The Eagles sent Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens, along with a 2027 seventh-round draft choice. In exchange, the Raven send off a 2027 fifth rounder and a 2028 second rounder. Despite recently entering concussion protocol, Jurgens was able to pass a physical to complete the trade.

Jurgens started the year at center but moved to left guard following Landon Dickerson’s struggles and subsequent move to injured reserve. Since switching over to guard, Jurgens has ranked 73rd of all 74 eligible guards according to Pro Football Focus.

From the Ravens perspective, Jurgens can possibly move back to center where he was once a two-time Pro Bowler and leave the left guard experiment as a distant memory. From the Eagles perspective, it is a vote of confidence that second-year center Drew Kendall has proven to be a capable option the last few games.

More importantly, the trade as a salary dump while also acquiring valuable future draft capital. It remains to be seen who will occupy the vacancy left by Jurgens. There is a strong chance second-year lineman and fan favorite Willie Lampkin will assume the left guard position.

This trade is a strong indication that Eagles general manager and executive vice president Howie Roseman is waiving the white flag on the 2026 campaign. Acquiring draft capital and dumping salary is a bigger priority than solving the problems of a patchwork offensive line. With injuries to other key players on both sides of the ball piling up, I can’t say I blame Roseman’s decision.

The question now becomes what other trades Roseman will make that have an eye toward the future. The aforementioned Dickerson could be a strong candidate if he can pass a physical in the coming weeks. Dickerson is signed through 2027. I think if Lampkin, or whoever is Philadelphia’s new left guard, can flash some signs of ability in the trenches, it would ease any concern of parting with Dickerson. The Jurgens trade may only be the beginning of Roseman’s wheeling and dealing before the trade deadline.

Tyler Smith is officially listed as questionable, while three Cowboys have been ruled out for the Week 5 matchup.

Tyler Smith is questionable after full practice 

The Cowboys could have Tyler Smith back in the lineup for the first time this season.

Smith was upgraded to a full participant in Wednesday’s practice after being limited on Monday and Tuesday. He remains listed as questionable against Tampa Bay as he continues his recovery from thumb surgery that kept him on injured reserve to begin the season.

Getting Smith back would be a significant addition to Dallas’ offensive line. With a run game that has yet to take off, Smith could be the plug in that the Cowboys need so the running game can be more effective. The All-Pro guard has been working his way back since the Cowboys opened his 21-day practice window earlier this week.

With Dallas playing its third game in 11 days, having one of its starting offensive linemen available would provide some much-needed stability up front.

DeMarvion Overshown, Cobie Durant and Drew Shelton ruled out

The Cowboys will be without three players Thursday night.

Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown has been ruled out with a hamstring injury after missing practice throughout the week. Cornerback Cobie Durant is also out with a hamstring injury, while rookie offensive lineman Drew Shelton has been ruled out with a hamstring issue.

Overshown’s absence is particularly notable. He has already missed time this season, and Dallas will once again have to rely on its linebacker depth against a Buccaneers offense that could challenge the Cowboys in several ways.

The Cowboys will also have to continue adjusting in the secondary with Durant unavailable.

Cowboys mostly healthy heading into Thursday night

Despite the players ruled out, Dallas enters Thursday night with several key players trending in the right direction.

CeeDee Lamb, Joey Porter Jr., Malik Hooker, James Houston, Alijah Clark and Tyler Goodson were all full participants in Wednesday’s practice. Lamb and Porter Jr. in particular are important after both played significant roles in Dallas’ Week 4 win over Houston.

Wide receiver Johnathan Mingo is also listed as questionable after not participating Wednesday.

For Dallas, however, the biggest question will be whether Smith is cleared to make his season debut. His return could give the Cowboys’ offense another boost as they look to improve to 3-2 against Tampa Bay.

Starting center Jusuf Nurkic suffered an injury to his right foot during the team’s first preseason game against his former team, the Denver Nuggets. The official diagnosis is a partial plantar plate tear of the second toe on his right foot, and it was first reported by NBA Insider Chris Haynes on Wednesday evening.

NEWS: Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkić will be sidelined for at least 4 weeks after suffering a partial plantar plate tear of second toe in right foot, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/4OGln9UHfl

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 7, 2026

While the Jazz are far from NBA title contenders this year, Nurkic was set to be the anchor of the front court and the team’s top option for rim protection and rebounds. The 12-year NBA veteran joined the Jazz last season through a trade with the Charlotte Hornets. Utah represents Nurkic’s fifth stop in the NBA, after stints with Charlotte, Phoenix, Portland, and Denver.

It isn’t exactly clear when Nurkic suffered the injury, although he played just eleven minutes in the preseason opener. Nurkic racked up four points, five rebounds, and four assists with a steal and a block during his time on the floor. Nurkic did not participate in the team’s open practice the next day and was placed on the team’s injury report on Tuesday.

The Jazz will need to rely on their depth at center for the first few weeks of the season, which includes names like Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba. Although these players may start the game as the traditional center, the Jazz will likely look to play a smaller lineup, giving Jaren Jackson Jr. more time at the 5. This will also mean more playing time for players like Ace Bailey and Kyle Filipowski to start the year.

Four weeks would have Nurkic missing the next two preseason games and the first eight games of the regular season. https://t.co/JmkvhotNyg

— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) October 7, 2026

Nurkic was given a return timeline of about four weeks, which means he would miss the first eight games of the NBA regular season. If all goes according to plan, Nurkic could be back for the team’s road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 8th or Utah’s home game against the Miami Heat on November 10th.

Utah has one open roster spot, which can be used to add a player to fill in for Nurkic. According to Jazz insider Ben Anderson of KSLSports, Utah could wait to see who gets waived prior to the regular season, rather than rush to fill Nurkic’s spot for the final two preseason games.

Many expected Kansas City to take some time to gel, especially with Patrick Mahomes returning from an ACL tear. Instead, Andy Reid’s team has looked the part of a Super Bowl contender and currently sits atop the AFC West. The wins have been impressive, with a dominant performance against Denver and a thrilling win over Las Vegas being the highlights.

There are a lot of reasons why the Chiefs have looked so good early on. Here’s a look at the three biggest ones.

Patrick Mahomes’ Brilliance

Mahomes has looked better than anyone could’ve imagined so far. After an ACL tear late last season, the common thought was that he would need some time to get back into a rhythm. That hasn’t been the case.

The two-time MVP has thrown for 1,037 yards and nine touchdowns in four games. His 69.6 QBR ranks seventh among all NFL quarterbacks. He’s looking like his usual self, which is a scary sight for the rest of the NFL. As always, the Chiefs go as Mahomes goes. And he’s going fantastic so far.

Kenneth Walker III’s Dominance

Kansas City’s biggest free agent acquisition of the offseason has been unbelievable this season. Walker has rushed for a league-leading 537 yards already, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He also has six total touchdowns.

Walker is leading the league in broken tackles and has completely revitalized this Chiefs offense. He’s the kind of running back Mahomes has waited years for. Brett Veach looks like a genius for getting Walker to sign on the dotted line. For the first time in a while, the Chiefs offense is truly multi-dimensional.

Surprising Rookies

The Chiefs rookie class is looking like a home run through four games. Sixth-overall pick Mansoor Delane has looked the part of an elite corner thus far. He has three passes defended and an interception in three games. R Mason Thomas and Peter Woods have shown a little burst on the defensive line. The future looks bright for them.

Offensively, Kahlil Benson has been one of the biggest surprises in all of football. The undrafted free agent has started all four games at left tackle and looked fantastic. Fifth-round running back Emmett Johnson has also made some plays, with 130 total yards so far. The Chiefs rookie class is a huge reason why they’re sitting at 4-0 this season.

Dallas enters Week 5 at 2-2 after a thrilling comeback victory over the Houston Texans, but the first four games have revealed both major strengths and areas of concern. Some players have exceeded expectations, while others have struggled to make the impact the Cowboys expected.

Here are the three biggest winners and three biggest losers from Dallas’ first month.

Winner: CeeDee Lamb

It is difficult to find a bigger winner on the Cowboys’ roster than CeeDee Lamb.

Lamb has been nearly impossible for opposing defenses to slow down, entering Week 5 with 37 receptions for 498 yards and four touchdowns. His performance against Houston was particularly impressive, as he set a franchise record with 17 catches for 189 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown.

Defenses know Dak Prescott is going to look Lamb’s way, yet they still haven’t found a reliable answer for him.

Loser: Von Miller

Miller has provided veteran leadership, but his production has been almost nonexistent through four games.

The veteran pass rusher has recorded just two tackles and zero sacks. That’s especially disappointing for a Cowboys defense that has struggled to generate consistent pressure throughout the season. The Cowboys as a defense has recorded six sacks so far and their leading sack leaders are Caleb Downs, Rashan Gary and Quinnen Williams all tied with one sack. 

Dallas needs more from Miller as the season progresses, particularly if the Cowboys want their revamped defensive front to live up to expectations.

Winner: Dak Prescott

Prescott has been one of the biggest reasons Dallas’ offense has remained among the team’s biggest strengths.

Through four games, he has thrown for 1,065 yards, eight touchdowns and just one interception with a QBR rating of a 83.4 which is Top 3 in the NFL.. Prescott has also delivered strong performances in consecutive weeks, leading a comeback attempt against Baltimore before throwing the game-winning touchdown to Lamb against Houston.

The Cowboys are getting exactly what they need from their quarterback, and Prescott has put himself among the team’s biggest winners of the opening month.

Loser: Cowboys’ rushing defense

The Cowboys’ rushing defense has been one of the team’s biggest problems through the first month.

Dallas has allowed 601 rushing yards through four games, allowing 150.3 yards per game which is 31st in the NFL. The Cowboys were particularly vulnerable during the first three weeks before finally putting together a much better performance against Houston.

Dallas held the Texans to just 62 rushing yards in Week 4, which was a major improvement. However, one strong performance does not erase the problems that plagued the defense earlier in the season.

Winner: Jaishawn Barham

Barham’s first month has been a story of rapid improvement.

After a up and down NFL debut, the rookie linebacker was forced into a larger role following DeMarvion Overshown’s hamstring injury. Instead of allowing the increased responsibility to overwhelm him, Barham has taken advantage of the opportunity.

He enters Week 5 with 21 tackles and four tackles for loss, establishing himself as one of the more promising young players on Dallas’ defense.

Loser: DaRon Bland

Bland has had a difficult opening month, and his struggles became especially apparent against Houston.

The cornerback surrendered 104 yards and a touchdown on seven targets in Week 4, according to the SI report, while his overall PFF grade sits at 55.5. That’s not the production Dallas expected from a player who signed a four-year, $92 million extension last year.

The arrival of Joey Porter Jr. only adds another layer to the situation. Porter gives Dallas another talented option at cornerback who has potential to become CB1. Bland now has to prove he can return to the level that made the Cowboys invest heavily in him.

The Cowboys are 2-2, so there is plenty of football left to play. Lamb, Prescott and Barham have given Dallas reasons to be encouraged, while Miller, Bland and the rushing defense needs to step up.

It is understandable why Baltimore would want more help along the offensive line given the injuries to Danny Pinter, Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic. However, with rookie Vega Ioane playing well at center and Jurgens having declined somewhat from his best form, it is worth asking whether general manager Eric DeCosta paid too steep a price.

Name Value Or Actual Production?

This season, Jurgens has played guard instead of his natural position at center, and the results have been rough. According to Pro Football Focus, Jurgens ranks 73rd out of 74 qualifying guards in overall grade. The counterargument is that Jurgens has been playing out of position while filling in for the injured Landon Dickerson. In Baltimore, he can move back to center while Vega Ioane returns to guard, potentially putting both players in more natural roles.

This is a completely valid counterpoint. When Jurgens played his natural position last season, he produced a career-best year and earned a 66.0 PFF grade. The concern is not whether he can still play center at a high level; there is little reason to believe Jurgens suddenly forgot how to play the position he was drafted to play. The bigger question is whether Baltimore needed to give up a future second-round pick given the circumstances surrounding both teams.

The Eagles appear to be in a difficult spot to begin the season. Their offense has disappointed, ranking 30th in success rate and passing yards per game and 26th in points per game, according to NFL Savant. Injuries have also eaten away at their once-elite offensive line, while Lane Johnson, one of the greatest right tackles the league has ever seen, announced his retirement during the season. Philadelphia is far from eliminated from playoff contention, but those circumstances could make gaining future draft capital more appealing than it would have been entering the year.

The Ravens, on the other hand, are clearly trying to win now. They have opened the season with one of the NFL’s best offenses after revamping their coaching staff and making a splash addition in edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. At the same time, much of Baltimore’s core is approaching or already on the wrong side of 30. Lamar Jackson, Marlon Humphrey, Hendrickson, Roquan Smith, and Derrick Henry will not all remain at their peaks.

Baltimore’s window is not as small as one year, but they don’t have much time to dawdle either. A 2028 second-round pick could have been used to replenish an aging roster, make another trade, or help Baltimore retool.

