GILLETTE STADIUM (Foxborough, Mass.) — Anytime Jordan Love dropped back, it felt like Gillette Stadium held its breath, waiting for the Packers QB to deliver disappointment.

And he did. Over and over.

It started in the first quarter when his defense delivered a turnover, with New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye throwing a pick. And it really never stopped in Green Bay’s dominant 45-27 win, with Love making high-difficulty throws at a clip that was unlike anything I’d seen from him — or any signal-caller — in 2026.

Meanwhile, if you’re watching closely, you can tell exactly which two teams are competing for the AFC’s No. 1 seed. You can see that the Rams are shaping up into a Super Bowl team, even in an ugly loss. And you can see who should get traded (and who should not get traded) before the deadline on Tuesday. Let’s dive into all of that — and more.

Welcome to Sound Smart, where I take you beyond what’s obvious. Let’s go below the surface. Let’s spin it forward, dive deeper, think outside the box and read between the lines. If I do my job, you’ll be fluent in the NFL’s Week 9 action.

1.

What Stood Out Most To Me Sunday: Jordan Love Played The Best Game I’ve Seen From A QB This Season.

Just moments after Jordan lofted a deep ball downfield to Christian Watson for a touchdown, the Packers QB stood under center in hopes of converting a 2-point conversion. He’d scored 40 points. Why stop there? So Love dropped back — but then took it himself, carrying the ball into the end zone for the 2-pointer. 

It was a microcosm of the game. Utter dominance by Love. 

As the QB left the field, you could hear fans chanting “MVP.” At this time last year, the stadium echoed with MVP chants for Drake Maye. At this time 10 years ago, it echoed for Tom Brady. But on Sunday afternoon, the chants in New England were for Love.

“It’s awesome. It’s definitely a very cool feeling to be able to hear fans chanting that. That’s all I can say, man,” Love said when I asked during a postgame presser.

That’s all!?

“Eventually, there’s not going to be any question,” Watson told me when I asked if Love is getting enough MVP chatter. “He’s going to continue to do his thing, and he’s going to get all the recognition he deserves.”

Jordan Love meets Packers fans chanting MVP after the game against the Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)

Before the season, I wrote that Jordan Love was underrated — perhaps the most underrated QB in the NFL. But I felt that he’d finally started getting the recognition he deserved. Now I’m wondering if he’s underrated again, if only because he is starting to look like one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Like the MVP. And that’s a crowded space, with Caleb Williams, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes.

But after the way Love put the ball into tight windows — 40 yards downfield — how could you argue that Love isn’t one of the NFL’s best passers? 

He finished this game 23-of-29 for 372 yards and three passing touchdowns. He had a 153.2 passer rating, 12.8 yards per attempt, a 79.8% completion percentage and a completion percentage over expected of 21.8%. He did that despite 13 pressures (39.4% of dropbacks). He may have taken three sacks, but against pressure, he was 6-of-9 for 153 yards.

“Flowing — that’s what it feels like. It feels like you’re in that flow state and just finding ways to get guys the ball,” Love said.

I asked if this was the best game he’s ever played.

“Man, it’s definitely up there,” he said during the postgame press conference.

He even contributed on the ground, with a rushing touchdown (to go with the 2-point-conversion carry). But man, some of these throws. They were just awesome. 

And this Patriots defense isn’t a bunch of scrubs. Going into this week, they were top 10 in points allowed per game and yards allowed per game. Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez — arguably the league’s best cornerback — was in coverage for 10 catches for 187 yards, per Next Gen Stats.

“We just put ourselves in the best position to exploit — to stay away from their strengths as much as we could,” Watson told me postgame.

But … it sure looked like they were throwing at Gonzalez, who was one of the Patriots’ perceived strengths. Watson just smiled and nodded.

Somehow, this offense left yards on the table. For example, Love hit tight end Tucker Kraft on the hands on a seam route. Kraft couldn’t haul the ball in, but the pass fell right into place — over the tight end’s shoulder. And if he caught it, he was probably running free for another touchdown.

But there’s no need to be greedy. The numbers were gaudy enough. And if you caught the performance, you’ll know what I’m talking about. This was unlike anything we’ve seen in terms of difficulty and downfield throwing. 

This was a masterpiece.

2.

What Went Wrong: Drake Maye Looks Startlingly Like Sam Darnold.

Don’t believe what you see in the box score. 

All those passing yards and all those touchdowns cannot excuse what Drake Maye did in the first half: three interceptions. The Patriots didn’t stand a chance in the second half, and Maye’s “good” numbers — 21-for-38 for 299 yards and three touchdowns — were nothing more than garbage-time production.

He was bad. He was so bad, in fact, that he completely took his team out of the game, particularly when Love caught fire. 

This could’ve been a duel between two of the league’s top quarterbacks. Instead, it was an absolute rout, with Love showing he has ascended into the Tier 1 of QB play. But Maye? He’s falling out of Tier 2, which includes Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, C.J. Stroud and Jared Goff. 

“You can’t put the team in the hole straight off the bat, first possession, first half,” Maye said. “I feel like in the times we had chances to get back into the game. I messed them up.”

And that’s because of his likeness to Sam Darnold.

Now, I want to be clear: Maye is a better quarterback than Darnold. When Maye is at his best, he really is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. When Maye plays like he played against the Packers, he shows how far he has to go to stay among the elite. His mental lapses are so severe that his team has to be perfect to overcome them. 

On Sunday night, the Bears were able to overcome their star QB’s mistakes. Caleb Williams threw four interceptions — constantly shooting his team in the foot — but the defense, with two interceptions and four sacks, kept the team in the game. And Williams was lucky he was playing the Buccaneers (and not the Packers), because Tampa gave the Bears the breathing room to win it. Chicago hit a game-winning field goal to bail out Williams. 

The Patriots couldn’t do the same favor for Maye, who had another of his off days. That’s when he looks like Darnold. They’re both good QBs whose mistakes become major impediments to victory. And unlike the Bears and Seahawks, who have found ways to overcome Darnold’s catastrophic games, the Patriots don’t know how to get past Maye’s worst days.

It’s ironic that Tom Brady was in the stadium to watch this game — calling his first Patriots home game since joining FOX Sports — because Brady trained Patriots fans to appreciate consistency. Brady learned — at a young age — that it’s important to avoid the low-lows of quarterbacking before chasing the high-highs. It’s the low-lows that kill a team’s shot at winning. 

The current Patriots QB has yet to learn it. With all that talent, Maye can’t help himself. But that makes him unreliable — and sometimes it even makes him a liability.

3.   I Can’t Shake This One Thought: The AFC’s No. 1 Seed Will Be The Jaguars Or Bengals.

You know the meme where two Spidermans are pointing at each other? 

Hey, that’s me.

Well, that’s how the Jaguars must have felt watching the Bengals beat the Falcons in Barcelona. Both Jacksonville and Cincinnati have defenses that are trending upward and might be getting better — the Jaguars acquired Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III from Atlanta early Monday. More importantly, both teams are offensive juggernauts with two of the best QBs in the NFL. And when it comes to the AFC hunt, both teams benefit from two of the easiest schedules in the NFL. 

