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Monterrey and Nashville SC meet Wednesday night in the 2026 Leagues Cup. The match kicks off at 8 p.m. ET from GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee.

How to Watch Monterrey and Nashville SC

• Date: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One
• Location: GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee

What is at Stake for Monterrey and Nashville SC?

This is the third and final Phase One match for both clubs. Monterrey and Nashville each enter with three points after splitting their first two games, leaving both in need of a win and help elsewhere in the league-specific standings.

Nashville followed a 1-0 loss to León with a 4-1 win over Atlético de San Luis. Monterrey answered a 2-1 loss to Orlando City with a 2-1 comeback victory over Inter Miami. The clubs also met in the 2023 Leagues Cup semifinal, when Nashville won 2-0.

Every Lionel Messi FIFA World Cup™ Goal

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Watch all 21 goals from Argentina’s Lionel Messi’s FIFA World Cup™ career.

How Does Leagues Cup Phase One Work?

Each of the 36 participating clubs plays three matches against teams from the opposite league. The top four MLS clubs and top four Liga MX clubs in separate league tables advance to the quarterfinals. The top three tournament finishers qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

The schedule is subject to change. Check back before kickoff for the latest viewing information.

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San Diego FC and Puebla meet Wednesday night in the 2026 Leagues Cup. The match kicks off at 10:15 p.m. ET from Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.

How to Watch San Diego FC and Puebla

• Date: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026
• Time: 10:15 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One
• Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California

What Is at Stake for San Diego FC and Puebla?

This is the third and final Phase One match for both clubs. San Diego enters 1-1 after a 3-1 loss to Club América and a 1-0 win over Club Tijuana. Puebla is 0-2 after losses to Portland and Austin.

How Does Leagues Cup Phase One Work?

Each of the 36 participating clubs plays three matches against teams from the opposite league. The top four MLS clubs and top four Liga MX clubs in separate league tables advance to the quarterfinals. The top three tournament finishers qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

The schedule is subject to change. Check back before kickoff for the latest viewing information.

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For some teams, winning a Super Bowl takes an extraordinary set of circumstances. However, the Seattle Seahawks’ run to a Super Bowl title in 2025 shouldn’t be viewed as them catching lightning in a bottle. 

After the Los Angeles Rams dominated headlines this offseason, Colin Cowherd argued that the Seahawks are being overlooked ahead of the 2026 season. 

“Vegas has the Baltimore Ravens, an 8-9 team last year, with better Super Bowl odds than the Seahawks. Nobody thinks they can repeat. It was a one-off. No way will [Sam] Darnold play mistake-free playoff football again. Things went in their favor,” Cowherd said on Wednesday’s “The Herd.”

“No, actually, they did not go in their favor at all. The opposite is true. Sam Darnold goes to arguably the best division in football, has a new coach, a new coordinator, a new O-line, a bad O-line, and a new receiving core, JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba).”

Seattle enters the season with the fourth-best Super Bowl odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook), trailing Los Angeles, Baltimore and the Buffalo Bills. But Cowherd thinks even that’s too low, pointing to the rare continuity Darnold will have this season as a key reason why the Seahawks should be viewed as a contender.

“Darnold — four teams, four years — for the first time in years, [he has the] same head coach, same locker room, same culture, same city, same house,” Cowherd said. “That kind of continuity to me seems like a huge benefit.”

Matt Hasselbeck talks Seahawks-Patriots Week 1 Super Bowl rematch

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Darnold had a strong opening season with the Seahawks. He was fifth in the league in passing yards (4,048) to go with 25 passing touchdowns as he helped Smith-Njigba win Offensive Player of the Year. 

But Darnold wasn’t the key reason for Seattle’s success. The Seahawks’ defense was arguably the best in the league. They finished with the best scoring defense in the regular season before putting up a dominant performance in the playoffs, including in their Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots.

Cowherd added that head coach Mike Macdonald has established a strong identity in Seattle, comparing him to another Super Bowl-winning coach in the same division.