That is why the deal is questionable, not because Jurgens is a bad player, but because of his struggles this season; it is fair to wonder whether the Ravens could have bought lower. First- and second-round picks are extremely valuable commodities in football, and keeping them to increase your chances of landing elite talent will almost always be preferable unless the player coming back is clearly worth it.

Jurgens is talented; he wouldn’t have earned two Pro Bowl selections if he wasn’t. Baltimore may very well get the player it wanted, but whether that player was worth a future second-round pick is a question that will take much longer to answer.

Dallas is preparing for its third game in 11 days, including a trip to Brazil in Week 3 and Sunday’s dramatic victory over the Houston Texans. While Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged that his team is tired and sore, Williams said he personally feels ready for another opportunity.

That mentality could be important for a Cowboys defense that needs to continue building momentum.

Quinnen Williams believes he’s trending in the right direction 

Williams entered the season expecting to become a consistent difference-maker for Dallas, and he believes he’s starting to see that progress.

After struggling to make the type of impact he expected early in the season, Williams recorded his first sack of 2026 against Houston. He also finished with two tackles for loss, giving the Cowboys’ defensive front a much-needed boost.

“I feel like I’m going in the right direction,” Williams said. “I got a lot of things to grow on, a lot of things to do, and keep going in the right direction.”

The Cowboys need that progression to continue.

Dallas has struggled to consistently generate pressure this season, making Williams’ emergence even more important. His ability to create pressure from the interior can make life easier for the team’s edge rushers and give the secondary more opportunities to make plays.

Williams also emphasized the importance of improving against the run.

“Getting a couple sacks last week, getting the quarterback down, that’s the biggest one that I can see,” Williams said. “Just getting better every single day, every single opportunity, stopping the run especially.”

Cowboys must keep Jalon Daniels in the pocket

Williams’ next challenge will be dealing with a very different type of quarterback.

Tampa Bay will start undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels for the second consecutive game with Baker Mayfield dealing with a thumb injury. Daniels showed his mobility against Green Bay, rushing for 55 yards on eight carries.

That’s a major concern for Dallas.

The Cowboys have allowed the most rushing yards to quarterbacks in the NFL this season, meaning keeping Daniels contained will be just as important as getting pressure on him.

Williams knows the defensive line can’t afford to let individual players lose their rush lanes.

“Just rushing all as one,” Williams said. “All four of us have got to be on the same page when we’re running games, when we’re just rushing straight and different things like that, and collapsing the pocket.”

If Dallas can consistently collapse the pocket without giving Daniels escape lanes, the Cowboys could make life difficult for the rookie quarterback.

Williams isn’t using the short week as an excuse 

The Cowboys have every reason to be physically worn down.

Thursday’s game will be their third in an 11-day span, and the first came after a 10-hour trip to Brazil. Dallas then played a physical game against Baltimore before traveling to Houston and needing a fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Texans.

Williams, however, doesn’t see the schedule as a problem.

“I’m not tired,” Williams said. “I love football, I look more forward to the opportunity and getting a chance to play again, get to play at prime time against a great team, against Todd Bowles. It’s an amazing opportunity for us.”

That mindset could be exactly what Dallas needs.

The Cowboys are trying to build on their 34-30 victory over Houston, and Williams has an opportunity to play a major role in that effort. If his performance against the Texans was the beginning of the defensive tackle’s turnaround, Thursday night could be another step forward.

Williams isn’t worried about being tired.

Now, the Cowboys need him to make sure Tampa Bay’s offense feels it.

At 5-foot-11 and about 200 pounds, Cooper made the team as an undrafted free agent in 2025 out of Tarleton State University, a Division 1 program in Stephenville, Texas. Last year, Cooper appeared in 13 games and primarily carved out a role for himself on the special teams unit. As an offensive player, he caught a modest nine passes for 92 yards.

Cooper’s big coming out party came in Week 2 of this year when he hauled in the game-winning touchdown pass in the back of the end zone to beat the Tennessee Titans on the road in the closing seconds. Something tells me that play is merely the beginning of Cooper assuming a bigger role in the Eagles’ offense.

Philadelphia’s offensive struggles have been well-chronicled. Multiple injuries and position changes along the offensive line, the sudden retirement of standout right tackle Lane Johnson, a banged-up Eagles backfield, and an anemic offense that can’t seem to put together 60 minutes of consistent football.

Not to mention, there have already been injuries to key targets DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Hollywood Brown. Rookie Makai Lemon has also struggled to find his way in Sean Mannion’s new offensive scheme. All of these factors have opened the door for Cooper to slide into a role as a reliable target for quarterback Jalen Hurts.

In the little I have seen of Cooper, he seems to be sure-handed and a good route runner. He also plays with added intensity as a scrappy and physical special teams gunner. In time, I can easily envision him as a clutch third down receiver that is not afraid to absorb punishment over the middle in pursuit of a critical drive extending catch. Philadelphia could not convert a single third down against Los Angeles in Week 4, so any help provided by Cooper would certainly be appreciated.

In four games this year with one start, Cooper has caught five passes for 59 yards and three touchdowns. This could be a golden opportunity for a player like Cooper to step up and contribute even more. With so much upheaval on Philadelphia’s roster, there is no better time than right now for Cooper to show us what he is made of.

Dallas remains without several players at practice, but there were no changes to the team’s injury designations from Monday. More importantly, several key players continued to practice fully, while All-Pro guard Tyler Smith remains on track to potentially make his season debut.

Tyler Smith remains limited with return still possible

The biggest storyline continues to be Tyler Smith.

The Cowboys opened Smith’s 21-day practice window Monday, giving him an opportunity to return from the thumb injury that required surgery before the season. He remained a limited participant Tuesday, keeping the possibility of playing Thursday alive.

Smith has already said he believes a return against Tampa Bay is possible, but Dallas doesn’t have to rush him back. The Cowboys will have extra rest following Thursday’s game before traveling to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 6.

Still, getting Smith back would provide a major boost to an offensive line that could use reinforcements. Dallas struggled to consistently establish its running game against Houston, and Smith’s return could help the Cowboys become more effective up front.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has also indicated that the decision will largely come down to Smith’s comfort level. If the veteran offensive lineman believes his thumb is ready to handle the demands of playing, Dallas could put him back into the lineup Thursday.

CeeDee Lamb and Joey Porter Jr. are trending in the right direction 

There was also positive news surrounding two players who appeared on Monday’s injury report after Sunday’s win.

CeeDee Lamb, who exploded for 17 catches, 189 yards and the game-winning touchdown against Houston, remained a full participant Tuesday despite being listed with a thigh injury. Joey Porter Jr. also remained a full participant after being listed with an ankle issue.

That’s particularly important for Porter after his impressive Cowboys debut.

The newly acquired cornerback played 24 snaps against Houston and did not allow a catch, giving Dallas another potential weapon in its secondary. Having him available against Tampa Bay would give the Cowboys an opportunity to expand his role as he becomes more comfortable with the defense.

Dallas also received full participation from Malik Hooker, Alijah Clark, Tyler Goodson and James Houston.

Cowboys still have three players missing practice 

Not everything was positive.

Cornerback Cobie Durant, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and offensive tackle Drew Shelton all remained out of practice Tuesday with hamstring injuries. All three missed Monday as well, making their availability for Thursday increasingly difficult.

Overshown’s absence would be especially notable for a Cowboys defense that has already dealt with injuries throughout the season. Durant’s continued absence also leaves Dallas with less depth at cornerback, although Porter’s return helps offset some of that concern.

Overall, however, Dallas appears to be entering Thursday’s game in better health than it was earlier in the season.

The biggest question remains Smith. If the All-Pro guard can convince the coaching staff that he’s ready, the Cowboys could get one of their most important players back at exactly the right time.

It was a tough week for the division, with three of the four teams picking up a loss. The Kansas City Chiefs were the only team in the division to get a win, keeping their undefeated season alive.

Disappointing performances, valiant efforts, and one team establishing itself as the cream of the crop marked the week. Here’s a look at the post-Week 4 AFC West power rankings.

4. Los Angeles Chargers (0-4)

The Chargers are completely broken. They lost again on Sunday, dropping them to 0-4 this season. A terrible first half was too much to overcome in a 30-23 loss to the Seahawks. Even with a promising second half, there are a lot of questions about this team.

Justin Herbert looks like a different quarterback, and not in a good way. He tossed a pair of mind-boggling first-half interceptions on Sunday and isn’t playing like the franchise guy. Throw in a bad running game and suspect defense, and you end up with the most disappointing team in all of football.

3. Denver Broncos (2-2)

Just like the Chargers, the Broncos franchise quarterback is also struggling this season. Bo Nix wasn’t very good in Denver’s 24-14 loss to San Francisco in Week 4. He completed 25-of-42 passes for just 214 yards and a score.

Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton combined for just six receptions and 41 yards. The Broncos ran for just 82 yards as a team. That’s not a winning combination for Denver. The defense looked better, but couldn’t get the big stop late in the game. Sean Payton has questions to answer heading into Week 5.

2. Las Vegas Raiders (3-1)

The Raiders picked up their first loss of the season to Kansas City, but showed some good things in the process. Kirk Cousins continues to play well, and Brock Bowers is one of the best tight ends in football. Las Vegas used their tight ends to perfection in this game.

Ultimately, struggles in the run game and no turnovers forced by the defense cost Vegas here. They need to get Ashton Jeanty going to take some of the load off of Cousins. There’s a bright future for the Raiders, even if this loss was disappointing.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)

The Chiefs proved that they’re still the class of the division in their win over Vegas. Kenneth Walker III ran roughshod in the game, continuing his hot start to the season. Patrick Mahomes tossed a pair of touchdowns and played a clean road game. And the special teams unit made winning plays all afternoon.

While there are still concerns with this team, like the pass rush, it’s hard to argue with a 4-0 start. The offense looks rejuvenated with Walker in the fold. And with a healthy Mahomes at the helm, it’s impossible to count this team out. Kansas City looks the part of an AFC contender four weeks in.

A lot of guys stepped up to help Kansas City get things over the finish line. But it was two players in particular who really had strong games. Both of them were recognized by Pro Football Focus.

Kenneth Walker III and George Karlaftis were named to PFF’s Week 4 Team of the Week on Monday. It’s a very deserving nod after both of them stepped up big time in the victory over the Raiders.

Walker turned in a career performance, carrying the ball 22 times for 177 yards and two touchdowns. After a slow first half, he took over the game late, running for a pair of scores in the fourth quarter. When the Chiefs needed production, Walker delivered.

He leads the NFL in rushing through four weeks and is on pace for over 2,000 yards on the ground. Walker has been a game-changer for this Chiefs offense. He’s a big reason why the offense has looked so good. He should be the frontrunner for Offensive Player of the Year.

Karlaftis had an equally similar impact on Sunday’s win. It wasn’t a monster day in the box score, as he registered five total tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass defense. But a look under the hood reveals a dominant performance.

He finished the game with seven quarterback hits and 11 pressures, according to PFF. Those 11 pressures were tied with Minnesota’s Dallas Turner for the most by a single player in a game this season. He was causing havoc for Kirk Cousins all game long, despite not officially getting him to the turf. This was one of the best zero-sack games you’ll see from an edge rusher.

In a tight game, the Chiefs needed a couple of standout performances to get them over the hump. Walker and Karlaftis delivered exactly that. If Kansas City wants to get back to the Super Bowl this season, they’ll need both of those guys at their very best.

Brugler gave Howell an honorable mention at edge rusher. He was one of seven players at that level, and four rookies finished ahead of the group. The Jets’ David Bailey and the Chiefs’ R Mason Thomas made the first team, and the Patriots’ Gabe Jacas and the Chargers’ Akheem Mesidor made the second.

Why Cashius Howell landed behind four other rookies

The common thread among those four is finishing. Bailey leads all rookies with two sacks and 11 pressures, by Brugler’s count. Jacas and Mesidor each have 1.5 sacks. Thomas is not a starter in Kansas City, but Brugler cited his 18.2% pass-rush win rate, which ranks first among rookies and in the top 10 in the league.

Howell’s numbers are closer to that group than the placement suggests. He has 11 pressures on 72 pass-rush snaps, according to PFF, made up of three hits and eight hurries. PFF has not credited him with a sack. For comparison, free-agent addition Boye Mafe has 18 pressures on 122 rushes, and Myles Murphy has eight on 99. Howell’s 63.1 pass-rush grade comes on 108 total defensive snaps, so he is doing it in a rotational role. Pressure totals vary by charting service, which means Brugler’s number for Bailey and PFF’s number for Howell are not a direct match. They do show the Texas A&M product is getting close.

That was the expectation coming in. Athlon’s Luke Easterling had Howell at No. 25 on his pre-draft board, and he slid to No. 41 because of concerns about his arm length. Athlon’s preseason look at Defensive Rookie of the Year long shots projected him as a situational rusher early.

Cincinnati is 2-2 after a 22-17 loss to Jacksonville in which Murphy, Mafe and Kris Jenkins Jr. had the team’s three sacks. Miami is next. If a few of Howell’s hurries start ending with the quarterback on the ground, the gap between him and the four names ahead of him will close quickly.

