The Los Angeles Dodgers expect Shohei Ohtani to pitch again this season, but they’re not rushing the two-way superstar back to the mound because of concern about him overcompensating while his left knee heals.

Andrew Friedman downplayed Ohtani’s right biceps soreness, too.

“If it weren’t for the knee, he would be pitching right now,” Friedman said Wednesday. “We didn’t want to put him in a position where he was altering his mechanics to try to protect the knee in any way.”

The team’s president of baseball operations said Ohtani is keeping his right arm active with plyometric throws using a medicine ball that takes the strain off constantly landing on his left leg.

“It keeps getting better,” Friedman said. “Does he feel 100% in his arm? No, but neither does any pitcher in late July.”

The team wants Ohtani’s knee to feel as good as possible before he begins a throwing program on flat ground or off a mound.

“I feel confident that relatively soon he’s going to start getting out and start ramping up for catch-play and bullpens and getting him back,” Friedman said.

That belief is based on the progress Ohtani says he’s felt so far and an MRI done on his knee during the All-Star break that came back clear. That’s also when he had a lubricant injection in his knee.

In the meantime, Ohtani will continue serving as the designated hitter. He has said his knee doesn’t bother him when he’s hitting.

“If there was something structural, then we would be much more concerned,” Friedman said. “The fact that there’s not and the fact that it does keep improving suggests that we’re on the right path.”

Friedman said Ohtani’s current unavailability on the mound hasn’t created an acute need to add pitching with the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaching. The Dodgers have been mentioned as a possible destination for two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of Detroit.

“We’re always open-minded to different things,” Friedman said, “but the biggest thing for us is to do everything we can in the offseason to not put ourselves in a position in July where you absolutely have to do something because it is far and away the worst time to acquire a player.”

Ohtani is 8-2 on the mound with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts over 85 2/3 innings.

The four-time MVP hasn’t pitched since July 3. His form didn’t look the same in his handful of starts before the All-Star break due to the sore knee that first flared up on June 11 and led to him overcompensating with his upper body, creating tightness in his right biceps.

“The stuff was still in a really good place, execution was a little bit off from what we’ve typically seen from him,” Friedman said. “I’ll bet on him to execute.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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The starting quarterback audition that will shape this season for the Minnesota Vikings and perhaps define multiple careers is clearly the featured attraction during training camp.

For as consequential as this competition will be, Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy and their teammates have no interest in intensifying the spotlight or indulging in feelings about the process. The players themselves are trying to keep things as cool as they can.

“I’m not really too focused on the long-term vision of it,” Murray said Wednesday before the team’s first formal practice of camp. “I’m really just focused on process, and that’s day to day, trying to put my best foot forward, and proving to the guys and the coaches what I’m capable of.”

McCarthy brings a decidedly different resume, style and personality to this derby, but his public stance on his approach to trying to keep the same job he had last year sure sounded similar to Murray’s.

“It’s just refining every little detail, leaving no stone unturned and just trying to get better in every aspect,” said McCarthy, whose injuries have limited him to 10 starts in two seasons since he was drafted with the 10th overall pick in 2024. “That’s a constant battle with yourself every single day until you hang ’em up.”

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell was remarkably transparent in his news conference this week about the plan for dividing up drills in practice between the two. Murray went first with the first team Wednesday, but the repetitions were equally split.

“It’s going to be more by certain periods,” O’Connell said. “Maybe a guy’s gotten a little bit more third down work, so then we’ll make sure we try to even it out, but I will say this, and I told the quarterbacks: ‘We don’t need to make this 50-50.’ It’s going to be that way to start when we’re on a time crunch, but when we get into some longer practices and some move-the-ball periods, there’s some periods where the amount of plays is unknown sometimes as you really start to get into what real football is.”

Murray, of course, was the most seismic change after McCarthy’s rocky debut. As the first overall pick in the 2019 draft with 87 starts and more than 20,000 passing yards in his career, Murray is the clear favorite to win this competition. But O’Connell has committed to opening it up, and McCarthy has said he believes him.

“My job’s to make it right for either of them, so that’s kind of all I can focus on,” right tackle Brian O’Neill said. “It’s just like any other guy and any other position battle. That’s really what it is from my perspective.”

Murray mentioned earlier the challenge of mastering a new offense without taking all of the turns with the first team, but he said Wednesday he feels much better about the playbook after going through spring practices and continuing to immerse himself in it over the last six weeks.

