Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton could return for the playoffs after a 5 1/2-month absence due to calf strains.

Stanton faced pitchers Wednesday at Double-A Somerset along with center fielder Trent Grisham, sidelined since straining his right hamstring on Sept. 4. Both ran the bases and Stanton homered while taking six or seven at-bats.

“Putting them on the outskirts of the conversation,” New York manager Aaron Boone, bothered by a cold, said in a raspy voice.

Already without injured star Aaron Judge due to a strained right calf, New York is likely to host Boston in a best-of-three Wild Card Series starting Tuesday, with all three games at Yankee Stadium.

Following the end of the seasons for Yankees farm teams, New York has minor leaguers working out at Somerset in nearby New Jersey.

Stanton hasn’t played since April 24 because of strained calf muscles in both legs after starting the season with a .256 batting average, three homers and 14 RBIs in 24 games. The 36-year-old former NL MVP had 38 homers and 100 RBIs in his first season with New York in 2018 but has missed 500 of 1,194 games since (41.9%), through the end of this regular season.

His other injuries included strains of his right biceps, right knee, left hamstring (three times), left quadriceps and both calf muscles along with right ankle inflammation, left Achilles tendinitis and tendon pain in both elbows.

“You’re looking more at a pinch-hit scenario,” Boone said. “We’ll see if that’s even a realistic option.”

Stanton is owed $25 million next year in the final guaranteed season of a $325 million, 13-year contract that includes a $10 million buyout of a 2028 club option.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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NFL Week 3 odds are giving bettors an early-season idea of just how valuable a starting quarterback is to the point spread.

In the case of the Chicago Bears, it’s a lot.

“You’re seeing the full move from Caleb Williams being out,” Caesars Sports head of football trading Joey Feazel said. “Last week, we opened the Bears -1.5 vs. the Eagles on the look-ahead line.

“It moves six points the other way without Williams. So we now have the Eagles -4.5.”

Oddsmakers and sharp bettors serve up their midweek insights on the Monday night matchup and more, as we dive into NFL Week 3 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.

Chicago Hopes

Williams suffered a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of the Bears’ 9-3 home loss to the Vikings on Sunday. He hasn’t yet been ruled out for Week 3, but as of Wednesday, he’s listed as doubtful, and reports suggest he could miss multiple weeks.

That could be a huge blow for a team that nearly reached the NFC Championship Game last season and started the 2026 campaign like a house on fire, in a 59-37 rout of the Panthers.

Now, the Bears are 1-1 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS), with Tyson Bagent likely the starter vs. the Eagles (2-0 SU and ATS). And that’s if Bagent can clear concussion protocol ahead of the 8:15 p.m. ET Monday kickoff.

The line swung in the Bears-Eagles game after the Caleb Williams injury. (Getty Images)

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The backup QB got banged up after subbing in for Williams vs. Minnesota.

Late Sunday night, Caesars opened Eagles-Bears at Philadelphia -3.5 (-115). The Eagles advanced to -4.5 Tuesday, on the increased chance of Williams sitting out.

“It’s one-way action toward the Eagles and toward the Under,” Feazel said Wednesday afternoon.

The total is at its low of 41, after opening at 43.5 on Sunday night and initially ticking up to 44.5. And last week’s lookahead number was 47.5.

NFL Rocks On FOX

In Week 3, FOX gets arguably the best team in the NFL so far. The Bills (2-0 SU and ATS) opened with an impressive 36-31 road win over the Texans, then followed last Thursday with a 41-31 home win over the Lions.

On the flip side, the Chargers (0-2 SU and ATS) are one of the bigger disappointments so far. Los Angeles opened with home games against the Cardinals and Raiders, who each lost 14 times last season.

Yet the Bolts were dealt upsets in both matchups. So Caesars opened Buffalo as a 7-point home favorite in NFL Week 3 odds, for a 1 p.m. ET Sunday start.

Bettors are noticing Josh Allen and the Bills. (Getty Images)

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“Bettors are taking note of the Bills. Last Thursday night was very good to the customers,” Feazel said of Buffalo’s high-flying win over Detroit. “Right now, we’re seeing action coming in on the Bills. Buffalo has been really good offensively, and the Chargers fell well short of expectations so far.

“It’ll continue to be one-way traffic for the Bills in this one. The book is gonna need the Chargers plus the points.”

NFL Sharp Side

Professional bettor Randy McKay is off to a 2-0 start, winning on Broncos -2.5 vs. Jaguars last week. In NFL Week 3 odds, he’s on one of the early-season surprises.

The Saints (1-1 SU/2-0 ATS) nearly upset host Detroit in Week 1, then knocked off Baltimore 24-17 as an 8.5-point road underdog in Week 2. McKay likes the Saints -3 at home vs. the Raiders, another early surprise at 2-0 SU and ATS.

“I’m going with the hot Saints,” McKay said. “This is the first true road test for Las Vegas, which had the majority of fans in Los Angeles last week vs. the Chargers. And this is a sandwich spot for the Raiders, with the Chiefs on deck.

“It’s the first of three straight home games for the Saints. I see a big effort coming against a Raiders offensive line that will struggle in the dome.”

   Running It Up In Rio?

The Ravens and Cowboys are both 1-1 SU and ATS, but Baltimore has the far more stunning loss. As noted above, in Week 2, as 8.5-point home favorites, the Ravens tumbled to the Saints 24-17.

Meanwhile, Dallas rebounded from a Week 1 road loss to the Giants by rolling over the Commanders 37-20 as a 4.5-point home favorite.

Now, both teams head to Rio de Janeiro for a 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday showdown. Caesars opened the Ravens as 3-point favorites and moved to -3.5 on Tuesday, where the number remained on Wednesday afternoon.

Oddsmakers say that bettors are intrigued by the Ravens. (Getty Images)

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“There’s a little bit more two-way action right now. But I still think the public is more intrigued by this Ravens team,” Feazel said, before noting the total might actually be more intriguing. “It’s two explosive offenses, both teams can score points. So we’ve seen some Over action.”

The Ravens-Cowboys total opened at 52.5 and remains there midweek. That’s the highest total on the board, two points clear of Chargers-Bills (50.5).

   Sunday Night Fight

The Rams and Broncos both rebounded from blowout Week 1 losses. But Los Angeles (1-1 SU and ATS) was much more impressive, drilling the Giants 28-6 as a 6.5-point home favorite. Denver, a 2.5-point home favorite, had to rally from a 13-3 second-half deficit to beat the Jaguars 20-13.

In Week 3 NFL odds, Caesars opened the Rams as 2.5-point road favorites. And the line remains Rams -2.5 on Wednesday afternoon, for an 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday kickoff.

“It’s pretty much a two-way game right now, with a little bit more on the Rams. They looked sharper in Week 2,” Feazel said. “I would anticipate the public coming in more on the Rams as we get closer to game time.”

