Author: Eternity Lab

I made the grave mistake of defending Justin Herbert on social media this week and sparked another unbearable debate on the Chargers quarterback.

I probably should have known that nothing I would say would change the minds of those who think he’s overrated. The back-and-forth between the two sides has become repetitive. Herbert backers will point to his film and expansive skill set, while his detractors will keep asking why all that talent hasn’t produced more wins and better stats, with neither side willing to cede any ground.

With the Chargers at 0-2 and staring down an unforgiving gauntlet of contenders that starts with Sunday’s game against the Bills, their season is pretty much chalked. So, Herbert will likely go another season without notching that elusive playoff win, and the football world will keep debating whether he’s worth all the hype.

I’m firmly on the pro-Herbert side of the debate, but I’m willing to admit there are holes in his game that have contributed to L.A.’s disappointing start. With Herbert facing off against Bills star Josh Allen this weekend, the contrast between their games will put his biggest weakness on full display.

Justin Herbert had to answer questions about the Chargers’ 0-2 start this week ahead of a game against the Bills. (Harry How/Getty Images)

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The Bills quarterback is a daring playmaker whose cavalier approach is highly effective and sometimes reckless. But no matter how many mistakes Allen makes, he keeps Buffalo’s offense at the top of the NFL’s efficiency charts and in title contention. Herbert’s style of play may lead to fewer mistakes, but it hasn’t led to more consistency for his offense or more success for his team.

Herbert can be a bit robotic, following the script his offensive coordinator lays out, even when the situation calls for a little improvisation. It’s not that Herbert is bad when playing out of structure; he just doesn’t do it nearly enough for a guy of his ability. He’s 6-foot-6 and can outrun defensive linemen and most linebackers. He doesn’t lose any arm strength on the run and doesn’t need much time or space to get a throw off. 

Take this play from last year’s win over the Broncos.

Herbert shrugs off 285-pound defensive lineman Zach Allen, escapes the pocket, and quickly flips his hips to get a throw off with edge rusher Nik Bonitto right in his lap. Oh, and it’s a perfectly placed, 30-yard dot that beats tight coverage. 

That’s a play that only two other quarterbacks in this league can make: Allen and Patrick Mahomes. We just don’t see him make those plays nearly as often as those two. 

It’s not like Herbert is trying and failing to make them, though. And that’s why it can be frustrating to watch Herbert dutifully go through his progression, hoping one of his receivers will pop open (they usually don’t), and his protection will hold up (it usually doesn’t). 

So, while he can be a victim of his circumstances — and his mediocre statistical production is a product of his offensive environment — Herbert is choosing to play on hard mode more than he needs to. 

Herbert taps into the play-making mindset when he’s forced to. That throw against the Broncos is a good example. Here’s another from last Sunday’s loss to the Raiders.

The play call is a dud that leaves Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby unblocked, with Herbert’s play-fake putting him directly in the path of the all-World pass rusher. Herbert coolly side-steps to create space and hits tight end Oronde Gadsden II for a touchdown.

If I could make one change to Herbert’s game, I’d rewire his brain so he’d play more like Allen and approach every dropback as if there’s an unblocked defender in his face – it wouldn’t require much imagination behind that offensive line – and to play every drive like the Chargers are down 10 in crunch time. It would lead to more mistakes, sure, but like Allen, Herbert is talented enough that the good would easily outweigh the bad. 

With the Chargers in complete disarray, the need for Herbert to break out of his shell is stronger than ever. More than anything, he should be more aggressive in hunting play-making opportunities earlier in games before it’s too late. 

In each of the first two weeks, Herbert played well when the game was still hanging in the balance. Per Next Gen Stats, he’s averaging 8.3 yards per attempt and 0.12 (expected points added) EPA per dropback when L.A.’s win probability is greater than 25%. Pro Football Focus has him graded as the fifth-best quarterback in the league outside the fourth quarter this season. 

Things have fallen apart in garbage time, though. When the Chargers have a win probability under 25%, Herbert’s yards-per-attempt average drops to 5.0 and his EPA average plummets to -0.66. Those 17 dropbacks haven’t really affected the results of those games, but they have done significant damage to his stat line and how his performance over two weeks has been perceived.

That’s why it’s difficult for Herbert truthers like me to fully blame him for the 0-2 start. He’s played well outside of garbage time. But over the last two weeks, it’s become clear he needs to play even better – like the superstar quarterbacks in Kansas City and Buffalo – to overcome a crappy offensive environment and keep the game from reaching garbage time in the first place. 

I’ll concede that point to the anti-Herbert crowd. But if they’re holding him to Mahomes and Allen standards, they might think more highly of Herbert than I do.

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If you’re a fan of one of the eight 0-2 teams in the NFL, you’ve likely seen the stats by now that say your team is unlikely to make the postseason. We’ll still give you a reminder, though.