When asked about those mistakes, head coach Jesse Minter emphasized that Baltimore does not want to abandon the motions and shifts that have helped make the offense difficult to defend.

“You do want to use motions and shifts and cadences as a weapon, and I think when we see our offense really operate, it creates problems. It creates explosives. It creates running lanes [and] it creates angles blocking. Some of our best runs yesterday were with multiple motions and guys crack-blocking and guys getting around the edge, and so we just need to find that really good balance.”

A New Offensive Philosophy

Declan Doyle came to Baltimore from Chicago, where Ben Johnson ran a motion-heavy offensive system to great success. There is a reason pre-snap movement has become increasingly common around the league. It can help diagnose coverages, create advantageous matchups, and force defenders to communicate through changing assignments.

The Ravens currently rank eighth in the NFL in motion rate at 62.4%, according to Sharp Football Analysis. Baltimore has paired that movement with one of the league’s most aggressive passing attacks, ranking first in air yards per attempt at 9.9.

Doyle’s offense demands a lot from Ravens players on a play-by-play basis, and some growing pains should not be surprising this early in a new system. Even with those mistakes, Baltimore remains one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. As the Ravens become more comfortable with the system, the hope is that they can cut down on the penalties without sacrificing the motion and creativity that have made the offense so dangerous. If they can find that balance, Baltimore’s offense could become even more difficult to defend as the season progresses.

The natural response would be to lean more heavily on Derrick Henry and the running game. However, the Atlanta Falcons have been dominant against the run this season, ranking first in the NFL with just 48.3 rushing yards allowed per game.

Baltimore Needs A New Plan Of Attack

The matchup becomes more concerning when looking at where Baltimore has been most productive on the ground. The Ravens have had their most success running toward the right end, averaging 6.1 yards per carry on 28 attempts. They have also averaged 6.0 yards per carry behind right guard on 12 attempts and 5.8 yards per carry toward the left end on 19 attempts.

The Falcons have done an excellent job of shutting down runs in those same areas. Opponents have averaged just 0.5 yards per carry on six runs toward the right end, 2.3 yards per carry on four attempts behind right guard, and 2.4 yards per carry on eight runs toward the left end.

The sample size is small here, but the point still stands. The main ways that Baltimore likes to run the ball, Atlanta does a good job of neutralizing. Factor in Tyler Huntley being relied on to take Jackson’s place, and it is valid to wonder how the Ravens offense will look without their superstar player.

If anything, the newly acquired cornerback wants those matchups.

After making his Cowboys debut in Sunday’s 34-30 win over the Houston Texans, Porter appeared on Cowboys legend Michael Irvin’s The White House Podcast and made it clear that he isn’t interested in backing down from the league’s top pass-catchers.

Joey Porter Jr. wants the toughest matchups 

Porter was asked about facing some of the NFL’s best receivers, and his response perfectly captured the mentality he brings to the cornerback position.

“I feel like in this league, not a lot of people, at least in my position, seek that smoke. And I’m seeking it every Sunday. You know, I’m looking for that matchup. I want that matchup because how I look at it, if you guys think he’s the best and I lock him down, then what does that make me? And that’s that. And that’s how I carry myself throughout the week. So I always look for those type of matchups.”

It’s the kind of confidence the Cowboys hope they acquired when they traded for Porter.

Dallas didn’t make the move simply to add depth. The Cowboys needed another cornerback capable of handling difficult assignments, and Porter believes he can be that player.

His mentality could also give defensive coordinator Christian Parker more flexibility. If Porter can consistently hold up against opposing No. 1 receivers, Dallas can afford to dedicate more resources elsewhere on defense.

Porter’s debut backed up the confidence 

Porter didn’t have a huge workload against Houston, but he made his limited opportunities count.

The cornerback played 24 defensive snaps and was targeted only once by C.J. Stroud, with the pass falling incomplete. Porter did not allow a catch in his Cowboys debut.

The limited snaps were understandable. Porter had only been with Dallas for a few days and was still learning Parker’s defensive system.

Still, there was an important takeaway: Houston wasn’t eager to test him.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys allowed 335 passing yards overall, showing that there is still plenty of work to do in the secondary. But Porter’s ability to hold down his side of the field could eventually give Dallas something it has been missing. A cornerback the coaching staff can trust in one-on-one situations.

The Cowboys could finally have a cornerback who wants the challenge weekly

Porter’s confidence is only valuable if he continues to prove it on the field, but that’s exactly what makes his arrival so intriguing.

The Cowboys have struggled with consistency in the secondary, and they need more than one strong performance from Porter to solve those problems. But if he develops into the aggressive, matchup-oriented cornerback he believes he can be, his presence could change how Parker deploys the entire defense.

Porter also has more time to learn the system before taking on a larger role. He acknowledged that his limited debut was partly because he was still getting comfortable with Dallas’ defensive calls, with safeties Caleb Downs and Malik Hooker helping him throughout the week and during the game.

Now, the Cowboys will see whether that comfort translates into a bigger role.

Porter has already made his mindset clear: he wants the smoke.

And if he can consistently back up that confidence against the NFL’s best receivers, the Cowboys may have found the kind of cornerback who can fundamentally change their defense.

Dallas improved to 2-2 with its comeback win, yet the defense continues to give up too many big plays. The Cowboys must improve in three key areas against Tampa Bay if they want to build momentum heading into a challenging stretch of the schedule.

Can Dallas get its running game going?

Javonte Williams scored three second-half touchdowns against Houston, but Dallas still struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack. The Cowboys averaged just 3.0 yards per carry in Week 4 and are averaging 3.8 yards per attempt through four games.

That lack of consistency could become a problem against a Tampa Bay defense that has been difficult to run against. Dallas needs Williams and the offensive line to create more opportunities on early downs rather than repeatedly putting Dak Prescott in passing situations.

Williams has shown that he can finish drives, but the Cowboys need more than his ability to score near the goal line. A productive running game would help Prescott control the tempo, keep the Buccaneers’ defense honest and take some pressure off an offense that has leaned heavily on its passing attack.

 The Cowboys need more from their pass rush

Dallas has recorded just three sacks through its first four games, a troubling number for a defense that needs to make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable. Even more concerning, the Cowboys have yet to establish a consistent pass-rushing presence from their edge defenders.

Caleb Downs leads the team with one sack, while Quinnen Williams also has one. Donovan Ezeiruaku and Jonathan Bullard have combined for the remaining sack, with each credited with half a sack. The production highlights how little Dallas has gotten from a pass rush expected to generate pressure from multiple positions.

The Cowboys need players such as Rashan Gary, Von Miller and Ezeiruaku to make a bigger impact. Pressure without sacks can disrupt a quarterback, but it does not always end a drive or create the negative plays that change a game.

Tampa Bay’s quarterback situation could give Dallas an opportunity to turn things around. With Baker Mayfield sidelined, the Buccaneers are preparing to rely on rookie Jalon Daniels. The Cowboys cannot assume that means an easy night, but making a young quarterback uncomfortable should be a priority.

Can the other Cowboys cornerbacks step up? 

Joey Porter Jr. made an encouraging first impression against Houston, playing 24 defensive snaps without allowing a catch on the one pass thrown his way in coverage. However, the rest of Dallas’ secondary struggled to contain the Texans’ passing attack.

Houston finished with 397 total yards, including 335 passing yards from C.J. Stroud. Nico Collins caught seven passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns, exposing the need for better coverage from the Cowboys’ other cornerbacks.

Porter’s arrival gives Dallas another talented option, but one player cannot fix the entire secondary. The Cowboys need DaRon Bland and the rest of the defensive backs to tighten their coverage and limit explosive plays.

That becomes even more important if Dallas cannot generate pressure up front. When quarterbacks have time to throw, the secondary is forced to cover for longer stretches, increasing the chances of breakdowns.

The Cowboys have reasons to feel encouraged after their comeback win, but the defense still has significant work to do. Improving the pass rush, getting more consistency from the cornerbacks and establishing the running game would put Dallas in a better position to earn another victory on Thursday night.

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First, they were embarrassed in front of a national audience on Monday Night Football by the Chicago Bears and third-string quarterback Case Keenum. Then, they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at home against the Los Angeles Rams. In that game, the Eagles had a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter with the ball on L.A.’s two-yard line and still managed to lose the game.

Given the way that they’ve looked over the past couple weeks after a 2-0 start to the season, it’s no surprise that the Eagles continue to drop in national NFL power rankings.

Where the Eagles Are Ranked in NFL Power Rankings After Week 4

After two straight L’s, the Eagles are well outside of the top 10 in the majority of power rankings, and even worse, they’ve dropped behind the rival Dallas Cowboys in most of them.

• ESPN: 13 (Last week: 8)
• Sports Illustrated: 19 (Last week: 12)
• Bleacher Report: 13 (Last week: 9)
• CBS: 13 (Last week: 11)

What National Pundits Are Saying About the Eagles After Four Weeks

An underwhelming offense and a myriad of injury issues are the main concerns that pundits have about the Eagles at this still-early point of the season.

“Their offensive line is shorthanded and looks disjointed. Star players Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith have hamstring injuries,” ESPN’s Tim McManus wrote. “There is no identity, which is perplexing given Sean Mannion was brought in as offensive coordinator to deliver a scheme that seems to be used only sporadically. And QB Jalen Hurts has fallen off after a strong start. It’s a mess right now.”

Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr is having a tough time figuring out the enigma that is the Eagles.

“On one hand, the Eagles finishing a game this close to the Rams without literally eight of their nine best players is something to take to heart,” Orr wrote. “On the other, having the league-worst points per second half, yards per second half, yards per play in the second half and yards per attempt in the second half is straight up unfathomable. This team is impossible to figure out.”

The Eagles are currently being viewed as a middle-of-the-road team, and unless they’re able to stop the bleeding against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in Week 5, which could prove difficult given all of the injuries they’re dealing with, they’ll only continue to dip in national power rankings.

“I don’t think they make this trade unless they’re going to hang on to Porter,” Zierlein said on the “Football America!” show with Dave Dameshek. “Porter, I think, will get the long-term deal and they’ll let Pickens walk.”

Why Zierlein sees Pickens as expendable

His reasoning comes down to position. Dallas already has CeeDee Lamb, who caught 17 passes on 21 targets for 189 yards and the winning touchdown in Sunday’s 34-30 victory at Houston. Zierlein called Lamb “a one” and guessed the front office will decide “we can go find a wide receiver” because “it’s easier to find a wide receiver than a lockdown corner.”

The money points the same direction. Pickens is playing on the franchise tag at $27.3 million, and a second tag next year would cost about $32.8 million. He earned that number with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. Through four games this season he has 18 catches for 225 yards and has not scored, and he saw three targets against the Texans while Lamb saw 21.

Porter cost Dallas a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-rounder, and he is in the last year of his rookie contract. He started 41 games over three seasons in Pittsburgh with three interceptions and 31 pass breakups, and Zierlein called him “a legitimate man-cover corner” who is hard to replace. The Cowboys decided against an immediate extension and want to see him play first. His debut was limited. PFF charted him for 25 snaps in Houston, 20 of them in coverage, with a 61.3 overall grade.

Owner Jerry Jones has left the door open on both players. “There’s two to tango here,” Jones said of a Porter extension on 105.3 The Fan. “There’s the team and I being comfortable with making that kind of commitment.” On Pickens, Jones has said, per the team’s website, “Make no mistake about it, we have long-term plans in mind for Pickens.”

The Pickens decision will wait until January. Under the tag rules, Dallas can’t reopen long-term talks with him until after its regular-season finale. The Cowboys, now 2-2, host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night.

This Sunday was The Body Bag Game 2.0 as Tank Bigsby, Saquon Barkley, Quinyon Mitchell, Cam Jurgens, Jonathan Greenard all suffered injuries in Sunday’s 24-20 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Following the carnage in Week 4, Will Shipley is the only healthy running back left on the Eagles active roster. Barkley is listed as day-to-day with a hamstring issue and Bigsby has been placed on injured reserve.

If no midweek trades are made, practice squad player Carson Steele would be a logical choice to step in and see some action in Week 5 as the Eagles will meet the Jacksonville Jaguars in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium the Sunday in London, England. The Eagles also have running backs Dameon Pierce and Jaydon Blue on the practice squad.

Undrafted in 2024, Steele is six-foot, 228-pounder from UCLA who spent his rookie year with the Kansas City Chiefs. That year, Steele played in all 17 games and totaled 56 carries for 183 yards. He also caught seven passes for 27 yards and logged 138 return yards for the eventual AFC champions. Steele did not see any regular season playing time in 2025. As a sophomore at Ball State in 2022, Steele led the Mid-American Conference with 1,556 rushing yards on 289 carries and 14 touchdowns.

Most recently, Steele saw action in all three Philadelphia preseason games this year. The soon-to-be 24-year-old was the club’s leading receiver in the preseason as he hauled in 14 receptions for 136 yards and two scores. Steele also contributed with 58 rushing yards and provided some intriguing highlight material as he hurdled over a couple of Patriots defenders.

