Posted on

QB Stock Market Week 3: Patrick Mahomes Is Back

Leave it to Matthew Stafford to buck the trend of a league-wide scoring collapse.

While most teams saw their scoring totals decline (and I’m looking at you, Chicago), the Los Angeles Rams and Stafford had an incredible bounce-back week against the New York Giants. His four touchdown passes Monday night put him sixth on two all-time lists: career passing TDs and games with at least four passing TDs. Stafford is already back to the guy that we thought he’d be.

He’s not the only one. (Looking at you, Patrick Mahomes.)

So let’s get into it. Welcome back to the QB Stock Market.

This isn’t your typical QB rankings. I’m focused on monitoring the fluctuations of starters’ performances throughout the season. No one — not even Josh Allen — is safe at the top. No one — not even Cooper Rush — is stuck at the bottom. There is room for quick ascent — and rapid decline. One question holds most important: What have you done for your team lately?

Previous: Offseason | Preseason | Week 1 | Week 2

Cooper Rush

Previous ranking: 31 ↓

Malik Willis

Previous ranking: 30 ↓

Aaron Rodgers

Previous ranking: 22 ↓

Is there any chance of the Steelers benching Aaron Rodgers in his final season? (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

–>Deshaun Watson

Previous ranking: 32 ↑

Baker Mayfield

Previous ranking: 25 ↓

Carson Wentz

Previous ranking: 24 ↓

Cam Ward

Previous ranking: 29 ↑

Here’s what I can say for Cam Ward in Week 2 versus the Eagles: He didn’t make any egregious mistakes. 

That’s progress. It’s what you want from Ward in these circumstances.

Granted, he made plenty of mistakes, with a long list of off-target passes, but he didn’t commit any turnovers. In a game like Sunday’s, which was a one-possession contest for all 60 minutes, that’s a big deal for a young QB.

It’s a sign of maturity. He understood that a turnover would effectively ruin the Titans’ chances.

Ward found several open receivers in the Eagles’ secondary, and I’m 99% sure that he went so far as to complete a no-look pass. His third-quarter scoring drive, which concluded with his rushing touchdown, was one of the more complete series that I’ve seen him play, especially given that it came against the Eagles’ defense. Maybe they’re not all-world, like last year. But they’re still stellar.

Alas, this is still Ward we’re talking about, too. He will regularly surprise you with a throw that’s completely off target. He did that when missing receiver Elic Ayomanor in the end zone during the first quarter. It should’ve been an easy touchdown. Ward’s throw was, frankly, awful. Some might say this is catchable. But it was a fastball behind the receiver — that’s about as hard as an “on target” ball can get.

Ward’s game remains uneven — perhaps even jagged — in his second year. There’s so much talent to shape into an elite quarterback. But there’s so, so, so much work for him and the Titans’ coaching staff to undergo together. 

Jacoby Brissett

Previous ranking: 19 ↓

Geno Smith

Previous ranking: 21 ↓

Daniel Jones

Previous ranking: 28 ↑

Kirk Cousins

Previous ranking: 27 ↑

Drew Lock

Previous ranking: 23 ↑

Justin Herbert

Previous ranking: 16 ↓

Last year, it was easy enough to make sense of Justin Herbert’s play, because he was holding up the whole offense — basically on his own. Even as it crumbled around him. 

We’re seeing more of that this year. But it also seems like Herbert is buckling under the pressure. And it’s almost hard not to blame the guy after seeing the abomination of an offense he’s running. Here are some of the miscues.

  1. The Chargers fumbled the ball six times in this game, miraculously losing just one.
  2. Herbert threw two interceptions. One was flagrantly his fault in the fourth quarter, floating the ball to where a Raiders defender easily made the play. The other was a cartoonish play, in which tight end David Njoku almost caught the ball, only to fall and send the ball flying into the air for an easy pick.
  3. The Chargers allowed 17 pressures, good (or bad) for 54.8% of Herbert’s dropbacks.
  4. And in one case, it legitimately looked like a Chargers receiver broke up a pass for his teammate. It was the type of play we grew accustomed to seeing last year, but thought — finally — we would not see this year.

Worst of all, I didn’t see Herbert look resilient or determined in the adversity this week. I saw him grow frustrated and, on that last pick, I can’t help but wonder if there weren’t hints of resignation with that second interception at the end of the game. 

It makes some sense. Like the rest of us, Herbert had been led to believe this year would be different for L.A. But the Chargers continue to Charger.

It’s now just Week 3. But it’s hard to believe Herbert and Co. can turn this around. They travel to Buffalo and then Seattle. In Week 5, they host the Broncos before travelling to Kansas City. And then it’s an “away” game against the Rams.

I don’t see the Chargers winning any of the games.