McCarthy, too, said he has recovered from the time lost and the rhythm interrupted by his late-season injuries.

“I felt like I was hitting that upward trajectory, and I’m certain it’s still been going up since then,” McCarthy said.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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Was it a fluke or was it reality for the Broncos last season?

They very nearly had a Super Bowl berth in their hands. Will a healthy Bo Nix take them back to the promised land?

Let’s check out the Broncos’ Over/Under win total odds for the 2026 season.

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Denver Broncos 

Over 9.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Under 9.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)

What to know: The Broncos were one of three teams that led the NFL with 14 wins last season. However, they also recorded 11 one-possession victories during the regular season, which tied an NFL record. 

The big question entering 2026 is whether Denver can replicate that same success in close games. Its win total signals it is expected to take a step back despite acquiring Jaylen Waddle via trade. 

It must be remembered, however, that the Broncos were a single home win away from a Super Bowl berth, but a season-ending injury to Nix in the AFC divisional round likely spelled their downfall. 

New England beat Denver 10-7 on a snowy day in Colorado — could Nix have made up those three points?

Odds: This upcoming season, Denver is the +225 third choice to win the AFC West, the +1025 seventh choice to win the AFC and the +2000 13th choice to win the Super Bowl.

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“A roller-coaster of a year” would most accurately define the 2025 season for the Colts.

Let’s check out the Colts’ Over/Under win total odds for the 2026 season.

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Indianapolis Colts

Over 7.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Under 7.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)

What to know: What an odd 2025 season it was for the Colts. 

Indianapolis started 7-1 and held the No. 1 seed in the AFC after Week 8. However, it then lost eight of its final nine games, including a seven-game losing streak to end the season. 

That collapse included a four-game stretch without starting quarterback Daniel Jones due to injury. Jones will remain the starter in 2026 after signing a two-year, $88 million contract extension.

Odds: This upcoming season, Indianapolis is the +380 third choice to win the AFC South, the +2900 11th choice to win the AFC and the +600 21st choice to win the Super Bowl.

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The Los Angeles Angels traded reliever Chase Silseth and struggling catcher Logan O’Hoppe to the Texas Rangers for minor league third baseman Angel Arredondo on Wednesday night.

The deal, announced a few minutes before the Angels’ series finale against the Houston Astros, could mark the beginning of an extensive rebuilding process for the Angels, who entered play Wednesday with an American League-worst 42-66 record and 13 1/2 games behind the Rangers in the AL West.

“We know we have to start shaking up this roster, and today was day one,” Angels interim general manager John Mozeliak said. “Clearly, where the Angels are at right now, we need to do things differently.”

Silseth, 26, was one of the Angels’ top relievers, going 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA in 47 games this year. O’Hoppe, 26, appeared in 75 games, batting .209 with 23 RBIs.

Arredondo, 19, hit .247 with eight home runs, 15 doubles and 47 RBIs in 86 games for low-A Hickory this season. He signed with the Rangers as an international free agent out of Mexico in 2024.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

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Eventually, Trevor Lawrence’s charge has to break through — right?

The former No. 1 pick won his second-ever division crown last season and made his second postseason appearance. He also guided Jacksonville to double-digit wins for the first time in his career.

Still, the Jags have not sniffed the Super Bowl.

Let’s check out the Jaguars’ Over/Under win total odds for the 2026 season.

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Jacksonville Jaguars

Over 8.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Under 8.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)

What to know: After winning just four games in 2024, the Jaguars completed an incredible turnaround in 2025 with 13 wins and an AFC South title in Liam Coen’s first season as head coach. 

However, Jacksonville did suffer a few notable free-agent losses, including Travis Etienne Jr. and Devin Lloyd, which could help explain the team’s lower projected win total entering 2026.

Lawrence started all 17 games, throwing for 4,007 yards, 29 TDs and 12 picks. He only completed 60.9% of his passes though. 

Odds: This upcoming season, Jacksonville is the +245 second choice to win the AFC South, the +1500 ninth choice to win the AFC and the +3000 17th choice to win the Super Bowl.

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Defense wins championships, but offense needs to play its part as well. 

Never has that been more of the case for a team than it was for Houston in the most recent NFL playoffs. 

Let’s check out the Texans’ Over/Under win total odds for the 2026 season.

