For all the excitement that a youth-heavy U.S. men’s national team generated earlier this fall in the Stars and Stripes’ first games since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, don’t expect the roster that coach Mauricio Pochettino drops next week ahead of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals vs. Haiti to include quite as many fresh faces.

Sure, emerging teenage stars Julian Hall and Cavan Sullivan deserve to be included after helping the U.S. top Mexico, Canada, Chile and Peru in late September and early October and continuing to produce in MLS.

Those games didn’t count in any standings, though. In this two-leg, total-goals-wins series with Les Grenadiers, a spot inMarch’s final four is on the line. That means that most of the rest of the youngsters will instead report to camps in Europe for the U.S. under-20s and U-23s — the latter of which will double as the men’s Olympic squad in 2028 — while some of the most experienced Americans come back in.

Who will Poch pick? My best guesses are below.

*Denotes a player who is injured
**Denotes a player age-eligible for the 2028 Olympics

JUMP TO: Strikers | Wingers | Midfielders | Center Backs | Fullbacks | Goalkeepers

 STRIKERS

Predicted Strikers

• FB

  Folarin Balogun

  MonacoFrench Ligue 1

• JH

  Julian Hall

  Red Bull New YorkMLS

• JE

  Justin Ellis

  Orlando City SCMLS

Folarin Balogun, Monaco

Julian Hall, New York Red Bulls

Justin Ellis, Orlando City SC

Just missed out: Ricardo Pepi*, Haji Wright*, Patrick Agyemang*, Zavier Gozo**, Brian White, Milan Iloski*, Preston Judd

In a perfect world, Ellis and Hall would continue their development with Steve Cherundolo’s squad. But with Balogun having barely played this season and Pepi, Wright and Agyemang all unavailable, Pochettino might have no choice but to bring one or both of them back to the senior team next month.

Folarin Balogun this summer during the knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

With a trip to the Nations League finals at stake, Poch probably has to call in Balogun, too, even though a knee issue has limited the USA’s breakout star of the World Cup to just four substitute appearances for Monaco and a total of 74 minutes played since the summer. If not, don’t sleep on White. The 30-year-old Vancouver Whitecaps veteran has 18 goals in MLS and a bruising style that matches up well against the physical Haitians.

WINGERS

Predicted Wingers

Note: Sullivan is also age-eligible for the 2028 Olympics.

Christian Pulisic, AC Milan

Sergiño Dest, PSV Eindhoven

Gio Reyna, Strasbourg

Cavan Sullivan**, Philadelphia Union

Just missed out: Brenden Aaronson, Mathis Albert**, Cole Campbell**, Diego Luna*, Alex Zendejas, Peyton Miller**

As lineup mainstays for their clubs, Dest and Reyna are shoo-ins. Pulisic’s inclusion isn’t as certain. Lead U.S. assistant coach Jesus Perez was inside Milan’s San Siro Stadium on Wednesday, where he watched Pulisic come off the bench in the hosts’ 4-2 loss to Bologna. Still, Pulisic, who scored his second goal of the Italian season last weekend, probably returns for the first time since the World Cup.

Cavan Sullivancelebrates scoring against Mexico in a friendly earlier this month. (Photo by Taylor Banner/USSF/Getty Images)

Sullivan earned a re-call following a fine September/October camp. Will he be ready? A sore ankle has forced the 17-year-old to miss the Union’s last two games. If Sullivan doesn’t feature in Cincinnati on Saturday, another Philly-area native — Brenden Aaronson — could get the call. Last weekend, Aaronson made his first Premier League start in four games for Leeds United. Now healthy again, Zendejas is another option.

Meanwhile, the 17-year-old Albert has logged just 21 Bundesliga minutes for Borussia Dortmund this season. So expect him to be summoned by Cherundolo (or even the U.S. U-20s). Same goes for Campbell and Miller.

MIDFIELDERS

Predicted Midfielders

• TA

  Tyler Adams

  BournemouthEnglish Premier League

• WM

  Weston McKennie

  JuventusItalian Serie A

• SB

  Sebastian Berhalter

  MiddlesbroughEnglish Championship

• AM

  Aidan Morris

  MiddlesbroughEnglish Championship

• YM

  Yunus Musah

  AC MilanItalian Serie A

• MT

  Malik Tillman

  Bayer LeverkusenGerman Bundesliga

Tyler Adams, Bournemouth

Weston McKennie, Juventus

Sebastian Berhalter, Middlesbrough

Aidan Morris, Middlesbrough

Yunus Musah, AC Milan

Malik Tillman, Bayer Leverkusen

Just missed out: Johnny Cardoso*, Tanner Tessmann, Adri Mehmeti**, Brooklyn Raines**, Gianluca Busio*

McKennie, omitted in September after having just returned from a minor ailment, is a no-brainer. He’s started each of Juve’s eight games since then, playing all but one minute of the last five. Berhalter has become an automatic callup, and while Musah hasn’t been great for AC Milan, he has started four of the Rossoneri’s last five matches and went the distance on Wednesday with Perez in the house.