They’re good. Their opponents are bad. They’re going to duke it out for the No. 1 seed.

It feels inevitable. And if you think back to Week 4, you might remember these teams saw each other and the Jaguars won, 22-17 — despite Joe Burrow throwing for 428 yards. That’s a consequential game, giving Jacksonville the advantage for the top seed. So the Bengals would have to be that much better against their weak schedule.

Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars got the best of the Bengals in October despite Joe Burrow’s 428 passing yards. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

I’m guessing that Bills and Broncos fans are wondering what the heck I have against them. The Bills will be dangerous in the playoffs. No doubt about it. But their defense (and general sloppiness) makes me think they’re going to drop some games, particularly with a challenging schedule ahead. And forgive me, Broncos fans, but I don’t trust Bo Nix.

Burrow and Trevor Lawrence have been among the best passers in the NFL. The Bengals don’t quite have a running game like the Jaguars, who have seen Bhayshul Tuten emerge with efficient production that has made him an advanced statistics darling. But of course, Cincinnati has been unstoppable in the passing game with Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. 

Defensively, the edge goes slightly to the Jags. But I think the Bengals’ defense has gotten better every week, with the offseason trade for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence looking better each week.

I feel pretty darn good about one of these two teams taking the top seed in the AFC, even if they both have a sub-20% chance, per Next Gen Stats.

4.

Everyone’s Afraid to Say: The Rams Are Following In the Footsteps Of Iconic Super Bowl Champions.

You know who the Rams remind me of?

Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs. And Tom Brady’s Patriots.

Now, those two QBs (and organizations) have a longer run of sustained excellence. But much like those organizations, the Rams entered this season with a target on their back the size of California. The “Super Team” hype worked against the Rams in two ways: 1) Everyone wanted to crush the supposed Super Team, and 2) They weren’t actually that good.

In fact, the Rams have been pretty mediocre — in every metric except special teams, where they’ve been one of the worst units in the NFL. After Week 9, they rank 13th in points scored per game (23.8) and eighth in points allowed per game (20.1).

They have some of the most recognizable names on either side of the ball, from QB Matthew Stafford to receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to defensive linemen Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett. They have some of the best football players on the planet — and that includes (lesser-known players like) cornerback Trent McDuffie and edge Byron Young. And then, obviously, coach Sean McVay is one of the faces of the NFL.

After early-season knee surgery, Myles Garrett made a dominant return to action on Sunday with three sacks against the Commanders. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

That has actually worked against them — for now.

Because the thing about “the target” is that teams can’t keep it up all year. The Rams are 5-4, which doesn’t scream Super Team anymore. I don’t think teams are worried about bringing the Rams back to earth, because that has already happened.

And while the Rams were not a Super Team to start the year, I believe they are going to surge in the second half of the year — like the Chiefs and (Tom Brady) Patriots did during their Super Bowl runs. You don’t have all year to figure your identity out, but you do have a grace period, which the best teams use to experiment and feel out their limits. That can make for ugly football. That can generate losses. But as Bill Belichick used to say: You know what kind of team you are when Thanksgiving rolls around.

We’re almost there. The Rams won ugly against the Commanders on Sunday, but they have a healthy Garrett, Donald and Young on the defensive line. They have a healthy Stafford, and Davante Adams should be back soon. One concerning note is Nacua, who will have an MRI on his right knee on Monday.

Basically everyone picked the Rams to make and/or win the Super Bowl. And basically everyone got scared and backed off that prediction. Well, I’m here to remind you: It’s gonna happen. They have the makings of a team that’s going to get hot in the playoffs. Just when you forget about them, they’re gonna be one of the NFL’s best teams.

5.

What’s Next? Should They Stay Or Should They Go?

With the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, here are the big names who should stay or go.

Trade Him: If someone feels generous enough to give the Colts assets for a player they’re going to part ways with this offseason, then … why not? The Colts would take a cap hit for trading Jones, which gives them a little leverage to make the Vikings (or anyone else who’s interested) give up a reasonable return. 

Indy is selling for a rebuild. Jones isn’t going to be a part of that and, given the incentives in his contract, he probably wants to go to a contender where he can cash in on bonuses (on top of simply wanting to not be on one of the league’s worst teams).

Keep Him: He’ll turn 28 in January, which isn’t so bad for a running back these days. Derrick Henry might be a freak of nature, but he’s 32, which provides an optimistic runway for Taylor. The Colts are probably going to draft a young QB to play right away. Taylor is the perfect complement to a rookie QB, because he’s been able to produce despite years of tumultuous circumstances. 

I know that a Taylor trade would be the exciting splash that we all crave at the deadline. But it’s actually not smart for the Colts to move someone as reliable as Taylor, who will make life easier for whoever plays QB for them next year.

Trade Him: There might not be a player who has more “he has something” plays — without actually ever developing into a reliable threat. Downs’ potential is enticing. His production isn’t. That’s why he’s on the market for a fourth-rounder, per reports. And that makes all the sense in the world. It’s not like they Colts would be saying good riddance, but Downs simply hasn’t panned out. They can wish him good luck and let him be on his way to Kansas City — or wherever else.

Keep Him: Look at the Kayshon Boutte situation with the Patriots and the Texans. New England ditched Boutte before the season in a trade with Houston — in part because Boutte wanted out — and now the Patriots could really use an outside receiver who Drake Maye trusts. 

So you look at that situation and apply it to Jacksonville. As I mentioned earlier, I expect the Jaguars to compete for the AFC title. I don’t expect the Jaguars to be healthy all year long. So if Parker Washington or Jakobi Meyers got hurt, then I could easily see the Jaguars regret having traded BTJ. And I could see it stinging even more if BTJ goes off with the Chiefs.

Trade Him: The Eagles should keep selling. They’re not a good football team right now, but I trust GM Howie Roseman to do a timely rebuild. That means continuing to stock up on draft assets — while selling on older starters like Baun. 

I would throw guard Landon Dickerson into the mix here, too. I probably would hold onto tight end Dallas Goedert, given how trusty he can be for a QB. And rookie TE Eli Stowers has not shown signs of development.

Keep Him: The NFC East is winnable, and Dallas is definitely the most talented team. The Cowboys just have to stop beating themselves. It’s a cliché, but it’s painfully true. It’s not a high bar for most, but it’s one the Cowboys can’t seem to clear. 

It would be detrimental for the Cowboys to trade Pickens. He’s a good player. Ryan Flournoy got his chance to audition for WR2 against the Colts, and it wasn’t reassuring. Keep Pickens. Try to make the playoffs. And heck, if he plays well down the stretch, the Cowboys could re-sign him and do for Dak Prescott what the Bengals have done for Joe Burrow.

NFL Related Stories

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The Buffalo Bills visit the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. ET from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

The Vikings are 6-1 after a 19-15 loss at the Lions in Week 8. The Vikings score 20.0 points per game and allow 13.3.

The Bills are 6-1 after a 36-10 win against the Ravens in Week 8. The Bills score 33.3 points per game and allow 25.9.