Drake Maye

Previous ranking: 18 ↓

C.J. Stroud

Previous ranking: 17 ↓

Bo Nix

Previous ranking: 20 ↑

Did Bo Nix and new offensive coordinator Davis Webb unlock something in the fourth quarter against the Jaguars? (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

–>Jayden Daniels

Previous ranking: 15 ↓

Jaxson DartTyler Shough

Previous ranking: 26 ↑

Tyler Shough refused to take negative plays against the Ravens. And not in the foolish ways that plagued him in Week 1, where that refusal made bad plays worse. No, Shough threw away the ball. He scrambled for 1 yard when he seemed dead to rights in the pocket. Heck, he salvaged a yard or two when the rushers got him for sacks. And he checked down to his running backs and tight ends when there was nothing available downfield. 

But that downplays how well he handled the offense — particularly on third down.

On that money down, he was 9 of 10 for 131 yards. And even though he finished with seven QB pressures and two sacks on third downs — facing a 46.2% blitz rate — he managed a completion rate of +19.7%. He also attempted a 30% tight-window rate on third down.

That’s legit.

Best of all, he kept his eyes open for big plays. And he found them early and often, including this chunk play to breakout receiver Devaughn Vele.

This is the version of Shough that impressed me so much during his rookie season. He has an understated competence and toughness. And this year, rather than using his tools to hang around (as he did against the Lions), I wanted to see him elevate to the point where we expect the Saints to win close games. That’s exactly what he demonstrated in Week 2.

Jalen Hurts

Previous ranking: 11 ↓

Caleb WilliamsJordan Love

Welp, it seems Jordan Love is going to be mired in offensive dysfunction for the foreseeable future. That’s going to muck up his production — and, this week, it really mucked up his film.

Last week, we saw Love rise above his circumstances to generate impressive production. We didn’t see the same thing In Week 2. It’s sort of a miracle he pulled the Packers out of their nosedive for the win. He remained patient, even when the offense was largely falling apart around him.

Along the way to a comeback win, he demonstrated some guile. Here’s a great example (below) where Love identified a corner blitz coming in overtime, and he made the Jets pay. He did the hard work before the snap. He took a one-step drop and floated the ball to space, where Matthew Golden managed a nice catch-and-run on the team’s last pass of the game.

This is what Love told me about in the offseason when it comes to beating the blitz with his football IQ. It’s a new and crucial part of his toolbox.

Ultimately, I came away more worried for Love in this win than I was in Green Bay’s Week 1 loss. The offense looked truly bad against the Jets. Some of that was a credit to their defense, which is pluckier than I expected given all the personnel turnover (from free agency and the draft).

But for the Packers, it’s abundantly clear that this is not going to be the season where coach Matt LaFleur can let Love cook, as he playfully promised this preseason. No, they just have to do what they can to keep Love from getting burned.

Trevor LawrenceMatthew Stafford

Previous ranking: 14 ↑

Dak Prescott

Previous ranking: 13 ↑

Tom Brady’s LFG Player of the Game: Cowboys’ Dak Prescott Week 2

Tom Brady’s LFG Player of the Game: Cowboys’ Dak Prescott  Week 2 –>Jared GoffLamar JacksonBryce Young

Previous ranking: 10 ↑

Bryce Young is second in the NFL in passing yards and first in passing touchdowns. He has completed 63% of his passes — with just one interception.

Now, I’m not much for counting stats as a pure measurement of a QB’s quality of play. But my goodness, did anyone see this coming? He has been prolific, trying to stick with the Bears in the Week 1 shootout and then absolutely blowing out the Falcons in Week 2. 

He has been downright surgical.

If you’re rolling your eyes at those counting stats, let’s look at two advanced stats. His EPA per dropback is .24, seventh in the NFL. And his completion percentage over expected is seventh-best at +8%. He’s only had to run the ball three times, but he’s gotten a touchdown and a first down, rounding out a 66% success rate. (Yes, small sample size — of course.)

But he’s not a dink-and-dunk merchant. He is pushing the ball downfield with careful ball placement. It has been quietly remarkable.

Now … can he do it against a truly elite defense? That remains to be seen.

But Young is maturing into one of the most efficient pocket passers in the league — and this extends into last season when he dueled with Matthew Stafford in the playoffs. Young can use his mobility, but he really hasn’t had to this year. He’s in the same category as Mayfield and Brock Purdy. The knock on those guys is that they’re often only as good as their supporting cast. Which isn’t totally true. But they’re all of the same type. And it’s one that almost always gets underrated. That’s certainly true of Young, whom nobody expects will keep this up.

What if he does? He has the Browns, the Lions, the Eagles and the Bucs in the coming weeks. This could be a memorable and surprising start for the young QB.

It’s rare to see an organization stick with a guy who looked like Young looked in 2024. And get him to where the Panthers have Young playing in 2026. He might not ever earn the title of “elite.” But he’s starting to earn respect around the league.

Patrick Mahomes

Previous ranking: 12 ↑

I think I owe Mahomes an apology.

I didn’t think he could do this.

I didn’t think, just nine months removed from an ACL injury, he would be helping the Chiefs look like a bona fide top-10 offense. But that’s what he’s done, with Kansas City reigniting its passing attack. It started with the run game and Kenneth Walker III. But that explosiveness has trickled into every element of the offense, which is incrementally testing defensive limits downfield. 

Now, to be clear, Week 1 was a low-risk game plan. It was safe. It was conservative. But Week 2? The Chiefs let Mahomes cook.