In the last 10 years, only 12 of the 84 teams that have lost their first two games have gone on to make the postseason that year (14.3%). Last season, three of the 10 teams that started 0-2 made the postseason. 

So, yes, we are telling you that there’s a chance your 0-2 team can make the playoffs, but it’s pretty slim. So, which 0-2 team is the most likely to beat the odds? We each made our picks, and a common answer emerged. 

Greg Auman: Houston Texans

It pains me to say this, because I picked the Chargers to win the Super Bowl, but the Texans are the 0-2 team in the best shape to turn their season around. They’ve all but trademarked this, starting 0-2 in three of the last four years, even going 0-3 last year before turning things around in a big way. 

The Texans would do well to start that turnaround Sunday at the Colts, who they swept last year, and they have all three division road games in the first six weeks of the season. Go 2-1 in those, beat the Dallas Cowboys next week, and they’ll be back on track with one of the league’s best defenses as a foundation. If they can get the run game to click (David Montgomery is averaging 2.7 yards per carry), that will make life easier for C.J. Stroud as well. 

Will Anderson still leads a Texans’ defensive unit that’s widely to be the best in the league. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

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Henry McKenna: Houston Texans

I must admit: I don’t believe in any of these teams. Back in May, I picked the Chargers to make the playoffs — but after seeing L.A.’s disastrous offense (and the Chiefs’ resurgence), I can’t see the Chargers turning things around. The AFC West is much more competitive than anyone could have imagined. 

So it’s basically a toss-up between the Buccaneers and the Texans, and I’ll give the edge to Houston — in part because of the history that Greg pointed out and in part because I think the AFC South is worse than the NFC South. It would be one thing if the Bucs could stroll through their division, but I think the Saints and Panthers are going to be tough to beat — at least for Tampa. The Texans can stroll through their division, with the Titans and Colts looking messy. 

Maybe C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ highly touted coaching staff can figure this thing out. (Maybe.)

Ralph Vacchiano: Indianapolis Colts

I’m torn between the 0-2 Texans and the 0-2 Colts, and their game in Indianapolis on Sunday will probably tell the tale. It’s a tough call because both teams ran into buzzsaws early in the season. The Texans lost to the Bills and Bengals. The Colts lost to the Ravens and Chiefs. Those are four possible Super Bowl contenders that the two teams play.

But I’m going to go with the Colts for this reason: I have way more faith in their offense. Indy quarterback Daniel Jones right now is just better than quarterback C.J. Stroud. And even without wide receiver Alec Pierce, who just went on injured reserve, they have plenty of weapons. That includes running back Jonathan Taylor, one of the best in the league, who gives them the running game that the Texans just don’t have.

Daniel Jones and the Colts nearly upset the Chiefs in Week 2. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

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Their defense obviously needs to be a lot better. They’ve given up a ridiculous 1,029 yards through two games — an insane pace that could doom them in the long run. But I think they’ll settle in over the next few weeks against some offensively challenged teams (the Texans, Commanders, Steelers, Titans and Vikings are up next). Once they settle down, they’re good enough to stay in the playoff race, as long as Jones and Taylor stay healthy all year long.

Steven Ruiz: Houston Texans

We’ve already seen this movie before. Last year, the Texans got off to a miserable 0-3 start and then lost two games the rest of the way. I expect a similar turnaround this season. This defense is way too good — the Week 1 performance notwithstanding — and C.J. Stroud is playing solid ball despite what the numbers say. The next few weeks will tell us whether the run game is as useless as it looked against Cincinnati, but many teams will struggle to run the ball against that front. Even if the running game doesn’t improve, Houston has worked around that issue for the last few years. I don’t see why this season will be any different. 

The schedule should also help spark a turnaround. Houston will be favored in nearly every game it plays for the next two months, with a trip to Jacksonville as the only difficult matchup between now and an early-December game against the Ravens. I still think this team is good enough to make an AFC title game run, but even if it isn’t, they should rack up enough low-quality wins to stick around the playoff race all season. 

Ben Arthur: Houston Texans

I tried to be different from my colleagues here. I kept coming back to the Texans. 

When you’ve been in this spot before, it helps (Houston started the 2023 and ‘25 seasons 0-2 and 0-3, respectively, and finished a game away from the AFC Championship Game both years). But the Texans’ defense, which finished second in points allowed last season, is too good to not return to elite form. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has regressed over the last two years, has been encouraging through two games — he’s third in passing yards entering Week 3 (627). 

C.J. Stroud has put up some encouraging numbers to start the season. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

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Houston is 0-2, but it faced two of the NFL’s best teams in the early season in the Bills and Bengals. Star receiver Nico Collins didn’t play against Cincinnati, either. And if you look at the next five weeks, there’s a great opportunity for the Texans to get back on track — they face the Colts, who they swept last year, and also have meetings with the lowly Titans and Giants, who just lost Jaxson Dart for the season. If Houston wins all three of those games and splits matchups with the Cowboys (Week 4) and Jaguars (Week 6), they’ll be at .500 entering their Week 8 bye.  And then they have the Chargers, who’ve been imploding, right out of that break.