Below are the details on how to watch.

How to Watch Bills vs. Vikings

• When: Monday, November 9, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
• TV: ABC
• Stream: ESPN Unlimited – Get the FOX One / ESPN Bundle

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After the first College Football Playoff reveal of the 2026 season on Tuesday, it’s officially crunch time. The Week 10 slate could help determine that postseason picture. 

No. 1 Miami will try to remain perfect in its toughest test yet, visiting No. 11 Notre Dame. 

In the SEC, there are, essentially, a slew of elimination games. No. 5 Alabama, No. 6 Kentucky, No. 7 Texas and No. 10 Ole Miss are all facing ranked opponents. If any pick up another loss, that could push them out one week after being included in the CFP field.

Then in the Big Ten, No. 8 UCLA will try to stay on course for a playoff appearance, playing at Minnesota on “Big Noon Kickoff.”

In just one week, the 12-team CFP could look completely different. We’re breaking down our straight-up picks and the matchups to watch closely throughout the weekend.

	RJ Young	Laken Litman	Ben Portnoy
Last Week	4-6	4-6	3-7
Overall	54-34	49-39	49-39

   Southern Methodist vs. Virginia Tech

Kevin Jennings threw for 352 yards, but SMU lost to Syracuse in Week 9. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia/Getty Images)

When: Friday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas
Line: SMU -6

RJ Young: SMU
I don’t think the Mustangs’ Week 9 loss to Syracuse will linger.

Laken Litman: SMU
SMU rebounds from a crushing defeat at Syracuse. 

Ben Portnoy: Virginia Tech
It’s been a weird year in Blacksburg, but I like what the Hokies’ offense has done in spurts. SMU has been playing with fire and got burned last week. I think Virginia Tech springs another upset.

   Minnesota vs. No. 8 UCLA

UCLA running back Wayne Knight leads the Big Ten with 12 rushing touchdowns. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

When: Saturday, noon ET (FOX)
Where: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Line: UCLA -5.5

Young: UCLA
While Minnesota’s performance was good last week against Indiana, the better quarterback is UCLA’s Ty Dieffenbach in this matchup.

Litman: UCLA
UCLA keeps its perfect record intact on the road against a pesky Gophers team.

Portnoy: Minnesota
I know last week’s overtime loss to Indiana was an absolute heartbreaker, but Minnesota’s played enough physical, low-scoring football games they’ve got to win one eventually, right? Give me a big-time Gophers bounce back.

   No. 3 Utah vs. No. 9 BYU

Morgan Scalley has the Utah Utes ranked No. 3 for the first time since 2015. (Photo by Bryan Byerly/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

When: Saturday, noon ET (ABC)
Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
Line: Utah -5.5

Young: BYU
This is a must-win game for the Cougars to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.

Litman: Utah
Utah keeps its undefeated season alive in this year’s Holy War and proves it’s the team to beat in the Big 12.

Portnoy: Utah
BYU beat Notre Dame without running back LJ Martin, but Utah has looked like a world beater in recent weeks. Couple that with a Cougars squad that has felt banged-up post-Notre Dame, and I think the Utes win what is maybe the biggest Holy War game ever.

   No. 18 Missouri vs. No. 7 Texas

Arch Manning threw for three touchdowns in Texas’ win over Mississippi State in Week 9. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

When: Saturday, noon ET (ESPN)
Where: Memorial Stadium, Columbia, Missouri
Line: Texas -2.5

Young: Missouri
A rash of injuries and a ranked opponent on the road make this game tough to win for Texas.

Litman: Missouri
Texas’ lack of a consistent run-game hurts its chances on the road and could ultimately eliminate the Longhorns from CFP contention.

Portnoy: Texas
Texas continues to be maybe the most frustrating team in the country, but that’s what all that talent is for. Missouri’s Austin Simmons has been one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. I still don’t think that’s enough in this one.

   No. 11 Ohio State vs. No. 23 Oregon

Oregon quarterback Dylan Raiola threw for a season-high 336 yards and three touchdowns against Northwestern. (Photo by Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbia, Ohio
Line: Ohio State -7.5

Young: Ohio State
After being embarrassed last week at USC, the Buckeyes will demonstrate they’re still one of the 12 best teams in the sport against a ranked Oregon team.

Litman: Ohio State
Quarterback Luke Fahey gets more comfortable in his first home start, while Oregon’s season continues to spiral.

Portnoy: Oregon
Why not go for another upset? Oregon looked like it found a little something in last week’s win over Northwestern. On the other hand, Ohio State feels like it’s teetering on the edge of the CFP, and I think Dan Lanning’s bunch salvages another big-time win this season.

   No. 14 LSU vs. No. 5 Alabama

Freshman quarterback Keelon Russell has Alabama in the top 5 of the College Football Playoff’s first reveal.  (Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images)

When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Line: LSU -5.5

Young: LSU
The Fightin’ Tigers know their cleanest path to the CFP is to go through the fifth-ranked team in the country.

Litman: LSU
Quarterback Sam Leavitt out-duels Alabama’s Keelon Russell and leads the Tigers to a critical SEC win.

Portnoy: Alabama
I believe in quarterback Keelon Russell and what Alabama put on tape during the early part of the year. Roll Tide Roll. 

   No. 13 Tennessee vs. No. 6 Kentucky

Kenny Minchey and Kentucky are ranked No. 6 for the first time since 1977. (Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

When: Saturday, 6:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Where: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee
Line: Tennessee -6.5

Young: Kentucky
The Wildcats’ quarterback play has been consistently good with Kenny Minchey, while Tennessee knows it can’t win if running back DeSean Bishop doesn’t power the offense.

Litman: Kentucky
Coach Will Stein gets another huge SEC road win, keeping the Wildcats in the hunt for a first-round CFP bye.

Portnoy: Kentucky
I’m convinced Tennessee is nowhere near where its ranking might indicate. The Vols are a mess at quarterback and while the defense has been great, they’re far too inconsistent offensively. This might be a grind-it-out type game. Kentucky has done that all year.

   No. 11 Notre Dame vs. No. 1 Miami

Miami quarterback Darian Mensah leads the FBS, completing 80.7% of his passes and throwing 25 touchdowns. (Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
Where: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana
Line: Notre Dame -6

Young: Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish can earn the best win anybody has all season if they simply play to their potential.

Litman: Notre Dame
This is a must-win game for the Fighting Irish, and they’ll get it done behind a masterful performance by quarterback CJ Carr in South Bend.

Portnoy: Miami
Miami has looked to me like the best team in America through nine weeks. Notre Dame might be able to gash this defense on the ground, but I still like Darian Mensah to cement himself as a Heisman front-runner after this one, despite wide receiver Malachi Toney’s absence.

   No. 10 Ole Miss vs. No. 2 Georgia

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss leads the SEC with 2,189 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Where: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Mississippi
Line: Georgia -3.5

Young: Ole Miss
Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is good enough to lead the Rebels past Georgia.

Litman: Georgia
The Bulldogs may have had that hiccup vs. Auburn, but they’re not losing again.