I Like Big Bets And I Cannot Lie

By Sunday, there’ll be countless six-figure plays on the NFL. And maybe even a seven-figure major wager or two.

For the moment, though, Caesars Sports noted a couple of five-figure bets by midweek, both on solid moneyline favorites:

• $20,000 Seahawks moneyline -280 vs. Commanders
• $18,000 Bills moneyline -335 vs. Chargers

As long as Seattle just beats Washington, regardless of margin, the bettor pockets $7,142 profit (total payout $27,142). And if Buffalo does likewise against L.A., then the bettor profits $5,373 (total payout $23,273).

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Kenneth Walker III has been everything the Kansas City Chiefs were looking for when they signed him to a three-year, $45 million deal in free agency.

The reigning Super Bowl MVP running back for the Seattle Seahawks last season has continued to perform as he did during the postseason. He’s the only running back with back-to-back 100-yard performances through two games.

Walker leads the league in rushing with 290 rushing yards and a touchdown, averaging an impressive 6.2 yards per carry. He also has nine receptions for 79 receiving yards and a score.

As predicted, the addition of Walker has added more explosiveness to Kansas City’s offense. The Chiefs have nine rushes of at least 10 yards through two games. Kansas City had 44 of those runs the entire season in 2025. With Patrick Mahomes returning from a season-ending knee injury, Walker’s presence on the field has made it so the Texas Tech product does not have to create every big play on offense.

But Walker also has benefited from playing with the best quarterback in the NFL on offense. Walker faced a light box (six or fewer defenders at the line of scrimmage) on 36.2% of his runs through two weeks. Last year with Seattle, Walker faced a light box on 26.7% of his rushes last season, per Next Gen Stats.

So, defenses having to account for the presence of Mahomes and Kansas City’s passing game has given Walker advantages in the run game. However, everything is not perfect in Kansas City. Although the Chiefs would like Walker to be their workhorse back, there’s a reason he was in a job share with Zach Charbonnet in Seattle — concerns about nagging injuries and his durability.

Walker already has a league-high 56 touches. He had 257 touches last season, as the Seahawks did a good job of limiting his touches, so he was effective in the postseason. Walker is on pace for 476 touches this season, which would be the most in a single season in his career. Kansas City would be wise to do something similar, using talented rookie Emmett Johnson to spell Walker so he lasts the duration of the season.

Now, let’s dive into my picks for the top three of all the major awards heading into Week 3.

Offensive Player Of The Year

The skinny: Jaxon Smith-Njigba can’t keep this up, right? A year after dominating the league, earning Offensive Player of the Year in just his second NFL season, he’s at it again. Smith-Njigba has accounted for 42% of Seattle’s offense through two games. He accounted for 44% of Seattle’s receiving offense last year. 

Derrick Henry, meanwhile, has a chance to rebound from a so-so performance in a loss to New Orleans (68 yards, one touchdown) when he faces a Dallas defense allowing 174 rushing yards a game in Brazil. 

Defensive Player Of The Year

The skinny: Dallas Turner has emerged as the go-to rusher of one of the top defenses in the league for Minnesota. He’s tied for third in the league in sacks (3), first in quarterback pressures (20) and first in quarterback hits (11). 

As for Greg Rousseau, he leads the league in sacks (4) and is tied for fifth in pressures (12), providing the Bills with a much-needed defensive presence up front. 

Coach Of The Year

The skinny: Give Kevin O’Connell credit for winning two games at the start of the season with a backup quarterback in Carson Wentz. As a result, Minnesota has been arguably the biggest surprise through the first two games of the season, upsetting Chicago in Week 2. 

Joe Brady has lived up to lofty expectations in Buffalo, going 2-0 against a pair of playoff-caliber opponents, although he has one of the best players in the league in Josh Allen. 

Finally, Kyle Shanahan has dealt with a lot of adversity this offseason, but has his team atop the best division in football. The 49ers have picked up two decisive victories, upsetting the Rams in Week 1 before demolishing the Dolphins in Week 2.

Offensive Rookie Of The Year

The skinny: Kaelon Black didn’t provide much in the 49ers’ win over the Dolphins, rushing for 25 yards. But he had 65 rushing yards in Week 1.

Denzel Boston leads all rookies in receiving yards (154) and receiving touchdowns (2), logging 95 receiving yards in the Browns’ upset win over the Buccaneers.

Jadarian Price leads all rookies in rushing yards (104) and carries (23), as the Seahawks haven’t missed Kenneth Walker so far. 

As for the lack of quarterbacks on this list, Falcons quarterback Jack Strand (8-for-15 for 59 yards and an interception) is the only rookie quarterback to have taken an offensive snap through two games this season.

Defensive Rookie Of The Year

The skinny: Anthony Jr. Hill leads the league with 26 combined tackles, but Josiah  Trotter continues to make the most game-changing plays, with 24 combined tackles, a sack and an interception returned for a score. 

Hezekiah Masses, meanwhile, had two interceptions against Justin Herbert and the Chargers, as he’s just one of the many reasons why the Raiders have surprised so far.

MVP

The skinny: Brock Prudy continues to set a high standard in efficiency. He has the most games with at least a 140 passer rating (eight) through a quarterback’s first five years in league history. He had a 149.1 passer rating in the 49ers’ win over the Dolphins, throwing for as many touchdowns (2) as he did incompletions. 

Yes, Patrick Mahomes threw for 382 yards and three touchdowns. But what stood out was his ability to push the ball down the field after failing to do so in Week 1 against the Broncos.

Still, Allen leads the league with nine total touchdowns. He had five total scores in the Bills’ decisive victory over the Lions after his four-touchdown performance against a strong Texans defense a week prior. 

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Wednesday brought some clarity at quarterback in one building and plenty of uncertainty in others, as teams across the league finalized their injury reports ahead of Week 3. 

The Atlanta Falcons got good news heading into their Thursday night matchup against the Green Bay Packers, while two other franchises are still sorting out who’ll actually take the snaps this weekend.

Tua Tagovailoa is cleared to back up Michael Penix Jr. on Thursday, but the New York Giants are exploring every option at quarterback after losing Jaxson Dart for the season, and the Chicago Bears still don’t know whether Case Keenum, Tyson Bagent or Caleb Williams will start Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Here’s the latest from around the NFL on Wednesday.

With Jaxson Dart out for the season, John Harbaugh made clear the Giants aren’t ruling anything out at quarterback — including a trade for a starter. 

Jameis Winston will run the offense in Week 3 against the Titans, but Harbaugh confirmed the team plans to add another arm to the room, even if he wouldn’t name candidates.

Winston brings experience but hasn’t held a full-time starting job since 2019, and Jake Haener is the only other quarterback New York controls, sitting on the practice squad. 