In just a month and a half, Houston’s season could be in great shape. 

Eric D. Williams: Los Angeles Chargers

Now that the Bolts have disappointed national prognosticators who tagged them as the chic, trendy pick to win the Super Bowl (again), get ready for the Chargers to do Chargers things on the road against the best team in the NFL in the Buffalo Bills, right?

Nope, when everyone expects them to fall on their face, these are the moments the Chargers rise up and hit teams over their heads. In their first year in Los Angeles under first-year head coach Anthony Lynn, the Chargers started a nightmarish 0-4, with opposing teams regularly taking over their cozy temporary home in Carson. However, the Bolts rallied and finished the year 9-7.

I expect a similar resuscitation effort from Jim Harbaugh here.

 

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New users can use Underdog promo code FOXSPORTS to unlock a $1,000 deposit match on Thursday Night Football between the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field.

Jordan Love leads the Packers play in front of the home crowd for the first time this season. Tucker Kraft and Matthew Golden are Love’s top targets, while Michael Penix Jr. returns under center for Atlanta after missing time with an injury. 

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How to Watch Falcons vs. Packers

• When: Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video
• Follow Live: FOX Sports

Players To Watch

Green Bay has leaned on Love more than most starters this early, and the numbers back it up: 532 total yards and 4 touchdowns through two games. The Packers rank ninth in the league in passing yards per game at 244.5 and ninth in passing touchdowns, while their ground game has produced just 64.5 rushing yards per game.

Atlanta has allowed 27 points per game through two weeks and has yet to force a turnover through the air, but the Falcons will also test a Green Bay line that has allowed 7 sacks already. Better protection turns Love’s early volume into a real edge for the Packers.

Atlanta’s offense has stayed on track mostly because of Robinson’s workload through two games. In the September 20 loss to Carolina, he ran 16 times for 72 yards and added 3 catches for 9 yards, and the Falcons are averaging 138.5 rushing yards per game against just 123.5 passing yards per game.

Atlanta is averaging only 8 points per game with a minus-6 turnover margin, which raises the stakes on every one of Robinson’s touches. Green Bay has been physical up front with 7 sacks and 13 tackles for loss through two games, so finding room behind that line will decide how much he can carry the offense.

With Jayden Reed ruled out with a neck injury, Green Bay could need more from Kraft at tight end. He has 5 catches for 80 yards through two games, though he was limited to 2 catches for 15 yards in the September 20 overtime win over the Jets. 

Green Bay has converted just 19 percent of its third downs, a mark that ranks 32nd in the league, and a reliable tight end matters more when an offense is stuck moving the chains. Kraft settling into that middle-of-the-field role eases pressure on the rest of Green Bay’s passing game.

Atlanta turns to Michael Penix Jr. on Thursday for his first start of the season after he missed the first two games while finishing his recovery from last November’s ACL tear. He replaces Cooper Rush, who started the 0-2 start, including 10 of 17 for 86 yards with two interceptions and a lost fumble in the 34-3 loss to Carolina. Tua Tagovailoa remains out with an oblique injury. 

Penix steps into a passing offense at 123.5 yards per game and 8.0 points per game. How he handles Green Bay pressure in his return start will shape whether Atlanta can stay competitive at Lambeau Field.

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The Brewers won their 100th game of the season on Thursday with a 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, the first-ever time that Milwaukee has reached the 100-win mark. Before the 2026 season, the Brewers had not even won 99 games in a season before, nor 98 – Milwaukee reached those figures on Wednesday and Sunday, respectively, setting a new franchise record each time.

The elusive 100 has now been reached, though, after not all that many close calls. The 2025 Brewers won 97 games for the first time in franchise history, which dates back to 1969 when the Seattle Pilots were introduced to the league before shifting to Milwaukee for the 1970 season. Before ‘25, the Brewers’ best-ever regular season was 96 wins, achieved first in 2011 then again in 2018. The 1982 and 2021 squads won 95 each: the organization has just six other 90-plus-win seasons besides these.

At the end of April, the Brewers were 16-14. Since then, Milwaukee is 84-45, a .651 winning percentage. The Brewers have the only run differential in the majors better than +200 runs, and have the most wins in MLB this year against opponents with a winning record. The 2026 Brewers are as legit as anyone, in franchise history or the league right now.

Jacob Misiorowski had a quality rookie season, but he’s ascended to an entirely new level in 2026. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

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Led by young ace Jacob Misiorowski – Miz is first in the majors in ERA (1.86), strikeouts (247), strikeouts per nine (13.1), hits per nine (5.0) and adjusted ERA+ (222) – Milwaukee’s pitching deserves much of the credit for the team’s success so far. But the lineup provides plenty, too, especially in the second half. Second baseman Brice Turang leads the entire team in wins above replacement with 7.2. First baseman Jake Bauers leads the NL in on-base percentage at .393. Outfielders Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell have played quality defense on top of their productive seasons at the plate, with Chourio recently becoming the first-ever player with three 20 home run, 20 stolen base seasons before turning 23 – this team didn’t accidentally win 100 games.