Portnoy: Georgia
I don’t believe in Georgia’s offense, but it may not matter if its defense smothers teams the way it did last week against Florida. I think the Bulldogs are more sound defensively and that proves to be the difference by knocking Trinidad Chambliss off his game a touch.

   Northwestern vs. No. 19 Iowa

Hank Brown recaptured the Iowa starting quarterback job. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Where: Ryan Field, Evanston, Illinois
Line: Northwestern -2.5

Young: Iowa
The Hawkeyes’ defense can frustrate quarterback Aidan Chiles and the Northwestern offense.

Litman: Northwestern
The Wildcats bounce back after a devastating loss to Oregon last week.

Portnoy: Iowa 
Hank Brown has been steady for the Hawkeyes under center and this squad seems to be finding its footing again offensively. Combine that with one of the nation’s better defenses and I think they can stymie whatever offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has up his sleeve for Northwestern.

Joel Klatt on Minnesota vs UCLA, Notre Dame’s rank, USC’s CFP odds | FULL INTERVIEW | The Herd

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How important is a legit starting quarterback to a team’s Super Bowl odds? The Baltimore Ravens provided an example this week, with Lamar Jackson out at least the next four games and backup Tyler Huntley hurt, as well.

“Going into Sunday, we had the Ravens 14/1 to win the Super Bowl. Then Lamar goes down. We ended Sunday at 50/1. And now we’re at 100/1,” Caesars Sports head of football trading Joey Feazel said Wednesday afternoon.

Baltimore then made a semi-Hail Mary trade in hopes of salvaging its season, which resumes Thursday night vs. the Jaguars. The Ravens are double-digit home underdogs in NFL Week 9 odds.

More on the trade and that matchup, along with the far more attractive Packers-Patriots showdown on FOX, as well as the Bills-Vikings Monday night meeting, as we dive into this week’s NFL betting nuggets.

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.

NFL Rocks On FOX

America’s Game of the Week is arguably the most appealing on the NFL Week 9 oddsboard.

Green Bay is 4-1 straight up (SU) and 5-0 against the spread in its last five outings, improving to 5-3 SU and ATS overall. New England (5-3 SU/4-4 ATS) has won four in a row on the field, but failed to cover the spread in its last three games.

Caesars Sports opened the Patriots as 2.5-point home favorites and went to -3 multiple times already this week. As of Wednesday evening, it was Patriots -3 (-113).

“Action is two-way, but there’s a little more on the Patriots right now,” Feazel said. “Week in and week out, the Patriots are more of a publicly-backed team.”

The bigger concern in this game could be the total. Early sharp action on Under 47.5 took it down to 46.5, but the public money is sure to overwhelm all that by the Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff on FOX.

“I anticipate we’ll need the Under,” Feazel said.

Monday Money

The Bills visit the Vikings on Monday night, with both teams 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS.

Buffalo got a big break last week against Baltimore, with Jackson’s injury. The Bills went on to a 36-10 victory as 3-point home favorites. Minnesota, meanwhile, became the last of the unbeatens to fall, losing at Detroit 19-15 as 3.5-point underdogs.

The Bills opened -3 at Caesars and were up to -3.5 (even) on Wednesday evening.

“We’re seeing more Bills action, but it’s not overwhelming yet,” Feazel said. “We anticipate definitely needing the Under. For any Bills game, we get flooded on the Over. We’ll need Minnesota and Under on Monday night.”

The total is at 45.5, actually down from the 46.5 opener due to early sharp play on Under 46.5. But as Feazel noted, by 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday, the public will be all over the Over.

The Vikings are 6-1 but 27th in points per game, only averaging 20 (Getty Images).

NFL Sharp Side

Professional bettor Randy McKay is already involved with Bills-Vikings, siding with what he deems the better defense in taking Minnesota +3.5.

“It’s offense vs. defense on Monday Night Football,” McKay said. “The Bills got a gift last week with Baltimore down to its third-string QB, and they still struggled, only leading 16-10 in the third quarter. Minnesota took its first loss, giving up a fourth-quarter lead.

“Buffalo’s defense is still weak and on the road. I see Minnesota having some offensive success and the Vikings’ defense holding up against Josh Allen.”

Major Mover

On last week’s lookahead line for Jaguars vs. Ravens — with Jackson fully expected to play — Caesars Sports installed Baltimore as a 3-point home favorite.

Then Jackson, fresh off an ankle injury, suffered a thumb injury on the Ravens’ first play from scrimmage vs. the Bills. As noted above, Jackson is out at least the next four weeks while on IR, and his season could be done.

So on Sunday evening, when NFL Week 9 odds reopened, there was a major shift, from Ravens-3 to Jaguars -7.5. Yet bettors didn’t think that was enough.

Jacksonville quickly advanced to -8/-8.5, then got to -9.5 on Monday and even reached -10.5 briefly on Wednesday afternoon. On Wednesday night, it was Jags -10 for this 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday kickoff.

“It’s all Jags action, mostly at -9.5 and above. People aren’t racing to bet third-string quarterback Joe Fagnano,” Feazel said. “We’ll need the Ravens to hang in there, and it’s a significant need.”

Interestingly, Feazel said there’s sharp action on both sides: Jaguars -8.5 and Ravens +10.5.

Also, on Wednesday, Baltimore was working on a trade with Arizona to acquire QB Jacoby Brissett. But even if that deal comes to fruition, Brissett won’t be available until Week 10.

The Jags have covered in four of their five wins this season (Getty Images).

Persuading The Public

Chicago is 4-1 SU and ATS in its last five games, and the public betting masses are all in on the Bears, especially after an impressive 34-17 road win vs. the Seahawks, lifting Chicago to 6-2 SU and ATS overall.

At 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, the Bears host the Buccaneers (3-5 SU and ATS). Caesars opened Chicago as a 6-point favorite and initially backtracked to -5.5/-4.5.

But that was before the Bears’ win over Seattle. Afterward, the line shot straight back to Bears -6.

“Maybe this even gets to 6.5,” Feazel said. “The public loves to see points. We’re taking more Bears action, even on the moneyline. Not many people are taking the Bucs.

“I think we’re gonna see significant action on the Bears [this week] and going forward.”

Feazel also noted early action on the Over, which he expects will continue through Sunday night. The total opened at 46.5 and was at 47.5 on Wednesday night.

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The Detroit Lions offered a blueprint on how to beat the best defense in football. The Chicago Bears added one of the best defenders in football. The Cincinnati Bengals boast the best No. 2 receiver in football.

Each week, I dive into the All-22 coaches’ film before offering a few insights to watch. Here are three developments that could be long-term storylines involving some of the best teams and players in the NFL.

1.

The Lions outsmarted Brian Flores’ impenetrable defense with a throwback formation and running game that left the Vikings defensive wizard desperately searching for answers in a pivotal division matchup this past Sunday. 

Using a variation of the Power-I formation that was popularized in the 1960s, the Lions ran for 230 yards, with 164 of those yards coming in the second half. The run-heavy formation put a pair of tight ends in front of star running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield, changing the math for a Vikings defense that typically overwhelms opponents with overload pressures in the form of six-plus defenders aggressively attacking gaps at the line of scrimmage. 