It culminated in a handful of downfield throws against the Colts.

You want clutch? Look at what Mahomes did to convert a third-and-12 in overtime, threading the ball in between defenders to help receiver Tyquan Thornton make an easy conversion for 30 yard.

You want arm talent? Look at what Mahomes did on third-and-11 in the third quarter: hitting Thornton on a 45-yard bomb that had pinpoint precision.

One of the throws I liked most came in the second quarter. He threw a perfectly timed in-crossing route to Rashee Rice. The throw’s velocity was extremely impressive. And Mahomes did it while climbing the pocket away from a rusher, which didn’t impact his ability to deliver the ball on time.

That looks like a healthy Mahomes, even with 12 pressures on his dropbacks.

Now, the Colts stink. That’s important context. I’ve been saying for months that I expect them to finish at the bottom of the league. But even so, Mahomes was making throws — on the move and from mucky pockets — that he had no business making.

He’s back. He’s really back.

Joe BurrowBrock PurdyJosh Allen

Source

Posted on

Zach Ertz Talks Being ‘Honored’ By Eagles Reunion

Zach Ertz is back in green.

The 35-year-old tight end and former Eagles star signed a deal to join the team’s practice squad on Monday afternoon, which comes in the wake of starting tight end Dallas Goedert suffering an MCL sprain in the team’s Week 2 victory over the Tennessee Titans — and Ertz is thrilled to be back where his NFL career began.

“My mom was in tears. My wife was ecstatic. My kids, they don’t really understand, but I already had the boys practicing the E-A-G-L-E-S chant, so overall it was good. It’s an exciting time,” Ertz said in a press conference on Tuesday morning. “I’m just really happy to be back and honored to be back in the Eagles green, but, at the end of the day, I got to go earn whatever role I can, so that’s the goal right now.”

Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler, spent the first eight-plus seasons of his career with the Eagles (2013-21) before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals during the 2021 season.

Following a two-plus-year stint in Arizona (2021-23), Ertz played two seasons for the Washington Commanders, averaging 58.0 receptions for 579.0 yards and 5.5 touchdowns per year from 2024-25. His 2025 campaign ended in Week 14 due to a torn ACL.

In suiting up for Washington, Ertz added to the lengthy list of perennial Pro Bowlers and/or Hall of Famers to play for both the Eagles and Commanders, a list that includes wide receivers Art Monk and DeSean Jackson, quarterbacks Sonny Jurgensen, Donovan McNabb and Norm Snead and defensive end Ryan Kerrigan, among others. Ironically, Ertz and the Commanders faced off against the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game in the 2024 season. Ertz logged a game-high 11 receptions for 104 yards in the loss for Washington.

As for his standing in Eagles history, Ertz is second in franchise history in receptions (579), fifth in receiving yards (6,267) and seventh in receiving touchdowns (38). Should Ertz ultimately be activated to the active roster, he needs 11 receptions to pass Hall of Famer Harold Carmichael for first in receptions in Eagles’ history.

Ertz was a central part of Philadelphia’s offense during his initial stint with the team and reeled in the go-ahead and ultimate game-winning touchdown for the Eagles with 2:21 remaining in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII.

The Eagles are off to a 2-0 start, with their offense, which has a new coordinator in former Green Bay Packers assistant Sean Mannion, 12th in the NFL in passing yards (217.0 per game), 13th in total yards (329.5 per game), tied for 13th in points (24.0 per game) and 14th outright in rushing yards (112.5 per game).

Ertz actually played 10 games with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as the team’s starter (four games in 2020 and six games in 2021).



Source

Posted on

Red Sox Make Decisions On Interim Manager Chad Tracy, Executive

The Boston Red Sox are staying the course.

Boston announced on Tuesday morning that it has signed interim manager Chad Tracy to a three-year extension that runs through the 2029 MLB season. The Red Sox will have a team option on Tracy for the 2030 season.

Meanwhile, Boston exercised team options on Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow for the 2029 and 2030 seasons.

“Craig and Chad are two exceptionally talented leaders who have earned these opportunities in very different ways,” Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy said in a statement. “Over the last three years, we have watched Craig bring clarity, discipline, and conviction to the work of building our baseball operation. Chad was asked to step into a difficult situation with little notice, but the trust he immediately commanded at the major league level was earned through years of work across our organization. What this team has accomplished over the past several months has been historic.

“Results matter greatly in this business, but so do judgment, character, and the ability to bring out the best in others. Craig and Chad have demonstrated all of those qualities, and they have earned our confidence in leading us forward.”

Tracy was named Boston’s interim manager on April 26 following the dismissal of manager Alex Cora, who was in his eighth year on the job, in the wake of the team’s 10-17 start. Since being promoted to skipper, the Red Sox have gone 74-55 under Tracy and are 84-72 on the year.

Boston is in possession of the second AL wild-card seed and looks poised to face the New York Yankees, the No. 1 AL wild-card seed, in the Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium for a second consecutive year; New York defeated Boston in three games in the 2025 Wild Card Series.