Steele is a very fluid receiver out of the backfield who is not shy about helping out with pass protection. As a runner, he has good burst, runs with some power, and has quick feet for a taller running back. Granted preseason performances should be taken with a grain of salt, but elevating Steele to the active roster as the possible second or third back makes the most sense given the circumstances of Philadelphia’s banged-up backfield.

After improving to 2-2 with a 34-30 road win Sunday, Dallas immediately turns its attention toward Thursday night’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The short week creates another challenge for a Cowboys team that has already dealt with a demanding stretch of travel and injuries.

Tampa Bay enters the matchup at 0-4, but Dallas can’t afford to overlook a team that has lost all four games by seven points or fewer. With that in mind, these are the four biggest storylines surrounding Thursday night’s game.

Can Tyler Smith make his season debut? 

The Cowboys could receive a significant boost along the offensive line.

Dallas opened Tyler Smith’s 21-day practice window Monday, giving the All-Pro guard a chance to make his season debut against Tampa Bay. Smith has been on injured reserve after undergoing surgery on his thumb, but he hasn’t ruled out playing Thursday.

Smith’s potential return would give Dallas another proven piece up front after the offensive line has managed to hold its own through the first four games.

The timing isn’t ideal, though. Smith would have only a few days of practice before playing in a regular-season game, meaning the Cowboys will have to determine whether he is physically ready and comfortable enough to return.

If he is, Dallas could get one of its most important players back at a critical point in the season.

The Cowboys’ defense has got to start getting stops

Dallas’ offense has shown it can carry the team. The defense needs to start making life easier.

The Cowboys have allowed at least 20 points in every game this season, while three opponents have scored 30 or more. Dallas also remains without an interception through four games.

Injuries have played a role, particularly in the secondary, but the Cowboys can’t use health as the only explanation. The pass rush has also struggled to consistently affect opposing quarterbacks. Dallas recorded two sacks against Houston, its first two since Week 1.

That makes Thursday an important opportunity.

Tampa Bay will be starting rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels with Baker Mayfield sidelined by a thumb injury. The Cowboys need to make Daniels uncomfortable and force him to beat them rather than allowing Tampa’s offense to stay in the game.

CeeDee Lamb is giving defenses major problems

CeeDee Lamb enters Thursday night after arguably the best game of his career.

Lamb exploded against Houston with a franchise-record 17 receptions for 189 yards and the game-winning touchdown. More importantly, his production could be a direct result of how defenses are choosing to handle George Pickens.

If opponents continue rolling coverage toward Pickens, Dak Prescott has already shown that he will happily feed Lamb.

Through four games, Lamb leads the NFL in receptions, targets and receiving yards, according to the Cowboys. Pickens, meanwhile, has started to show signs of becoming a bigger part of the passing game, including a 53-yard reception against Houston.

That combination could become increasingly difficult for defenses to handle.

Dallas Can’t Afford to Overlook Tampa Bay

The Buccaneers are 0-4, but their record doesn’t tell the entire story.

Tampa Bay has lost each of its four games by seven points or fewer, including a 17-14 loss to Green Bay on Sunday. The Buccaneers are also dealing with injuries, including Pro Bowl safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who has been ruled out.

Still, Dallas needs to approach this game as a serious test.

The Cowboys have upcoming games against Green Bay and Philadelphia, making Thursday an important opportunity to move above .500 before facing two difficult NFC opponents. A 3-2 record would give Dallas some momentum after a turbulent opening month.

The Cowboys finally learned how to finish a close game against Houston. Now they have to prove they can avoid a letdown four days later.

For Dallas, Thursday isn’t just another game. It’s a chance to build on Sunday’s comeback and show that the Cowboys are finally starting to find some consistency.

The Vikings suffered a pair of injuries to left guard Donovan Jackson and left tackle Christian Darrisaw in their 15-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins Sunday. Jackson tore his meniscus and he will undergo surgery and likely miss the rest of the season. Jackson was in his second year with the Vikings after getting selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft from Ohio State.

Darrisaw is in the concussion protocol and he may be able to return after missing a game or two, depending on when he responds and gets clearances from the medical staff.

While this seems disastrous for the 4-0 Vikings, the offense has yet to find itself this season. There has been little cohesiveness on the line, and while the injuries are clearly significant issues, there may be heightened awareness from the new group to raise the overall level of play.

Joe Huber took over Jackson’s spot against the Miami Dolphins and Ryan Van DeMark took over for Darrisaw.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell gave Huber some props for his play after he came in for Jackson. “Joe’s a good, young player that we’ve been really excited about since we first brought him on as an undrafted free agent last year,” O’Connell said, per the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “He’s been able to be versatile. I thought he had some really good snaps. He’s physical. He’s a smart player.”

Darrisaw is widely considered the Vikings’ best offensive lineman, but he tore his ACL in 2024 and played in just seven games that year. He was limited to 10 games last year and the Vikings have been hopeful of having him in the lineup for a full season.

Offensive woes have dogged Vikings

While the Vikings are sitting in first place in the NFC North with a 4-0 record, it is largely the result of excellent defensive play and key contributions from their special teams. The Vikings rank 31st in yards per game with an average of 262.8 yards, and that’s not good enough. Their inability to sustain any kind of offense until the fourth quarter nearly cost them the game against the Dolphins.

Miami is a winless team and the Dolphins had not registered a sack in any of their three previous games before meeting the Vikings. The Dolphins registered four of them against the Vikings, and that’s an indication of the team’s offensive troubles this year.

O’Connell will need his retooled offensive line to assert itself quickly or the Vikings’ winning ways will disappear quickly.

“So, they were very protection-conscious, I would say. If you go back and watch all the third downs, they are in split-back [formations], chipping both edges. When you rush four against seven, it is going to look like what it looks like, so I thought the guys rushed pretty well overall.”

An Answer To The Pressure

Minter was correct about Tennessee using heavier protection schemes to give Ward more time to throw. With roughly two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, tight end Gunnar Helm motioned into the backfield and ran a block-and-release route. The additional protection still did not prevent Nnamdi Madubuike from getting into the backfield. Madubuike used a swim move to beat his blocker and hit Ward as he delivered the pass, although Ward was able to complete it to Helm for five yards. The play still finished well short of the sticks on third-and-16.

There were also third-down snaps where Tennessee did not use extra protection, and Ward still had time to throw. In the third quarter, Baltimore rushed four against five blockers, but Ward was able to calmly work through the pocket. He stepped up, drifted left to avoid pressure, then reset and found Carnell Tate for a 12-yard gain and a first down. Baltimore’s pass rush was neutralized on the play, although Ward deserves credit for his patience and movement inside the pocket.

Ward was pressured on 34.3% of his dropbacks, according to NFL Pro, the highest rate among him, Jackson, and Huntley, giving Minter reason to feel encouraged about Baltimore’s pass rush. Tennessee’s protection adjustments helped prevent that pressure from turning into more sacks, but the Ravens still found ways to disrupt the young quarterback, who finished the game with -7.6 EPA. The sack total may not have reflected it, but Baltimore’s pass rush was more effective than the box score initially suggested.

Mark Andrews still commands most of the targets at tight end, but Hibner has given the Ravens a more explosive option after the catch when his number has been called this season.

Two Different Roles

This season, Andrews has remained a consistent pass catcher, but much of his production has come on shorter throws designed to keep the offense moving. According to NFL Savant, Andrews has a 23.5% target share, ranking in the 80th percentile. His average depth of target sits much lower at 7.2 yards, while he has generated only 1.8 yards after the catch per reception, placing him in the seventh percentile.

Hibner, on the other hand, has been the more explosive counterpart after the catch. His target share sits at just 6.8%, while his average depth of target is also low at five yards. However, he is averaging 9.3 yards after the catch per reception, which ranks in the 92nd percentile.

This gives the Ravens two different options for how they want to utilize the tight end position. Andrews can continue serving as the higher-volume underneath target, while Hibner can be given the ball in space and use his 250-pound frame to wreak havoc in the second level. It is still early in the season, and Hibner’s volume remains limited, but Baltimore may be developing a tight end partnership with two different skill sets.

Smith returns home when the Atlanta Falcons visit the Saints at Caesars Superdome, and the Falcons defensive tackle will have plenty of family and friends watching one of the most meaningful games of his NFL career.

That includes his mother.

There’s just one problem. She’s a longtime Saints fan. For at least one night, however, she’s changing sides.

Smith told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his mother will attend Monday’s game wearing his Falcons No. 92 jersey.

That’s a pretty significant sacrifice in one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries.

Maason Smith’s family calls him Tooka, and he still doesn’t know why. The first time in his life he had a daily training program? This offseason.

Smith is fascinating.

Now comes a bittersweet homecoming with a hard memory four years ago: “I grew up.”https://t.co/equoHC1iOH

— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) October 4, 2026

Maason Smith Makes Emotional Return To Superdome

The story goes much deeper than divided family loyalties. Smith grew up in Houma, Louisiana, roughly 45 miles southwest of New Orleans, and became one of the nation’s best high school football players.

He stayed close to home for college, signing with LSU and quickly emerging as a potential future NFL star. Then everything changed inside the same stadium he’ll enter Monday.

Smith tore his ACL during LSU’s 2022 season opener against Florida State at the Superdome.

He was only 18 years old.

Smith later described the injury as one of the biggest turning points of his career because it forced him to deal with significant adversity for the first time.

He recovered, returned to LSU and eventually became a second-round NFL Draft pick.

Atlanta acquired Smith from the Jacksonville Jaguars during the offseason, giving him another opportunity to establish himself.

Now he’s coming home.

Smith Will Have Plenty Of Support Monday Night

Smith reportedly secured between 20 and 30 tickets for family and friends. His mother will be among the Falcons supporters despite her Saints allegiance.

Even Smith’s grandmother, another lifelong Saints fan, is getting involved. She’ll watch from home with some newly acquired Falcons gear.

Smith enters Monday as a starter on Atlanta’s defensive line and has generated five quarterback pressures through his first three games with the Falcons.

A big performance would make the homecoming even sweeter. Four years ago, Smith left the Superdome on crutches with his football future suddenly uncertain.

Monday night, he’ll run onto the same field as an NFL starter.

And somewhere in the crowd will be a lifelong Saints fan proudly wearing No. 92.

Sometimes family beats football rivalries.

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Kansas City went on the road and endured a 60-minute battle to win. The win keeps them undefeated entering an early Week 5 bye week. All three phases contributed to the winning effort.

There were also plenty of great individual efforts to applaud in this game. Here’s a look at three winners and two losers from the Chiefs’ road win over the Raiders.

Winner: Kenneth Walker III

Walker has been a regular on the winners list this season and just turned in one of the best performances of his entire career. He finished Sunday’s game with 22 carries for 177 yards and two touchdowns. He scampered for a huge 76-yard run in the third quarter and scored both touchdowns in the fourth.

Through four games, Walker leads the NFL in rushing yards (537) and yards per carry (6.2). He’s been a revelation in Kansas City and a huge part of the team’s undefeated start.

Loser: Pass rush

It’s starting to sound like a broken record, as the pass rush once again finds itself as a loser. For the third straight week, the Chiefs failed to register a sack. They had numerous chances to bring down Kirk Cousins, but he eluded them every single time.

It’s becoming a major issue for this team. The lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks is hurting this secondary. They can’t hold up for four to five seconds every play. Almost no defense can. Steve Spagnuolo must find answers soon.

Winner: Special teams

The special teams were a major factor in the Chiefs getting this win over the Raiders. Matt Araiza was excellent, pinning all five of his punts inside the 20-yard line. He also ran for a first down on a well-executed fake punt. Harrison Butker was perfect on his kicks.

And late in the game, Jeffrey Bassa forced a fumble on a Raider kick return, leading directly to a Chiefs touchdown on the next play. That ended up being the winning score. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub has a lot to like about his unit following this effort.

Loser: Patrick Mahomes

Mahomes isn’t listed as a loser for his play in this game. He tossed two more touchdowns and looked good when he had time to throw. He’s listed here because, once again, he’s seeing weapons drop like flies around him.

Rashee Rice went out on the first drive of the game. It looks like he’ll miss time with a hamstring injury. And Tyquan Thornton is set to miss the rest of the regular season with a gruesome ankle injury after having a breakout game. Mahomes can’t seem to catch a break with his supporting cast.

Winner: Run defense

The Chiefs bottled up Ashton Jeanty in this game, holding him to just 58 yards on 15 carries. The Raiders as a whole only rushed for 72 yards, averaging a paltry 2.8 yards per carry. Kansas City controlled the line of scrimmage in the run game, and it paid big dividends.

The run defense has been great to start this season for Kansas City. JK Dobbins got nothing going for Denver. Jonathan Taylor scored twice, but finished with less than 100 yards on the ground. And Miami struggled to find a rhythm. It’s a promising start for the defense in that regard.