Weston McKennie playing this summer during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Photo by Emma Ottosen/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

The oft-injured Cardoso appeared poised for a recall after ankle surgery cost him a World Cup trip, but now the Atlético Madrid man is sidelined by a hamstring strain. Though Tessmann is beginning to find his form for Lyon, that opens the door for Morris, who has been sensational all season for Premier League promotion race-leading Boro.

CENTER BACKS

Predicted Center Backs

Chris Richards, Crystal Palace

Mark McKenzie, Toulouse

Auston Trusty, Celtic

Miles Robinson, Cincinnati

Just missed out: Neil Pierre**, George Campbell, Cameron Carter-Vickers

Richards produced his best performance of the season Wednesday in Palace’s 1-0 EFL Cup win over London rivals Fulham; the 26-year-old remains the USA’s defensive anchor. 

Chris Richards looks for an open teammate during a friendly against Canada earlier this month. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Trusty, who started three of the four September-October exhibitions, has emerged as the retired Tim Ream’s left-footed replacement. He can also play left back, which is where Pochettino deployed him in the World Cup loss to Türkiye — against whom Trusty scored — and the 1-0 win over Canada on Oct. 6. If the 28-year-old doesn’t participate in November, it won’t be because of his play; Trusty missed Celtic’s last two games following the death of his father, Walt.

FULLBACKS

Predicted Fullbacks

• AR

  Antonee Robinson

  FulhamEnglish Premier League

• AF

  Alex Freeman

  VillarrealSpanish La Liga

• JS

  Joe Scally

  Borussia MönchengladbachGerman Bundesliga

• TW

  Tim Weah

  Olympique MarseilleFrench Ligue 1

Antonee “Jedi” Robinson, Fulham

Alex Freeman, Villarreal

Joe Scally, Borussia Mönchengladbach

Tim Weah, Olympique Marseille

Just missed out: Max Arfsten, George Bello, Frankie Westfield**, Luca Bombino**

Antonee Robinson prepares for a throw in during a friendly against Canada this month. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Freeman and Jedi are the undisputed starters at right and left back. Who’s behind them is much less clear. Neither Scally nor Weah were named in September, but both are playing regularly and well for their clubs. Scally’s three goals are as many as he’s had in the last three seasons combined, while Marseille captain Weah scored his first of 2026-27 last weekend.

These matches count, so expect the versatile two-time World Cup vets to return next month — especially with Arfsten still finding his feet in his first campaign with Middlesbrough while Bombino and Westfield are destined for youth national team duty.

GOALKEEPERS

Predicted Goalkeepers

Matt Turner, New England Revolution

Matt Freese, New York City FC

Chris Brady, Chicago Fire

Brian Schwake, Nashville SC

Just missed out: Diego Kochen**

Who’ll be in goal against Haiti? Freese, the World Cup No. 1, went just 45 minutes in the USA’s last four games and has been outplayed in MLS this season by both the newcomer Schwake and Qatar 2022 starter Turner. 

Brian Schwake during USA’s international friendly against Canada at the beginning of October. (Photo by Jeremy Olson/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

While some will argue for Kochen after the 20-year-old shut down Mexico earlier this month, the projected Olympic starter seems more likely to backstop the U-23s next month. My money’s on the 25-year-old Schwake, who was superb against Canada in the Americans’ most recent outing.

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The run-up to this year’s NFL trade deadline has already brought a ton of exciting moves. But with a little less than two weeks before, we might have gotten the biggest deal we’ll see this deadline season when the Chicago Bears landed All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on Thursday.

Simmons, a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, is arguably one of the best players to be dealt during the season in recent memory, and what the Bears gave up to acquire him certainly suggests that. The Tennessee Titans received two first-round picks (2027 and 2028) plus a 2027 fourth-round pick for Simmons, while also giving up a 2028 fifth-round pick. 

The deal certainly sent shock waves across the NFL, as the 5-2 Bears gear up to make a deep postseason run in Year 2 of the Caleb Williams-Ben Johnson era. But did Chicago give up too much to land Simmons? Will Tennessee now trade anyone else after Thursday’s move?

We asked those questions and more around the league to see how much of an impact Simmons might make in Chicago, and what else we could expect before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Here’s what we learned. 

Henry McKenna: Just a few months ago, Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson told me about “unstable success,” a phrase he used to describe elements of his team that were generating positive outcomes that exceeded expectations. And I can’t help but think their early defensive success falls into that bucket.

Which is why the Bears went out and acquired one of the league’s most proven defensive superstars, Jeffery Simmons, in a trade with the Titans that sent two first-rounders to Tennessee.

“Obviously, the Bears are all in and going for it. [Chicago] added one of the best DTs — if not the best DT in the league,” one NFL executive told me.

Simmons might not get much love in the national spotlight because the Titans have been woeful for years. But he has quietly made himself the most productive interior rusher in the league, leading DTs in sacks (15), tackles for loss (23), pressures (85), quick pressures (31) and pressures leading to turnovers (6) since the start of the 2025 season, per FOX Sports Research. He’s also as stout a run defender as they come, on top of being a locker room leader who will help enrich Chicago’s already-impressive culture.