Tests showed Dart avoided ACL damage, but tears to his MCL, PCL and meniscus will require surgery, with the meniscus the biggest concern — an injury similar to the one that cost Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy his entire 2024 season. 

McCarthy, now buried on Minnesota’s depth chart behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz, has reportedly drawn interest as a trade value given Giants GM Joe Schoen’s familiarity with him from the 2024 draft process. Harbaugh didn’t close the door on Dart returning for a potential postseason run.

Chicago’s quarterback picture remains murky ahead of Monday night’s game against Philadelphia, with Case Keenum, Tyson Bagent and Caleb Williams all in play depending on health. 

Keenum, 38, practiced Wednesday and hasn’t played in a regular-season game since December 2023, but he’s healthy — which is more than can currently be said for the other two. He said he is nervous about possibly starting, but he welcomes the emotions.

“I love the feeling of being nervous. I do get nervous. And it’s not a scared nervous, it’s an excited nervous, because I know I’m prepared. I’m confident in my preparation and what I’ve done. I’m confident in my teammates. I’m confident in their preparation. I’m confident in the game plan and what my coaches have put together.”

Williams is still working back from the hamstring injury that knocked him out of Sunday’s loss to Minnesota, and while he hasn’t been ruled out, caution is expected given how much his mobility factors into his game. 

Bagent, who went 5 of 9 for 54 yards in relief before getting sacked on the final play, was unexpectedly placed in concussion protocol Tuesday with no clear return timeline. 

Coach Ben Johnson said the team has no plans to bring in another quarterback this week, framing the uncertainty as an opportunity for whoever ends up under center.

Tua Tagovailoa is good to go for Atlanta’s trip to Green Bay, and he’ll be doing so as the backup. 

The quarterback was not on the Falcons’ final injury report of the week, and head coach Kevin Stefanski indicated earlier Wednesday that Tagovailoa was trending toward serving behind Michael Penix Jr. for Thursday Night Football.

Tua Tagovailoa was actually slated to start the season opener before an oblique injury suffered during practice week sidelined him (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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Tagovailoa was actually slated to start the season opener before an oblique injury suffered during practice week sidelined him, with Cooper Rush filling in for the first two games while Penix worked back from reconstructive knee surgery. 

Now healthy, Tagovailoa slots in as QB2 behind Penix, who’s set to handle starting duties in Week 3.

Carolina is placing running back Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve after he’s set to undergo surgery Wednesday for a core muscle injury, though he’s expected to return later this season. 

The Panthers said Brooks is looking at a minimum six-week recovery after injuring his groin late in Sunday’s win over Atlanta.

“It was a pretty significant groin injury, and we got multiple opinions about what’s the best course of action,” head coach Dave Canales said. “Jonathon’s gonna have surgery to repair the injury, and the timeline of return with surgical or nonsurgical was gonna be similar.”

It’s the latest setback in an injury-plagued career for Brooks, who has played just five of a possible 36 games since being drafted in 2024 due to two ACL tears — one at Texas and one as a rookie. 

With Brooks used sparingly through two games, Chuba Hubbard remains the clear starter, and Carolina is reportedly bringing in veteran Austin Ekeler to fill out the backfield behind him and A.J. Dillon.

NFL Related Stories

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Can Arch Manning keep Texas at the top while playing Peyton Manning’s alma mater, Tennessee? Will Ole Miss fall victim to a trap game against Florida? 

In the Big Ten, Oregon and USC face off in what could be a College Football Playoff eliminator, while Michigan tries to keep its CFP hopes alive against Iowa. 

Elsewhere, Ohio State hosts Illinois on “Big Noon Kickoff,” and Penn State looks to stay perfect under new head coach Matt Campbell. 

Week 4 is the most loaded college football slate yet, and we’re breaking down our straight-up picks and the matchups to watch closely throughout the weekend.

	RJ Young	Laken Litman	Michael Cohen	Ben Portnoy
Last Week	6-4	6-4	6-4	7-3
Overall	20-8	18-10	19-9	19-9

  No. 7 Ohio State vs. Illinois

Jeremiah Smith and Ohio State defeated Illinois, 34-16, in 2025. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)

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When: Saturday, noon p.m. ET (FOX)
Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Line: Ohio State -27.5

RJ Young: Ohio State 
It’s easy to forget the Buckeyes were up by 20 friggin’ points against the No. 1 team in the country, and that team isn’t in the same league — pun intended — as Illinois.

Laken Litman: Ohio State
The Buckeyes are going to do everything in their power the rest of this season to prove they aren’t the version of their team that led Texas, 20-3, at halftime and then lost. 

Michael Cohen: Ohio State 
A year ago, Ohio State traveled to Champaign to face a ranked Illinois team whose fans believed it had at least a puncher’s chance of keeping up with the Buckeyes. The game was never close. There are levels to college football, and Illinois can’t match Ohio State. 

Ben Portnoy: Ohio State 
Ohio State is about as good as it was a year ago. Illinois, for all the moves it made, does not look nearly as complete as it was last fall. For that reason, give me the Buckeyes big.

  No. 14 Tennessee vs. No. 1 Texas

Arch Manning will make his first career start in Knoxville against Tennessee, where his uncle, Peyton, attended college. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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When: Saturday, noon p.m. ET (ABC)
Where: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee
Line: Texas -4.5

Young: Texas 
Will Muschamps’ defense will take this opportunity to formally introduce true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon to the SEC.

Litman: Texas
It’s the battle for ‘UT’ trademark rights and who wears the better orange! But in all seriousness, Texas will get its second top-25 win, building even more confidence ahead of the Red River Rivalry. 

Cohen: Texas 
It’s hard to look beyond the glaring discrepancy in experience between Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon, a true freshman. Manning has been on the wrong end of these moments earlier in his career and learned from them. 

Portnoy: Texas 
Texas gets its second real test of the season when it heads to Knoxville against a Tennessee team that’s been as hard to peg as any in the SEC so far. I love Vols quarterback Faizon Brandon long term, but beating Texas this early in his career feels like a stretch. Longhorns add another big-time win to their resume.

  No. 18 Michigan vs. No. 17 Iowa

Quarterback Bryce Underwood will make his first start against Iowa in his college career. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

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When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Line: Michigan -5.5 

Young: Iowa
In a rock fight — and it’s almost always a rock fight with Iowa — you’re better off siding with the Hawkeyes than their adversaries, especially against a Michigan offense that hasn’t really demonstrated it can score with any consistency.

Litman: Michigan
Can quarterback Bryce Underwood take another step forward after a tough start to the season? He was efficient last week against UTEP but will be tested by Iowa’s stingy defense, which has given up the fewest points of any team in the country so far this year. 