Tracy was added to Cora’s coaching staff for the 2026 MLB season after being the manager of the Worcester Red Sox, Boston’s Triple-A affiliate, from 2022-25.

Breslow, a former 12-year, left-handed reliever, is in his third season as Boston’s Chief Baseball Officer, a stint preceded by five seasons working in the Chicago Cubs’ front office (2019-23). The Red Sox went 81-81 in 2024, followed by an 89-73 campaign in 2025.

The Red Sox close out the regular season with back-to-back three-game series at home against the Cleveland Guardians and Cubs.



Source

Posted on

Former Titans QB Will Levis Reportedly Signs With AFC East

The man who puts mayonnaise in his coffee (he was never indicted for it) has found a new home.

The New York Jets have signed former Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis to their practice squad, The Ringer reported on Tuesday afternoon. Levis was waived by the Titans last month after three seasons in Nashville.

As a subsequent move, the Jets released fellow quarterback Bailey Zappe. 

Tennessee selected Levis with the No. 33 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after the quarterback started two seasons for the Kentucky Wildcats (2021-22) and spent three seasons with the Penn State Nittany Lions (2018-20).

Levis made 21 starts for the Titans, getting the nod for nine games in his 2023 rookie season and 12 games in 2024. In the latter year (2024), Levis totaled 2,091 passing yards, 13 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions and an 81.4 passer rating, while completing 63.1% of his passes. The Titans went 5-16 in games Levis, who missed the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder injury, started.

As for New York, its quarterback room includes veteran Geno Smith, who’s in his second stint with the Jets, and rookie Cade Klubnik. The Jets are 1-1 and coming off a Week 2 overtime loss at home to the Green Bay Packers which saw them blow a 10-point lead with 11:04 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Jets have a road matchup against the Detroit Lions (1-1) on Sunday afternoon, which can be viewed at 1 p.m. ET on FOX. New York head coach Aaron Glenn was previously Detroit’s defensive coordinator (2021-24) before becoming the head coach of the team he played the first eight seasons of his NFL career with (Glenn, a two-time Pro Bowler with the team, played cornerback for the Jets from 1994-2001).



Source

Posted on

Yankees Star Aaron Judge Expected To Miss AL Wild Card

After a season plagued by injuries, Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge is back on the sidelines.

Manager Aaron Boone spoke to reporters on Monday and revealed that Judge is not expected to be available for the American League Wild Card Series. Judge is dealing with a moderate grade calf strain and received a PRP injection on Sunday.

“We’re planning on him not being a part of that but we’re also at the time of the year, you hear all the time with injuries, you give ranges two to four weeks, four to six weeks,” Boone said. “The range is for a reason and we’re at a point of the year where obviously we push it a little bit if that was in play but that’s a week away. I’m not expecting it, but I’m not ruling it out either.”

Judge was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday after straining his right calf during a game against the Minnesota Twins. With Judge sidelined again, the Yankees face a tough battle as they continue to chase the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East.

The Yankees are still six games behind the Rays in the division, but hold firm control over the top wild-card spot.

Not only is Judge dealing with a calf injury, but he’s already missed significant time this season after suffering a stress fracture in his ribs. He lost more than three months to that setback, and now he’s expected to miss even more time with his latest injury.

Injuries have repeatedly threatened to derail Judge’s career, but when healthy, he is standard-setting. His three MVP awards since 2022 prove he’s still one of the most dominant forces in baseball.

New York YankeesYankees Related Stories

When Judge is on the field, he is arguably one of the sport’s most impactful players with a career wins above replacement (WAR) of 63.5. Without him available in the Wild Card round, the Yankees will face a steep uphill climb: New York is currently projected to face the Red Sox in the first round of the postseason. The Yankees have the second-best record in the AL, Boston the third-best after a midseason surge that earned interim manager Chad Tracy a promotion.

“We’ve played much of the year without [Judge] and for the most part, we’ve done a pretty good job,” Boone said. “So guys are used to it. Obviously you always want your best player in the mix, but we understand we’ve got a job to do and an expectation to win. I think that expectation doesn’t change with or without him. We’re expecting to go into the series and know we can beat anyone when we play our game.”



Source

Posted on

U.S. Weekend Stock Watch: Cavan Sullivan Stays Hot; Tim Weah

A new era of the United States men’s national team is upon us.

Yes, Mauricio Pochettino is still the head coach, and many of the familiar faces from the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be in the mix for 2030, but the competition is as stiff as ever, and at positions that were previously viewed as untouchable.

Let’s take a look at where some of the key figures in the U.S. player pool stand ahead of the international window in Alexi Lalas’ U.S. Weekend Stock Watch:

Christian PulisicStock Up: Christian Pulisic ⬆️

Alexi: You’ve got to be a little happy — and dare I say, proud — of seeing Christian Pulisic, given what’s happened over this past year and even what’s happened recently, starting and not just making an impact, but being voted the best player, being involved in both goals and being associated with a moment of positivity that Christian Pulisic and AC Milan needed.