By aligning in an offset formation with the tight ends offset to the right or left of Gibbs, the Lions added two additional gaps to the Vikings’ run fits while creating a moving target for the defenders assigned to those gaps due to the pre-snap motions and shifts of tight ends Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and Tyler Conklin. Additionally, the unique positioning of Gibbs and Co. behind the offensive guard and tackle created an unbalanced formation with tight ends putting five or six men on one side of the center. 

While most unbalanced lines are set at the line of scrimmage, forcing the defense to bump over to even up the numbers, the Lions’ backfield formation and pre-snap movement (shifts or motions) kept the Vikings from aligning properly. With the Lions running a “Duo” blocking scheme (man blocking with select double teams at the line of scrimmage) and tight ends inserting into the line at various spots, the Vikings were outnumbered at the point of attack, creating huge running lanes for Gibbs and backup RB Sione Vaki on downhill plays. 

Although we have watched Rams HC Sean McVay and 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan utilize H-backs, tight ends and wideouts as lead blockers from exotic formations, the Lions’ clever deployment of their tight ends disrupted the Vikings’ blitz scheme by adding extra gaps to defend at the point of attack and varying where those gaps occurred on each play. For a team that had sparingly utilized “13” personnel prior to Week 7, the heavy usage (12 times for 81 rush yards; 83.3% success rate) proved to be the perfect solution to the Vikings’ ultra-aggressive tactics.  

With the Lions seemingly cracking the code on the Vikings’ aggressive scheme, the rest of the league is scouring the tape to see if they can add a few throwback formations to the call sheet to keep Flores guessing and out of sorts. 

2.

When the Bears acquired defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Titans last week for a pair of first-round picks and a fourth-rounder, the three-time All-Pro figured to bolster his new team with his disruptive potential on the interior. At 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, Simmons is an unstoppable force at the point of attack, playing through double teams and combo blocks with poise and persistence.  

The loquacious defender is also arguably the league’s best trash-talker, with jabbering jaws and a non-stop motor that isn’t affected by the scoreboard. Simmons plays each down like the Super Bowl is on the line, and his consistent disruption stems partly from his superior talent and work ethic. He refuses to let double teams slow him down, and his relentlessness shows in his desire to finish at the ball on every play. While most observers focus on his disruptive plays (sacks, tackles for loss and quarterback hits/hurries), it is Simmons’ consistency down in and down out that really transforms a defense.

Studying the All-22 coaches’ footage from his Bears debut against the Seahawks in Week 8, Simmons’ energy and effort immediately jumped off the screen. The veteran ran around like a kid in a candy store, sprinting from sideline to sideline to hunt runners down. He also showed the strength and power to hold his position at the point of attack against double teams. When facing one-on-one attention at the line, he repeatedly tossed around his assigned blocker with various power maneuvers, including the bull rush and “club” to quickly disengage and pursue the ball. 

With Simmons also flashing a unique blend of speed and quickness to complement his superior strength, the Seahawks’ blockers couldn’t neutralize him without multiple bodies coming around to shrink his run to the running back or quarterback. The four-time Pro-Bowler refused to stay blocked, and his fanatical effort energized a unit that was looking for a spark at the line of scrimmage. 

Looking through the tape and reviewing my notes on Chicago DC Dennis Allen’s scheme, it is easy to envision how Simmons’ role will continue to grow with the Bears. The veteran will continue to hold the point with traditional rushes that allow him to plug holes against the run, while taking a straightforward approach to the quarterback. Additionally, Allen will put him on the move in games that let Simmons use his athleticism to blow through cracks created by the choreographed movement at the line of scrimmage. With the Bears likely to add more rushers in five- and six-man pressures, Simmons should walk into sacks against overwhelmed blockers unable to handle his physicality and Allen’s creativity.  

Chicago’s marquee addition cost a pretty penny, but his talent and tools will transform the defense into a top-notch unit that creates the kind of chaos and havoc opposing quarterbacks and playcallers fear. With the move pushing the Super Bowl-starved franchise into title contention, Simmons’ disruption and dominance could add some more hardware to the trophy case in Halas Hall at season’s end. 

3.

We are only two seasons removed from Ja’Marr Chase claiming the NFL’s WR1 title after becoming the sixth player in the Super Bowl era to win the “Triple Crown” as the single-season leader in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708) and touchdowns (17). While the three-time All-Pro is still worthy of wearing the crown after another phenomenal season in 2025 that showcased his dominance as a playmaker, the Bengals can now lay claim to boasting the league’s best WR2. 

Tee Higgins, if you haven’t noticed, has fully emerged as an unstoppable force on the perimeter for the 5-2 Bengals. 

The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder has opened the 2026 season on a heater with 43 catches, 726 receiving yards (second in the NFL) and four touchdowns through seven games. Higgins is averaging 103.7 receiving yards per game and 16.9 yards per catch, reflecting his big-play potential as a vertical threat. Moreover, the 2025 Pro Bowler has dominated his one-on-one matchups, using his size, length and athleticism to overwhelm defenders on jump balls down the boundary or in the red zone.  

It’s worth noting Higgins was a high school basketball standout who had several D1 offers (Louisville, Tennessee, Auburn, Middle Tennessee State, and others) before deciding to play football at Clemson. The seventh-year pro’s hardwood skills repeatedly show up on the grass when he “boxes out” defenders to win contested catches. According to Next Gen Stats, Higgins has been one of the league’s most productive targets on tight-window throws (where the ball arrives with less than a yard of separation), which speaks to Joe Burrow’s trust in the extra-long, rangy receiver. 

Studying the All-22 coaches’ tape, you see why the star quarterback is not afraid to target the veteran with defenders around. Higgins’ length and strength make it hard for defenders to wrestle the ball out of his hands when he hauls in a fade ball down the boundary. Additionally, Higgins excels at “high-pointing” alley-oops, like a back-door lob against a 2-3 zone defense.  

With Higgins flashing impressive route-running skills as a long strider with surprising agility and stop-and-start quickness, the Bengals have been able to feature their WR2 on more than just classic vertical routes (go routes and skinny posts) downfield. He can run the entire route tree out wide, with comebacks, digs and back-shoulder fades ranking as his best routes in the Bengals’ scheme. 

Given Higgins’ production opposite Chase, it is fair to wonder how he would fare on his own as a No. 1 option in the passing game. He has shown “take-over-the-game” potential when occupying the WR1 role, with 36 receptions, 542 receiving yards and three touchdowns in six games without Chase. Those numbers are solid and not significantly greater than Higgins’ weekly stat line, which suggests his output is sustainable as a WR1 or WR2 for the Bengals. 

At a time when coaches and scouts want consistency and dependability from a second wide receiver, it is hard to knock Higgins off the pedestal as the best No. 2 in football. 

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Cristiano Ronaldo won’t play for Portugal anymore, ending on Thursday a career that spanned six World Cups and included a European title and the men’s all-time international scoring record.