Cohen: Iowa 
What a fascinating matchup this is for the national perception of the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes defense, ever a strong suit, has already posted two shutouts this season. Bryce Underwood will have his work cut out for him. 

Portnoy: Iowa
If you hate points and wish the forward pass was never invented, this is the game for you. Michigan’s offense has been anemic through three games — including in its win over Oklahoma. Jokes aside, Iowa has looked largely competent offensively and wide receiver Tony Diaz has been a revelation. I’ll take the Hawkeyes at home.

  No. 2 Georgia vs. Oklahoma

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables leads the Sooners into their first game against Georgia since joining the SEC. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Where: Sanford Stadium, Athens, Georgia
Line: Georgia -14

Young: Georgia
How bad is Oklahoma? The Sooners were dropped from the AP poll after a win at home last weekend. Georgia is too strong for them. 

Litman: Georgia
Oklahoma has very little to show for itself offensively, which is going to be a big problem against Georgia. 

Cohen: Georgia
This one seems pretty straightforward, right? Georgia is one of the few highly ranked teams that has looked elite every time it’s taken the field this season. Another comfortable win is forthcoming.  

Portnoy: Georgia
I’m not overthinking this one. Georgia hasn’t been challenged, but Oklahoma (like Michigan) has yet to prove it can score enough points to beat just about anyone, let alone the Bulldogs.

  No. 21 Florida vs. No. 4 Ole Miss

Trinidad Chambliss will try to remain the Heisman favorite against Florida on Saturday. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
Line: Florida -3.5

Young: Ole Miss
Trinidad Chambliss makes Ole Miss into the kind of offense that can score on anyone, and that includes Florida.

Litman: Ole Miss
The Rebels avoid a letdown performance, and Trinidad Chambliss keeps himself in the Heisman Trophy discussion, despite head coach Jon Sumrall’s strong start at Florida. 

Cohen: Ole Miss
Right now, Trinidad Chambliss is the best quarterback in college football. He’s calm, confident and carrying Ole Miss to new heights. Traveling to Florida will be difficult, surely, but the Rebels’ magic extends for another week. 

Portnoy: Ole Miss
This is as trappy a trap game as I can remember. Ole Miss looked the part of a national title contender last week and the defense stepped up big time against Lane Kiffin’s prolific offense. I think the Rebels win in Gainesville, but it won’t be for a lack of points from Jon Sumrall’s Gators.

  Iowa State vs. No. 15 Utah

Morgan Scalley is off to a 3-0 start as Utah’s head coach. (Photo by Bryan Byerly/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

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When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (FOX)
Where: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, Iowa
Line: Utah -8.5

Young: Utah
Utah is the most complete team in the Big 12 so far.

Litman: Utah
Utah is 3-0 under first-year head coach Morgan Scalley and continue to show why it’s are one of the best teams in the Big 12.

Cohen: Utah
Week in and week out, Utah continues to show why it’s one of the most consistent programs in college football — even after losing head coach Kyle Whittingham to Michigan. Far too much efficiency and high-level execution for Iowa State to match. 

Portnoy: Utah
Iowa State gave their cross-state rival a scare two weeks ago, and the Cyclones might be a bit better than we gave them credit for heading into the season. However, Utah has annihilated everyone it has faced so far, and I think it opens its Big 12 slate with a win.

  No. 13 Penn State vs. Wisconsin

Rocco Becht is off to a 3-0 start in his first season as Penn State’s head coach. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Peacock)
Where: Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania
Line: Penn State -10

Young: Penn State
Matt Campbell hit the ground running, and I don’t expect Wisconsin to stop him from reaching a full sprint in a game that could get away from the Badgers fast.

Litman: Penn State
Quarterback Rocco Becht has been efficient to start, completing more than 70% of his passes through three games, and Wisconsin doesn’t have enough firepower to keep up.

Cohen: Penn State
After breezing through the non-conference portion of its schedule, Penn State should cruise to a win over Wisconsin to begin Big Ten play under new head coach Matt Campbell. 

Portnoy: Penn State
Penn State’s schedule opens up about as well as Matt Campbell could’ve hoped in Year 1. The Badgers have bolstered their roster and I like Colton Joseph under center, but I still think Penn State’s talent advantage shows up in this one.

  No. 14 USC vs. No. 20 Oregeon

Dan Lanning is 2-0 against USC as Oregon’s head coach. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

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When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
Where: Los Angeles Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Line: Oregon -3

Young: Oregon
USC scared the heck out of its fan base needing to fend off Rutgers, which lost to UMass earlier this season.

Litman: Oregon
This is put up or shut up for Dan Lanning’s Ducks. Oregon cannot afford to lose with its season on the line.

Cohen: Oregon
This feels like an early tipping point for the Ducks, one way or the other. A win over former Pac-12 rival USC would restore a lot of faith in a team that has stumbled out of the gates. Oregon will respond with a victory. 

Portnoy: USC
One fan base is going to be losing its collective mind after this one on Saturday. Oregon beat the hell out of Portland State last week, but lost receiver Jeremiah McClellan to a pregame injury. The Oklahoma State loss makes me cautious about taking the Ducks moving forward. I’ll take Lincoln Riley to quiet some doubters with a massive home win.

  No. 10 LSU vs. No. 23 Texas A&M

LSU coach Lane Kiffin looks to get his team back on track after losing to his former team, Ole Miss, in Week 3. (Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)

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When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Line: LSU -8.5

Young: LSU
Tigers defensive coordinator Blake Baker will lock up the A&M offense then probably rob the cookie jar with a couple of takeaways that prove the difference in the game.

Litman: LSU
Despite Lane Kiffin’s homecoming not going according to his plan, the Tigers nearly beat Ole Miss and are a talented group that will overpower a lackluster Texas A&M team. Plus, this one is at Tiger Stadium at night.

Cohen: LSU
It was clear from some of Lane Kiffin’s post-game comments that the emotional side of last week’s trip to Ole Miss really affected him. With that elephant in the room now gone, he and the Tigers should bounce back against a Texas A&M team that has looked far from impressive. 

Portnoy: LSU
Speaking of fan bases ready to flip out — LSU and Texas A&M meet in what could effectively be a College Football Playoff elimination game. LSU lost a barnburner last week in Oxford, but I think the Tigers are just flat out better than anything the Aggies can put on the field right now. 

  No. 24 Mississippi State vs. No. 19 Missouri

Quarterback Kamario Taylor broke out with 251 yards and four touchdowns against South Carolina in Week 3. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

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When: Saturday, 7:45 p.m. ET (SEC Network)
Where: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Mississippi
Line: Mississippi St. -6.5

Young: Mississippi State
All aboard the Kamario Taylor hype train!

Litman: Mississippi State
Quarterback Kamario Taylor gets his shot in prime time. I’ll take the Bulldogs at home at night with their cowbells.