Jeffery Simmons has led all DTs in several stats since the start of last season, such as sacks (15) as he has four this year. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Best of all, the Bears will only pay him $7.9 million in 2026 — which is a ridiculous bargain. Then it jumps to $22.5 million in 2027 and $30 million in 2028, which will be outstanding value. (Though it’s likely he could return to the negotiating table at that point.)

Simmons is the total package — a fully realized talent and leader — for the Bears defense. Chicago has spent the opening weeks beating up on bad defenses, which has made the Bears look like a top-10 defense (10th in points allowed per game). But there were signs that they might be beatable, especially when looking back at that Packers game, where Green Bay put up 31 points. Simmons will instantly be the biggest headache on the Bears’ defense. 

You have to bet that coaches Matt LaFleur and Ben Johnson didn’t like the look of this trade — and how it could change the complexion of the NFC North.

“Bears got a stud, great player, great dude!!!! He impacts the game,” another NFL executive told me. “Frees up a defender. You better put two guys on him blocking.”

The Titans, meanwhile, are diving deeper into rebuilding mode, which has spanned for what feels like forever. And while it’s tempting to hold onto a player like Simmons, who makes life easier for coaches on and off the field, it makes sense to sell the 29-year-old star before the twilight of his career arrives.

“He’s older than [Micah] Parsons or Sauce [Gardner], so it’s a good return,” an NFL scout told me when asked about the Titans’ side of the deal. “I like them being realistic on where they are at. … I see it as a win-win for both sides.”

Bears Follow Rams Lead & Say ‘F Them Picks’

Eric D. Williams: The Chicago Bears announced they believe that they are Super Bowl contenders in the ultra-competitive NFC.

Ahead of their nationally televised Monday Night Football contest at the Seattle Seahawks (who already made a big move by trading for All-Pro offensive guard Quenton Nelson), the Bears executed a blockbuster trade of their own by giving up a package that includes two first-round picks for dominant defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.

The Bears, much like the team they lost to in the NFC divisional round of the playoffs last season, engineered their version of the Los Angeles Rams’ strategy of roster building by trading premium draft picks for a premium talent, according to league sources I spoke with.

“Chicago clearly is shooting their shot for the Super Bowl this year,” the league source told me. “They took a page out of the Rams’ playbook … F them picks.”

“I think it’s a great trade for Chicago,” another NFL personnel executive told me, as the Bears acquired one of the league’s best defensive tackles to upgrade their defense in a chase for a deep postseason run in the NFC. 

The Bears have had one of the NFL’s best offenses since Ben Johnson became a head coach, but their defense has lagged. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

While Simmons has arguably been the NFL’s best defensive tackle over the last two years, he’s also thrived when opposing teams have focused on stopping him. He’s generated 10 pressures and three sacks when double-teamed this season, which is the most in the NFL, according to Next Gen Stats. His 101 snaps against double-teams are the second-most faced among defensive tackles this season, while he’s generated 28 total pressures (most among defensive tackles), per Next Gen Stats. 

At 5-2, the Bears are in the most competitive division in the NFL, the NFC North, where the Green Bay Packers own the worst record at 4-3. And even if they get out of the division, the Bears will have to defeat elite teams like the San Francisco 49ers (6-1), Seahawks (4-3) and potentially a Rams team filled with talent (3-4) if they turn things around in the second half of the season.

Adding a player like Simmons significantly improves a Chicago defense that gives up a league-low in yards per play (6.25) and passing yards per play (8.15).

Who Else Could Titans Trade?

Williams: While league sources I spoke with liked the trade for Chicago, they also told me that other players could be on their way out of Nashville before the trade deadline ends in two weeks.

One longtime NFL scout indicated that there’s not a lot of positive vibes emanating from Tennessee.

“Titans unloading is typical for a team going nowhere,” the scout told me. “Getting draft capital, but the QB is a PR nightmare and the head coach isn’t far behind him. Simmons is a frustrated veteran playing on a team lacking direction. He sees it and lives it.” 

The underperforming Indianapolis Colts are currently directing a fire sale. And the Titans could be joining them.

Is RB Tony Pollard next to go in Tennessee? (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

With No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward in his second season and under the direction of new head coach Robert Saleh, the Titans are struggling to get wins and gain footing in the AFC South.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if the Titans offload some of the deals for guys who don’t figure into their long-term plans,” a league source told me. “Guys like WR Calvin Ridley, LB Cody Barton and underperforming CB Alontae Taylor (who they just signed in free agency last year). Those are guys I would not be surprised to see them move on from.”

Titans running back Tony Pollard is another player who teams around the league are monitoring as someone who could shake free in the next two weeks and would receive interest from NFL teams like the Seattle Seahawks or the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams are looking for help by adding a top-tier running back like Pollard.

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There was once a time when the NFL trade deadline brought very little pomp and circumstance. That’s no longer the case.

This week has been a prime example that very few trade ideas are far-fetched. Three players with All-Pro talent have been traded in the last few days. The Indianapolis Colts traded guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, respectively. Possibly the biggest deal of the deadline came on Thursday, though, when the Chicago Bears landed Tennessee Titans All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons for two first-round picks and a fourth-round selection. 