“Boy, Mike Macdonald is really impressive. The head coach, he’s Sean McVay [on the] defensive side.” Cowherd said. 

“They’re not aging out of this. Their older players don’t get hurt much. Leonard Williams, DeMarcus Lawrence, Charles Cross, and their best players are all young and getting better.”

And beyond that, Cowherd likes the Seahawks’ infrastructure heading into the new year. 

“Their old guys are healthy. Darnold’s a young 29, never had a lot of injuries,” Cowherd said. “They have the best GM, arguably, defensive coach, arguably, the best receiver, arguably. And over the last two years, they’ve been 15-2 on the road. They’re the best home team without an argument, and yet they’re kind of considered, and they’re not really mentioned.”

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On the eve of Week 1 of the preseason games, Wednesday brought more clarity to quarterback battles across the league and bold expectations from a second-year head coach. 

The Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns made official announcements regarding their preseason starting quarterbacks. In the NFC North, Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson outlined lofty offensive goals, while Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy reacted to losing out on the starting job to Kyler Murray.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, meanwhile, suffered a minor injury during joint practice.

Catch up with all the updates across the NFL:

Browns Outline Preseason Plan For QBs

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken announced that Deshaun Watson will start the preseason opener on August 15 against the Chicago Bears. Shedeur Sanders is scheduled to start the team’s second preseason contest on August 22 against the Buffalo Bills.

“I’m super excited,” Watson said in comments to reporters. “All the hard work that I put in with the training staff, with my team, my personal team, to get to this stage has been tremendous for me. So, I’m super excited for those opportunities and can’t wait for it.”

Monken explained that both quarterbacks are expected to play a half in the opener so each caller can manage a two-minute drill.

“I have my reasons for how it’s going to go, and it’s still a competition,” Monken said. “We’re excited to watch guys practice today, let alone on Saturday, and then next week against Buffalo, and we’ll get a chance to see them both.”

Watson and Sanders have alternated first-team reps throughout training camp. 

Falcons Name Tua Starter For Preseason Opener

The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for Friday’s preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Wednesday. 

Stefanski clarified that the designation applies strictly to the preseason opener and does not confirm Tagovailoa as the regular season starter.

“We’re just now entering Week 1 of the preseason with this game on Friday night. Obviously, Tua is going to play in that game, and I think that’s great to get game action with our guys,” Stefanski told NFL Network.

Most Falcons starters will play approximately one series before Cooper Rush and Jack Strand take over under center, Stefanski added in comments to reporters. Michael Penix Jr. remains unavailable for full team drills while continuing his rehabilitation from an ACL tear.

“From a preparation standpoint, these guys are on top of it, learning the new system, understanding what’s important on each given play,” Stefanski said. “So I’m very pleased with where we are. I just know in the calendar where we are. We’re not there yet in terms of naming somebody a starter.”

Ben Johnson Sets High Bar For Bears Offense

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is setting goals beyond a championship heading into his second season with the franchise. Johnson outlined his vision for the Bears to field the highest-scoring offense in NFL history, surpassing the 2013 Denver Broncos team that averaged 37.9 points per game.

“I want to have the highest-scoring offense ever, which happens to be the 2013 Denver Broncos. I know how many points per game they scored, and I want to surpass them. I want shutouts. I want blowouts,” Johnson told The Athletic. 

Johnson also referenced the 2003 and 2004 New England Patriots teams that won 21 consecutive games between the regular season and postseason.

“Why can’t we do that?” Johnson said. 

Nick Wright isn’t surprised by the comments, given the confidence Johnson has exuded in his coaching career.

‘No Chance’ Bears Go Undefeated | FTF

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‘It’s hubris to the highest degree,” Wright said on Wednesday’s edition of First Things First. “This is who he’s always been. He has always, at every opportunity, wanted to be, if not the lead actor, the co-star of his team’s offensive movies.”