His announcement marked the end of a lauded career that began more than two decades ago before Euro 2004 and finished with him walking out on the national team after falling out with coach Jorge Jesus.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team,” the 41-year-old Ronaldo said in a long video message on social media. “I never felt it belonged to me alone but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.

“Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart. A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.”

Ronaldo will keep playing at club level, which he is expected to finish at the end of this season with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

He is in pursuit of his 1,000th career goal and sits on 985. Of those, a record 146 goals came in 234 appearances with Portugal.

Portugal Plans Tribute To ‘Greatest Of All Time’

While long-time peer Lionel Messi finished his career with Argentina last month after a much anticipated farewell match, Ronaldo’s final appearance with Portugal has ended up being on Sept. 24 in a 1-0 home win over Wales in the Nations League.

Jesus kept him on the bench for the following match and said he didn’t plan to start him in the next one, so Ronaldo decided to leave the team’s training camp. Jesus later said Ronaldo would be welcome back and the decision to return was up to him.

The Portuguese soccer federation released a statement expressing “deep gratitude and immense admiration” for Ronaldo’s service to the country.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has raised Portugal’s profile and inspired generations of young people who dream of following in his footsteps; for many of us, he is the greatest player of all time!” the federation said.

It said it intends to organize a tribute to Ronaldo “in which the fans and the country can one more time applaud and celebrate a player who has given us so much.”

Ronaldo Helps Portugal Reach New Level

Before Ronaldo debuted for Portugal by replacing Luís Figo in a 2003 friendly against Kazakhstan, Portugal had never won any major trophies.

Then he and successive generations of talented teammates made Portugal a regular presence at major tournaments.

Portugal won its first major title at Euro 2016, and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

“Throughout my entire career with the national team, I always pushed myself beyond my limits,” Ronaldo said. “I wanted to win. I wanted to be better. I wanted to make history.

“I always demanded the most of myself. I always wanted more. I always believed we could go further. And I gave everything I had for this shirt.”

Portugal qualified for the World Cup only three times before Ronaldo’s time — 1966, 1986 and 2002. On his watch, Portugal qualified every single time.

Ronaldo took the pitch for Portugal after the 2026 World Cup, but not for long before disagreements erupted. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

The same was true for the Euros, which Portugal had played only three times before Ronaldo — 1984, 1996 and 2000. After he arrived it played in the tournament every time. Portugal was runner-up in Ronaldo’s Euro debut in 2004 at home.

At the World Cup, Portugal went as far as fourth place with Ronaldo, in his tournament debut in 2006. It was among the title candidates nearly every time after that, though, with a best result a quarterfinal appearance in 2022.

“There were perfect afternoons and nights. There were victories I will never forget. There were defeats that still hurt to remember” Ronaldo said. “I made mistakes. I suffered. There were also moments when I couldn’t give the Portuguese people what they so desperately wanted. But I never gave up, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal.”

Portugal’s best World Cup finish remains third place in 1966 with the great Eusébio in what was the team’s only World Cup participation until 1986.

A Career Of International Records

Ronaldo was the first man to score in six World Cups. He reached an all-time 11 goals at this year’s World Cup, surpassing the previous Portugal record of nine from Eusébio.

He has scored for Portugal in 23 consecutive calendar years, from 2004-26.

He became the first player to reach 200 men’s international appearances, and his 234 appearances remain the most all-time in men’s international soccer.

Ronaldo also has the most Euro appearances with 30, and the most Euro goals with 14. His first ever international goal came at the start of Euro 2004, when host Portugal was runner-up to Greece.

Ronaldo’s farewell video was of him reading out his retirement announcement, interspersed with clips of him playing for the national team and footage of Portuguese fans.

“I spent my life working to become the best player in the world,” Ronaldo said at the end. “Today I realise that my greatest victory was earning the honor of representing the best country in the world.

“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for allowing me to live a dream that began when I was just a little boy in Madeira, running after a football. The No. 7 shirt will remain. The pride of having worn it will be mine forever.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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The long-awaited, top-25-filled Week 10 of the college football season is finally here.

Everything from College Football Playoff implications to potential conference championship matchups are in play this Saturday. Starting at 12 p.m. ET, No. 9 BYU heads to No. 3 Utah for the annual Holy War rivalry matchup, with instant CFP and Big 12 title impact. The day ends with No. 1 Miami at No. 11 Notre Dame in a rematch of the game that arguably kept the Fighting Irish out of last year’s CFP.

Especially after Tuesday’s first CFP rankings of the season — which FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt raised concerns about — this weekend’s slate will make a heavy impact on the postseason playoff picture.  

Here at Klatt’s Week 10 picks and previews, from the latest episode of “The Joel Klatt Show”:

(Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Spread: Notre Dame -5.5
Moneyline: Notre Dame -238, Miami +195

Klatt’s thoughts: “Notre Dame, you got to win … The committee really put Notre Dame behind the eight ball. They’re backed into a corner. So, don’t we all expect to get Notre Dame’s best? I mean, we have to … Now, Miami has taken care of business. Notre Dame did not. They got beat by BYU. Yes, there was a second left. They didn’t get that snap, and so here they are with their backs against the wall. 

“Let’s take a look at this game from just like: what’s the strongest thing? What’s the weakest thing that any of these teams do? Well, if you’re looking at the weakest thing, I always look at that, because in a matchup game typically the weakest link of the teams is what’s going to end up getting you beat, and the weakest thing that anybody does in this game is Miami’s defense, and we’ve seen that over the last, what, three weeks and three games. Two of the last three games, they’ve given up 35 points to Florida State and UNC. So it’s not a great defense. It is not nearly the defensive front that they had a year ago. Their secondary is not great. 

“So they’ve got to find a way to limit CJ Carr, who I think is one of the better quarterbacks that we have in the country. What’s the strongest part of this game? It’s Miami’s offense. It’s interesting. They’ve got the strongest part. They’ve got the weakest part. Their ceiling with their offense is outstanding. I think it’s the best thing anybody does in college football. Darian Mensah film is fantastic. I love watching it.

“I’m going to go to Notre Dame. I think that they have to win, and they will win because, again, the committee is doing Miami no favors here … Notre Dame 30-27. Miami, I’ll take the 5.5.”

Klatt’s straight-up pick: Notre Dame
Klatt’s pick against the spread: Miami +5.5

(Photo by Bryan Byerly/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Spread: Utah -4.5
Moneyline: Utah -198, BYU +164

Klatt’s thoughts: “BYU at Utah. Holy War. 4.5 is the spread here. Utah is favored. Utah has lost three straight in this series, including a home game. BYU has not looked great since the Notre Dame game. I think we would all agree with that. Utah has been a team that has been very impressive, which is largely why they’re ranked No. 3 in the country right now. Because even though they’ve played something north of a wet paper bag, the committee decided that they were the third-ranked team in the country. That was a shot. It wasn’t meant to be a shot. Because I love Utah. You know I love you, Utah. Death, taxes, Utah football. They roared back against Houston after being down 10-0 at around halftime. They destroyed Cincinnati. They’re a difficult team to beat on the road when they’re in their home stadium. Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker are dynamic. The one concern I would have for Devon Dampier is the turnovers. 