The Brewers had been one of six MLB teams to never win 100 games before; now there are just five teams waiting for their first triple-digit dub total. Here are the best seasons for those franchises, so far.

2012 Washington Nationals, 98-64

The 2019 Nationals might be the lone World Series champions in Washington – and Montreal’s – history, but it’s the 2012 edition of the Nats that has the franchise record for victories. That team – featuring a rookie Bryce Harper introducing himself to the league at just 19 years old – also included longtime Washington players like third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, shortstop Ian Desmond and a 23-year-old Stephen Strasburg.

The Nationals lost in the NLDS to the St. Louis Cardinals, however, and, like with the Brewers, haven’t had all that many other seasons close to 100 wins. The 2017 iteration logged 97, and the 2014 one had 96. The 2016 Nationals and 1979 Expos both won 95 contests, and there have been four other seasons of at least 90 wins. 

2011 Texas Rangers, 96-66

The 2011 Rangers were close to being Texas’ first-ever World Series champion as well as its single-season wins leader. Until David Freese happened in Game 6 of the Fall Classic, anyway. Luckily, the 2023 World Series win over the Diamondbacks erases some of those bad memories, but that team won “just” 90 games in the regular season, so the 2011 edition remains on top for this particular stat. There have been much worse 90-win seasons.

Hall of Famer Adrian Beltré was a key part of the best Rangers (regular season) team in franchise history. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)

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The Rangers first won 95 games in 1999, then again in 2016. Texas has six seasons with between 90 and 94 victories, and have never come that close to triple-digit wins. Unlike the next team on the list, though, at least the Rangers have a ring.

1998 San Diego Padres, 98-64

The 1998 Padres were the second San Diego squad to reach the World Series; this team, like the 1984 one, lost to the most dominant force in the league. In ‘84 it was the 104-win Tigers, and in 1998 it was the New York Yankees, winners of 114. The ’98 Padres were great – the most successful team in San Diego’s history, given it had a number of wins to equal the year. But the 1998 Yankees were something else.

The 1998 season marks the lone time that the Padres have won more than 93 games in a season. The ‘84 team won just 92, which was their best-ever effort at the time, and the 2024 roster compiled 93 victories. San Diego has just three other seasons with at least 90 dubs: 1996, 2025 and 2010. The 2026 team could still get there to make it seven, but there aren’t enough games in the season to break the franchise record.

1997 Miami Marlins, 92-70

Just 92 wins? Sure, but this was also the first Marlins team to win a World Series. Back when they were still the Florida Marlins, this 92-win squad – in just its fifth year of existence – took Cleveland to seven games and secured a championship. The lineup was led by catcher Charles Johnson (4.4 WAR, .454 SLG), left fielder Moisés Alou (.292/.373/.493) and right fielder Gary Sheffield (21 homers in 135 games), while the rotation featured peak Kevin Brown (7.0 WAR, 2.69 ERA), Alex Fernandez (220 innings, 3.59 ERA) and 22-year-old hurler – and postseason hero – Livan Hernandez. (Who also made 29 starts for the 2011 Nationals’ team.)

Livan Hernandez was the 1997 World Series MVP in addition to finishing second for NL Rookie of the Year, and a key part of the regular season rotation for the most successful Marlins’ season ever. (Photo by RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images)

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The only other Marlins team to win at least 90 games in a season was the 2003 edition, which picked up 91 and also won the World Series. Maybe they just don’t need 100 wins to get the job done.

1985 Toronto Blue Jays, 99-62

Like with the 2012 Nationals, the best Blue Jays regular season team isn’t its most successful overall. The 1985 Jays, in the franchise’s ninth year of existence, just missed 100 victories but won the American League East. Toronto got a shot at the pennant in the ALCS, but lost to the eventual World Series champion Royals in seven games.

The 1987 edition would win 96 games, which is still the second-most in franchise history, but that team finished in second in the AL East behind the 98-win Tigers, Toronto’s old rival in the pre-Wild Card era divisional alignment. The 1992 Blue Jays would also win 96 games, and the franchise’s first World Series, and then the ’93 team picked up 93 victories and a back-to-back championship.

The 2025 Jays ascended to similar heights, winning 94 and reaching the Fall Classic, but fell to the Dodgers in seven games. On four other occasions, Toronto has won between 91 and 93 games.

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Three days remain in MLB’s regular-season schedule. Nine of 14 teams have clinched their spot in the postseason with five spots up for grabs. But it’s never too early for predictions. 

FOX Sports’ Dontrelle “D-Train” Willis and Eric Karros shared their opinion on how the 2026 MLB playoffs will play out.