Despite receiving a smaller piece of the pie, Bateman still played well, catching both of his targets for 46 yards. Walker caught one of his two targets for 19 yards, suggesting the shift may have less to do with Bateman being phased out of the offense and more to do with Baltimore giving Walker a chance to prove himself.

A Known Commodity

Bateman has been in the league since 2021, but has not truly broken out as many Ravens fans have wanted. He has received plenty of opportunities to do so, but has never become more than a solid wide receiver three or four for Baltimore.

Bateman’s reduced workload does not mean he has lost his value to the offense. He has carved out a useful niche as a legitimate deep threat, particularly during his best statistical season in 2024. According to NFL Savant, Bateman ranked in the 92nd percentile in air yards per target that year.

The Ravens are using Walker in a similar, albeit more extreme, manner. The third-year receiver has only nine career receptions, but he is averaging a cartoonish 24.8 yards per catch. He has also ranked in the 100th percentile in air yards per target during each season of his career.  The sample size is about as small as it gets, but it still suggests Walker has the same kind of deep-ball ability that has helped Bateman carve out his role in Baltimore’s offense.

Both players fill similar roles, but Baltimore may have been interested in seeing what the younger wideout could do with more snaps. One game is not nearly enough to declare that Walker is breaking out or has passed Bateman on the depth chart, and this could prove to be a one-time experiment.  But it could also signal that Baltimore wants to get its explosive vertical specialist more involved in Declan Doyle’s offense moving forward.

Now they’re watching something that would have seemed almost impossible not long ago.

The White Sox entered Monday’s Game 2 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians two victories away from reaching the American League Championship Series.

Yes, those White Sox.

Only two years ago, Chicago lost an MLB-record 121 games during one of the most miserable seasons in franchise history. The White Sox finished 41-121, endured a 21-game losing streak and left fans wondering just how long the rebuilding process might take.

It turns out they didn’t have to wait nearly as long as expected.

Chicago has suddenly become one of baseball’s best stories.

Kay on the mound for Game 2 🫡 pic.twitter.com/tsyeZle1G1

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) October 4, 2026

White Sox Complete Stunning Transformation

This isn’t simply a team that snuck into October and hoped for the best.

The White Sox entered Monday having won their first three postseason games. They swept the Houston Astros in the Wild Card series and then walked into Cleveland and defeated the AL Central champion Guardians 3-0 in Game 1 of the ALDS.

Munetaka Murakami provided the biggest swing Saturday with a mammoth 440-foot, two-run homer.

Chicago’s pitching did the rest.

Five White Sox pitchers combined on a three-hit shutout, putting Chicago in position to take complete control of the best-of-five series Monday.

The turnaround is difficult to comprehend. Two years ago, the White Sox were historically bad.

Now they’re playing October baseball with confidence.

Chicago Is Waiting For Its October Homecoming

Perhaps the best part is still coming. The White Sox haven’t even played a home postseason game yet.

Chicago’s wild card sweep came in Houston before the ALDS opened with two games in Cleveland.

Game 3 finally brings the White Sox home Wednesday. Imagine the atmosphere if they arrive with another win.

White Sox fans stuck with a franchise that gave them very little reason for optimism during a historically difficult 2024 season.

Now the same fan base is preparing to welcome home a team with legitimate championship dreams.

Baseball rebuilds aren’t supposed to happen this quickly. Maybe that’s what makes this run so much fun.

The White Sox aren’t merely back in October. For the first time in a long time, their fans have every reason to believe something special could actually happen.

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They got exactly that in his Cowboys debut.

Acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers just four days before Sunday’s matchup with the Houston Texans, Porter immediately showed why Dallas believed he could help fix its secondary. He played 24 of 52 defensive snaps and wasn’t credited with allowing a reception. C.J. Stroud targeted Porter only once on 19 pass-coverage snaps, according to Next Gen Stats.

Considering Porter had yet to play a game this season because of a back injury, it was an encouraging first showing.

Houston had little interest in trying Porter

The most telling part of Porter’s debut may have been what didn’t happen.

Stroud didn’t consistently challenge him, allowing Porter to stay out of trouble while he adjusted to Dallas’ defensive scheme. That doesn’t mean Porter shut down the Texans’ passing attack. Houston still threw for 335 yards but it does suggest the new Cowboy wasn’t an obvious weakness for the quarterback to attack.

That’s significant for a Dallas secondary that has dealt with injuries and inconsistency early in the season.

Porter’s presence could eventually give defensive coordinator Christian Parker more flexibility with how he deploys his defensive backs. Instead of constantly having to provide help to one side of the field, Dallas may eventually be able to trust Porter to handle his matchup and use its safeties elsewhere.

For a team trying to build a more reliable defense, that’s potentially a major development.

Porter had help while learning the defense

There was one obvious limitation to Porter’s debut: He barely had time to learn the Cowboys’ defense.

Porter acknowledged that communication with Malik Hooker and Caleb Downs was critical throughout the week. The two safeties helped him understand the calls and made sure he was in the right position once the game began.

“Communication, that’s the biggest thing. Communication,” Porter said.

That also explains why Dallas didn’t immediately give Porter a full workload. He was learning a new system on the fly, and the Cowboys didn’t need to put him in a position to make unnecessary mistakes.

Porter said he felt comfortable with the calls when he was on the field, crediting Downs and Hooker for helping him throughout the game.

That’s an important starting point. Now, instead of learning the defense almost entirely through walkthroughs and conversations, Porter can begin building familiarity through actual practice reps.

Cowboys could get even more from Porter soon

Porter’s debut was encouraging, but his biggest impact could still be ahead.

Dallas allowed 397 total yards against Houston and had plenty of defensive issues to clean up. The Cowboys ultimately made the stops they needed late, but the secondary will have to become more consistent if Dallas wants to build on its 34-30 victory.

That’s where Porter’s development becomes particularly interesting.

He’ll have a short turnaround before Thursday night’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he’ll enter the week with a game under his belt and a better understanding of what Dallas expects from him.

Porter also made it clear that he isn’t interested in simply being a depth piece.

“I’m a dog at the end of the day, and I want to be out there with the guys,” Porter said. “So I have to prove why they got me here, and I feel like I did that today.”

If Sunday’s debut is any indication, the Cowboys may have found another legitimate piece for their defense. And as Porter becomes more comfortable in Parker’s scheme, Dallas could eventually see much more than the 24 snaps it received from him in Houston.

“There’s nothing like winning,” Prescott said after the game. “I want to say it fixes all the problems, but it doesn’t. It makes you feel good at least for a day or so. But at this point, we got to turn the page and get ready for Thursday.” He was blunter about what he doesn’t want to see next. “We can’t sit here and have some winning hangover so early in the season,” he said.

Prescott wants the Cowboys to stack wins

The Cowboys’ previous game explains the tone. Dallas lost 34-31 to the Ravens after a late trip to the 2-yard line ended with a tying field goal, and Baltimore won it with a 56-yard kick on the final play. Prescott said he was embarrassed, and he brought that finish up again Sunday. “I know how and what we’re capable of doing, and when we didn’t do it last week, down in the red zone, plenty of time and opportunities and we don’t get it done, we settle for a field goal, we put our defense in a terrible situation by our lack of execution,” he said.

Sunday’s ending went the other way. Houston took a 30-27 lead with 2:23 to play, and Prescott answered with an 11-play, 74-yard drive that took 1:43. It was the 27th game-winning drive of his career. He completed 32 of 45 passes for 335 yards, and Lamb caught 17 of them for 189 yards, one short of Jason Witten’s team record.

Dallas has a lot to clean up on a short week. The Cowboys trailed 16-6 at halftime, and the defense allowed 397 yards and 30 points, with C.J. Stroud throwing for 347 yards. The Buccaneers, who fell to 0-4 on Sunday, visit AT&T Stadium on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET. “So now it’s about stacking these wins with great momentum and just belief in the team that we’ve created,” Prescott said.

Kelce made his NFL Network game booth debut Sunday during the Indianapolis Colts’ 30-13 victory over the Washington Commanders in London, joining play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner for the international broadcast.

It didn’t take long for the former Philadelphia Eagles center to make an impression.

Kelce brought his usual combination of football knowledge, humor and personality to the broadcast, and the reviews following his first game assignment were overwhelmingly positive.

Awful Announcing went as far as to say Kelce “stole the show.”

Jason Kelce stole the show in his NFL Network booth debut alongside Dave Pasch and Kurt Warner during the Colts-Commanders game in London. https://t.co/zZWfgVwEoj

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 5, 2026

Jason Kelce Earns Praise During NFL Network Debut

Kelce certainly isn’t new to television. The seven-time Pro Bowl center joined ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” after retiring following the 2023 season and has become one of the network’s most prominent NFL personalities.

Calling a game is different.

Instead of reacting to highlights in a studio, Kelce had to analyze plays as they happened while finding openings to contribute alongside Pasch and Warner. He appeared comfortable immediately.

Kelce provided insight from an offensive lineman’s perspective, something viewers don’t always receive during NFL broadcasts dominated by former quarterbacks and coaches.

He also didn’t lose the personality that has helped make him one of football’s most popular media figures.

One of Sunday’s funniest exchanges came when Pasch referenced the “tush push,” the play Kelce helped make famous during his time in Philadelphia.

Kelce jokingly pushed back on the name before explaining some of the mechanics involved. It was exactly the type of combination that could make Kelce valuable in a game booth: legitimate football expertise delivered without making the broadcast feel overly technical.

Kelce Continues Impressive Post-NFL Career

Kelce retired after 13 seasons with Philadelphia, leaving football as a Super Bowl champion, six-time first-team All-Pro and one of the best centers of his generation. His personality has only become more visible since then.

Kelce hosts the enormously popular “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, in addition to his work with ESPN.

Sunday provided another glimpse at what his broadcasting future could eventually look like.

One game isn’t enough to determine whether Kelce wants to make calling games a regular part of his career.

His debut certainly didn’t hurt his chances.

The reviews are in. Jason Kelce looked right at home in the booth.

Related: ‘Hypocrisy at The Highest Level’: Jason Kelce Calls Out NFL Over Kyle Juszczyk Decision

Related: Chiefs Announces Jason Kelce News Amid NFL Training Camp

First losses bring out big conclusions. Here are four of them, with a look at how well each holds up.

Josh Allen’s interceptions

The overreaction is that Allen is pressing and the mistakes are back for good. He has three interceptions in two games, and the last one ended Sunday’s game when a field goal would have tied it. He admitted he should have thrown it away.

He also leads the NFL with 13 total touchdowns and ranks third in yards per attempt, according to ESPN. On Sunday he broke the franchise record for touchdowns from scrimmage. Two bad weeks with the ball is a problem to fix, and it is a small sample.

Joe Brady’s play-calling

The overreaction is that the head coaching job is pulling Brady away from what made the offense work. Dalton Kincaid had two targets, James Cook had 12 carries and Brady said afterward, “I gotta be better.” He also said he needed a better play call on the final possession.

The Bills still lead the league at 31.8 points per game and rank second on third down. Cook averaged 6.3 yards on the carries he got, which says the plan needed more of him. Brady already said as much about Kincaid.

The Bills defense

The overreaction is that this defense will sink the season. This one has the most truth in it. Buffalo has allowed 107 points in four games and ranks 25th in points allowed and 28th in yards allowed, according to ESPN. It just gave up 405 yards to a 12-point offense.

The context is health. Christian Benford sat out with a toe injury, T.J. Sanders was out, and Ed Oliver and Dee Alford left in the third quarter. The same group held the Chargers to 16 points a week earlier. How it looks depends heavily on who is available against the Rams.

The AFC East race

The overreaction is that New England has caught Buffalo. “It gets us back in the race,” Mike Vrabel said afterward, and the Patriots did win the first meeting.

The Bills are still 3-1 and a game up on the 2-2 Patriots, with the Jets at 1-3 and the Dolphins at 0-4. They have outscored opponents by 20 points while New England has been outscored by 12. Maye also turned the ball over twice Sunday. One three-point loss narrowed the gap without closing it.

Finding Workarounds To Third-Down Struggles

Over the past two games, Baltimore has gone just 5-for-19 on third down. One way the Ravens have compensated for those struggles is by creating enough explosive plays to avoid third down altogether.

Jackson was dominant against Tennessee before leaving the game, completing 15 of 20 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns while posting a 144.2 passer rating. Third-down efficiency matters far less when an offense is consistently carving up a defense and moving the chains before ever reaching that situation.

However, that sort of brute-force approach has its limits. Once Tyler Huntley entered the game, Baltimore was no longer generating explosive plays at the same rate and leaned more heavily on Derrick Henry to drain the clock. That made the Ravens’ struggles on third down more noticeable as drives began to stall. Granted, it would be unfair to expect Huntley to fill Jackson’s shoes. Still, the second half showed how heavily Baltimore relies on its superstar quarterback to keep the offense ahead of schedule and prevent third down from becoming a major factor.

The Ravens still won at the end of the day, but it is worth wondering how the offense will respond against better defenses that are capable of forcing more third-down situations. Baltimore’s explosive ability has helped mask the issue so far, but improving in those situations could become important as the season progresses.