Cohen: Mississippi State
Is there a more exciting young quarterback prospect than Kamario Taylor right now? He’s transforming Mississippi State into a must-see outfit for the first time since Dak Prescott was suiting up for the Bulldogs. 

Portnoy: Mississippi State
Welcome to the Kamario Taylor show. I was in Columbia last week as Taylor torched South Carolina and, man, was it impressive. I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Missouri and quarterback Austin Simmons, but I’m going all-in on the Bulldogs. It’s starting to feel a bit like 2014 in Starkville.

MORE CFB

10 Teams outside the Top 10 that could reach the College Football Playoff

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With all due respect to Arch Manning, Dante Moore and so many other celebrated quarterbacks throughout the college football landscape, the most impressive player at the position through the first month of the season has been Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss. 

In guiding the Rebels to a 3-0 start while completing 70% of his passes for 924 yards and seven touchdowns (as well as rushing for 64 yards and two more scores), Chambliss has catapulted ahead of his peers to emerge as the current favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. While some of the other QBs of the 2027 class have fizzled under the brightest lights, Chambliss has consistently excelled, turning skeptics of his pro prospects into believers. 

But there are undoubtedly still doubters. And it boils down to two factors:

His size (he’s listed at 6-foot-0) and his age (he recently turned 24).

Trinidad Chambliss ruins Kiffin’s return: should Ole Miss be #1? Ohio St’s issues + Klatt’s Top 10

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There are five categories I’ve long used to scout quarterbacks: accuracy, anticipation, arm talent, athleticism and attitude. I call them the five A’s of quarterback evaluation. 

After diving into the 2026 tape, I broke down and graded Chambliss in each category. 

Whether it be analysts, NFL scouts, coaches or fans, it never ceases to amaze me how often folks fall for a quarterback with brilliant athletic tools but subpar accuracy. 

Plain and simple, accuracy is the single most important element when evaluating a QB. The ball needs to hit receivers in stride to help them create after the catch. Spin rate, velocity and touch are also important, but not as critical as being able to thread the needle from various distances and trajectories. 

Fortunately for Chambliss, this is one of his many strengths. 

The super senior routinely fires lasers while flat-footed in the pocket. Even better, he might be even more accurate on the move, as this strike shows. 

This isn’t to suggest that Chambliss is automatic. During the early part of last season, his first at Ole Miss following four at Division II Ferris State, too many of his deep balls had a tendency to float. Chambliss is good but not great at layering passes between the second and third levels of the defense. Throwing the ball with enough loft to lift it over linebackers and drop it in front of the safeties is critical in today’s NFL, and it will be a departure from the relatively simple offense he’s running with the Rebels. 

Grade: B+

Pardon the cliché, but the game just seems to come so easily for Chambliss. He’s a natural with impressive instincts and poise and he can improvise. 

He has enough arm strength (more on this later) to zip the ball past defenders after his receivers have gained clearance, but he’s at his best when anticipating their breaks and starting his delivery before they’ve made their final cut to get open. 

I think this is clearest when Chambliss surveys the field from a clean pocket. He shows impressive field vision — especially for a shorter quarterback — efficiently working through his progressions and speeding up his release when needed. 

Again, there were some worrisome throws early in his time at Ole Miss in which he either stared down his primary read or failed to account for multiple defenders. And while he was not intercepted by Miami in the Fiesta Bowl last season, he got away with some questionable decisions. 

Grade: B+

There is no getting around it: At the highest level, quarterbacks sometimes just have to sling it past defenders. The openings can be so minuscule that big-time velocity is required. 

Chambliss has that type of arm strength. While the breakaway speed by his teammate, Deuce Alexander, is also worth noting on the play below, the throw is an absolute dart. 

Or this touchdown strike last weekend against LSU. 

As mentioned earlier, Chambliss put a little too much air under some of his previous deep balls at Ole Miss but this year he’s throwing the ball with greater touch and accuracy. This throw travels nearly 40 yards in the air and is perfectly placed where only his receiver can get it. 

Grade: A-

This is a tricky category when evaluating quarterbacks because scouts are prioritizing pocket mobility, flexibility and the strength to fight through arm tackles rather than the pure explosive athleticism indicated in 40-yard dash times or vertical jumps. 

Chambliss has agility and creativity as a scrambler, but he’s not a dynamic runner warranting comparisons to Lamar Jackson or Kyler Murray. He’s posted impressive rushing totals in his 16 starts at Ole Miss, including 591 yards and 10 scores, but I don’t expect him to wow in pre-draft workouts and wouldn’t be surprised at all if he opts not to run prior to the draft. 

Given his statistics, I was actually a bit disappointed in Chambliss’ pure athleticism. He’s alert and will take yardage when given to him, but I was surprised by how many times he struggled to escape the pocket with backside pursuit often getting home. He’s more elusive than explosive.

Trinidad Chambliss has rushed for nearly 600 yards and 10 touchdowns in his 16 starts. But he’s much more interested in beating opponents with his arm than his legs. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

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Granted, some of the best scrambling quarterbacks in the NFL aren’t necessarily elite athletes. No one would call Brock Purdy as athletic as Jackson, for example, but opponents rarely get a clean hit on him, and he’s run for 12 touchdowns over 51 NFL games. Over that same span, Jackson has 13 rushing touchdowns. 

While Chambliss isn’t the most explosive dual-threat quarterback of the 2027 draft, he’s very effective. 

Grade: B-

Certain leadership qualities are expected at the quarterback position. Ideally, quarterbacks have the confident demeanor that can lift the spirits of teammates without becoming an egomaniac. As a former under-recruited prospect who began his college career as a backup at Ferris State, Chambliss should have perspective. 

Since that time, of course, Chambliss won a national championship at Ferris State before transferring to Mississippi, where he’s become a household name while winning 14 of his 16 starts and turning the Rebels into a top-10 program. 

For all of his impressive physical skills, what scouts appreciate most about Chambliss is the fact that the moment doesn’t ever seem too big for him. His championship pedigree and clutch play late in ball games have scouts excited about the impact that he might have on their own NFL teams.

Grade: A

Like with most young quarterbacks, Chambliss can improve his throwing mechanics and decision-making, but he obviously cannot do anything about his height or age. He is undeniably older than scouts would prefer, and his below-average height does show up on tape with Chambliss occasionally missing reads.

While short, the 210-pound Chambliss has a muscular, compact frame and is similar in stature to former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield and 10-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson. Because of their size, some questioned if they would remain healthy in the NFL, despite proving durable at the high school and collegiate levels, as Chambliss has to this point. 