Eric Karros’ American League

  No. 4 Yankees vs. No. 5 Red Sox

Karros: Yankees 
“The Yankees will move on because of their starting pitching. It’s as good as anybody’s in the postseason.”

  No. 3 Astros vs. No. 6 Guardians

Karros: Guardians
“Why will the Guardians move on? Because of their pitching.”

  No. 4 Yankees vs. No. 1 Rays

Karros: Yankees
“That’s a no-brainer right there.”

  No. 2 White Sox vs. No. 3 Guardians

Karros: Guardians

  No. 4 Yankees vs. No. 2 Guardians

Karros: Yankees
“This is going to be a pitching nightmare in a good way. Both ball clubs are going to have to rely on it. Yankees have a bit too much. They move on.”

Eric Karros’ National League

  No. 4 Padres vs. No. 5 Cubs

Karros: Padres
“The Padres are going to win. Why? Because they are at home. That is a gamechanger.”

  No. 3 Braves vs. No. 6 Phillies

Karros: Phillies
“I like that matchup for the Phillies just because of the starting pitching.”

  No. 2 Dodgers vs. No. 6 Phillies

Karros: Dodgers
“Dodgers are deeper than anybody. Dodgers move on.”

  No. 1 Brewers vs. No. 5 Padres

Karros: Brewers
“Brewers are going to move on because of their pitching, and their just so darn good.”

  No. 1 Brewers vs. No. 2 Dodgers

Karros: Dodgers
“The starting pitching for the Brewers, the top 2, as good as anybody. But they’re not as deep as the Dodgers.”

Eric Karros’ World Series

  No. 4 Yankees vs. No. 2 Dodgers

Karros: Dodgers
“Dodgers are going to win it again.”

Toronto, Ontario, Saturday, November 1, 2025 – Dodgers celebrate after beating the Toronto Blue Jays to win the World Series at Rogers Centre. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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D-Train’s American League

  No. 4 Yankees vs. No. 5 Red Sox

Dontrelle Willis: Yankees
 “Timely base hits with Ben Rice, but that rotation is going to carry them.”

  No. 3 Astros vs. No. 6 White Sox

Willis: White Sox
“I like the White Sox with (Munetaka) Murakami and (Miguel) Vargas. I love that three-headed monster with (Colston) Montgomery as well. That’s going to be fits for the Astros, and I think they’re going to be smart and not pitch to Yordan Alvarez.”

  No. 4 Yankees vs. No. 1 Rays

Willis: Rays
“I think in this situation, the Rays are going to top them. The timely basehits, the way they provide traffic, they’re going to outscore them.”

  No. 2 Guardians vs. No. 3 White Sox

Willis: Guardians

  No. 1 Rays vs. No. 2 Guardians

Willis: Rays
“The athletic ability, and (Junior) Caminero is going to put the (Rays) over the top.”

D-Train’s National League

  No. 4 Padres vs. No. 5 Cubs

Willis: Cubs
“I like the Cubs defense and how they get on base. They run the bases well and PCA is a monster.”

  No. 3 Braves vs. No. 6 Phillies

Willis: Braves
“Acuña Jr., that experienced offense, I think they’re going to put pressure on the Phillies offense. And I think they’re going to take them over to be able to advance.”

  No. 2 Dodgers vs. No. 6 Phillies

Willis: Dodgers
“I think the Dodgers’ rotation and Mookie Betts being on fire, getting Shohei (Ohtani) back in that lineup. They’re going to be able to advance.”

  No. 1 Brewers vs. No. 5 Cubs

Willis: Brewers

  No. 1 Brewers vs. No. 2 Dodgers

Willis: Dodgers
“The pitching, 1-4 of that rotation… they’re going to overwhelm the Brewers.”

D-Train’s World Series

  No. 1 Rays vs. No. 2 Dodgers

“Parade in L.A. again. I think it’s going to be a fun series, but the Dodgers and that rotation are going to overwhelm everybody.”

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Thursday brought a mixed bag of injury news as teams wrapped up practice ahead of Week 3. 

In the NFC East, the Eagles and Cowboys both had a concerning injury report, while in the NFC West there was better news out of Seattle and a bit of uncertainty out of Los Angeles.

Puka Nacua’s hip injury still isn’t trending in the right direction for the Rams, and the Cowboys will be down four defenders for their trip to Brazil, but Sam Darnold could be nearing a return for the Seahawks.

In Philadelphia, Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith both landed on the injury report as the Eagles prepare for Monday night’s game against the Bears, who are dealing with their own injury issues under center.

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

Barkley Limited, Smith Out At Eagles Practice

 

Philadelphia’s injury situation is starting to pile up ahead of Monday night’s game against the Bears. 

Running back Saquon Barkley returned to practice Thursday in a limited capacity as he continues managing a stinger suffered in Week 2, while wideout DeVonta Smith didn’t participate at all due a hamstring issue. 

Smith was seen warming up with the team but didn’t have pads on or take part in drills.