But will Simmons be the biggest name to be moved before the Nov. 10 deadline arrives? Should we expect more fireworks over the next couple of weeks?

We asked those questions around the league to figure out which teams might be active and who might get moved. Here’s what we learned. 

Ralph Vacchiano: The fire sale in Indianapolis has already begun. Expect sell-offs in Philadelphia and Los Angeles to follow soon.

That’s what several NFL sources told me to expect between now and the Nov. 10 NFL trading deadline. It’s pretty clear the seasons are over for the Chargers (0-6) and Eagles (2-5), and both teams have expendable players who can bring them assets they can use when their offseason rebuilding begins.

“It doesn’t sound like either team is there yet, but they will be soon. Or at least they should be,” one NFL assistant general manager told me. “They’re not crazy enough to sit tight, especially with so many players on expiring deals.”

“Those teams have multiple tradeable players with value,” another NFL executive told me. “You might see teams like the Titans or Bucs make an isolated trade. But if you’re looking for a sell-off, the Eagles and the Chargers might be it.”

Could Saquon Barkley get traded? Multiple league sources are wondering if the Eagles will make him available. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Based on conversations with multiple executives and scouts, NFL teams are watching at least three players on each squad.

For the Eagles, they are expected to at least field offers for cornerback Riq Woolen, guard Landon Dickerson and tight end Dallas Goedert, those sources told me. One scout added defensive tackle Moro Ojomo to the list, and at least two sources wondered about running back Saquon Barkley.

“Woolen and Goedert are short-term rentals who can give a contender a boost at those spots down the stretch,” the assistant general manager told me. “Dickerson might be more of a long-term play because he’s only 28 and has a couple of years left on his deal. I’d say the Eagles would be crazy to trade him, but it clearly looks like they’re going to rebuild their entire offensive line.”

As for the Chargers, the names that came up most were edge rusher Khalil Mack — whom the executive said was “old, but might be the best edge rusher to get traded in this cycle” — plus wide receiver Quentin Johnston and cornerback Donte Jackson.

“The Chargers have to start from scratch in the offseason,” the executive told me. “They’re not in a position to turn down offers on anybody at this point. Just get whatever picks you can get and move on.”

Giants Could Be Aggressive Buyers

Vacchiano: The New York Giants have been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this, and many around the NFL don’t expect them to waste it.

Off to a 4-2-1 start and staring at a crumbling NFC East, general manager Joe Schoen and new coach John Harbaugh could be strong buyers in the NFL trade market between now and the trade deadline. They already got things started when they traded a fifth-round pick to the Vikings for quarterback J.J. McCarthy last month to replace the injured Jaxson Dart.

But with a lineup thinned by injuries — including season-ending ones to edge rusher Brian Burns and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds — there could be more deals to come.

“From what I hear, they know they’ve got a really unique opportunity to pull away from a bad division, and they want to strike while they can,” one NFL executive told me. “I honestly thought they were a year away, and might need to trade off a few guys for picks for the future. But here they are in first place, starting at a playoff berth.

“When that’s there, you’ve got to grab it.”

Jonathan Taylor is arguably the top player on the trade market, and some around the league think the Giants could go after him. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Multiple NFL sources pointed to four areas the Giants might seek to improve: Defensive tackle, running back, edge rusher and interior offensive line. Of those, the consensus seemed to be that defensive tackle would be the Giants’ priority, unless they could add a top back — like perhaps Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor — at a reasonable price.

“I’ve heard a lot of talk about them and Taylor, because Harbaugh is worried about [Cam Skattebo’s] ball security,” one NFL assistant general manager told me. “I get it. It would give him his Derrick Henry (who Harbaugh coached in Baltimore). But I think JT’s going to be too expensive.

“They can get a [defensive] tackle cheap. They need to shore up the middle of their run defense. They lost a lot when Burns and Edmunds went down. If they can get a big guy in the middle of that line to eat up blockers, and it only costs them a Day 3 pick, that could change everything about their defense.”

There is one problem for the Giants, though: They don’t have a fourth- or fifth-round pick in the 2027 draft, and may not have a seventh, which means that if they are looking at players with Day 3 pick values, they might have to get creative or hope those teams are OK with picks in 2028. And they have to be careful about overspending because they’re walking a fine line. A winning season, a division title and a playoff berth are all in reach. But nobody thinks they’re good enough to be real Super Bowl contenders. It’s still just Year 1 of the Harbaugh era, and they have to keep their future in mind.

“Yeah, they don’t want to give up too many big assets — like, no first-rounders. It would be hard for them to justify trading a Day 1 or 2 pick, unless it’s something really big,” the assistant general manager said. “But they have to act like contenders. 

“Because that’s what they are.”

Will Rams Stand Pat In NFC West Arms Race?

Eric D. Williams: With less than two weeks remaining before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks already took big swings to improve their teams.

The 49ers brought back defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, giving up a fourth-round pick in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. The Seahawks also made a deal with Indianapolis, improving their offensive line by giving up a 2027 third-round selection and a fifth-round pick in 2028 for All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson.

“Both will pay huge dividends this season,” an NFL front office executive told me.