It’s perhaps worth noting that Mayfield and Wilson have combined to miss a grand total of five games to injury over their respective NFL careers — a span that includes 23 seasons and more than 300 contests. Unless medical testing at the Scouting Combine unearths some previously unknown issue with Chambliss, I see no reason why NFL teams should worry about his durability. 

And given how long quarterbacks are playing in today’s NFL, his age also shouldn’t be a huge concern. In fact, I think it should be viewed as a positive: He’ll enter the NFL with more perspective and maturity than most quarterbacks. 

Now, is Chambliss a surefire first-round selection? A lot can change between September and April. 

But if the NFL draft were today, he wouldn’t just be a first-round pick. Chambliss might be the first quarterback to come off the board. 

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Welcome back to our Daily Fantasy Football picks.

Our Week 2 slate delivered another big payday, led by a massive Dak Prescott-CeeDee Lamb stack. Prescott scored a slate-high 29.76 FanDuel points among quarterbacks, while Lamb finished with 31.3 points, trailing only Jaxon Smith-Njigba among wide receivers.

For the second consecutive week, our low-cost defense finished as the highest-scoring unit on the main slate.

On FanDuel, you’ll have $60,000 to fill out your lineup, with every player assigned a salary based on factors such as recent performance, matchup and expected production. The goal is to build the best lineup possible by finding the right mix of stars and value plays while staying under the cap.

Here are our favorite DFS plays for Week 3’s Sunday slate.

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.

Quarterback

Yes, Lamar Jackson is the second-most expensive quarterback on the slate, but he’s 100% worth paying up for in this matchup. Ravens-Cowboys in Brazil has the highest projected total on the main slate, and offensive fireworks could be coming.

Dallas was one of the worst pass defenses in football last year, and 2026 hasn’t looked much better. The Cowboys have allowed a 71.9% completion rate (29th), five passing touchdowns (tied for 26th) and a 116.5 passer rating (27th). Washington also narrowly missed a couple of big plays against Dallas last week, while Jayden Daniels ran for 69 yards in the first half before getting hurt.

At just $7,000, C.J. Stroud is a great DFS play this week.

The Texans are 0-2 and don’t want to fall to 0-3 for the second straight season. Stroud threw for 353 yards in Week 2, but Houston couldn’t finish drives against Cincinnati and failed to score a touchdown.

Now he gets an ideal matchup. The Colts rank last against the pass through two weeks, allowing 337.5 net passing yards per game, four passing touchdowns and a 118.2 opponent passer rating. They’re also last in total defense (514.5 yards per game) and scoring defense (37 points per game).

At this price, Stroud could feast in a must-win game.

Running Back

It’s been a nightmare start to the Chargers 2026 season. Their defense has given up 26 points in each of their two losses, and Buffalo could run all over L.A. this week.

That sets up a huge day for James Cook, last season’s leading rusher. He’s coming off a 135-yard performance against the Lions in Week 2. The only thing missing so far is the touchdown production, but after scoring 14 last season, those should come.

The Chargers are in real danger of falling to 0-3, and now they have to face one of the NFL’s best teams on the road. This is the third straight week we’ve been on Omarion Hampton. While it hasn’t worked out for us yet, this could be the week that changes.

If L.A. has any chance in Buffalo, it has to run the football. Hampton has hurt the Chargers with costly fumbles in back-to-back games, but he’s been effective on the ground. He ran for 94 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 and added two catches for 21 yards.

The Bills are allowing 31 points per game (tied for 28th) and 368 total yards per game (28th). Hampton could see a massive workload on the road, both as a runner and a receiver.

Wide Receiver

This is a dream matchup for Garrett Wilson.

The Lions defense has been shredded two weeks in a row, giving up back-to-back 140+ yard games to opposing receivers. Wilson could be next. Detroit ranks 31st against the pass, allowing 310.5 net yards per game and six passing touchdowns. The Lions are also last in receiving yards allowed to wide receivers at 218.5 per game.

Ladd McConkey played only part of the Chargers’ Week 2 game because of a rib injury, and he still caught all three of his targets for 35 yards. Now he’s off the injury report heading into Week 3, and this matchup just screams Ladd McConkey.

The Bills rank 29th against wide receivers, allowing 197 receiving yards per game. They’ve also played zone on 79.5% of opponent pass plays, giving McConkey plenty of chances to find the soft spots. With the Chargers likely needing to throw to keep up, he could be in for a big day.

Tight End

Yes, another player from Bills-Chargers. With a 50.5-point total, the second-highest on the slate, we want plenty of exposure to this game.

And quite frankly, Dalton Kincaid’s FanDuel price makes no sense. He leads all tight ends with 225 receiving yards through two weeks and still costs just $5,700. With Joe Brady now at the helm, this could finally be Kincaid’s breakout season.

This game should go back and forth, and if Bills No. 1 receiver DJ Moore can’t play, Kincaid could be in for a third straight big game.

Defense

New Orleans Saints $3,400

Let’s make it three weeks in a row of finding the top defense at a low price, shall we?

The Saints are playing their first home game of the season against the 2-0 Raiders. But we’re not buying a third straight great offensive performance from Las Vegas. This could be where the rubber finally meets the road.

New Orleans contained Baltimore’s high-powered offense in Week 2 and gave Lamar Jackson trouble at times. At home last season, the Saints allowed just 19.4 points and 284.8 total yards per game. Expect more of that in their home opener.

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The Cincinnati Reds visit the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. ET from Truist Park, Atlanta, GA, in the finale of their three game series.

The Atlanta Braves enter Thursday at 93-65 and first in the NL East. The Cincinnati Reds enter at 73-85 and fifth in the NL Central. Atlanta has already clinched the NL East and is 6-4 over its last 10. Tyler Mahle starts for Atlanta at 7-10 with a 3.81 ERA. Brady Singer starts for Cincinnati at 6-15 with a 5.67 ERA.

Cincinnati won the opener 4-0 on September 22 behind six scoreless innings from Brandon Williamson and Elly De La Cruz’s 29th home run. Atlanta won 3-2 in 10 innings on September 23 behind 10 strikeouts from Chris Sale, Matt Olson’s 41st home run, Austin Riley’s 18th home run and Mauricio Dubon’s walk-off single.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch Reds vs. Braves

• When: Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
• TV: FS1
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players to Watch

Ronald Acuna Jr. remains day to day after fouling a ball off his left leg on September 22 and missing the September 23 lineup. X-rays were negative and he told manager Walt Weiss he expected to return Thursday, but check the lineup before first pitch. He went 2 for 3 with a grand slam and two walks on September 19 against Houston. In September he is batting .343 with seven home runs, five doubles and 19 RBI over 70 at-bats. For the season he owns a .259 average with 20 home runs, 55 RBI and 20 stolen bases.

Cincinnati’s pitching staff carries a 4.894 ERA and a 1.451 WHIP into this series, giving Acuña a clear opening to set an early tone against a rotation that has struggled to limit damage.