McCarthy Reacts To Losing Vikings QB Competition

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy addressed reporters following head coach Kevin O’Connell’s decision to name Kyler Murray as the team’s starting quarterback.

“A decision was made that was out of my control, and obviously every competitor wants to play,” McCarthy said. “But moving forward, it’s just about continuing to work hard and just staying ready for when my number’s called.”

When asked what he needed to do to win the job, McCarthy deferred to the coaching staff while keeping his focus on personal growth.

“That’s a question for Kevin and the staff,” McCarthy said. “I feel like just me continuing to develop and improve in many different aspects is the only thing I’m worried about.”

McCarthy added that Minnesota is still the place he wants to be.

Injury News And Notes

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka limped off during Wednesday’s joint practice against the New York Jets due to a toe injury. The issue is considered minor, according to NFL Network.

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Lionel Messi came off the bench as a second-half substitute in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Léon, marking his first on-pitch appearance since the death of his father.

Despite the return of the Argentina superstar, the Herons were defeated by the Liga MX squad, 3-2, which eliminated them from the competition. Only the top four clubs from the MLS standings and the top four from Liga MX will advance to the quarterfinals.

Jorge Messi, who passed away last week at 68, served as Lionel Messi’s agent during the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s career.

In an emotional post on Instagram remembering his father, Lionel Messi stated: “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to carry on. All I ever did was play football, and now I have serious doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer.”

The 39-year-old Argentina superstar striker, who won the 2022 World Cup, are coming off a extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup Final.

Messi, who’s one of just two players to appear in six World Cups (Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo is the other), tallied eight goals and four assists across eight matches in the 2026 World Cup.

Messi is in the midst of his third full-time season and fourth season altogether with Inter Miami in MLS. Through 15 matches in the 2026 MLS season, Messi has totaled 12 goals and seven assists.

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The NFL’s long summer of speculation ends on Thursday night. As preseason action kicks off, training camp promises to give way to real evaluation, where hidden breakouts emerge and fragile contenders face their first real stress test.

First Things First co-host Nick Wright believes he has the script for how the league will play out. On Wednesday afternoon, he revealed his team tiers entering Week 1 of the preseason, complete with plenty of surprises.

New team claims top spot on Nick’s NFL Tiers | FTF

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Here’s how Wright breaks down the league entering Week 1 of the preseason:

History Says…

Cleveland Browns

Miami Dolphins

New York Jets

Tennessee Titans

Arizona Cardinals

Las Vegas Raiders

Wright made sure to highlight six teams that are 100-to-1 to make the postseason, as recent history shows someone will. However, in this context, he doesn’t believe any of the Dolphins, Browns, Cardinals, Jets, Raiders, or Titans have a chance this season.

“Almost every year, a team that has these odds and these are the six teams in the league,” Wright said. “History says one of them is making the playoffs. Do you have the courage to pick it? I don’t.”

Lots of high expectations for top pick Fernando Mendoza. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

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Could Be OK!

New York Giants

Minnesota Vikings

Pittsburgh Steelers

Indianapolis Colts

Wright’s tier here is his least enthusiastic on the list. He has very little to say as the Giants, Colts, Steelers and Vikings are hit or miss and could find themselves right in the middle with eight or even nine wins.

“Seems like they could be okay,” Wright said. “I don’t really have much to say about them. They could win eight or nine games. They could. I don’t know that I believe they will. They could be okay.”

Jaxson will look to build on his second season under center with the Giants. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

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The NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New Orleans Saints

The NFC South sits in a tier of its own as the most unpredictable division in the league. Still, Wright is all-in on the Buccaneers, mostly because of quarterback Baker Mayfield and how hot he can get when playing with something to prove.

“I like the Bucs,” Wright said. “It’s the NFC South…someone’s gonna go 8-8 and one will win it and I hope it’s Baker [Mayfield]. I hope he gets hot in the playoffs.”

