight in a game like that.

Cleveland still needs someone to finish drives, and Fannin has become that answer. He caught 7 of 9 targets for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns against Carolina, and over his last 2 games he has stacked 12 catches for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 targets as Deshaun Watson leans on him in the red zone.

The Browns have managed just 587 receiving yards through 3 games, the sixth fewest in the league, and 46 first downs, the fourth fewest, making Fannin one of the offense’s few consistent answers heading into Pittsburgh.

]–>

Source