On a day when Kansas City needed some big performances, several players stepped up to deliver them. Each unit had multiple guys deliver key plays to help the Chiefs get out of Vegas with a win. The initial Pro Football Focus grades broke down which players were the true standouts. Here’s a look at the five highest-graded Chiefs from PFF’s initial Week 4 grades.

Tyquan Thornton (90.0)

Thornton had a huge game before things quickly turned sour. He finished the day with five receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Patrick Mahomes connected on multiple deep balls with the speedy Thornton, showcasing a nice connection between the two.

Unfortunately for Thornton, he had to exit the game in the fourth quarter with a gruesome ankle injury. Andy Reid said after the game that “it didn’t look good” for Thornton, but he’ll fly back to Kansas City with the team and be re-evaluated. He would be a crucial loss for the Chiefs if it turns out to be a season-ending situation.

Creed Humphrey (86.1)

Pro Football Focus loved Humphrey’s performance on Sunday, handing him the fourth-highest initial grade of any player from the game. The Chiefs All-Pro center was a key factor in the run game, helping his team run for 189 yards in the win. He also helped limit the Raiders to just two sacks on the afternoon.

Fans have come to expect games like this from Humphrey, who continues to play like one of the best centers in football. The Chiefs have a good crop of young, talented offensive linemen to play with.

Trey Smith (81.4)

Just like Humphrey, Smith turned in a stellar performance along the offensive line. He was also a huge part of the run game success for Kenneth Walker III. One of the biggest plays of the game was Walker’s 76-yard run in the third quarter. That run happened because Smith cleared a big hole on the right side of the line.

The Chiefs deserve a lot of credit for their ability to draft and develop offensive linemen in recent years. Smith, a former sixth-round pick, is a prime example of it. He’s been excellent during his time in Kansas City.

Kahlil Benson (79.5)

Benson was the third Chiefs offensive lineman ranked near the top of PFF’s initial grades. The undrafted left tackle has been a revelation this season and turned in another strong game on Sunday. He protected Mahomes’ blindside well and was carving open run lanes for Walker.

The former Indiana Hoosier has come out of nowhere to play a huge role for the Chiefs offense this season. Even when Josh Simmons gets healthy, there shouldn’t be a change at left tackle. Benson has earned the right to keep starting for this offensive line.

George Karlaftis (78.9)

For the third straight week, the Chiefs failed to register a sack. But the pass rush showed signs of life in this game. Karlaftis was at the center of that. He played 74 snaps, registering five total tackles, a tackle for loss, a pass defense, and an astounding six quarterback hits.

While it was disappointing to see the Chiefs not get home in this game, the pass rush looked a lot better. Karlaftis is still searching for his first sack of the 2026 campaign. If he plays as he did on Sunday going forward, it won’t take him very long to find it.

It wasn’t a picture-perfect performance, but there was a ton to like from Andy Reid’s team in this one. They made the big plays down the stretch to secure the win and claim sole possession of first place in the AFC West. Here’s a look at three good things for the Chiefs in the win, and two things that need improvement.

3 Good Things

Kenneth Walker III: It was another incredible game for Walker on Sunday. He finished the afternoon with 22 carries for 177 yards and two touchdowns. He came alive in the second half, ripping off a 76-yard run at the end of the third quarter. He scored a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Walker continues to be an absolute game-changer for Kansas City’s offense.

Special teams: Dave Toub’s unit has been the recipient of a lot of scrutiny in recent years. They came up clutch in this win. Matt Araiza was booming punts all game, pinning the Raiders deep on multiple occasions. He even picked up a first down on a fake punt early on. Jeffrey Bassa forced a fumble on a late Raiders kick return, leading to a Walker score. And Harrison Butker nailed all of his kicks. There was a lot to like from this group on Sunday.

Run defense: The Chiefs lived in the Vegas backfield all day, completely shutting down Ashton Jeanty in the process. Jeanty finished with 15 carries for just 58 yards. The Raiders finished with 26 team carries for 72 yards, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry. This was a strong effort from the defensive line and linebackers in run support.

2 Not-so-Good Things

Wide receiver injuries: It was a brutal day on the injury front for the Chiefs’ wide receivers. Rashee Rice pulled up with a hamstring injury on the first drive of the game. He didn’t return. Then, in the fourth quarter, Tyquan Thornton got rolled up on after a big catch. It didn’t look good at all. Thornton had five catches for 111 yards and two scores before the injury. Kansas City may be in the market for a new wide receiver.

Tight ends: The Chiefs duo of Travis Kelce and Noah Gray combined for four receptions and 32 yards. The Raiders duo of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer combined for 14 receptions and 168 yards. Steve Spagnuolo’s defense got burned by the tight ends all game. They had no answer for them. Kansas City will need to find an adjustment to the tight ends going forward.

It was an impressive comeback after Dallas trailed 16-6 at halftime, but the Cowboys still had plenty of areas that need improvement. Here are two winners and two losers from Dallas’ Week 4 victory.

Winner: CeeDee Lamb

It is difficult to put together a better performance than the one Lamb delivered Sunday.

The Cowboys’ star receiver caught a career-high 17 passes for 189 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown with 40 seconds remaining. His 12-yard touchdown reception capped an 11-play, 74-yard drive after Houston had taken a 30-27 lead.

Lamb consistently gave Dak Prescott a reliable option throughout the afternoon, especially when Dallas desperately needed to move the football.

The 17 receptions were also tied for the fourth-most in a single game in NFL history.

After questions surrounding Lamb’s production entering the season, Sunday’s performance served as another reminder that he remains one of the Cowboys’ most important players.

Winner: Javonte Williams

Williams gave Dallas exactly what it needed from its running game.

The veteran running back scored three touchdowns, with all three coming in the second half. He finished with 62 rushing yards on 19 carries, but his ability to finish drives was arguably more important than his yardage total.

Williams’ first touchdown cut Houston’s lead to 16-13. His second made it a three-point game once again but his third gave Dallas its first lead of the afternoon at 27-23.

Dallas needed a spark after scoring only six points in the first half and struggled to move the football against a tough Texans defense, and Williams answered the call.

Loser: Cowboys’ pass defense

While Dallas ultimately came away with the victory, its defense still left plenty to be desired.

Houston’s offense consistently found ways to move the football, finishing with 397 total yards. C.J. Stroud threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns, while Nico Collins returned from injury and immediately made an impact, along with contributing performances from Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson. 

The Cowboys’ defense improved after halftime, but there were still too many opportunities given to Houston’s offense.

Dallas cannot expect its offense to erase double-digit deficits every week. If the Cowboys want to build on this win, the defense needs to become more consistent from the opening whistle.

Loser: DaRon Bland

It was a difficult afternoon for DaRon Bland.

With Nico Collins returning from a two-game absence, Houston quickly identified Bland as a matchup it wanted to attack. Collins finished with seven catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns, including a 45-yard reception on Houston’s opening play and a 7-yard touchdown on the same drive.

Bland was also beaten for a 52-yard completion to Jaylin Noel earlier in the game, adding to a difficult afternoon for Dallas’ secondary.

The Cowboys ultimately found a way to overcome those coverage issues, but Bland’s performance is something the coaching staff will need to address. Dallas recently acquired Joey Porter Jr. in part to strengthen a secondary that has dealt with injuries, and Porter could eventually take on more responsibility against opposing No. 1 receivers as he learns the playbook more. 

Bland remains an important piece of the Cowboys’ defense, but Sunday was a reminder that Dallas needs better play from its veteran cornerback moving forward.

Buffalo fell to the New England Patriots 29-26 on Sunday, dropping to 3-1 on the season after the Patriots rallied late at Highmark Stadium. The Bills had multiple opportunities to close out the game, but mistakes on both sides of the ball ultimately proved costly.

Here are three takeaways from Buffalo’s first loss of the 2026 season.

Josh Allen’s late mistake proves costly

Josh Allen was playing well enough for the Bills to win, but his final mistake ultimately decided the game.

Allen completed 22 of 33 passes for 253 yards with a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown, but his interception late in the fourth quarter gave New England the opportunity to run out the clock.

With Buffalo trailing 29-26, Allen tried to escape pressure and threw a desperation pass into coverage. Patriots safety Craig Woodson came down with the interception, effectively ending Buffalo’s comeback hopes.

It was a frustrating ending for Allen, especially after he had helped Buffalo take a 26-21 lead with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Keon Coleman.

Allen doesn’t need to be perfect for the Bills to win, but Buffalo can’t afford turnovers in critical moments against quality opponents.

Buffalo’s secondary has become a major concern

The Bills’ defense forced turnovers, but it struggled to consistently contain Drake Maye and the Patriots’ passing game.

Maye finished with 323 total yards and three touchdowns while repeatedly escaping pressure and making plays with his legs. Romeo Doubs was particularly effective, catching six passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns.

Buffalo was already without starting cornerback Christian Benford because of injury. Then Dee Alford left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, forcing the Bills to make another adjustment in the secondary.

Maxwell Hairston also struggled in coverage, particularly against Doubs.

The injuries are becoming a significant issue for Buffalo. If Benford and Alford miss extended time, the Bills could be forced to rely heavily on young players while searching for additional help at cornerback.

Keon Coleman gives Buffalo a reason for optimism

The biggest positive from Sunday’s loss was the emergence of Keon Coleman.

With DJ Moore leaving the game because of injury, Coleman stepped into a larger role and delivered his best performance of the season.

Coleman finished with six receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown, including a spectacular 34-yard touchdown reception that temporarily gave Buffalo a 26-21 lead in the fourth quarter.

Coleman’s performance could be especially important moving forward if Moore’s injury forces him to take on more responsibility.

The Bills still have plenty of talent on offense, but Coleman showing he can become a consistent difference-maker gives Josh Allen another weapon.

Buffalo’s loss exposed some issues that weren’t as noticeable during its 3-0 start. At 3-1, the Bills remain one of the AFC’s top teams, but Sunday’s defeat showed they have work to do before their next challenge.

They got one Sunday but it certainly wasn’t easy.

Dallas erased a 16-6 halftime deficit before falling behind again late, ultimately rallying for a 34-30 victory over the Houston Texans. Dak Prescott found CeeDee Lamb for the game-winning 12-yard touchdown with 40 seconds remaining, moving the Cowboys to 2-2 on the season.

Here are three of the biggest takeaways from Dallas’ wild Week 4 victory.

CeeDee Lamb is still the Cowboys’ difference maker

At this point, it is difficult to overstate how important Lamb is to Dallas’ offense.

The star receiver delivered one of the best performances of his career Sunday, catching 17 passes for 189 yards and the game-winning touchdown. His 17 receptions were a career high, and he consistently gave Prescott a reliable target whenever the Cowboys needed to move the football.

Lamb saved his biggest play for the biggest moment.

After Houston reclaimed a 30-27 lead with just over two minutes remaining, Prescott led an 11-play, 74-yard drive. The quarterback eventually went back to Lamb, who hauled in the 12-yard touchdown with 40 seconds left.

Dallas has plenty of offensive weapons, but when the game is on the line, Lamb remains the player the Cowboys can trust to make something happen.

Javonte Williams is becoming a major part of the offense

Lamb wasn’t the only Cowboy who took over after halftime.

Running back Javonte Williams scored three touchdowns, with all three coming in the second half. His production gave Dallas the balance it needed after the offense managed only six points before halftime.

Williams finished with 19 carries for 62 yards, but his impact went beyond his rushing total. Dallas repeatedly trusted him around the goal line, and he delivered every time.

The Cowboys scored 28 second-half points after struggling to generate much offensively in the opening two quarters. That type of second-half adjustment is encouraging for a Dallas team that has shown flashes of explosiveness but has struggled to maintain consistency.

If Williams continues to provide a reliable presence in the running game and red zone, it could make life considerably easier for Prescott and Lamb.

 Dallas finally finished a close game

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is simply that the Cowboys found a way to win when everything was on the line.

Just one week after blowing a late opportunity against Baltimore, Dallas faced another pressure-packed situation Sunday. Houston took a 30-27 lead with roughly two and a half minutes remaining, putting the Cowboys in a familiar position.

This time, Dallas responded.

Prescott orchestrated the decisive drive, Lamb delivered the winning catch and the defense held on to prevent Houston from answering.

The Cowboys still have plenty to clean up. Houston gained 397 yards, and Dallas struggled badly during portions of the first half. But the response matters.

Dallas is now 2-2, and Sunday’s comeback could give the Cowboys something they desperately needed after the Ravens loss. They needed proof that they can make the critical plays late and actually finish the job.

The Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) and Las Vegas Raiders (3-0) will battle at Allegiant Stadium this afternoon. The winner will remain undefeated and have the upper hand in the fight for the division. It’s a huge game for both teams.

Entering the day, the Chiefs were relatively healthy. Only one player missed practice on Friday: tackle Josh Simmons. He was ruled out for this game before the Chiefs even left for Las Vegas. Simmons has missed the first four games of the season with a back injury suffered in training camp.