A league source told me it’s possible the Los Angeles Rams could be willing to join the arms race. It would make sense, considering that’s how Los Angeles has built championship contenders in years past, by giving up premium picks for premium players like Von Miller and Jalen Ramsey at the trade deadline.

“The Rams could,” a league source told me. “I would think the Chargers would look to make deals, but maybe not much to trade that would bring much back. The Cardinals less so, but they’re hard to predict. They have to be good deals.”

The Rams’ offseason trade for Myles Garrett might prohibit them from making a big trade as they await his return. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

While the Rams might be tempted to dip their toes in the fray, Los Angeles has the least salary cap space of any team in the NFL. And the Rams don’t have many trade chips, with only four picks in next year’s draft.

In essence, the Rams already made their big deadline acquisitions when they traded for Myle Garrett and Trent McDuffie in the offseason. Both are expected back from injury sooner rather than later, along with receiver Davante Adams before the end of the season.

McVay confirmed that thought process, saying his team is more inclined to wait for frontline players to get healthy for the second half of the season.

“What you look at is hopefully some of those trades will be guys getting back from injury that haven’t played for us,” McVay told reporters this week. “That’s the way that we look at it. Like I’ve told you in years past, you always think about it, but with the amount of guys that have not been available that are key and focal points for really both sides of the football, we look at those guys hopefully being able to return within a month. That’s where that value lies for us.”

Buyer Beware: Colts A Cautionary Tale

Williams: For teams we did not expect to be leading the division at this point of the season, like the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns or Carolina Panthers, what happened to the Indianapolis Colts over the past year offers an important lesson of why it might be wise to pump the brakes on not pushing in all the chips.

If you recall, the Colts traded two first-round picks for Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline last year after starting the season a surprising 7-2. Then quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear and Gardner also got hurt.

The Colts made the biggest deal last at last season’s deadline, landing Sauce Gardner. But that move didn’t work out, leading them to become sellers this year. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

The Colts cratered, losing eight of their last nine games in 2025 and were so desperate they signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to lead the offense. Indianapolis never recovered, starting this season 2-5 and firing longtime general manager Chris Ballard last week.

So, before you hope your team makes a big trade in the next couple of weeks, one league source I spoke to wants to send a reminder: not every deal for a star will work. 

“The Colts were a top contender last year — if Daniel didn’t get hurt, they had a real shot to win it all,” a league source told me. “That was a worthwhile trade if you think Sauce is that good. Problem is, Sauce has gotten worse every year. He played his best ball as a rookie.”

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Week 8 is (kinda) the NFL halfway point. 

That went by fast, didn’t it?

Here’s where I’m putting my money ahead of this weekend.

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The Packers have no running game and are completely reliant on Jordan Love throwing it nearly every down. With his attempts prop set at 35.5, and considering he’s averaging nearly 40 throws per game, I’ll go Over.

Hill’s Pick: Jordan Love Over 35.5 pass attempts

Desperation time for the last-place Ravens, as they sit at 4-3 and face the Bills and Jaguars in a five-day span. The last three meetings between these teams have all been decided by a field goal or less, and I’m going to forecast two-time MVP Lamar Jackson making his return. I like the Ravens to keep this game close.

Hill’s Pick: Ravens +3

The Bengals are fourth in the NFL in points per game, and surprisingly, eighth in the league in points per game allowed. I like the well-balanced Bengals to bury the hapless Titans.

Hill’s Pick: Bengals -11

The Cowboys made a concerted effort last week to run the ball more, including seldom-used backup running back Tyler Goodson getting 10 carries for 38 yards. Goodson’s rush prop is set at 19.5. I’ll go Over against a vulnerable Arizona run defense that is near the bottom of the league, allowing over 126 yards per game.

Hill’s Pick: Tyler Goodson Over 19.5 rushing yards

The Vikings are 6-0 and the star of their offense has been kicker Will Reichard, who once again kicked three field goals last week in a 16-10 win over the Colts. I’ll go Over 1.5 makes this week against a weak Lions defense.

Hill’s Pick: Will Reichard Over 1.5 made field goals

The Raiders’ 3-0 start is a distant memory, but they are simply a much better-coached team than their opponent Sunday, so I’ll pick them to snap their four-game losing streak.

Hill’s Pick: Raiders +1.5

The first-place Browns are getting 3.5 points in Pittsburgh on Sunday and the total is 39.5. In what should be a close, low-scoring game, I’ll take the points with the surprising Browns.

Hill’s Pick: Browns +3.5

The Falcons upset the 49ers last week, but a closer look at the box score reveals there was some good fortune, as the Falcons were out-gained by 1.5 yards per play and won the turnover battle 4-0. I’ll back the underrated Bucs off their blowout win in Carolina.

Hill’s Pick: Buccaneers -2.5

The Colts have spent the week shipping off talent, as they are clearly in rebuilding mode. I predict they will struggle this week in Jacksonville.

Hill’s Pick: Colts Under 17.5

The Chargers are somehow still winless entering November, but they are off of a bye. At some point, the Bolts will somewhat resemble the team they were supposed to be prior to the season. I’ll take them to keep it close in the battle of Los Angeles.