Cavan SullivanStock Up: Cavan Sullivan ⬆️

Alexi: You can make a case that, in this window, even if Christian Pulisic had been involved, there are more poeple excited about seeing Cavan Sullivan than Christian Pulisic. We know who Christian Pulisic is. That doesn’t mean he can’t improve, but he is what he is. America is looking for young talent and new look when it comes to the national team and that’s why there’s so much tension with Cavan Sullivan as he comes into this new camp, and he comes in on fire.

English ChampionshipStock Up: USA In The EFL ⬆️

Alexi: We all recognize that many of these players are looking for a foot in the door when it comes to Europe, and in that sense, they’re not just getting there; they’re now actually playing and playing well and scoring goals. It’s fun to see this brigade of young players who are using the Championship for what it is and what it isn’t as this stepping stone.

Johnny CardosoStock Up: Johnny Cardoso ⬆️

Alexi: This is great, to be associated with the type of win, but I feel like a broken record with Johnny. This is what he is and what he has done. He gets our hopes up, but ultimately, can he translate it if and when he is with the U.S. men’s national team? You can be a really, really good player, and sometimes it just doesn’t translate, and you can bang your head as to why it doesn’t. You just have to guard against this idea that you’re leaving talent on the sideline; that we are wasting talent.

Ricardo PepiStock Down: Ricardo Pepi ⬇️

Alexi: If you’re looking at it for the Pepi fanbase, this sucks because, finally, he gets this opportunity after being second fiddle to Balogun, and fairly so, to come in and claim it for himself, especially in this new-look national team. On the other side, it’s just another opportunity because I think it’s going to be wide-open up top in this camp when it comes to who plays.

Timothy WeahStock Down: Tim Weah ⬇️

Alexi: If you’re Pochettino, do you say ‘I can still get something out of him,’ even with all of these changes and his obvious inability to adjust under that? There was a time that he was in pen there on that right side, and I wasn’t alone. Times have changed. Yunus Musah is back in the fold and Tim Weah looks to be on the way out.

CelticStock Down: Americans At Celtic ⬇️

Alexi: I’m all for supporting your team, I’m all for die-hard fandom out there, but it has to come with some perspective. There’s nothing romantic about this, there’s nothing cool about this, and as far as that purity pest about how much you care about your team, it’s not relevant to what you set on fire, including the bus.



Source

Posted on

Upon Further Review: Bengals Have Flipped The Script With Upgraded

All the Cincinnati Bengals needed was an average defense to become the team to beat in the AFC North. The Bengals’ loaded offense hasn’t been an issue, as long as quarterback Joe Burrow is healthy.

After two weeks, that is the case this season. Defensive coordinator Al Golden has his unit playing stellar football, forcing four turnovers in a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before holding the Houston Texans to just six points in Week 2.

Cincinnati is 2-0 and sits pretty atop the AFC North, a position it might just keep the entire season. The Ravens and Steelers lost this past Sunday. The first key matchup comes in Week 7, when the Bengals travel to Baltimore.

It has only been two games, yes, but the most impressive turnaround in the NFL has to be Cincinnati’s defense, which was one of the NFL’s absolute worst last season and has been a huge part of the Bengals.

“They’re all talented, they’re all accomplished, but they’re great human beings and they’re leaders,” Golden told me over the phone on Monday about the influx of talent the Bengals’ defense took in during the offseason. “They bring great energy and passion into the building every day, and they’re fun to work with. They make it fun to come to work every day and each of them is making a difference for us.”

The headline acquisition: defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, acquired from the New York Giants for the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s draft. The 28-year-old veteran was tasked with taking the league’s worst run defense and changing its identity. 

So far, he has done that. Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving was held to 45 rushing yards in Week 1, and then David Montgomery had just 10 for the Texans this past week.

You can point to the fact that Lawrence only has three tackles, one for a loss, with no sacks so far this season, but he’s tied for third in pressures among defensive tackles (eight, per Pro Football Focus). 

Golden said Lawrence has been a game-changer for the Bengals.

“He’s been impactful,” Golden said. “I know there’s some discourse out there about what the stat line looks like as it relates to him, but in terms of impacting the game in the middle of the defense, pushing the pocket inside for us, it’s been dramatic. It’s been the big difference. The greatest compliment he can get is how much better he makes everyone around him.”

Defense had held Cincinnati back in recent years, understandably seen as a major reason Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase missed the playoffs three years in a row after making the Super Bowl in 2021 and the AFC Championship Game in 2022. Lawrence was added, as was defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, edge Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook. Those veterans were brought in to complement second-year linebackers Demetrius Knight and Barret Carter.

Jonathan Allen (left) recorded a sack in Sunday’s win over the Texans, while Boye Mafe (right) has a sack and a forced fumble this season. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

–>

The Bengals prioritized high-leverage areas of the field and now rank in the top 10 in scoring defense and are a top-five unit in the red zone.

“You spent 80% of your time on the 20% that can make the biggest difference,” Golden said. “You’re talking about turnover margin, one of the biggest factors in playing good defense, winning third down, critically important and being a really good red-zone defense. It’s about scoring defense. We’ve put an emphasis on it, and when Dex and Jonathan Allen are the first two out there for ball disruption drills in 95-degree heat, that says all you need to know.”