Barkley’s stinger dates back to Philadelphia’s comeback win over the Titans, an injury that limited him to just four carries for nine yards and two catches for 11 yards in the second half. 

The Eagles are already thin at the position with backups Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley limited at practice Wednesday, and now Smith’s absence adds another name to watch. 

Philadelphia will have two more practices to sort out the picture before Monday’s matchup at Soldier Field.

Cowboys Rule Out Four Defenders vs. Ravens

 Dallas will be down a few defenders for Sunday’s game against the Ravens in Rio de Janeiro. 

The Cowboys ruled out cornerback Cobie Durant, safeties Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. None of the four will make the trip to Brazil.

All four sat out practice again Thursday. Durant, who started the first two games and has played 87 defensive snaps, and Locke, who stepped into the starting lineup in Week 2, are both considered likely to miss multiple weeks. 

Shavon Revel Jr. and Markquese Bell are expected to fill in across the secondary.

“I thought both guys having played and getting their experience was good but it’ll definitely be different,” Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said of the pair of defensive backs.

Hooker played just 12 snaps in the opener before his injury, while Overshown, who started in Week 1 for Dallas, has been given a “low probability” of returning earlier in the week.

The biggest worry for the Cowboys is in the secondary, where they will be without three players who have played important roles this season.

Puka Nacua’s Week 3 availability is looking increasingly unlikely.

The Rams wide receiver missed practice for the second straight day Thursday, and head coach Sean McVay said Nacua is “not making great progress” in his recovery from a hip injury that’s kept him out in Week 2.

“Usually time is the best thing that allows that thing to heal. And then once you get to a certain point, then I think you feel pretty good moving forward,” McVay told reporters earlier in the week.

Puka Nacua hauled in 5 catches for 74 yards in Week 1 against the 49ers — his last full game before the hip injury clouding his Week 3 status. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

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McVay has also described the issue as soreness in the groin area, though he’s said there’s no threat of a long-term absence and no hernia concern.

Nacua will get one more chance to work in Friday before the Rams make a call on his status for Sunday night’s game at Denver. 

If he can’t go, Davante Adams has shown he’s comfortable operating as Matthew Stafford’s No. 1 target. 

Sam Darnold could be on pace to make his return for the Seahawks sooner than expected.

Head coach Mike Macdonald said Thursday that the quarterback is “on a good track” to play Sunday against the Commanders after a glute injury suffered in the season opener.

Darnold told reporters he was “feeling good,” in his return to practice.

“For me, especially during this week, taking it day by day. Continuing to balance the reps and do everything I need to get ready,” Darnold added.

Darnold was initially considered week-to-week with the soft-tissue injury, and while Seattle never placed him on injured reserve, his return had been viewed as more likely for Week 4 or later. 

Instead, he’s progressed faster than expected and is trending toward reclaiming the starting job from Drew Lock, who’s gone 2-0 in Darnold’s absence has shown he can hold down the offense if needed.

A final call on Darnold’s status is expected as the week progresses.

NFL Related Stories

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Is it time to take the Falcons seriously? It certainly looks like that now that Atlanta has its starting quarterback in the lineup. 

Michael Penix Jr. looked as good as anyone expected in his first game back from a major knee injury, and Bijan Robinson looked unstoppable on the ground in a surprisingly uncompetitive 35-14 win over the Packers in Green Bay. 

Meanwhile, the Packers look like a broken team with no clear fixes as they fall to 1-2. 

Here are my takeaways:

1. Matt LaFleur Is Officially On The Hot Seat

 

Is it fair? Probably not. LaFleur is undoubtedly a good coach who revived Aaron Rodgers’ career and developed Jordan Love into a top-10 quarterback. He’s had Green Bay’s offense near the top of the league’s statistical charts throughout his coaching tenure. 

But you don’t get to hang banners for expected points added (EPA) or DVOA, and it feels like the Packers are further away from winning a Super Bowl than they’ve ever been in LaFleur’s eight years on the job, which has produced just three playoff wins. 

A 1-2 start isn’t impossible to climb out of, and Green Bay will eventually get Micah Parsons back; but this team’s problems may not be solvable. The offensive line is certainly beyond saving, and as we saw on Thursday night, it’s holding back the entire offense. The Packers came into the game with the league’s worst rushing game and that won’t change after a 17-yard performance. Pass protection has been an even bigger issue. Love’s been under fire all season, and the Falcons pressured him on 42% of his dropbacks with an average time-to-pressure of 2.28 seconds, per Next Gen Stats. 

The defense had been better than expected coming into the game — and former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness has been a bright spot — but Thursday’s performance will not inspire confidence. After an early interception of Michael Penix, Atlanta marched up and down the field with little resistance. 

This is a bad football team right now. If LaFleur can’t turn this season around, questions about his job security will persist. Whether or not the Packers actually move on from him is another matter. LaFleur just signed a contract extension in the offseason, and this is the one NFL team that doesn’t have a billionaire owner who can eat that kind of money. Even if the team wants to move on from the 46-year-old coach, it may not be able to afford it. 