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Houston Texans

Over 9.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18 total)
Under 9.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)

What to know: Houston has won at least 10 games in each of the last three seasons, including 12 wins in 2025. After starting last season 0-3, the Texans won 12 of their final 14 games, including a nine-game winning streak to close out the regular season before losing to the Patriots in the divisional round. 

And they did it using defense for the most part. 

The Texans had the No. 1 defensive unit in football last season, evidenced by the six points it allowed to Pittsburgh in the wild-card round. And although the Pats scored 28 in the divisional round, Houston had five turnovers, including four interceptions from C.J. Stroud.

Speaking of Stroud, he will surely be key to Houston’s success in 2026. He was 9-5 as a starter last year, tallying 3,041 passing yards, 19 TDs and eight interceptions.

Odds: This upcoming season, Houston is the +110 first choice to win the AFC South, the +850 sixth choice to win the AFC and the +1800 ninth choice to win the Super Bowl.

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Another No. 1 pick — Tennessee’s Cam Ward — has some living-up-to-expectations to do.

Let’s check out the Titans’ Over/Under win total odds for the 2026 season.

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Tennessee Titans

Over 6.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Under 6.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

What to know: In Cam Ward’s first NFL season, the Titans won just three games. However, Tennessee made several major changes this offseason, including hiring Robert Saleh as head coach and Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator. 

The Titans also signed John Franklin-Myers to a big contract and drafted wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick. With those additions, Tennessee appears poised to improve in 2026.

Odds: This upcoming season, Tennessee is the +800 last choice to win the AFC South, the +5500 12th choice to win the AFC and the +13000 26th choice to win the Super Bowl.

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It is all too easy to get caught up in the hype of first-round picks in the immediate aftermath of every NFL Draft, but history proves that the greatest impact is often made by players selected after Day 1. 

Case in point: The two best defensive rookies in the NFL last year — Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Seattle Seahawks defensive back Nick Emmanwori — were both Day 2 steals.

The players listed below might not be the biggest names today, but they are clean schematic fits for their respective teams and appear to have a relatively clear path to playing time. It’s why they’re primed to make big contributions in 2026. And only a few of them were drafted in the first round. 

With training camp now underway, here are my NFC rookies to watch.

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State (No. 11 pick)

Okay, this is just too obvious to ignore. Downs was the easiest evaluation of this draft class, as his tape was filled with instinctive, athletic and physical plays that should translate into immediate NFL success. This Cowboys’ defense desperately needed a sheriff and Downs is him.

New York Giants: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame (No. 74 pick)

Between Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton and Calvin Austin — not to mention free-agent tight end Isaiah Likely — the Giants already boast plenty of playmaking wideouts for Jaxson Dart. The pass-catchers are relatively small by NFL standards and certainly not indicative of the team’s Giants moniker. The nearly 6-foot-5, 218-pound Fields, on the other hand, is a legitimate big-bodied X receiver who wins above the rim. I think he’ll quickly become one of Dart’s favorite downfield targets. 

Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Stowers, TE/WR, Vanderbilt (No. 54 pick)

No tight end in the NFL caught more touchdowns last year than Dallas Goedert (11), but I think this is both a function of his talent and a byproduct of defenses being lured to the line of scrimmage in an attempt to slow down the Eagles’ dynamic running game. Stowers won’t likely challenge Goedert in 2026, but he does immediately diversify a Philadelphia offense that no longer includes star wideout A.J. Brown.

The Eagles need more out of their passing game, and the addition of tight end Eli Stowers should change how they attack. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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Washington Commanders: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson (No. 71 pick)

There is no doubt that rookie linebacker Sonny Styles will make an immediate impact for the Commanders. However, I’m also really intrigued by Williams, who plays bigger and faster than his measurables suggest. Williams reminds me a bit of former Seattle standout Doug Baldwin with his sneaky change of direction and knack for making big plays. 

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears: Logan Jones, C, Iowa (No. 57 pick)

Protecting Caleb Williams is obviously Chicago’s top priority, and Jones — the reigning Rimington Award winner as the nation’s top center — was an excellent choice to do that. His 50 career starts for an Iowa program well known for producing plug-and-play blockers makes this technician a smart bet to start immediately. 

Detroit Lions: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (No. 157 pick)

If there was a cornerback in this class perfectly suited to play for Dan Campbell, it was Abney — a scrappy defender who plays much bigger than his size. The Lions currently list free-agent addition Roger McCreary as their starting nickel. Don’t be surprised when Abney wrestles that role away as a rookie.  