Hill’s Pick: Chargers +6.5

These teams met in Week 1, and it was Chiefs’ running back Kenneth Walker that embarrassed the Denver defense, rushing for 173 yards. I expect the Broncos to remember that and make it a point of emphasis to not let it happen again.

Hill’s Pick: Kenneth Walker Under 89.5 rushing yards

The Dolphins have been feisty this year and are coming off of their first victory. Quarterback Malik Willis’ rush prop is set at 34.5. He’s cleared this number in four of six games.

Hill’s Pick: Malik Willis Over 34.5 rushing yards

The Commanders being favored by six over the Eagles doesn’t feel right, but the Eagles have dropped five straight and have been completely decimated by injuries. I like the Commanders to win by a touchdown.

Hill’s Pick: Commanders -6

Sam Darnold has thrown eight interceptions in just over five games played this season. Even against a shaky Bears defense, I’ll bet on Darnold to throw one to the wrong team.

Hill’s Pick: Sam Darnold Over 0.5 interceptions (-103)

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Thursday Night Football brings the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers together for a Week 8 showdown, and new users on Kalshi can claim a $55 bonus with promo code FOXSPORTS55. Both teams are looking to rebound after disappointing results last week, making this a key opportunity to get back on track.

Jordan Love threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns against the Detroit Lions, but Green Bay came up short in a 20-17 loss after missing two field goals. Carolina had a much rougher outing, falling 43-13 to Tampa Bay as Bryce Young threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. The Panthers also gave up 258 rushing yards, so they’ll need a much stronger defensive effort against the Packers.

Can Love help Green Bay bounce back at home, or will Young and Carolina pull off a Thursday night upset? Sign up for Kalshi and use promo code FOXSPORTS55 to claim a $55 bonus before kickoff.

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5. Deposit funds and trade at least $25 in prediction markets to receive up to $55 in trading credit.

*Probabilities are subject to change* 

Teams	Chance	Yes	No
CAR Panthers	37%	37¢	64¢
GB Packers	63%	64¢	37¢

More markets available on Kalshi.

How to Watch Panthers vs. Packers

• When: Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video
• Follow Live: FOX Sports

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This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. 

Thursday Night Football brings the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers together for a Week 8 showdown, and new Polymarket users can claim a $25 bonus with promo code FOX. Both teams are coming off losses and looking to make a statement under the primetime lights.

Jordan Love threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns against the Detroit Lions, but the Packers fell 20-17 after missing two field goals. Carolina struggled in a 43-13 loss to Tampa Bay, with Bryce Young throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble. The Panthers also surrendered 258 rushing yards, giving Green Bay an opportunity to exploit their defensive struggles.

Will Love and the Packers bounce back at home, or can Young lead Carolina to an upset? Sign up for Polymarket, enter promo code FOX and claim a $25 bonus ahead of Thursday Night Football.

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

How to Claim the Polymarket Promo with Code FOX

1. Click here to download the Polymarket app on iOS or Android.
2. Create a new Polymarket account using your email address.
3. Enter promo code FOX in the promo code or invite code field during registration.
4. Complete identity verification as prompted inside the app.
5. Deposit a minimum of $10 to your Polymarket account.
6. Your $25 trading bonus will be credited to your account automatically after the qualifying deposit.
7. Deposit funds and trade at least $25 in prediction markets to receive up to $25 in trading credit.

*Probabilities are subject to change* 

Teams	Chance	Yes	No
CAR Panthers	36%	36¢	64¢
GB Packers	64%	64¢	36¢

More markets available on Polymarket.

How to Watch Panthers vs. Packers

• When: Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video
• Follow Live: FOX Sports

Source

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. 

Thursday Night Football kicks off Week 8 with the Green Bay Packers hosting the Carolina Panthers, and new customers can use bet365 bonus code FOX365 to unlock up to $200 in Bonus Bets. 

Jordan Love threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns against Detroit, but the Packers fell 20-17 after missing two field goals and failing to capitalize on a late defensive stop.

Carolina, meanwhile, was routed 43-13 by Tampa Bay as Bryce Young threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. The Panthers also surrendered 258 rushing yards and three touchdowns, giving Green Bay an opportunity to get its ground game going.

Can Love and the Packers get back on track at home, or will Bryce Young lead Carolina to a bounce-back performance? Sign up for bet365, use bonus code FOX365 and unlock up to $200 in Bonus Bets for Thursday Night Football.

How to Sign Up and Claim the bet365 Sportsbook Bonus Code

1. Click the “Claim Bonus” button on this page to go directly to bet365.
2. Select Sign Up and create a new account by entering personal details (name, email, date of birth, address, last 4 digits of SSN).
3. Enter the bonus code FOX365 when prompted to ensure the offer is locked in.
4. Make a minimum first deposit of $10 using an accepted payment method (PayPal, debit card, online banking, etc.).
5. Place your first wager. For the Bet $10, Get $200 offer, place a $10+ real-money bet on any market with odds of -500 or longer; win or lose, you’ll receive $200 in bonus bets once it settles. For the $1,000 First Bet Safety Net, place your first real-money bet; if it loses, bet365 refunds the stake (up to $1,000) in bonus bets.
6. Bonus bets are credited within 24 hours of the qualifying wager settling.