With all due respect to Jahmyr Gibbs, there’s no better viewing experience than watching Robinson glide through defenses. He put on a show Thursday night in Green Bay, racking up 194 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries. It was Robinson’s 11th game with at least 150 yards from scrimmage since he entered the league. Only Derrick Henry has more since 2022. 

The case for Robinson as the NFL’s best running back is strong. He has an OK offensive line and a passing game that doesn’t give him much protection, but the 2024 first-round pick keeps producing big plays for an offense that desperately needs them. On Thursday night, he forced eight missed tackles and produced 175 rushing yards after contact, per Next Gen Stats. 

Few running backs can carry an offense on their own, but Robinson is definitely on that short list. If Atlanta’s passing game can just be competent, this team should score enough points to stay in the NFC South race all season. 

The Falcons will be back in primetime the next two weeks. That looked like an error in judgment by the schedule makers coming into Thursday, but the Bijan Robinson Show is can’t-miss television. 

We had to wait until the third week of the regular season, but the Falcons quarterback competition has finally been settled. We’ll have to wait for confirmation from Kevin Stefanski, but Michael Penix Jr. should be the unquestioned starter after his performance in Green Bay. 

Penix shook off a shaky start that included an ugly interception, but was lights out the rest of the night, averaging over 10 yards per attempt. While he got rid of the ball in a hurry, it didn’t prevent him from pushing it downfield. He unlocked Drake London, who was off to a sleepy start to the season but broke out with a 194-yard performance, including two big gains of 68 and 40. 

The Falcons’ passing game was always going to improve with a legitimate starter replacing Cooper Rush, but few expected it to look this good in Penix’s first game since tearing his ACL last season. The third-year pro should get even better as he gets reacclimated to playing against live defenses after missing all of the preseason and most of training camp. 

Penix doesn’t have to be a world beater to thrive in this talented offense. Robinson will do most of the heavy lifting, and guys like London and Kyle Pitts will regularly turn routine throws into big plays. It was easy to forget how stacked this offense is when Rush was out there, but the sky’s the limit for the unit if Penix can replicate this performance. 

  3 1/2. What’s Next

We’ll find out if the Falcons can compete for the division next week when they travel to New Orleans. That’s followed by a tough stretch of games against true NFC contenders, so Atlanta may need to win it to make a real playoff push. 

Green Bay goes on the road to take on a desperate Buccaneers team before their first matchup with the rival Bears. If the Packers fall to 1-3 going into that Chicago game, the chatter about LaFleur’s job will only get louder.

 

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No. 5 Indiana will host Northwestern on Friday in a Week 4 college football matchup on FOX.

Coming off its first national championship in school history, Indiana is 3-0 to start 2026, outscoring its opponents by a combined score of 145-16. But Indiana is only one of two ranked teams to have not played a power conference opponent yet as its wins have come over North Texas, Howard and Western Kentucky. 

Replacing Fernando Mendoza was never going to be easy, but TCU transfer Josh Hoover has been very solid so far. Hoover has completed 37 of 51 passes (72.5%) for 649 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions to begin the season. 

But now his first real test awaits.

Northwestern is coming off a dominating 41-7 win over Colorado last week, and sit 2-0 on the season. 

The Wildcats defense forced the Buffs into four turnovers, and Aidan Chiles balled out, completing 17 of his 22 passes for 241 and five total touchdowns, the most of his college football career. 

So can Northwestern keep that momentum going and pull off a huge upset against the defending champs?

Let’s take a look at the odds for Indiana vs. Northwestern at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 25.

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   Northwestern @ No. 5 Indiana Odds

Moneyline 

• Indiana: -1800 (bet $10 to win $10.56 total)
• Northwestern: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)

Spread 

• Indiana -21: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Northwestern +21: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Over/Under

• Over 49.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Under 49.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

   Northwestern @ No. 5 Indiana Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research: 

The Hoosiers are coming off back-to-back shutouts. They haven’t faced a tough test yet, but the same was true early last season, when they went on to finish 16-0 and win the national championship. In their first Big Ten game of 2025, they beat Illinois 63-10. We expect a similar result here.

Northwestern impressed against Colorado, but following up that performance on the road against the defending champs is a tall order. Curt Cignetti will have the Hoosiers ready to make a statement in their first meaningful game of the season.

Take the Hoosiers to win big.

   The Pick: Indiana -21

How to Watch Indiana vs. Northwestern

• Date: Friday, Sept. 25. 2026
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
• Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN

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The Los Angeles Chargers visit the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET from Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY.

The Bills enter at 2-0 on the season, while the Chargers are 0-2.

Buffalo has scored 77 points without a giveaway and has converted 57.1 percent of third downs. Los Angeles has allowed 393 yards and 26 points per game with 3 sacks through two weeks.