Concerning Camps

Washington Commanders

San Francisco 49ers

Not only are the Commanders and 49ers off to a rough start in camp, but Wright is now actively concerned about both organizations. It’s a concerning trend, especially considering they are already two of the oldest teams in the league.

“Laremy Tunsil’s injury is a huge deal,” Wright said. “We don’t have time to do the 49ers concerning injuries. I don’t. These are older teams we talked about that we don’t love. The fact that they have one of them already has one key guy done for months and the other has a bunch of guys out intermittently. It’s just a bad part of training camp.”

Can It All Come Together?

Cincinnati Bengals

Los Angeles Chargers

Houston Texans

Among the many teams facing uncertainty this season, none fit the “boom or bust” label quite like the Houston Texans. Their fate won’t just depend on overall roster depth, but the spotlight and pressure reside squarely on C.J. Stroud.

“What is the deal and who is the real C.J. Stroud and who are we going to see if they get just good production from the offense,” Wright said. “That could be a Super Bowl team. The defense and DeMeco Ryans are so good.”

Feels Like Something Is Missing

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

The Lions and Packers both have a missing piece heading into the year, but Wright is particularly worried about Green Bay’s defense. The lack of a clear return timeline for Micah Parsons was a major driving factor behind where he tiered the Packers.

“For the Packers, I know what I think is missing,” Wright said. “Micah Parsons for maybe, it might be the first half of the season. Seems like it and that to me is concerning. I do think these two teams [Lions] could be excellent, but it feels to me right now in the middle.”

High Ceiling, Low Floor

Philadelphia Eagles

Dallas Cowboys

The Eagles are the ultimate wild card in the league this season as they could win the Super Bowl or completely miss the playoffs. Wright remains split on the Eagles and questions whether Nick Sirianni can hold it together.

“The Eagles might be the highest ceiling, lowest floor and the best example of any team I can remember in recent memory,” Wright said. “I absolutely think they could be the one seed again in the NFC. I also think they could be below .500 after Thanksgiving and we’re talking about the next head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.”

Jalen Hurts in action for the Eagles. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

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Prove It To Us

Denver Broncos

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Broncos and Jaguars were major overachievers last year, and Wright made sure to highlight that. With Bo Nix and Trevor Lawrence under center, both teams sit in a tier dedicated entirely to proving that last season wasn’t a fluke.

“14 wins, 13 wins,” Wright said. “Two teams with polarizing quarterbacks. Two teams that their fans feel like don’t get near enough respect they deserve coming off the year they had. Broncos obviously beat the Bills in a playoff game. Jags had a lead against the Bills in the playoffs.”

“They got to prove it to us this year,” Wright said.

Measuring Sticks

Chicago Bears

New England Patriots

Over the next two decades, Drake Maye and Caleb Williams could both put together Hall of Fame careers and define the league. Wright believes their careers will be forever linked, which is precisely why he placed them in the “Measuring Stick” tier to monitor their parallel trajectories.

“I say measuring sticks because I believe these two quarterbacks [Drake Maye and Caleb Williams] are going to be measured against each other their entire career,” Wright said. “They both have different and excellent head coaches. I think they’re both in stable organizations.”

Doubt Them At Your Own Peril

Kansas City Chiefs

When in doubt, Wright will always have the Chiefs in a tier of their own.

“Kansas City Chiefs,” Wright said. “I understand, you’re a homer, Nick. Here’s the other thing I know. There are every other team in the league is allowed to have a bad year and move it..like the Lions they should bounce back. The Ravens, obviously they’ll bounce back.”

For Wright, everything hinges on Patrick Mahomes’ health. Provided Mahomes remains healthy, he views 11 wins as the absolute baseline for Kansas City, with 13 wins well within reach if everything goes right.

“I think that all unique Patrick Mahomes needs is his health, which he has right now and the stable offensive line,” Wright said. “Their floor in that situation is 11 wins. You add some other elements that I think over the course of the year and it becomes a 12 or 13 win team.”

 Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will aim to bounce back after a relatively disappointing season. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Is The Grass Greener?