The Bengals are poised to potentially build upon their two wins to start the season. Two of their next three games are against teams with bottom-five offenses this season. First, it’s a trip to Pittsburgh, then a home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars before heading to Miami to face the Dolphins on the road in Week 5.

That trip to face the Steelers will be a good chance to show just how far the Bengals — and their defense — have come, having lost 34-12 in Pittsburgh last season.

Bryce YoungCarolina Panthers

Did you have Bryce Young second in the NFL in passing yards (648) and tied for the league lead with six touchdown passes? It’s the best consecutive-game total of his four-year career in both categories, and if his Week 1 success was obscured by his team giving up 59 points to the Chicago Bears, there was no such problem in a 34-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Veteran tight end Darren Waller, who caught two touchdowns from Young on Sunday, isn’t surprised at all.

“It’s just an extension of what I’ve seen from him since the moment I got here,” Waller told me over the phone. “Being super-intentional with everything he’s doing at practice and making a lot of great plays.”

In one game, Waller had as many touchdowns as any Panthers tight end has had in either of the last two full seasons. After a year of retirement, the now 34-year-old returned to the NFL last year with six touchdown catches in Miami. 

And Waller’s return to play this season was pretty last-minute, too. He signed with the Panthers two weeks into training camp, joining a team looking to repeat as NFC South champions. 

Waller remembers the day Carolina offered him a contract in August — it was the nine-year anniversary of his sobriety — and is eager to see how the Panthers can sustain their early success.

“It’s been really fun these first two games, being so productive but also having a lot of ways we can get better as well,” he said.

Mason GrahamCleveland Browns

Much of Sunday’s headlines from the Cleveland Browns’ surprising upset of the Bucs centered on quarterback Deshaun Watson rallying Cleveland to 17 points in the second half for a 23-19 rain-delayed win. But as Cleveland’s defensive front seeks a new identity without Myles Garrett, one emerging player to watch is second-year pro Mason Graham, the fifth overall pick in the 2025 draft.

Graham had a half-sack as a rookie, but he’s had a sack in each of his first two games this season, joining end Jared Verse as the pieces the Browns will build around up front.

“I think players that are as diligent as Mason is, and love football, [are] going to continue to get better,” coach Todd Monken said. “He’s still a young player, and you can see that with our interior guys. When they slide away from you and you get one-on-one, it’s the ultimate sign of disrespect. I mean, you’ve got to win your one-on-one matchups. We’re built for our explosive interior players to be able to win those matchups. And we won more of them than we did the week before.”

Brock PurdySan Francisco 49ers

All of the 49ers’ top five players in receptions after two games are age 30 and older, which sets up a battle against injury all season long, but gives quarterback Brock Purdy an extremely reliable and sure-handed group of targets in the passing game.

Purdy never completed 70% of his passes in any of his first four seasons in San Francisco. Still, with more high-percentage passes to running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle, he’s completing a league-best 80.4% of his throws this season. Literally no player in the 49ers’ offense has a catch rate lower than 67%. 

Keep receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel healthy, which is no easy task, and Purdy could challenge the NFL season record for completion percentage, set by Drew Brees in 2018 at 74.4%. 

FOX SPORTS NEWSLETTER

Your teams. Your sports. Your inbox.

Follow your favorite leagues, teams and players for a personalized daily newsletter.

Sign up for the newsletter

Create or log in to your FOX Sports account.



Source

Posted on

Eagles Reportedly Sign Former Pro Bowl CB Kenny Moore II

After being released by the Indianapolis Colts earlier this offseason, veteran cornerback Kenny Moore II has officially found a new home with the Philadelphia Eagles.

On Tuesday morning, Moore signed with the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. According to NFL Network, he is expected to eventually earn a one-year deal worth up to $3 million while contributing at both nickel cornerback and safety.

Moore, 31, was a Pro Bowler with the Colts in 2021 and brings valuable experience to the Eagles’ secondary. With defensive coordinator Vic Fangio looking to maximize Moore’s versatility across multiple positions, he has a real opportunity to make a big impact.

The Eagles boast one of the most versatile secondaries, led by Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. General manager Howie Roseman continues to show his knack for finding value, consistently buying low on talented players who have the potential to make an impact.

After spending his entire nine-year career in Indianapolis, Moore leaves behind a strong final season with the Colts. He recorded 55 tackles, 1.5 sacks, six pass deflections, two forced fumbles and an interception while continuing to anchor their secondary.

Washington CommandersCommanders Related Stories

With his versatility, the Eagles could tap into the Pro Bowl form Moore showed earlier in his career. Fangio’s defense is young and undergoing plenty of change, making an experienced veteran of Moore’s caliber a valuable addition to the room.

Through two games, the Eagles are allowing 21 points per game, but the pass defense has looked solid overall. Even after facing manageable offenses in the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans, this group will soon be put to the test as the NFC schedule toughens up.



Source

Posted on

Bears Backup QB Tyson Bagent Reportedly In Concussion Protocol

Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is in the NFL’s concussion protocol, according to NFL Network.