He is joined by five other Chiefs on Kansas City’s Week 4 inactives list.

Chiefs Week 4 Inactives List

• QB Garrett Nussmeier (Emergency 3rd Quarterback)
• OL Josh Simmons
• OL Diego Pounds
• TE Jared Wiley
• DE Jack Pyburn
• DB Jadon Canady

After missing the first three games of the season, the Chiefs will be getting safety Chamarri Conner back on Sunday. The 26-year-old had a career-high 117 total tackles last season. He has four interceptions, three sacks, and three forced fumbles in his NFL career. Conner is a big piece of Steve Spagnuolo’s defense who is returning at the perfect time.

After being limited early in the week, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is also active. For the first time all year, the Chiefs will have their full complement of defensive backs to work with. They’ll need them to play big to slow down a surging Raiders offense.

The Chiefs and Raiders will kick off at 3:25 p.m. CST. The game can be seen on CBS.

Nadal made it clear that coaching is not part of his immediate plans. However, rather than ruling it out altogether, the Spaniard acknowledged that his priorities could change in the years ahead.

Rafael Nadal Explains Why Coaching Is Not on His Radar Right Now

Nadal’s current life is very different from the one he had during more than two decades on the ATP Tour. With two young children and several responsibilities away from tennis, the former World No. 1 does not believe he can currently give a professional player the commitment required from a top-level coach.

“To be a coach? Never say never. But, I have two young children. I have many other things in my life today that occupy me on a daily basis,” Nadal said.

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The Spaniard also knows exactly what the job would demand. Coaching a professional player would mean dedicating himself to that player’s career, including the extensive travel that comes with life on the ATP Tour.

Nadal spent more than 20 years traveling around the world as a player, and stepping into coaching could put him right back into a lifestyle he is now trying to leave behind.

“So I don’t think that my current life allows me to be or imagine being a coach in the way that it requires to be a good coach and dedicate yourself professionally to serving a professional player as they deserve,” he added.

That does not mean Nadal has completely ruled out the possibility.

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Nadal Leaves Coaching Door Open for the Future

While coaching a professional player is not on Nadal’s immediate agenda, he refused to put a permanent end date on the possibility.

“So, it’s not in my head at all right now. I don’t know in five years from now what might happen.”

That leaves Nadal’s coaching future open, even if there is no indication that he plans to join a player’s team anytime soon.

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For now, the Spaniard remains closely connected to the sport through the Rafa Nadal Academy. Nadal said he is always willing to offer guidance to the young players there when they need his help.

“In the end, I am here to give support to the boys and girls of the academy when they need it. I’m always open to being able to give a hand to whoever asks me to.”

Nadal’s comments came during the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam, which marked the academy’s 10th anniversary and brought the Spaniard back onto the court for an exhibition event in Manacor.

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Team Rafa, featuring Nadal alongside Carlos Moyà, David Ferrer and Richard Gasquet, defeated Team Andy Murray 4-3 in the unique doubles tiebreak format. Murray’s side featured Marat Safin, Dominic Thiem and Fabio Fognini alongside the former World No. 1.

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The Colts won 30-13 on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to get back to 2-2. Washington lost Marcus Mariota to a knee injury in the first quarter and played the rest of the way with seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, so the margin flatters Indianapolis a little. Here is who helped themselves and who did not.

Winners from the Colts’ win over the Commanders

Jonathan Taylor

Washington came in allowing the third-fewest rushing yards in the NFL, and Taylor still scored two 5-yard touchdowns and ran for 40 yards on the fourth-quarter drive that put the game away. His first score was his fifth outside the United States, the most in international games in league history, according to the Colts. He has six rushing touchdowns in four games, and right now he is the Indianapolis offense.

Spencer Shrader

A week after he beat Houston with four field goals on an injured groin, Shrader hit from 48, 52 and 44 yards in London and still has not missed a field goal this season. The 48-yarder closed a first half in which the offense averaged 3.4 yards per play, and the 52-yarder answered Washington’s only touchdown. On a day when the passing game produced 143 yards, those nine points were the cushion.

Jaylon Carlies

The third-year linebacker picked off Kaliakmanis on third-and-17 to open the second half, the first interception of his career, and Taylor was in the end zone moments later for a 17-6 lead. Lou Anarumo’s defense finished with 11 quarterback hits, 10 passes defensed and three fourth-down stops. The Carlies takeaway was the play that changed the game.

Losers from the Colts’ win over the Commanders

Daniel Jones

Jones ran for a 4-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and that was the best thing he did all day. He went 19 of 34 for 143 yards with no touchdown passes, lost a fumble on the second play from scrimmage and threw an interception to Rasul Douglas that CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles called a “truly awful throw.”

That is seven turnovers in four games. The Colts were missing Keenan Allen and Alec Pierce, but Jones has given the ball away in every game this season, and beating a third-string quarterback does nothing to fix that.

Dan Quinn

Washington’s coach was down to his third quarterback, and nobody will hold the final score against him for that. The lack of discipline is on him. The Commanders were flagged 10 times for 84 yards against one Colts penalty, an Amik Robertson personal foul turned a third-and-14 stop into Taylor’s first touchdown, and an 87-yard Kaliakmanis touchdown pass came back on a penalty. A failed fourth down inside Washington territory handed Indianapolis a short field as well.

The Colts did not get out clean, either. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann left in the second half and was replaced by Luke Tenuta, and his status will matter next Sunday at Pittsburgh, where the Steelers have had extra rest since their 27-24 loss to Cleveland on Thursday night.

While the conditions could have made life uncomfortable for both teams, Skubal had a much hotter experience to draw from. The left-hander showed little concern about the weather after helping Los Angeles secure a 5-3 victory and take an early lead in the best-of-five series.

When asked about the extreme temperatures, Skubal offered a response that quickly stood out. His comparison to a childhood baseball tournament made the October heat sound almost pleasant.

This 101-degree temperature was nothing, Tarik Skubal said.
He once pitched in 127-degree heat in Lake Havasu, back in Little League.
This was higher stakes, though, he noted.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 3, 2026

“Man, I played in a tournament in Lake Havasu when I was 11. It was 127 degrees. Today was nothing,” Skubal said.

That experience apparently set a high bar for what the pitcher considers uncomfortable weather. Lake Havasu’s notorious summer heat provided a memorable benchmark, and Saturday’s conditions at Dodger Stadium did not come close to matching it.

Skubal’s performance backed up his relaxed response. He worked six innings, allowing two hits and one earned run while recording seven strikeouts and two walks. He needed 94 pitches, including 64 strikes, to keep Atlanta’s lineup under control.

The outing also gave the Dodgers a strong start to a series in which every inning could carry significant weight. Los Angeles has dealt with rotation injuries, making dependable work from its top starters especially valuable in October.

The Dodgers will look to build on their opening win in Game 2, with the Braves needing a response to avoid falling further behind. Skubal has already made his mark on the series, and his comments offered a glimpse of the confidence behind his performance.

For a pitcher who once played baseball in 127-degree heat, Saturday’s 101-degree afternoon was apparently just another day at the ballpark.

ALSO SEE: MLB Playoff Betting: Best Wild Card Round Predictions for Thursday, Oct. 1

Zone Defense Will Test Ward’s Patience

According to Sharp Football Analysis, the Ravens play zone coverage 75.5% of the time. Ward has struggled in general this season, but he seems particularly bothered by zone coverage. The young quarterback sports an 80.9 passer rating against zone defenses, according to PlayerProfiler.

To Ward’s credit, there have still been flashes of the player who convinced Tennessee to select him first overall last season. He has performed well under pressure, ranking seventh among quarterbacks in completion percentage when pressured, while also completing a respectable 67% of his passes against zone coverage.

The issues have come when Ward has a clean pocket and more time to process the defense. He ranks just 30th among quarterbacks in clean-pocket completion percentage.

Part of that could simply be the growing pains of a young quarterback adjusting to the more complex coverages he sees in the NFL. When Ward is pressured and forced to make quicker decisions, his natural arm talent and instincts can take over. Give him more time, however, and defenses have an opportunity to disguise their intentions and force him to work through more complicated reads.

Regardless of the reasoning, Baltimore may not need to rely on traditional pressure to make him uncomfortable. The Ravens rank eighth in blitz rate this season, and Tennessee has not been particularly strong at keeping pressure away, so that avenue will still be available, but they may be better served leaning on their preferred zone coverages and forcing Ward to consistently read the field from the pocket. That could be more effective than flushing him outside and allowing his improvisational ability to take over, which has been one of the stronger parts of his game so far.

With injuries continuing to affect the secondary, Dallas elevated safety Juanyeh Thomas and cornerback Reddy Steward from the practice squad to the active roster for Week 4. The moves give the Cowboys additional depth as they prepare for a Texans offense that could have star wide receiver Nico Collins back in the lineup.

Cowboys bring back Juanyeh Thomas

Thomas’ elevation comes just days after he rejoined the Cowboys’ practice squad.

Dallas originally signed Thomas to the practice squad this week after the team placed safety Jalen Thompson on injured reserve and continued dealing with injuries at the position. Now, he could be called upon against Houston.

Thomas spent his first three NFL seasons with Dallas after entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech. He appeared in 36 games for the Cowboys, recording 62 tackles, five passes defensed and one forced fumble.

His experience in Dallas’ system should help him get acclimated quickly, while his special-teams ability gives the Cowboys another reason to have him active.

The timing is particularly important because Dallas’ safety depth has been tested throughout the first three weeks of the season.

Reddy Steward gets another opportunity

Steward will also be active for the second consecutive week.

The second-year cornerback was elevated last week against the Baltimore Ravens after Cobie Durant was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Durant remains unavailable for Sunday’s game against Houston, leaving Dallas in need of additional depth at cornerback.

Steward has already shown that he can contribute to the Cowboys’ defense and will have another opportunity to do so against the Texans.

His presence is especially valuable with Dallas attempting to navigate a crowded injury report at cornerback. The Cowboys are expected to get Shavon Revel Jr. back after he practiced fully Friday and carries no game designation, but the team still needs enough depth behind its starters.

Secondary depth could be critical against Houston

The Cowboys’ decision to elevate both defensive backs shows just how important depth has become for this defense.

Dallas should get Malik Hooker and Revel back, while newly acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is also set to make his Cowboys debut against Houston. Porter gives the defense another significant talent on the outside, but Dallas is still making sure it has enough players available to handle different packages and special-teams responsibilities.

That depth could be put to the test against a Houston offense with plenty of playmakers. If the Cowboys want to leave Houston with their second win of the season, they will need their defense to hold up and that could require contributions from players who weren’t even on the active roster a week ago.

For Thomas and Steward, Sunday represents an opportunity to show they can be trusted when their number is called. For Dallas, their presence provides some much-needed insurance in a secondary that has already endured its share of injuries this season.

Buffalo agreed to a two-year contract extension with linebacker Joe Andreessen on Saturday, keeping the Western New York native with the team through the 2028 season. The deal is reportedly worth $5 million with $3 million guaranteed.

For Andreessen, the new contract is another chapter in one of the more unique stories on Buffalo’s roster.

Buffalo Joe is staying home

Andreessen’s journey to a second contract with the Bills is anything but typical.

The 26-year-old joined Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 2024 after earning a spot through the team’s rookie minicamp. The Lancaster native attended Lancaster High School before finishing his college career at the University at Buffalo.

Three seasons later, he’s established himself as one of the Bills’ most important special teams players.

Andreessen has appeared in 33 games for Buffalo, making three starts while recording 34 tackles and three tackles for loss. He’s also accumulated 32 special teams tackles during his career.

The special teams production has been particularly impressive. Andreessen led Buffalo with 21 special teams tackles in 2025, finishing tied for fourth in the NFL. Through three games this season, he already has five special teams tackles, tied for fifth in the league.

Now, the Bills have rewarded him with some long-term security.

Andreessen provides more than special team value

While Andreessen has made his name on special teams, his value extends beyond that role.

The linebacker has also become reliable depth behind Buffalo’s starting inside linebackers and gives the coaching staff another option when injuries force players into larger roles.

That versatility is part of what makes the contract appealing for Buffalo.

According to Sports Illustrated, Andreessen was originally set to become a restricted free agent after the 2026 season. By extending him now, the Bills avoid having to deal with that situation next offseason while retaining a player who has already proven himself within their system.

The reported $5 million deal, including $3 million guaranteed, also gives Buffalo another relatively inexpensive piece of its linebacker and special teams units.

For a team with plenty of important contracts to navigate in the coming years, that kind of cost-controlled depth can be valuable.

Bills reward player who earned it

The extension is ultimately a reflection of how far Andreessen has come.

He wasn’t a highly touted draft pick or a player guaranteed a roster spot. Instead, he earned his opportunity, carved out a role on special teams and continued improving until Buffalo decided he was worth keeping beyond his original contract.

Now he’ll get to continue doing it in his hometown.

Andreessen’s extension also provides the Bills with stability at a position where depth remains important. He’s not expected to suddenly become the centerpiece of Buffalo’s defense, but the Bills know exactly what they’re getting from him.