Buffalo has 7 sacks but has allowed 31 points per game. Los Angeles carries a minus-4 turnover margin and has allowed 273 passing yards per game while Buffalo has allowed 95 rushing yards per game at 3.7 yards per carry.

The Bills are 7-point favorites over the Chargers.

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

How to Watch Chargers vs. Bills

• When: Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players To Watch

Buffalo’s offense has exploded through two games, and Allen is the engine. He leads the Bills with 582 passing yards and 5 touchdown passes, and the team has scored 77 points without a giveaway.

This matchup puts him against a Chargers defense that has allowed 393 yards and 26 points per game through two weeks, with just 3 sacks. Buffalo has converted 57.1 percent of its third downs, and Allen figures to work from a clean pocket again.

It has been a rough opening stretch for Herbert and the Chargers passing game. Through two games, he has 370 passing yards, 2 touchdown passes, 3 interceptions and a 71.6 passer rating, including 192 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions in the Week 2 loss to the Raiders.

Buffalo has allowed 31 points per game but already has 7 sacks, tied for fourth in the league. Herbert has to protect a minus-4 turnover margin against a defense that gets to the quarterback.

Buffalo’s run defense has been vulnerable early, and Hampton is the player built to exploit it. He has scored a rushing touchdown in each of the first two games, and in Week 2 he carried 23 times for 94 yards and added 21 receiving yards on 2 catches.

The Bills have allowed 95 rushing yards per game and 3.7 yards per carry to opponents. Hampton’s workload keeps the Chargers on schedule and out of a pure dropback game plan.

Kincaid has been Buffalo’s most productive pass catcher through two games. He leads the Bills with 225 receiving yards on 12 catches and has 1 touchdown, with Allen spreading the ball but leaning on him over the middle.

The Chargers have allowed 273 passing yards per game through two weeks, and Kincaid is the target most likely to work the seam against that secondary.

Chargers vs. Bills Odds

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The Northwestern Wildcats visit the Indiana Hoosiers on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET from Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN.

Northwestern is 2-0 after a 41-7 win over Colorado, while Indiana is 3-0 after a 38-0 win over Western Kentucky.

Indiana has controlled games with defense at home. The Hoosiers have allowed 16 points in three games with shutouts against Howard and Western Kentucky, and they lead the country with 20 touchdowns at home this season.

Northwestern has finished drives. The Wildcats rank fifth nationally with an 83.3 percent completion rate in the red zone and are averaging 37.5 points per game.

The Hoosiers are 21-point favorites over the Wildcats.

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

How to Watch Northwestern vs. Indiana

• When: Friday, September 25, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET
• Where: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players To Watch

Northwestern’s first true test of 2026 arrives in Bloomington, where Chiles will face a defending national champion Indiana defense in the Wildcats’ Big Ten opener. He’s completed 31 of 46 passes for 514 yards and four passing touchdowns without an interception through wins over South Dakota State and Colorado, adding three rushing touchdowns of his own, and he was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after the Colorado win.

Chiles has yet to throw a pick through two games, a streak that gets a far tougher exam against a Hoosiers team that hasn’t allowed opponents much room for error. How he handles the environment at Memorial Stadium will say a lot about where this Northwestern offense stands against Big Ten competition.

Wilde is coming off the fastest climb to 1,000 career receiving yards in Northwestern history, reaching the mark in just 15 games faster than any Wildcat since D’Wayne Bates in 1995-96. He opened the season with three catches for 104 yards, including a 71-yard gain, against South Dakota State, then added five catches for 85 yards against Colorado to push past the milestone.

The senior is averaging better than 23 yards per catch through two games with established chemistry alongside Chiles, and Northwestern will lean on that connection to keep pace on the road in its conference opener.

Indiana’s quarterback change has looked seamless through three weeks. The TCU transfer brought in to replace Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza has completed 37 of 51 passes for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns without an interception, throwing four touchdown passes each against North Texas and Howard before going 18 of 24 for 273 yards and two scores in a 38-0 shutout of Western Kentucky.

Even with that production, Hoover has stayed focused on the throws he missed against Western Kentucky, saying he holds himself “to a higher standard than anyone.” Northwestern is the most complete opponent he’s faced yet, and cleaning up those misses matters more against a Big Ten foe than it did in three non-conference games.

Becker has emerged as Hoover’s top target, leading Indiana with 12 catches for 272 yards and six touchdowns through three games, a share of the offense he carried over from last season’s national championship run. He scored twice against North Texas, three times against Howard and added a 79-yard touchdown in the win over Western Kentucky.

Northwestern’s secondary has only faced South Dakota State and Colorado so far this season, and Becker’s size and red-zone production make him a matchup Indiana is likely to target early and often at home.

Northwestern vs. Indiana Odds

Learn more about the Northwestern Wildcats vs. Indiana Hoosiers game and check the full schedule on FOX Sports!

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