Bagent’s status comes as the Bears deal with the loss of their starter, Caleb Williams, who is is considered week-to-week with a hamstring injury he suffered during the Bears 9-3 loss to the Vikings in Week 2.

Williams exited the game after a non-contact scramble late on Sunday. He needed help leaving the field and was eventually taken to the locker room by cart, a sight that briefly brought concern about a serious, long-term injury.

But the Bears later clarified it was a hamstring injury, and Williams was seen walking under his own power shortly after.

Bagent stepped in and had the opportunity to lead the Bears on a game-winning drive during Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. There is no word on when exactly Bagent suffered the concussion; however, he was sacked on the final play of the game after going 5 of 9 passing for 54 yards following his coming into the matchup.

National Football LeagueNFL Related Stories

With both Williams and Bagent possibly sidelined, third-string quarterback Case Keenum is now positioned to be Chicago’s starting QB against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3.

Keenum, who hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 2023, is a 14-year veteran with previous stops in Houston twice, St. Louis/L.A., Minnesota, Denver, Washington, Cleveland and Buffalo. He also started the 2017 NFC Championship game for the Vikings.

The Bears follow their matchup against the Eagles with games against the Jets, Packers, Falcons and Patriots.



Source

Posted on

ProphetX Promo Code FOXSPORTS for a $75 Trading Bonus After

The ProphetX promo code FOXSPORTS gives new users $75 in Incentive Funds after they complete $50 in qualifying trades on the sports prediction market. 

ProphetX has run peer-to-peer sports trading since 2018 and launched nationwide in June 2026 after the CFTC approved it as a federally regulated exchange, so it is now available in every state except Nevada. 

Trade $50, Get $75 in Incentive Funds and start trading NFL, college football, and MLB contracts today.

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. 

ProphetX Promo Code FOXSPORTS: Trade $50, Get $75 in Incentive Funds

Promo Code FOXSPORTS
Offer Trade $50, Get $75 in Incentive Funds
Offer Type Trade-and-get trading bonus
Minimum Deposit $10
Qualifying Trades $50 in cumulative trades within 30 days of account approval
Price Cap Qualifying and bonus trades must be priced at 80 cents or lower
Bonus Payout Three $25 installments on Day 1, Day 7, and Day 14
Utilization Rule Use each $25 credit in full before the next installment date to unlock it
Offer End Date December 31, 2026, or when 50,000 users qualify
Expiry 45 days after each installment is credited
Age Requirement 18+
Eligible States All states and DC except Nevada

Sign up with FOXSPORTS, fund your account, and complete $50 in trades within 30 days. ProphetX then pays $75 in Incentive Funds, its term for bonus trading credits, in three $25 installments: one on Day 1, one on Day 7, and one on Day 14. You get the bonus whether your qualifying trades win or lose.

To keep the installments coming, use your Day 1 credit in full by Day 7 and your Day 7 credit in full by Day 14, or you forfeit the rest. Incentive Funds work as collateral for new positions, not withdrawable cash. The profit from a settled trade you open with bonus funds is yours to withdraw. Claim the ProphetX $75 trading bonus before your next NFL Sunday.

How to Claim the ProphetX Promo Code

  1. Click here or tap any ProphetX offer on this page to go to the ProphetX sign-up page.
  2. Create your account with your email and a password, then confirm the verification code ProphetX emails you.
  3. Enter the promo code FOXSPORTS in the promo code field during registration.
  4. Verify your identity with your full name, date of birth, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  5. Make your first deposit of at least $10 using an available payment method.
  6. Complete $50 in qualifying trades within 30 days. Only trades that open a new position at 80 cents or lower count, and you can spread the $50 across multiple trades.
  7. Watch your Promotional Balance for your first $25 credit, then use it in full by Day 7 to unlock the second installment, and use the second in full by Day 14 to unlock the third.

ProphetX Welcome Offer Terms and Conditions: Trade $50, Get $75 in Incentive Funds

  • Promo code: FOXSPORTS
  • New ProphetX users only, one welcome offer per person.
  • Users must be 18+ and physically located in an eligible state. All states and DC qualify except Nevada. You do not need to be a resident of the state you trade from.
  • Complete $50 in cumulative qualifying trades within 30 days of account approval. Only trades that open a new position count.
  • Qualifying trades and all trades using bonus credits must be priced at 80 cents or lower.
  • ProphetX pays the $75 in Incentive Funds in three $25 installments on Day 1, Day 7, and Day 14.
  • Each $25 credit must be used in full to open positions before the next installment date. If it is not, that installment and any remaining installments are forfeited.
  • Trades priced above 80 cents do not count toward using a credit. When an order fills at more than one price, each fill is evaluated separately.
  • The offer runs through December 31, 2026, or until 50,000 users qualify, whichever comes first.
  • Each installment expires 45 days after it is credited. Unused funds are forfeited.
  • Incentive Funds are non-withdrawable and can only be used as collateral on new positions. Proceeds from settled trades are withdrawable.
  • Incentive Funds are used before your cash balance when you open a position.

Is ProphetX Legal?