Atlanta’s home starter brings a 7-10 record, 3.81 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 133 strikeouts in 144 innings and 10 quality starts into this matchup, lining up against a Cincinnati offense built more on power than on-base ability.

The Reds rank 30th in batting average at .229 and 30th in OBP at .306, though their 204 home runs mean Mahle’s command with runners on will still matter.

Elly De La Cruz enters at .285 with 29 home runs, 76 RBI and 29 stolen bases, one homer and one steal short of a 30-30 season. He went 2 for 3 with a homer, two RBI, two walks and a stolen base in the September 22 win.

That power-speed combination matters against a Braves staff that has allowed 109 stolen bases this season, giving Cincinnati a lane to pressure a first-place club on the road.

Stewart leads Cincinnati with 32 home runs and 110 RBI while batting .266. Matt Olson leads Atlanta with 41 home runs after his tying solo shot on September 23.

That production carries extra weight for a Cincinnati lineup that ranks 27th in RBI despite sitting fourth in home runs, leaving Stewart as the player most likely to convert traffic on base into runs.

Reds vs. Braves Odds

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Ole Miss enters a pivotal Week 4 matchup and USC and Oregon go head-to-head for a Big Ten showdown. Week 4 is filled with multiple top-25 games and conference showdowns. 

After a thrilling win over LSU and coach Lane Kiffin, the Rebels hit the road for an SEC contest against Jon Sumrall and the Florida Gators. While the Gators recently joined the top 25, running back Jadan Baugh has something to prove in a chance to upset Ole Miss. As for the Ducks and the Trojans, the Ducks’ Week 3 loss to Oklahoma State makes its road trip to Los Angeles intriguing. 

Additionally, No. 1 Texas heads to No. 14 Tennessee for another top-25 conference showdown. In a hostile environment like Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, can Texas hang on to its No. 1 ranking with a win on the road?

Here are FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt’s Week 4 picks:

  Texas 30, Tennessee 27

Spread: Texas -4.5
Moneyline: Texas -198, Tennessee +164

Klatt’s thoughts: “This is a monster game … Home teams have been great in these big matchup-style games this year … It’s a thing. It is very difficult to go on the road and play well … it’s also the emotion that home teams can play with. We see this every week. Last year, Texas did not play well on the road … Home field matters, and I think this one matters. Arch has not lit it on fire this year … I know we all want him to be impressive because of his last name, but he’s got to take the next step, which is playing well on the road … I think Texas is much better at the line of scrimmage, specifically running the football, than a year ago. If that shows up for them in this game against Tennessee, then everything is going to be fine.

“On the flip side, I think it’s a must for Tennessee. It’s vital for Tennessee. They’ve done a great job of it thus far. Running the football, protecting their young quarterback. Remember, Faizon Brandon is just a young pup in this game. This is going to be his first, real action of real, SEC-quality-level play … A Manning in Knoxville in Neyland, that’s always fun.”

“I think Texas wins late…they win this game 30-27. I’m going to take the 4.5”

Klatt’s straight-up pick: Texas
Klatt’s pick against the spread: Tennessee +4.5

  Michigan 13, Iowa 10

Spread: Michigan -5.5
Moneyline: Michigan -218, Iowa +180

Klatt’s thoughts: “The winner of this game is set up for … this just feels like a low-scoring slug fest. Doesn’t it? It’s got to. Both defenses are very good, although they do it different ways, schematically. It’s hard for me to see how Iowa is going to throw the ball in this game. We saw how good Michigan’s defense can be, namely in that Oklahoma game … Can Iowa throw the football? I want you to pay attention to the tight end for Iowa. Because that’s the best matchup you are looking at the Michigan defense, I think it will be almost impossible to throw against those corners, they play with three of them. 

If you’re looking for the ways Iowa can not just run the football to succeed, but get the ball down the field, I think it’s got to be the tight end. The tight end matchup. Now for the Michigan offense, I think this is a really bad matchup for the Michigan offense.

“I think Michigan wins 13-10, but Iowa takes the 4.5.”

Klatt’s straight-up pick: Michigan
Klatt’s pick against the spread: Iowa +5.5

  Ole Miss 35, Florida 31

Spread: Florida -3
Moneyline: Florida -148, Ole Miss +124

Klatt’s thoughts: “This is the most interesting line so far of the season. I think Vegas is trying to tell us something. They’re trying to get bets even on both sides, and they know everyone’s going to be in on Ole Miss after that emotional win last week. Having played and covered the game my entire career, I don’t see a scenario where Ole Miss plays well. They were way too high emotionally — there’s got to be a comedown from what Ole Miss is going to give us this week. I think Vegas is trying to tell us that. The line hasn’t moved, by the way.

“So you get an emotional letdown, a team that can run the football, and it’s at Florida. We know how tough it is to win on the road. With all that said, I can’t bet against Ole Miss. Everything in me wants to say this is a Florida win and they cover the 3.5. I think Florida’s up for most of the game, maybe by multiple possessions, and late, No. 6 Trinidad Chambliss throws a cape on his back and brings them all the way back. Because that’s what he does in the fourth quarter — go check out the numbers from our episode Monday, he’s exceptional. 

“I have to take Ole Miss. It’s going to be 21-3 at some point, and guess what — he’s still there. Ole Miss is going to steal it in the fourth quarter. It’s going to be 35-31 Ole Miss.”

Klatt’s straight-up pick: Ole Miss
Klatt’s pick against the spread: Ole Miss +3

  Oregon 45, USC 42

Spread: Oregon -3.5
Moneyline: Oregon -166, USC +140

Klatt’s thoughts: “Was Oklahoma State an anomaly for Oregon, or cause for real concern about their program? I don’t think that’s a trend — I think Boise State is a lot better than we give them credit for, and Oregon actually came back and played fine against them.

“Could we be worried about Oregon? That’s a possibility, but history suggests they’ve got more wins the last few years than almost anybody in college football. They get better every year, they’ve been in the top eight every year, they’ve been in the CFP every year, and they won the Big Ten championship. I don’t have that track record for Lincoln Riley and USC. 

Will this by a typical, successful season for Dan Lanning and Oregon? (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

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“What I do know is USC plays really well at home. That’s a different team than when they have to travel 3,000 miles. Oregon does not play their best on the road either, they’ve won at Penn State, they were in a close game against Iowa, they lost at Washington a couple years ago, they struggled in a weird game at Wisconsin. So now they’re on the road in a place where Riley and USC normally play well. I’m concerned about some of USC’s injuries.

“So which pattern wins out? Am I really worried about Oregon, or do I know under the surface this is probably USC? I think this is probably USC. We’ve got evidence this defense isn’t vastly improved. I know they got the pick-six against Rutgers, folks, but I don’t love it. 