Green Bay Packers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina (No. 52 pick)

The Packers wisely addressed one of their biggest positional concerns with their top pick. Cisse has first round-caliber traits and tape and provides the club with a contingency plan should fellow young corner Carrington Valentine continue to struggle. Plus, with Keisean Nixon a pending free agent, Cisse offers a cheaper, younger alternative. 

Before long, Green Bay could look to Brandon Cisse to cover opposing teams’ top receivers. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

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Minnesota Vikings: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State (No. 82 pick)

It might sound funny to see Orange in purple, but opponents won’t be smiling when the Vikings’ third-round pick emerges as a key starter as a rookie. Orange doesn’t offer much in the passing game, but he’s powerful and tenacious against the run and will be counted on to contribute immediately, with Minnesota cutting ties prior to the draft with veteran defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. 

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons: Zachariah Branch, WR/RS, Georgia (No. 79 pick)

Branch will almost surely start the season as the Falcons’ primary punt and kick returner. But it is his ability to create in the quick game as a receiver and rusher that most intrigues me. Any offense that boasts the likes of Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts is going to stress defenses and create easy one-on-one opportunities. Branch should bloom in a complementary role. 

Carolina Panthers: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee (No. 83 pick)

Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan is more of a glider than a true vertical threat, which is precisely where Brazzell excels. His ability to stretch the field should open up Carolina’s passing game for others, though Brazzell isn’t just a deep decoy. I really like his body control and sticky hands, as well.  

The Panthers could prove to be a more explosive offense this season with wideout Chris Brazzell II and 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan both roaming the perimeter. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)

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New Orleans Saints: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia (No. 42 pick)

Toolsy wideouts Jordyn Tyson and Bryce Lance will draw most of the attention among the Saints’ draft class, but Miller mind upo being their best pick. A rugged run-stuffer who I think is just scratching the surface of his potential as a pass-rusher, Miller should step in and be a key contributor as a rookie before truly emerging in 2027 as current starters Davon Godchaux (32 years old) and Nathan Shepherd (31) are aging and in the final year of their respective deals. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter, ILB, Missouri (No. 46 pick)

Growing up an NFL legacy has left Trotter uniquely prepared to handle big expectations, and he’ll be confronted with them immediately given franchise legend Lavonte David’s recent retirement. Trotter has the speed, physicality and alpha mentality to star right away. He’s also stepping into a terrific situation given the Bucs boast two massive defensive tackles in Vita Vea and A’Shawn Robinson to keep him clean. 

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals: Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana (No. 104 pick)

The jump from the FCS to the NFL is massive, but Proctor performed well against top competition, including against LSU and at the Senior Bowl last year. His combination of quickness, length and strength should give the Cardinals much-needed depth and flexibility up front. I see him contributing as a rookie and emerging as a starter within a year or two. 

Los Angeles Rams: Keagen Trost, OT, Missouri (No. 93 pick)

The Rams may have found a future starting blocker in the middle rounds with Trost, whose burly frame projects best inside to guard after spending virtually all of his college career outside at tackle. Trost won’t get nearly the attention as first-round quarterback Ty Simpson, of course, but he should play a key role as the Rams’ sixth man on the offensive line as a rookie. 

The Rams might not need Keagen Trost to start this year, but he could soon play a big role on their offensive line nonetheless. (Photo by David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)

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San Francisco 49ers: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma (No. 107 pick)

The 49ers were ravaged by injuries a year ago, and that is the most obvious reason the club finished last in the NFL in sacks (20). Their depth could look much different in 2026 with the return of DEs Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, and the additions of rookie DE Keion White and free agent Osa Odighizuwa. While it all might leave few opportunities for Halton, I love his slipperiness. Even if he doesn’t start a single game this season, don’t be surprised if he carves out a significant role and matches his collegiate career high of five sacks as a rookie. 

Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (No. 32 pick)

I’ve been covering the NFL draft for over a quarter-century now, and I can’t recall a prospect being selected in the first round that never started a college game. That is the case with Price, who stuck it out at Notre Dame despite playing behind Jeremiyah Love. Seattle’s selection was bold, and I believe it will pay off handsomely for the defending champs. Price’s tape suggests he’ll be an ideal fit in their wide-zone scheme. In fact, I expect Price to not only be Seattle’s leading rusher in 2026 but vie for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in the process. 

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