For “Buffalo Joe,” that’s more than enough.

He went from an undrafted local player fighting for a roster spot to earning a multi-year contract with the team he grew up around. Now, he’ll remain in Buffalo through 2028.

Rookie safety Caleb Downs already knew what Porter could bring to a defense before the two became teammates. Now that Porter is in Dallas, Downs has gotten an up-close look at the newest addition to the Cowboys’ secondary.

“I thought he was a great player,” Downs said. “He’s played really well in his first couple of years. As somebody that was coming into the league, definitely noticed that.”

Caleb Downs likes what he sees from Joey Porter Jr

Porter has wasted little time getting acclimated to his new surroundings.

Despite joining Dallas in the middle of the week, Porter has been locked in during his first practices with the Cowboys as he learns Christian Parker’s defensive system.

Downs has noticed that approach immediately.

“Coming here today, he’s been locked in and just trying to learn everything that he can,” Downs said. “He’s out there playing ball.”

The Cowboys are hoping Porter’s talent can help stabilize a secondary that has dealt with injuries early in the season. Dallas surrendered a costly late completion to Baltimore’s Zay Flowers in Week 3, and the addition of a proven outside corner gives Parker another weapon to work with.

“As [Christian Parker] said in his interview, you always need good talent,” Downs said. “He’s good talent. I’m sure he’s going to do his thing on the field.”

Christian Parker explains why Porter fits

One question surrounding the trade was how Porter would fit into a Cowboys defense that frequently uses zone coverage.

Porter built his reputation in Pittsburgh primarily as a physical man-to-man corner, but Parker doesn’t believe that creates a problem.

The defensive coordinator explained that modern zone concepts often require corners to transition into man coverage based on the route distribution and responsibilities.

“A lot of zones in the world that we live in are pattern match zones,” Parker said. “So once it gets past a certain point, you’re playing man.”

Parker added that corners are often responsible for the opponent’s No. 1 receiver, regardless of whether Dallas is playing quarters, Cover 3 or true man coverage.

For Porter, that means the Cowboys can tailor his responsibilities to maximize what he does best.

“More times than not, he’ll be matched up appropriately,” Parker said.

Downs, Barham emerging as defensive leaders

While Porter works his way into the defense, Dallas’ other young defensive additions have already made an impact.

Downs and fellow rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham currently lead the Cowboys in tackles, with 21 and 20, respectively. Downs also leads the team with one sack, while Barham has four tackles for loss and has taken over the green-dot responsibilities.

Downs isn’t surprised by the early production from either rookie.

“Any high-level athlete expects to go out and make plays,” Downs said. “This is what I expected to do and just continue to improve.”

Now the Cowboys will look to see what their young defensive core can do alongside Porter when they travel to Houston to face the Texans on Sunday.

Dallas enters the matchup at 1-2 and needs a victory to avoid falling to 1-3. With Porter potentially making his Cowboys debut, the defense could have another important piece ready to make an immediate impact.

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The league fined the Giants tight end $17,911 for unnecessary roughness stemming from a blindside block during New York’s 12-7 victory over Tennessee.

The NFL announced its Week 3 accountability decisions ahead of Sunday’s matchup between the Giants and Arizona Cardinals.

Likely’s punishment was one of the largest fines handed out following Week 3.

It also wasn’t the only punishment involving the Giants. Several New York players appeared on the NFL’s latest accountability report, making the victory over Tennessee considerably more expensive after the league completed its review.

A total of six players were fined for “major” infractions in Week 3:

🏈 Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair ($17,911 for hit on a defenseless player)

🏈 Texans LB Jamal Hill ($5,972 for illegal blindside block)

🏈 Rams S Kam Curl ($17,911 for hip-drop tackle)

🏈 Giants TE Isaiah Likely… https://t.co/tdNQ6S3C1T

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 3, 2026

NFL Fines Isaiah Likely $17,911

According to the NFL’s official accountability report, Likely’s violation occurred with 7:04 remaining in the second quarter. The league classified the play as unnecessary roughness for a blindside block.

That resulted in a $17,911 fine.

The NFL reviews every play from every game for potential violations, meaning discipline can be handed down even after the final whistle. Players who receive fines are informed of the violation, shown video of the play and told the amount of the punishment.

They also have the right to appeal.

Likely wasn’t the only Giants player disciplined following the win over Tennessee.

Rookie running back Cam Skattebo received a $7,073 fine for unnecessary roughness involving use of the helmet, while defensive tackle Shelby Harris was fined $11,941 for a facemask and Abdul Carter received an $11,941 fine for taunting. It turned an important Giants victory into a rather expensive afternoon for several players.

Likely And Giants Prepare For Cardinals

The punishment comes as Likely prepares for Sunday’s home game against Arizona. The former Baltimore Ravens tight end has quickly become a significant part of New York’s passing attack.

Likely caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns in the Giants’ season-opening victory over the Dallas Cowboys. His production slowed against Tennessee, when he caught two of five targets for 13 yards.

New York still found a way to win 12-7, improving to 2-1. The Giants now have an opportunity to improve to 3-1 when the Cardinals visit MetLife Stadium.

Likely will be available for that game. His Week 3 punishment is financial rather than a suspension, so it doesn’t affect his playing status Sunday.

It does, however, come with a significant price.

The NFL’s review of Week 3 resulted in 30 fines. Likely’s $17,911 punishment was one of them.

Related: Isaiah Likely ‘Fighting Like Heck’ to Get on Same Page With Jameis Winston

Related: PFF Says Abdul Carter, Not Isaiah Likely, Was the Giants’ Best Player in Week 1

For context, Aaron Rodgers owns the highest single-season passer rating in NFL history at 122.5, set in 2011. That does not mean Jackson suddenly becomes the greatest quarterback ever with Flowers available or an ordinary one without him, especially with such a tiny sample. It does, however, highlight how much easier and more efficient Baltimore’s passing offense has looked with Flowers on the field.

A Dynamic Duo

One reason Flowers has been so effective this season is his ability to turn quick completions into massive gains. According to NFL Savant, Flowers is averaging 11.7 yards after the catch, placing him in the 99th percentile league-wide. This is not a new strength, either. Flowers has ranked in at least the 70th percentile in yards after the catch in each of the past two seasons, but he has taken that part of his game to another level so far this year.

So far, Flowers is doing many of the same things he has always done, just at an even higher level. Last season, his most frequently run routes were hitches/curls at 19%, in-breaking routes at 16%, and screens at 12%.

Baltimore has continued using Flowers heavily on those concepts this season, but his efficiency has taken a major leap. According to PlayerProfiler, Flowers currently ranks first among receivers in yards per route run, target rate, yards per target, and first downs per route run.

Other metrics, including Flowers’ catch percentage and air yards per target, have also increased slightly. Taken together, the early numbers suggest his impact on Jackson has come from a combination of individual improvement and an offensive scheme that is doing an excellent job of utilizing his strengths.

Of course, some of these numbers will almost certainly regress as the season continues. It would be unrealistic to expect Flowers to average double-digit yards after the catch for an entire year while remaining atop so many efficiency categories. But even if he maintains only part of what he has shown through the first few weeks, the Jackson-Flowers connection could develop into one of the NFL’s most exciting quarterback-receiver duos.

The Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) will take the show on the road to face the upstart Las Vegas Raiders (3-0). In front of a sold-out crowd at Allegiant Stadium, the Raiders will look to establish themselves as an early playoff contender by knocking off the team that’s dominated the AFC West for years.

The Chiefs are hoping to prove that their early undefeated start is for real. Andy Reid’s team has looked the part so far this season, but will face a huge test against a Raiders team out for vengeance.

With just over a day until kickoff, it’s time to predict this game. Will the Raiders continue to shock the football world with another big win? Or will the Chiefs remind everyone who the AFC West belongs to? Here’s my official prediction for Chiefs vs. Raiders.

Chiefs vs. Raiders Prediction

Entering this game, the major storyline revolves around a pair of teams exceeding preseason expectations. The Chiefs were expected to be slow starters as Patrick Mahomes worked his way back from an ACL tear late last season. Instead, Mahomes has immediately looked like his usual MVP self, and the Chiefs are off to a 3-0 start.

The Raiders have been one of the best stories in the NFL. New head coach Klint Kubiak has infused a ton of life and energy into the organization. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has kept top pick Fernando Mendoza on the bench by tossing nine touchdowns in three games. The defense, led by Maxx Crosby and Nakobe Dean, has also looked great.

Both teams are riding high into this one, which is what makes it such a hard game to pick. The matchup Kansas City must take advantage of is their run game. The Chiefs have rushed for over 153 yards a game this season behind Kenneth Walker III. The Raiders are 20th in the NFL in run defense, allowing 116.3 yards per game. Reid must focus on establishing the run game on Sunday.

Defensively, the Chiefs need to find a pass rush to disrupt Cousins. They haven’t had a sack since Week 1. That must change on Sunday. If Cousins can sit back without pressure, he’ll dice up the defense. Steve Spagnuolo needs to keep tight end Brock Bowers in check too. He can be a game-wrecker.

The Raiders are building something nice over in Las Vegas. The future appears to be bright for the black and silver. But for now, it’s still Mahomes division. He’s 13-2 against the Raiders in his career with dominant numbers. He’ll pick up another victory on Sunday as the Chiefs hand the Raiders their first loss of the season in a tight game.

Chiefs 24, Raiders 21

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Late in the game, Wiggins was called for pass interference while covering Lamb on a controversial play that put Dallas near the goal line. Instead of allowing the call to affect him, Wiggins responded by holding firm and breaking up a back-shoulder fade intended for Pickens with 23 seconds remaining.

Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver praised Wiggins after the game for how he responded to the penalty, while also highlighting the pressure that comes with playing cornerback.

“It’s one of those situations we’re always talking about controlling your response. Something happens, control your response so you can get the outcome that you want, and I thought [Nate Wiggins] did just that, particularly at that position. It’s one thing if you’re a defensive lineman and you get reached, nobody really knows. Like, you’re a linebacker out of your gap, they probably blame the D-line. But that corner position, the spotlight’s on you, and when you make a mistake, if you don’t have the mental fortitude and mental toughness to bounce back from that, then it just continues to domino.”

On An Island

Unlike more box-score-friendly positions, cornerbacks are often at their best when they barely show up in the stat sheet. Players such as Deion Sanders, Darrelle Revis, and Champ Bailey became legends partly because quarterbacks avoided challenging them like the plague.

That is why Weaver’s comments about Wiggins’ mental toughness were fitting. Wiggins and Baltimore’s secondary did not have their best game against CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, as Lamb finished with seven catches for 112 yards while Pickens added seven receptions for 82. Wiggins, however, did not allow those struggles or the late pass-interference call to affect him when Baltimore needed him most.

Wiggins has generally performed well this season, earning a 71.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranks 15th among cornerbacks. His seven stops also rank fifth at the position. His response against Dallas showed the kind of resilience Baltimore will need from him throughout the season. Wiggins is going to continue drawing assignments against the league’s best receivers, and there will be reps he loses. In those moments, having a short memory and turning his attention toward winning the next play will be just as important as his physical and technical ability.

Dallas will be without two defensive players, but several others are trending toward playing, including veteran safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. The Cowboys will need all the help they can get as they attempt to get back to .500.

Cobie Durant, DeMarvion Overshown ruled out

The Cowboys will be without cornerback Cobie Durant and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown against Houston.

Durant has been dealing with a hamstring injury since suffering it in the Week 2 win over the Washington Commanders. He missed last week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens and did not practice throughout the week, making his absence Sunday unsurprising.

Overshown is also dealing with a hamstring injury and will miss his third consecutive game. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed Friday that the linebacker would not return against the Texans. Rookie Jaishawn Barham has continued to see increased responsibility in his absence.

With both players unavailable, Dallas will once again have to rely on its depth.

Malik Hooker, Shavon Revel Jr. trending toward playing

The Cowboys did receive some major defensive reinforcements.

Hooker, who fractured his forearm in the season opener against the New York Giants, returned to practice this week and was listed as a full participant Friday. He was not given a game designation, meaning he is expected to return after missing the last two games.

Revel also received positive news. After suffering a hyperextended right knee against the Ravens in Brazil, the rookie cornerback returned to full participation Friday and was not given a game designation.

That is especially important for Dallas’ secondary.

Joey Porter Jr. adds another layer

The Cowboys could also have their newest cornerback available Sunday after acquiring Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers this week.

Dallas has been dealing with injuries throughout its secondary, making the timing of the trade particularly important. Porter gives the Cowboys another experienced outside cornerback and a corner that can cover most of the NFL teams WR1 as they prepare to face a Houston offense expected to have wide receiver Nico Collins back in the lineup.

For Dallas, the injury report ultimately brings mixed news. Durant and Overshown are out, but Hooker and Revel are expected to return, while Porter could potentially make his Cowboys debut.

With the Cowboys sitting at 1-2, getting healthy defensive contributors back at the right time could be critical against Houston.