*Probabilities are subject to change* 

GB Packers	-3.5 (-112)	O 47.5 (-105)	-198
CAR Panthers	+3.5 (-108)	U 47.5 (-115)	+164

How to Watch Panthers vs. Packers

• When: Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video
• Follow Live: FOX Sports

Source

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Thursday Night Football brings the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers together to kick off Week 8, and new users on Betr can get $200 in bonuses plus four Sweat-Free Picks with promo code FOXSPORTS. With both teams looking to bounce back from tough losses, there’s plenty to watch when the action gets underway.

Green Bay came up just short against Detroit, losing 20-17 despite Jordan Love throwing for 274 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers also missed two field goals, leaving points on the table in a tight divisional matchup. Carolina has even more ground to make up after a 43-13 loss to Tampa Bay, as Bryce Young threw two interceptions and lost a fumble while the Panthers struggled to contain the run.

Can the Panthers put last week’s blowout behind them, or will the Packers take advantage at home? Sign up for Betr, enter promo code FOXSPORTS and unlock $200 in bonuses along with four Sweat-Free Picks for Thursday Night Football.

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

1. Click any “Claim Now” button on this page to open Betr.
2. Download the Betr app for iOS or Android.
3. Create your account and complete verification (name, DOB, address, last 4 SSN if required).
4. Your four No Sweat Entries will be added once your account is verified.
5. Make your first deposit to receive Betr Bucks using code FOXSPORTS (up to $200).
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How to Watch Panthers vs. Packers

• When: Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video
• Follow Live: FOX Sports

Source

After an offseason gunshot wound, questions swirled around whether Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy would see the field again this season. On Thursday afternoon, Hardy and the Tigers got their answer.

According to a report from ESPN, Hardy will make his season debut on Saturday for the Tigers against the Arkansas Razorbacks. While Hardy isn’t expected to start the game, he is still in line to handle a handful of carries.

Running back Jamal Roberts will keep his starting role while the Tigers gradually integrate Hardy back into the mix. Together, they give Missouri one of the most formidable backfields in college football.

After transferring from UL Monroe in 2024, Hardy made a seamless transition into the SEC. He quickly established himself as one of the premier running backs in college football and a top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft.

Last season, Hardy carried the ball 256 times for 1,649 yards (6.4 yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns. He rushed for 300 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-27 win over Mississippi State.

It remains unclear whether Hardy will declare for the NFL Draft or return for another season, despite being projected as a top running back with a potential first-round grade. 

Following his recovery, returning to school for another year could offer him a full season to improve his draft stock. The good news is Hardy has plenty of time to make that decision, as he still has two years of eligibility remaining.

With his return to the field this weekend, all eyes will be on how long it takes Hardy to break off one of the signature long runs we’ve come to expect from him. Simply making it back onto the field this season is an incredible accomplishment for one of the sport’s premier running backs.

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Apparently, the old adage is true: deadlines do spur action. With only one round of games left before Tuesday’s trade deadline, NFL teams are already making moves, including three former All-Pros moving teams this week. 

The Colts traded away guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner for a cache of draft picks. Not to be outdone by their conference rival, the Titans shipped off their best player, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, to Chicago for two first-round picks and a fourth. 

If no other deal is made before the deadline, this will already be considered one of the most active trade markets in recent memory. But there’s a lot more to come between now and Tuesday, Nov. 10, with several big names being thrown around as potential trade targets. And with this NFL season so wide open, plenty of contenders will want to add that missing piece before the stretch run.

With that in mind, here are five needle-moving trades I’d like to see before the deadline: 

The Player: Cincinnati should just look to Kansas City for an example of how a star running back can completely transform an offense. 

The Bengals have spent the past few years trying to build a more explosive running game to supplement the Joe Burrow-Ja’Marr Chase-Tee Higgins triumvirate. They poured resources into the offensive line and redesigned the scheme, but none of it has worked. Only three teams have produced fewer 10-plus-yard runs this season. 

Jonathan Taylor, playing in a bad Colts offense, has broken off 17 runs of 10 or more yards. Bengals running backs have combined for 12.

Jonathan Taylor enters Week 8 ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing yards despite playing for a Colts team that has struggled to move the ball this season. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Without a counterpunch, opponents can just hone in on the passing game with light boxes and two-deep coverages. Adding a piece like Taylor, who requires game-planning attention, would change the math and bring down Burrow’s degree of difficulty. 

If Cincinnati is committed to rebuilding a Gen Z version of the Peyton Manning Colts, they need someone to fill the Edgerrin James role. 

The Cost: The Bengals were awarded a compensatory third-round pick in 2027, which gives them extra firepower to make a deal. The Colts will likely want a first-rounder for a player like Taylor, but they’ve already shown that they’re willing to budge after trading Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner at a reduced cost. A pair of Day 2 picks should be enough. 

The Players: This is the most off-the-wall trade proposal of the bunch, but this swap makes a lot of sense on paper. 

Both the Chiefs and Jaguars are reportedly interested in adding a receiver at the deadline, and both want one who can help in the deep passing game. 