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Wright expressed skepticism over the coaching changes in Baltimore and Buffalo. Even though John Harbaugh and Sean McDermott had reached the end of the line, handing the reins to first-time head coaches Jesse Minter and Joe Brady created a massive layer of uncertainty.

“Two teams that said we got to move on from the coach,” Wright said. “Maybe. I get it, but every coach-quarterback combo that has ever won a Super Bowl together won their first one within five years. For Harbaugh-Lamar and for Allen-McDermott it was year eight, so they were like it’s not going to happen.”

The Committee Can’t Decide

Seattle Seahawks

Los Angeles Rams

There’s no decision to be made regarding the Rams and Seahawks for the top spot on his tier list.

It’s not that Wright is indecisive, but he sees both NFC West powerhouses as equal. With rumors swirling around Aaron Donald’s return making the Rams a Super Bowl favorite, and the Seahawks coming off a dominant Super Bowl victory, Wright has them deadlocked at the top.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford fell short of reaching the Super Bowl last season. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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“Apologies for not being definitive here, but the committee trademark can’t decide,” Wright said. “We’ve gone back and forth between who the best team in the league is to the defending Super Bowl champions of last season. As we sit here today, I can’t decide that in preseason Week 1 tiers.”

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The start of training camp has prompted a flurry of big extensions. But the most impactful moves, the ones most likely to affect the bottom line this season, were made months ago. 

Given some time to examine free agency, here are my five riskiest deals and five best bets of the offseason. 

Best Bets 

Contract terms: 1 year, $1.3 million (zero guaranteed)

The Vikings were able to secure the services of a former No. 1 overall pick with an Offensive Rookie of the Year award (2019) and a pair of Pro Bowl berths on his résumé for the veteran’s minimum. Although the end of Murray’s tenure in Arizona raises some concerns about his game and leadership skills, the veteran is the most talented quarterback that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has worked with in Minnesota, potentially leading to the most dynamic and explosive offense yet during KOC’s tenure. 

Kyler Murray is seemingly in an ideal situation to get his career back on track after flaming out with the Cardinals. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

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With Murray still in his prime and fueled by the skeptics dismissing his return to prominence as a QB1, the diminutive playmaker can rewrite the narrative surrounding his name with a bounce-back performance in 2026.

Contract terms: 1 year, $12 million ($12 million guaranteed)

The rangy cornerback joins a defensive backfield loaded with All-Pro-caliber playmakers in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Woolen adds a dimension to the unit with his size, length and speed, making him nearly impossible to throw over on the perimeter. As defensive coordinator Vic Fangio tweaks his scheme to accommodate the newcomer’s talents as a sticky man-to-man defender, the Eagles’ man-match scheme will frustrate passers and playmakers unable to find room in the passing game. 

Moreover, the marriage between Woolen and a scheme that is perfectly suited to his talents will make his contract look like the best bargain on the market when we review the offseason transactions at season’s end. 

Jalen Hurts ‘under most pressure in 2026’, Can he lead the Eagles back to the Super Bowl? | FTF

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Contract terms: 2 years, $20 million ($13.5 million guaranteed)

After watching C.J. Stroud struggle behind a makeshift offensive line that could not keep defenders out of the backfield, the Texans invested heavily in the trenches with free-agent signees and draft picks coming on board throughout the offseason. Smith’s signing did not garner major headlines, but the former division rival will provide much-needed protection on Stroud’s frontside, while blowing holes open for David Montgomery and Co. at the line of scrimmage. 

If the veteran can avoid the injury bug that sidetracked him in 2023 and 2024, Smith’s arrival on a bargain-basement deal could help stabilize an offense that for the past two years has kept the Texans, with their star-studded defense, from being serious Super Bowl contenders. 