“Oregon wins this 45-42, but I’m going to take USC on the points.”

Klatt’s straight-up pick: Oregon
Klatt’s pick against the spread: USC +3.5

  Georgia 24, Oklahoma 10

Spread: Georgia -13.5
Moneyline: Georgia -575, Oklahoma +425

Klatt’s thoughts: “I think this is when we finally realize, yep, Oklahoma is not going to be that good. This is what we were concerned about in the offseason — they had Michigan, and if they lost that game, they had Georgia and Texas coming up, and this team is going to be 2-3. I don’t know if Georgia’s going to be all that explosive, but I’ve got an inkling this team is better than we all anticipated … They haven’t played anybody yet, but Oklahoma is struggling.

“Last year I kept bringing up this concern for Oklahoma … This offense isn’t very good at all. Quarterback John Mateer has regressed. If they don’t get an explosive play, there’s no chance for them to move the ball down the field, and they’re not getting that explosive play against Georgia.

“Georgia’s going to win this game. I think after this week, we’re going to look up and say, okay, Georgia’s very, very good. Georgia wins this 24-10, and they cover the 13.5. There’s no question in my mind, and Oklahoma is headed for 2-3”

“Georgia wins this 24-10 and they cover the points.”

Klatt’s straight-up pick: Georgia
Klatt’s pick against the spread: Georgia -13.5

  LSU 31, Texas A&M 14

Spread: LSU -8.5
Moneyline: LSU -340, Texas A&M +270

Klatt’s thoughts: “Both of these teams desperately need a victory. LSU is favored by 8.5, and they’re at home. I liked the fight LSU showed in the second half — that’s an easy game to fold up shop in, and they didn’t. The offensive line played well in the second half, and Sam Leavitt played better, although his play has got to improve. 

Lane Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss was spoiled by the Rebels. (Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)

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“Leavitt’s got to calm down — he and his opposing quarterback in this game, Marcel Reed, are both top three in the country in quarterback scrambles, and it’s way too quick with Leavitt. You can tell Lane’s telling him several times during the game, ‘Hey man, calm down, relax, get through your reads, know what you’re looking at.’ There are times it’s just snap, look, run, and when he runs and gets agitated in the pocket, he runs into contact. Not a recipe for success. That has to improve.

“Meanwhile, I think A&M is off to a rough start … Texas A&M is 115th in the country in yards per play. They’re not gaining yards on the road in Baton Rouge against LSU’s defense. I don’t see it at all. I think OU and A&M are going to be prime examples of early top-10 teams falling outside the top 10, and maybe even outside the top 25. A&M was in there at one point, they lose to Kentucky, and I think they lose this game too. 

“LSU is favored by 8.5 and covers it, because A&M can’t play offense. LSU wins this one 31-14.”

Klatt’s straight-up pick: LSU
Klatt’s pick against the spread: LSU -8.5

  Mississippi State 27, Missouri 17

Spread: Mississippi State -5.5
Moneyline: Mississippi State -238, Missouri +195

Klatt’s thoughts: “The cowbells are going to be out for this one — Starkville’s going to be all lit up, and I love it. I really like QB Kamario Taylor. I think he’s excellent. I’ve talked about him now for a couple of weeks, and I think this is a huge moment for him.

“Now, their defense, Zach Arnett’s defense for Mississippi State, went to that 3-3-5 look, which makes teams earn their way down the field … This isn’t a bad philosophical change. If you’re Mississippi State, make the opponent earn their way down the field and let your quarterback go play well.

“Missouri didn’t play well last week against Troy. They were struggling. That’s a week after an emotional win over Kansas in the Border War, but they benefited from a couple of short fields off a punt return. 

“Mississippi State is favored by 5.5. I think they announce themselves here — I love the changes on defense, and Kamario Taylor is outstanding. I like Mississippi State in this game. I think they win this one 27-17 and cover the 5.5 at home.”

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

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The Indianapolis Colts’ new wide receiver knows a thing or two about the team’s quarterback.

That’s because Daniel Jones and the recently signed Darius Slayton were teammates on the New York Giants for five-plus seasons, from 2019-24. Now reunited, the veteran wide receiver thinks he and the team’s signal-caller, who were each part of the Giants’ 2019 NFL Draft class, fit like a glove.

“[I] really enjoyed playing alongside him [Jones]. He’s a good quarterback. He’s smart. He can spin it. … Philosophically, I think we see the field pretty similarly, and that’s something that worked well for us in the past,” Slayton said at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, per the Colts’ team website. “And I expect it to work well for us going forward.”

Slayton also expressed that he expects the Colts’ offense to look as “sharp” as it did when they began last season 8-2.

Indianapolis signed Slayton earlier this week in the wake of wide receiver Alec Pierce aggravating a heel issue in the team’s Week 2 road loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that he had surgery for in the offseason, which has put Pierce on injured reserve.

“Sunday night [against the Chiefs] they didn’t get the win, but I feel like they played really well,” Slayton said of the Colts. “They’re a good unit. I saw that Pierce went down — obviously, I wasn’t cheering for that. But I knew that kind of would provide some opportunity here as well.”

Despite entering the second season of a three-year, $36 million deal, Slayton was released by the Giants on Sept. 7.

Last year, Slayton totaled 37 receptions for 538 yards – 14.5 yards per reception – and one touchdown, a career low. Over his seven-year career, Slayton has averaged 42.3 receptions for 633.6 yards (15.0 yards per reception) and 3.1 touchdowns per season. He has tallied 700-plus receiving yards in four seasons and brought down a career-high eight touchdowns in his 2019 rookie campaign. Furthermore, 18 of Slayton’s 22 career touchdowns have been 20-plus-yard scores.

Darius Slayton is 12th in Giants history with 4,435 receiving yards. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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Through two games, the Colts’ offense is tied for 25th in the NFL in passing yards (179.5 per game), 21st outright in total yards (290.0 per game), tied for 15th in rushing yards (110.5 per game) and tied for 10th in points (26.5 per game). Jones has totaled 376 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, two interceptions and a 79.8 passer rating, while completing 66.1% of his passes.

Prior to suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14 of last season, Jones threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and posted a career-best 100.2 passer rating and 68.0% completion percentage. His six-year stint in New York was highlighted by helping the Giants reach the NFC Divisional round in the 2022 season.

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At the same time, Jones’ time with the Giants included a 24-44-1 regular-season record, a combined 84.3 passer rating, season-ending injuries in 2021 (neck) and 2023 (torn ACL) and being released by the franchise during the 2024 season.

Indianapolis is off to an 0-2 start, previously losing at home to the Baltimore Ravens, 41-23, before its brutal, Week 2 overtime loss to Kansas City (33-30). The Colts host the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon in a matchup between two 0-2 teams.

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