The Chiefs, who have spent the last few years chasing the ghost of Tyreek Hill by bringing in a bunch of undersized speedsters, could use a bigger receiver who can win 50/50 balls downfield. Thomas can do that in theory, but we haven’t really seen it in practice since his rookie season. 

The Jaguars, meanwhile, need more speed on the field. Parker Washington and Jakobi Myers give Trevor Lawrence two reliable possession options, but there’s nothing stopping defenses from sitting on their routes underneath – not with Thomas on the sidelines, at least. Adding the fastest player in recorded history (literally) should help with that, even if he’s more a decoy than a true threat.

Since gaining 1,282 yards in 17 games as a rookie, Brian Thomas Jr. has just 812 in 20 games since the start of last season. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Neither of these players, both of whom were first-round picks, has lived up to the pre-draft hype, but both have shown flashes. A change of scenery doesn’t always fix things, but a role change, which both players would get, often can. 

The Cost: Player-for-player swaps are rare, but they do happen. And one happened under very similar circumstances. 

In 2013, the Chiefs traded disappointing first-round receiver Jon Baldwin to the 49ers for their disappointing first-round receiver, A.J. Jenkins. Both players were taken in the same draft. 

The same would be true of a Thomas-Worthy trade if it happened, with both drafted in 2024. You may have to go back 13 years to find it, but such a deal has precedent.

The Player: The Cowboys are slowly plugging holes on their defense. They traded for cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who has helped shore up the secondary. DeMarvion Overshown’s return from injury last week boosted the linebacker group. Dallas has improved its pass defense over the past few weeks, but it still looks vulnerable against the run. 

Giving Christian Parker, the first-year defensive coordinator, a real nose tackle could fix the problem, and few are as good (or as tradeable) as Vita Vea. 

Parker has had to ask Kenny Clark and Otito Ogbonnia to cosplay as a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense, and opponents have had no problem pushing them around. Clark, who’s logged the most snaps at nose tackle for Dallas this season, has been particularly bad when asked to line up over center. 

Vea is a natural in that role, and he’s one of the rare nose tackles who also provides some pass rush along with elite run defense.

Vita Vea could be the run-stopping force that is missing on the Cowboys defense. (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Adding him would let Clark and Ogbonnia slide back to their natural positions as ends in a 3-4 front and provide much-needed depth on the defensive line.

The Cost: The Cowboys have been wheelers and dealers over the past few seasons, so they’re not flush with draft capital. Trading away a second-round pick would leave them with just one top-100 pick in the 2027 draft. 

But the NFC East is up for grabs this season, and the Cowboys offense is as good as it will ever be. Also, quarterback Dak Prescott is on the downside of his career at 33 years old, and wide receiver George Pickens is potentially headed to free agency after the season. 

Jerry Jones is desperate for a winner, and you know what they say about desperate times.

The player: At 5-1, the Bills are in a good spot ahead of the trade deadline, but something has to be done to address their defense, which ranks 31st in expected points added allowed. 

The pass defense could use the most work, and while the unit could use another cornerback, a player like Budda Baker would fill in more gaps. 

Baker can line up anywhere on the field. The Cardinals use him as a deep safety, they play him as a linebacker, and they love to send him on a blitz, either as a pass rusher or a gap-plugger in the run game. Buffalo can use more of the versatility in its zone-based scheme. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard played a similar do-it-all role under Rex Ryan with the Jets, so he can appreciate what a player like Baker brings to the table.

Budda Baker has been a mainstay in the Cardinals secondary, but he might be a better fit for a contender like the Bills this season. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Age is a concern. Baker is coming off a subpar 2025 season and hasn’t looked great in 2026 after turning 30 in January. The Bills won’t get the best version of the four-time All-Pro, but it’s better than what they currently have.

The Cost: Even a fourth-round pick might be too steep. Baker is on the wrong side of 30, his play has declined, and he doesn’t play a premium position. He may mean more to Arizona than most teams, given his history with the team and the leadership role he’s played. If the Cardinals demand more, the Bills can add a compensatory fourth-rounder as a sweetener. 

The Player: Josh Downs has already requested a trade out of Indianapolis, and we’re going to grant him one to Carolina. 

The Panthers need more pass protection, but a receiver like Downs, who can get open quickly, can help a quarterback just as much. And Downs can be more than a pressure release valve for Bryce Young. He’s a twitchy route runner and an explosive athlete who, despite his smaller frame, can be difficult to press. That would give Carolina another answer to beat man coverage. 

As things stand, throwing a deep ball to Tetiroroa McMillan or Jalen Coker is really the only option. Downs has already racked up 147 yards against man this season, trailing only six receivers, per Next Gen Stats. He’d fill some voids in this offense, which ranks 12 in expected points added. 

Adding a talent like Downs could propel this Panthers’ offense into the top 10 and make the team favorites in the NFC South.

The Cost: Downs’ production hasn’t matched his talent over the first four years of his career, which will drive down the asking price. A late Day 2/early Day 3 pick should be enough to make the deal. The Panthers own Minnesota’s 2027 fourth-rounder and could package it with their own to close the deal.

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