Contract terms: 3 years, $43.05 million ($28.7 million guaranteed)

Ignore the chatter from the running back haters who have diminished the value of RB1s around the league, and look at how Walker’s arrival will make it easier for Patrick Mahomes to reclaim his crown as the NFL’s undisputed QB1. The lack of an efficient and explosive running game allowed defenses to sit in various two-high shells to take away the deep ball and force the two-time MVP into a “dink-and-dunk” game that featured few big plays. 

Kenneth Walker III is fresh off winning Super Bowl MVP honors and will be immediately counted on to help get the Chiefs back into title contention. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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With Walker flashing “take over the game” potential as a lead runner during the Seahawks’ title run, defensive coordinators must pay closer attention to the Chiefs’ running game or run the risk of Andy Reid controlling the action with a creative ground attack that punishes opponents for aligning in “light boxes” with smaller defenders all over the field. Although the reigning Super Bowl MVP’s hefty price tag created a stir in the marketplace, Walker’s impact in Kansas City could actually help restore the value of running backs in the minds of team builders across the league. 

Contract terms: 3 years, $30 million ($20 million guaranteed)

The Chargers needed to improve the frontline to maximize Justin Herbert’s potential as a pocket playmaker. After watching the superstar QB take a beating throughout 2025, the club acquired an underrated pivot to fill a hole created by Bradley Bozeman’s surprise retirement. Although Biadasz is not a blue-chip talent, he adds some physicality, toughness and competitiveness to an offensive line that was bullied at times last season. 

Moreover, he gives Herbert an experienced “trench warrior” with the identification and communication skills to handle the protections and adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Given how the Chargers desperately needed help at the point of attack, adding Biadasz should help them remain a viable contender this season.

Riskiest Deals 

Contract terms: 3 years, $67.5 million ($45 million guaranteed)

Despite the familiarity between general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, head coach Jeff Hafley and Willis from their time together in Green Bay, the Dolphins might have drastically overpaid a fifth-year signal-caller with only six pro starts to his name. The spectacular flashes with the Packers have given off some franchise quarterback vibes, but recreating that magic in South Florida could be a challenge for a team in the midst of a rebuild. 

For all the fanfare Malik Willis received for filling in for Jordan Love in Green Bay, he made just three starts for the Packers during his two seasons there. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

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With Willis also struggling during his initial stint as a QB1 with the Tennessee Titans, the hefty contract and lofty expectations could doom this marriage before it starts. While no one expects the marquee free agent to play like Dan Marino in Miami, the Hall of Fame inductee’s performance and production have set the standard for a city and franchise that demands a lot from its starting QB. 

Contract terms: 4 years, $114 million ($84 million guaranteed)

It is rare for a WR2 to seamlessly transition to the WR1 role. Pierce is attempting to defy the odds after inking a lucrative extension to be the No. 1 option in the Colts’ passing game. Although the fifth-year pro has averaged 20-plus yards per catch in each of the past two seasons, the speedster must put up monster numbers against defenses that will be focused on limiting his impact with “traveling” corners and loaded zones. 

Considering the daunting challenge Pierce faces as an unproven go-to receiver, all while taking on the opponent’s top corner and creative tactics, the Colts might experience some buyer’s remorse if their primary pass-catcher fails to dominate on the perimeter in his new role. 

Panthers beat Cardinals in HOF Game, Is this the best QB play has ever been? | The Herd

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Contract terms: 3 years, $42 million ($25 million guaranteed)

The Panthers signed the big-play specialist to a multiyear deal after watching him record five interceptions, one fumble recovery, seven pass breakups, 10 quarterback hits and 81 tackles in 2025 with the Jaguars. Lloyd’s spectacular final season in Jacksonville overshadowed a topsy-turvy tenure that resulted in the former first-rounder being benched multiple times and the team declining his fifth-year option before his breakout season. While a new scheme and coaching staff found a way to unlock his talents, the fifth-year pro must make a similar transition in Carolina while playing up to lofty expectations and a big contract. 

With Lloyd earning Pro Bowl honors in 2025 as a part-time player — he typically came off the field on third downs with the Jaguars — the Panthers are hoping that more playing time will result in more splash plays. They’ll need them to justify this deal. 