Yes. ProphetX is a federally regulated prediction market, not a state-licensed sportsbook. The company started in the United Kingdom in 2018, operated in the US first as Prophet Exchange and then as a sweepstakes exchange, and filed with the CFTC in November 2025.

On June 11, 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission approved ProphetX as both a Designated Contract Market and a Derivatives Clearing Organization. That dual registration means ProphetX runs the exchange and clears trades itself. The nationwide launch followed on June 18, 2026.

ProphetX is available to users 18 and older in 49 states plus Washington DC, with Nevada the only exclusion. Several states have challenged sports event contracts in court, so check the app for current availability where you live.

How ProphetX Works

ProphetX is a peer-to-peer exchange. You trade sports event contracts against other users instead of betting against a house, and prices move with supply and demand. For a deeper look at the category, see our guide to how prediction markets differ from sports betting.

Buying a Contract

Each contract pays $1 if your outcome happens and $0 if it does not. The price reflects the market’s view of the probability.

  • Chiefs to win is priced at 60 cents.
  • You buy 50 contracts for $30.
  • If the Chiefs win, your contracts settle at $50, a $20 profit before commission.
  • If the Chiefs lose, the contracts settle at $0 and you lose $30.

Setting Your Own Price

You can accept the best available price with Quick Trade or post an order at a better price and wait for another user to take the other side. If there is not enough liquidity at your price, the order can sit unmatched or fill partially.

Combos and Parlays

ProphetX builds multi-leg combos through a request-for-quote system, where you request a price for your combination and counterparties quote it. It works like a parlay at a sportsbook, except other users set the price instead of the house.

Selling Before a Game Ends

Because contracts trade on an open market, you can sell a position before the game finishes to lock in a profit or cut a loss.

ProphetX Sports Prediction Market Review

  • Sports-only focus: ProphetX lists only sports contracts, covering the NFL, college football, NBA, NHL, MLB, UFC, golf, and soccer.
  • Peer-to-peer pricing: users set their own prices and pay a 2 percent fee on net gains for straight trades, with no fee on combos.
  • RFQ combos: users price multi-leg combinations directly with counterparties.
  • Referral program: refer a friend for a $25 credit, rising $5 per additional qualifying referral up to $50.
  • App ratings: 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store and 4.3 out of 5 on Google Play as of September 2026.

ProphetX stands out for NFL and college football traders who want to shop prices and post their own. Customer support runs by email and phone from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, with no live chat.

ProphetX vs Kalshi vs Polymarket

Feature ProphetX Kalshi Polymarket
Promo Code FOXSPORTS FOXSPORTS55 FOX
Welcome Offer Trade $50, Get $75 Trade $25, Get $55 Deposit $10, Get $20 Trading Bonus
Market Focus Sports only Sports, politics, economics, culture Sports, politics, economics, culture
Regulator CFTC CFTC CFTC

ProphetX has the largest welcome bonus of the three but asks for a bigger qualifying trade. The Kalshi promo code is the lowest-commitment offer, and the Polymarket promo code doubles a $10 deposit. Compare every option in our roundup of the best prediction market sites.

ProphetX vs. Sportsbooks

Sportsbooks set the odds and build in a margin, while ProphetX matches users against each other and charges a commission. Sportsbooks also operate state by state, so if you live in a legal sports betting state, compare ProphetX with our list of the best betting apps and current sportsbook promos.

Responsible Trading

Only trade what you can afford to lose, and treat bonus funds as part of your budget. If trading stops feeling like fun, these free resources can help.

ProphetX Promo Code FAQs

Do I need a ProphetX promo code?

Yes. Enter FOXSPORTS during registration to unlock the welcome offer. Trade $50, Get $75 in Incentive Funds after your first $50 in qualifying trades.

What is the ProphetX promo code?

The ProphetX promo code is FOXSPORTS. It unlocks $75 in Incentive Funds after new users complete $50 in qualifying trades within 30 days.

Is ProphetX legal in my state?

ProphetX is available to users 18 and older in every state and Washington DC except Nevada. The CFTC regulates it as a Designated Contract Market, so it does not need a state sports betting license.

Is ProphetX a sportsbook?

No. ProphetX is a peer-to-peer prediction market where users trade sports event contracts against each other. It earns money through commission, not a margin built into the odds.

How long does it take to get the ProphetX bonus?

ProphetX pays the first $25 on Day 1 after you complete $50 in qualifying trades, then $25 on Day 7 and $25 on Day 14. You must use each credit in full before the next installment date to unlock it, and each credit expires 45 days after it is issued.

Can I withdraw ProphetX bonus funds?

No. Incentive Funds can only be used to open new positions. Any profit from a settled trade you opened with bonus funds can be withdrawn.

Does ProphetX have a referral program?

Yes. A referred friend gets a $25 credit, and you get $25 for your first qualifying referral. Each additional referral pays $5 more, up to $50 per referral.

What sports can I trade on ProphetX?

ProphetX lists sports contracts only, including the NFL, college football, NBA, NHL, MLB, UFC, golf, and soccer. It does not offer politics, economics, or entertainment markets.



Source