“You can’t do that in this game, not in this game. And, in particular, with an aggressive BYU defense … They’re going to have to run the football, play quality defense, and use the energy of that stadium to their benefit. LJ Martin for BYU could be back. I don’t know how effective he will be, but they need that because they have not been able to run the football very well over the last couple of weeks. Speaking of BYU, both have good defenses. Although, gosh, you know I love Kalani Sitake. I think Kalani Sitake is fantastic, but his defense the last couple of weeks hasn’t been like BYU standard. I personally believe this Utah team has something to prove. Almost like their coach retired and then took another job somewhere else. It’s like it resembles that. I don’t know if that was the case or not, but that’s what it looks like. And Morgan Scalley has been there for a long time, and he understands the culture of Utah. And I think this team is playing with an edge.

“Utah 27, BYU 20. Utah covers the 4.5.”

Klatt’s straight-up pick: Utah
Klatt’s pick against the spread: Utah -4.5

(Photo by Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Spread: Georgia -3.5
Moneyline: Georgia -175, Ole Miss +145

Klatt’s thoughts: “Georgia at Ole Miss. This one could be a great game. I really think it could be. Georgia is favored by 3.5. Rematch to that quarterfinal from a year ago. Ole Miss won that one. Trinidad Chambliss was outstanding in that ball game, and I’m sure Kirby Smart has had nightmares about Trinidad Chambliss ever since then. And now he’s got to go to Oxford, and he’s got to play Trinidad Chambliss where Trinidad Chambliss has never lost a start. Ole Miss is not going to have Kewan Lacy, he’s likely out in this game. Trinidad Chambliss is a guy that I love. You guys, I know I’ve loved him ever since the beginning of the year, and now he gets to face Kirby Smart. And this team is the best road team that we have in the country over the last several years. Why? Because they’re consistent. Why? Because they run the football. Because they play good defense. These are the things that travel. These are the things that allow you to have success on the road. I do think it’s going to be a close game. I don’t think Georgia is going to be able to separate in this game, but they’re too consistent. They’re too consistent.

“If Georgia can hold Ole Miss to field goals, I think that’s where the game is won or lost. If it’s high scoring, I favor Ole Miss because Trinidad runs wild. If it’s lower scoring and in the 20s, then I favor Georgia because it’s a slug fest, and you’re kicking field goals, and it’s third down and it’s situations. What do I think it’s going to be? More of a slug fest. 

“I’m going to take Georgia 28-24. They cover the 3.5 on the road.”

Klatt’s straight-up pick: Georgia
Klatt’s pick against the spread: Georgia -3.5

(Photo by Melinda Meijer/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Spread: Ohio State -7.5
Moneyline: Ohio State -305, Oregon +245

Klatt’s thoughts: “Oregon at Ohio State. Ohio State favored by 7.5. Interesting. So Vegas likes Ohio State a lot more than the committee does. By the way, Oregon has a path to the Big Ten championship game. I know we haven’t talked about that a lot on this program, but I know other programs have mentioned it. Yes, that’s absolutely the case. And if I were Oregon, I would smell the blood in the water a little bit. 

“This is not the same Ohio State that came into Eugene a couple of years ago and would eventually win the national championship. And it is certainly not the same Ohio State that you saw in the Rose Bowl, and that kind of, you know, blew the hinges off in that game. I don’t know what we’re going to get. Luke Fahey is going to start at QB again. How long is the leash for Luke Fahey? Not sure. I don’t think he played very well … I thought the ball went to the wrong spot a few times. He overthrew some open wide receivers, and they didn’t get the ball to Jeremiah Smith. 

“Jay Johnson is [Oregon’s] new offensive coordinator after they fired Drew Mehringer after that Illinois game, and they looked a lot better in the second half against Northwestern. This is a very different defense than they’re going to face. I think this is a much better secondary, and I would think that Matt Patricia of Ohio State is going to find a way to put pressure on Dylan Raiola. He does not deal with pressure well. It’s like Ohio State’s backed into a corner … You just get all of Ohio State, and if you get all of Ohio State, that means that you get all of Jeremiah Smith, and they’re going to be taking shots, and they’re going to be more aggressive even with a young quarterback, because you got nothing to lose.

“I’m going to say Ohio State wins this game. They have to. They win it 30-20. They cover the 7.5.”

Klatt’s straight-up pick: Ohio State
Klatt’s pick against the spread: Ohio State -7.5

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Spread: LSU -5.5
Moneyline: LSU -225, Alabama +185

Klatt’s thoughts: “Alabama at LSU, always a great game. LSU is favored by 5.5 over the committee’s fifth-ranked team. You mean Vegas doesn’t agree with the committee either? No, they don’t. No one does. Literally, no one. Not even Bama fans … Bad matchup for Alabama in this one. I think it’s a terrible matchup for Alabama. Let me tell you why, because if Kalen DeBoer gets into a big game, typically they throw the football a lot and they don’t run it very well. And when that happens, they have to protect their quarterback. And if they can’t protect their quarterback, they don’t win. And LSU is a terrific pass rushing team. Terrific, second in the country in sacks. Meanwhile, you would think that Alabama on the offensive line would do a good job protecting their quarterback. Not the case. We saw pressure against Tennessee, pressure against Georgia, and LSU might be better in the pass rush than both of those teams. Bad matchup. I don’t think they’re going to be able to run the football. 

“Speaking of Alabama … They beat Mississippi State, who was undefeated at the time. Each of the last two times that they played LSU in Death Valley, Alabama has been held under 70 yards rushing, and that’s even with better Alabama teams and teams that are more willing to run the football. So again, all of this leads to: Do I think LSU can at least get out of their own way offensively, not turn the football over and score some points? The answer is yes. Sam Leavitt is playing better. He’s taking care of the ball … You’ve got some guys back for Alabama. I don’t know how much they’re going to give you. Ryan Coleman-Williams is going to be back. Zabien Brown might be back. I just think LSU, they’re going to be a team that’s going to be very difficult to beat in this one. 

I’ve got LSU 30, Alabama 17. LSU covers the 5.5″

Klatt’s straight-up pick: LSU
Klatt’s pick against the spread: LSU -5.5

(Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

Spread: Texas -2.5
Moneyline: Texas -142, Missouri +120

Klatt’s thoughts: “Texas at Missouri. This one should be an interesting game, partly because I have no idea who’s going to be playing for Texas. They are a mess unit right now. Sark has come out and talked about them being a bit undermanned this week. Let me just roll through a couple of these. Sark put it this way: could be without Cam Coleman, could be without Ryan Wingo, already without Trevor Goosby, their left tackle. Will be without Hollywood Smothers, all on offense. Two starting corners look like they’re going to be out. Colin Simmons’ status unknown. Best pass rusher in college football, week-to-week with that ankle. He’s missed the last two. Who’s going to be out there? Arch Manning is going to be out there. What do I worry about with Texas? That it becomes an Arch show. Because when it’s an Arch show, it’s not great. 