Contract terms: 4 years, $96 million ($68 million guaranteed)

The Commanders’ need for a consistent pass rush prompted general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn to gamble on a “boom-or-bust” sack artist with 30.5 career sacks over five seasons. Although he has amassed 22.5 sacks since 2023, Oweh entered the league as a developmental player with a limited toolbox, leading to some pass rushing droughts that impacted his stat line, particularly his final five games in Baltimore, where he failed to register a sack. 

In Washington, Odafe Oweh will be looking to continue the mini breakout he experienced in the back half of last season with the Chargers. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

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With former Chargers DC Jesse Minter finding various ways to create sack chances for Oweh through clever scheming during a partial season in Los Angeles, the Commanders’ marquee free agent will need defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to tap into his exotic pressures to help the sixth-year pro take advantage of winnable matchups on the edges. 

Contract terms: 3 years, $58 million ($42 million guaranteed)

The Titans’ porous pass defense desperately needed a top-notch cover corner to improve under the direction of new head coach/defensive playcaller Robert Saleh. Taylor was a hot commodity on the free-agent market after enjoying a banner year as the New Orleans Saints’ slot corner; the fifth-year pro is expected to handle the CB1 role in Tennessee, aligning primarily on the outside to neutralize opposing No. 1 receivers. Although the Titans will utilize him occasionally at nickel, the 6-foot-1, 199-pound Taylor will have a chance to show the football world that he can go toe-to-toe with the premier playmakers in the game. 

Considering the talented pass-catchers within the division alone (see: the Texans’ Nico Collins, the Colts’ Alec Pierce and the Jaguars’ Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington), the upgrade in competition will quickly reveal if Taylor is the man for the job as a newly minted $20 million corner. 

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Free agent minor-league pitchers Luis Gomez and Julio Dilone were suspended Monday following positive tests for the performance-enhancing substance Stanozolol under the minor league drug program.

Gomez was suspended for 80 games and Dilone for 60, the commissioner’s office announced. The suspensions will start when they sign with a major league organization.

Dilone signed a minor-league deal with the San Diego Padres in spring training after pitching last year in the independent Atlantic League and was released on Aug. 6. The 26-year-old right-hander went 1-2 with a 5.02 ERA in 11 games this season for two low-level teams, with 20 strikeouts and eight walks in 14 1/3 innings.

Gomez, a 21-year-old right-hander, was 2-2 with an 11.00 ERA in 18 relief appearances for the rookie level Florida Complex League Marlins before his release on July 23. He signed a minor-league contract with Miami for a $10,000 bonus in June 2025.

Eleven players have been disciplined this year for a drug violation.

Atlanta outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended for the entire season on March 3 after testing positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites. The failed test was Profar’s second offense under the major league drug agreement.

Free agent outfielder Max Kepler was banned for 80 games on Jan. 9 after a positive test for Epitrenbolone. He signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks and returned to the major leagues on June 26.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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The 2026 NFL Christmas Day schedule features three games on Friday, Dec. 25. The holiday tripleheader begins with Packers at Bears, continues with Bills at Broncos and concludes with Rams at Seahawks on FOX. Here is the complete schedule and how to watch every game.

2026 NFL Christmas Day Game Schedule

• Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears, Friday, Dec. 25, 1 p.m. ET (Netflix)
• Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos, Friday, Dec. 25, 4:30 p.m. ET (Netflix)
• Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks, Friday, Dec. 25, 8:15 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

How to Watch the 2026 NFL Christmas Games

The first two Christmas Day games will stream on Netflix. Packers at Bears begins at 1 p.m. ET, followed by Bills at Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET.

FOX will broadcast Rams at Seahawks at 8:15 p.m. ET. Fans can stream the FOX game with FOX One, which brings NFL on FOX and more live sports together in one subscription. FOX coverage is also available on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App with an eligible TV provider login.

Which NFL Teams Are Playing on Christmas Day in 2026?

Six teams will play on Christmas Day in 2026:

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• Green Bay Packers
• Chicago Bears
• Buffalo Bills
• Denver Broncos
• Los Angeles Rams
• Seattle Seahawks

Mahomes ‘has been itching’ to get back, Should Josh Allen feel guilty over McDermott’s firing? | FTF

Josh Allen still feels “guilty” over Sean McDermott’s firing earlier this year, saying that “I think about that all the time”. Nick Wright, Kevin Wildes, and Danny Parkins ask how much responsibility Allen should feel about the Buffalo Bills’ playoff struggles, and if Patrick Mahomes will have a successful start to the 2026/27 NFL season following his knee injury.

2026 NFL Christmas Games FAQs

How Many NFL Games Are on Christmas Day in 2026?

There are three NFL games scheduled for Christmas Day in 2026.

What Time Do the 2026 NFL Christmas Games Start?

The Christmas Day tripleheader begins at 1 p.m. ET. The second game starts at 4:30 p.m. ET, and the final game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET.

What Channel Is the NFL Christmas Night Game On?

The Christmas night matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks will air on FOX at 8:15 p.m. ET and stream on FOX One.

The 2026 NFL schedule is subject to change. Check back for the latest Christmas Day kickoff times, broadcast information and streaming availability.

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The saying goes you see something new in every baseball game that’s played. On that note, we had a unique moment in Monday night’s matchup between the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre.

Trailing 2-0 in the top of the seventh inning, the Red Sox had runners on the corners with one out when center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela hit a fly ball to center field for the second out. However, many people involved in the play, including Blue Jays center fielder Brett Bateman, acted as if the inning was over.

Boston baserunner Anthony Seigler — who was on third base — ran home as if he was running on contact with two outs, with fellow baserunner Nick Sogard — who was on first base — going around the bases and many players going back to their respective dugouts. With this in mind, Toronto doubled up Sogard at first base, thinking it had an inning-ending double-play.

The catch? The center field scoreboard listed that there were two outs in the inning, creating confusion about how many outs there actually were. Moreover, right before Sogard caught the fly ball, the scoreboard changed to there being one out in the inning.

After a roughly 15-minute review, the Red Sox were given a run and the inning ended. Of course, had everybody known there was one out on the fly ball, Seigler would’ve had to tag up from third base to score.  

So, that was something, huh?

“Both Boston runners, thinking there were two outs, just took off,” crew chief Chris Guccione told a pool reporter following the game, according to MLB.com. “When the second out was made, now we have two runners who have failed to return and tag up correctly. At that time, the guy from third had crossed home plate and the guy who was at first was standing at second. Toronto knew he hadn’t tagged up and threw to first base to make the third out. Well, that’s a time play, meaning it’s not a force play. If it’s a force play, the run does not score automatically.

“If it’s a time play — meaning, ‘Was the out made before or after the runner crossed home plate?’ In this case, the runner crossed before the appeal play was made [at first]. In this play, it’s what you call an apparent fourth out.”

In the end, though, the Blue Jays held on to get a 2-1 win. Their two runs came on a solo home run from third baseman Charles McAdoo in the bottom of the fifth and an RBI single from shortstop Andrés Giménez in the sixth.

In what was his debut start with the Blue Jays, right-hander Jameson Taillon was removed after four scoreless innings due to forearm discomfort. Taillon was relieved by Simeon Woods Richardson, who pitched three innings. The Blue Jays then got a pair of scoreless innings from Tyler Rogers and Louis Varland to close out the win.

The Red Sox (64-54) are in possession of the second American League wild-card seed, with the Blue Jays (57-63) 3.5 games behind the Texas Rangers for the third AL wild-card seed. At the same time, Boston, which previously won 27 of 30 games, has lost three consecutive games, while Toronto has won four of its last six, which includes winning a three-game series on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies (64-56).

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