“We’ve been over this. When Texas can run the ball, play great defense, they might be the best team in the country because that’s when Arch can take them to their ceiling with the play-action pass, and he’s not being asked to do everything offensively. In this game, it might be Arch … What’s Texas going to bring to the table from a defensive perspective up front? Are they going to be able to stop the run? They didn’t do a great job against Florida, letting their quarterback get loose. I’m worried about Texas in this one if it’s going to turn into an Arch game. He’s been sacked 20 times in the last five games. That’s tied for the most in the country. He’s got nine turnovers in six games versus Power Four teams this year. It can’t be the Arch show, and I don’t know what else is around him. So it might have to be the Arch show. I think Missouri is going to be able to run the football … They’re going to come in and emphasize it. They’re going to they’re going to start with the run game, and I think that that’s going to be to their advantage. 

“I’ve got Missouri winning the game, 21-17. Missouri, I’ll take the 2.5.”

Klatt’s straight-up pick: Missouri
Klatt’s pick against the spread: Missouri +2.5

College Football Related Stories

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The Chattanooga Mocs visit the Penn State Nittany Lions on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET from the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania.

When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 6 p.m. ET

Where: Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA

TV: Big Ten Network

Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players To Watch

Chattanooga’s top transfer averaged 14.2 points and 5.4 rebounds at Delaware last season and made 38.3 percent of his 3-point attempts. The 6-foot-9 forward started all 26 games he played.

Penn State’s 7-foot Ivan Juric is the size test inside, but Houser can pull him away from the basket with his shooting. He played 33.4 minutes per game last season and scored as many as 25 points in a game. Watch how often he pops out to the 3-point line.

Tate Darner averaged 9.9 points and 4.4 rebounds for Chattanooga as a freshman last season, starting 18 of 30 games. The 6-foot-4 guard shot 37.9 percent from 3-point range.

Darner is Chattanooga’s leading returning scorer, and Penn State’s new guards will see plenty of him on the perimeter. He scored as many as 18 points in a game and played 27.5 minutes a night. He shot 45.1 percent from the field overall. His shooting against a bigger Penn State backcourt is the matchup to watch.

Penn State’s top newcomer averaged 14.2 points in 33 starts at Miami (Ohio) last season and made 39.2 percent of his 3-point attempts. The 6-foot-8 wing scored as many as 27 points in a game.

Byers gives Penn State a tall shooter on the wing, which can stretch Chattanooga’s defense. He also averaged 4.1 rebounds and shot 47.8 percent from the field in 30.9 minutes per game. Penn State also returns forward Josh Reed, who averaged 11.5 points last season. Against a Chattanooga frontcourt that will chase him off the arc, his 39.2 percent three-point shooting is the stretch threat that opens driving lanes for Rodgers.

Jay Rodgers averaged 6.9 assists per game at Central Connecticut State last season, and the 6-foot-3 guard started 28 of 30 games. He added 11.0 points and shot 36.2 percent from 3-point range.

Rodgers’ passing gives Penn State a true playmaker to feed Byers and Josh Reed. Chattanooga will have to keep him out of the lane, and he scored as many as 21 points in a game. Rodgers began his career at New Orleans before moving to Central Connecticut State. Count his assists before halftime.

Chattanooga vs. Penn State Odds

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Tom Brady is going home — for the weekend.

Brady has been an NFL color commentator for 49 combined regular season and postseason games on FOX, but this Sunday, the NFL’s all-time passing leader will call his first New England Patriots game, as New England hosts the Green Bay Packers in an AFC vs. NFC matchup between two 5-3 teams (4:25 p.m. ET on FOX).

“It’s obviously cool,” Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon about Brady, who started 19 seasons and was present for 20 seasons altogether in New England (2000-19), calling the Patriots’ Week 9 game. “What a legend to come back here, and it’s definitely cool for him, I bet, to come back and call a game in the stadium where he won so many games and was elite in this stadium, and really part of him, the fans, and their teams built Gillette into what it is now, so I bet it’s cool for him.

“I know he hangs around the field sometimes, so just try to go appreciate him for what he left here.”

Of course, Brady, who’s first in franchise history with 74,571 passing yards, 541 passing touchdowns and 219 regular-season wins, helped guide the Patriots to each of their six Super Bowl triumphs: 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016 and 2018. Brady then spent the last three seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-22), highlighted by winning the Super Bowl in his first season with the team in 2020.

Brady joined FOX as the network’s lead NFL analyst in 2024, calling games with veteran play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt.

As for the present, the Patriots have won four of their last five games, with Maye, the runner-up for the 2025 NFL MVP Award, getting off the mat following a slow start to the season.

In the wake of throwing a combined six interceptions and posting a 58.6 passer rating through New England’s first three games, Maye has since totaled 1,398 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, two interceptions and a 122.2 passer rating over the Patriots’ last five games, while completing 68.8% of his passes. He has also rushed for 134 yards and three scores.

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The No. 2 UConn Huskies visit the No. 5 Michigan Wolverines on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. ET from the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is the regular-season opener for Michigan.

When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. ET

Where: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI

TV: FS1

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Players To Watch

The reigning national player of the year averaged 18.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists last season and shot 58.2 percent from the field. She also made 40.4 percent of her 3-point attempts.

Strong averaged 20.3 points across UConn’s three preseason games. Michigan’s guard-heavy lineup has to find a way to stay with a 6-foot-2 forward who scores inside and out, and she also creates for teammates. Olson’s 18.9 points per game last season means Michigan will try to answer, so how the Wolverines choose to guard Strong sets the tone for that scoring duel.

KK Arnold averaged 4.6 assists per game for UConn last season while starting all 38 games she played. The senior point guard shot 54.4 percent from the field and averaged 6.9 points.

Michigan is breaking in Dallas Loughridge at point guard, so Arnold’s pressure on the ball could shape the game. UConn held all three of its preseason opponents to 61 points or fewer. Arnold also made 33.3 percent of her 3-point attempts last season and scored as many as 18 points in a game. Against a Michigan backcourt still settling its point guard, her 4.6 assists and on-ball defense are the early stress test.

Michigan’s leading scorer averaged 18.9 points and 6.1 rebounds last season and started all 35 games. She was a first-team All-Big Ten pick as a sophomore.

Olson shot 46.8 percent from the field but 30.5 percent from 3-point range, so getting to the basket is where she does her best work. She also averaged 2.5 assists in 31.1 minutes per game. She scored as many as 31 points in a game. Strong’s 58.2 percent shooting inside and out forces Michigan to lean on Olson’s drives, because settling for her 30.5 percent three-point look is a losing bet against UConn.

Syla Swords averaged 14.6 points and 4.2 rebounds for Michigan last season while starting all 34 games she played. The junior guard is playing without the protective mask she wore throughout 2025-26 after breaking her nose.

Swords often handled the ball when Holloway sat last season, and she averaged 2.4 assists. She made 34.0 percent of her 3-point attempts, played 34.0 minutes per game and scored as many as 29 points in a game. With Loughridge new at the point, her 34.0 minutes and secondary-ballhandling will decide how often Michigan can keep Arnold from dictating the tempo.

UConn vs. Michigan Odds

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