United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun hasn’t given up on a return to the Premier League, a month after his deadline-day move to Everton fell apart.

Asked by talkSPORT whether a Premier League move still interested him, the 25-year-old called it a possibility.

“I was close to a transfer,” Balogun said. “It didn’t materialise, but for sure it’s definitely an option.”

Balogun, who came through Arsenal’s academy before joining Monaco on a permanent transfer in 2023, remains with the Ligue 1 club after a summer that put him at the center of two major controversies.

“Football has many twists and turns as we’ve seen after the World Cup,” Balogun said.

What Happened With Balogun’s Everton Move?

Everton had a deal in place to sign Balogun from Monaco for a reported £40 million ($54 million), but it collapsed in the final minutes of the Sept. 1 transfer deadline.

(Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

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Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro later laid out the timeline at a news conference. According to Scuro, Balogun took his medical at Everton that afternoon, and about three hours later, Everton came back with questions about the results that he said “made no sense at all” to Monaco’s medical staff and the player’s own doctors. After the two clubs’ medical teams talked, Everton said it was ready to complete the signing.

At the last moment, Balogun decided not to sign. Scuro said the striker told Monaco he wasn’t comfortable committing to a long contract after Everton raised doubts about his health.

Balogun’s World Cup Red Card Controversy

Balogun was the United States’ top scorer at the World Cup with three goals, but his tournament ended in controversy.

(Photo by Maja Hitij – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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He was sent off in the Americans’ 2-0 round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which normally carries an automatic one-game suspension, but FIFA suspended the ban for one year, clearing Balogun to face Belgium in the round of 16. FIFA’s disciplinary committee cited a rule that allows it to suspend sanctions.

Balogun played against Belgium, but the U.S. lost 4-1 in Seattle, ending its run on home soil. He later acknowledged that the outside noise around FIFA’s decision had affected the team mentally, the AP reported.

How Has Balogun Started The Season At Monaco?

Monaco has thrived without him. The club won four of its first five Ligue 1 matches and drew the other to go top of the table, sitting five points clear of defending champion Paris Saint-Germain after beating PSG 2-1 in Paris on Sept. 4.

Balogun made his first appearance since the World Cup as a late substitute in a 2-1 home win over Lens on Sept. 18. Paris Brunner, a 20-year-old striker, has filled the void with six goals this season.

Scuro said after the Everton collapse that Monaco was still open to selling Balogun to clubs in markets where transfer windows remained open, per the AP. Saudi Arabia’s window stays open until Oct. 12, but for now Balogun remains at Monaco, where he has two years left on his contract.

Monaco hosts Toulouse on Saturday, Oct. 10.

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Dre Greenlaw had some not-so-nice things to say to his former head coach following the San Francisco 49ers’ 24-14 home win over the Denver Broncos. 

As players and coaches shook hands in the moments after the game, the 49ers’ linebacker approached Broncos head coach Sean Payton and said: “Hey! You get the f— off my field!”

The video, which was shot by 9News Denver, quickly made the rounds on social media Sunday evening and into Monday. Greenlaw, who was released by the Broncos in March, explained why he had choice words for Payton as the video went viral. 

“The disrespect,” Greenlaw told the San Francisco Chronicle after the 49ers’ win. “He couldn’t be man-to-man and call my phone and say, ‘We’re going to cut you.’”

Greenlaw added in his comments to the San Francisco Chronicle that it was his agent, not Payton or the Broncos’ coaching staff, that informed him of his release in March. In fact, Greenlaw claimed that Payton ignored him as the 2025 season progressed, saying that he didn’t speak with the Broncos’ head coach from Week 12 through the week of the season. 

It was actually Greenlaw’s agent who informed him of the release by Denver, not the coaching staff. 

“He definitely was, for sure,” Greenlaw told the San Francisco Chronicle after the 49ers win. “He would walk by – I would walk by – and he wouldn’t even look at me because of my injury. So I just knew what it was [with him] there.”

Greenlaw signed a three-year contract with the Broncos prior to the 2025 season, but his tenure in Denver didn’t go well. An injured quad and suspension forced Greenlaw to miss nine games, logging 43 total tackles in eight regular-season games with the Broncos. 

Shortly after his release from the Broncos, Greenlaw signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract to rejoin the 49ers. He’s logged 34 total tackles and a forced fumble so far this season. The 29-year-old had been a standout fo

NFL Related Stories

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Monday night brings action across both the NFL and MLB postseason, with the Atlanta Falcons facing the New Orleans Saints in Monday Night Football and the Yankees taking on the Rays in Game 2 of the ALDS. New users can use ProphetX Promo Code FOXSPORTS to claim $75 in bonuses and get involved in the markets surrounding both matchups.

Atlanta is coming off a dominant win against the Packers, where Bijan Robinson and Drake London both had over 175 total yards with the return of Michael Penix Jr. New Orleans is looking to bounce back after losing its second game of the season. 

Meanwhile, the Yankees will look to respond after Tampa Bay needed just one run to win Game 1. Gerrit Cole gave up a home run to Jonathan Aranda, while New York was held hitless through 7 2/3 innings. The Yankees look to avoid falling behind 2-0 before heading back to the Bronx.

New users can use ProphetX promo code FOXSPORTS to claim $75 in bonuses and get involved in the markets surrounding Falcons vs. Saints, Yankees vs. Rays and other eligible NFL and MLB playoff events. Sign up, claim the eligible offer and trade on the biggest matchups across Monday’s sports slate.

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7. Watch your Promotional Balance for your first $25 credit, then use it in full by Day 7 to unlock the second installment, and use the second in full by Day 14 to unlock the third.

How to Watch Falcons vs. Saints

[–>
• When: Monday, October 5, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
• TV: ESPN
• Stream: ESPN Unlimited – Get the FOX One / ESPN Bundle

Players To Watch

New Orleans’ passing game has carried the offense through three weeks, and Tyler Shough has driven it at a heavy clip. He has completed 68.9 percent of his throws for 917 yards, 8 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, and the Saints rank fourth in the league in passing yards per game at 281.3. In last week’s 35-27 loss to Las Vegas, he went 29 of 42 for 255 yards and a career-high 4 touchdowns, keeping New Orleans in a shootout it couldn’t quite close.

tlanta’s defense is allowing 263 passing yards per game, third most in the league, a number that fits the volume Shough has already put up.

No Saints target has been busier than Chris Olave through three games. He has turned 36 targets into 27 catches for 375 yards and a touchdown, already clearing 100 receiving yards twice, including a 9-catch, 107-yard day in last week’s loss to Las Vegas.

Atlanta’s secondary has been active without much to show for it, breaking up 17 passes but coming away with just 1 interception all season. That aggressive, low-reward profile is exactly what Olave has picked apart all year.

Atlanta’s ground game exploded last time out, and Bijan Robinson was the reason why. He carried 29 times for 194 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Week 3 win over Green Bay, adding 19 receiving yards and a 55-yard burst. He is up to 349 rushing yards and 3 total touchdowns through three games, and Atlanta ranks second in the league in rushing yards per game at 173.0.

New Orleans is allowing 27.7 points per game, fifth most in the league, having given up 83 points through three weeks. Robinson’s workload and burst are built to keep piling onto a defense that’s already leaking points.

New Orleans’ pass rush has been busy without turning many takeaways, and now it draws a receiver coming off the best game of his career. Drake London caught 9 of 10 targets for a career-high 194 yards in the Week 3 win over Green Bay, including back-to-back fourth-quarter gains of 68 and 40 yards. Through three games he has 15 catches for 274 yards on 20 targets, a surge that lined up with Michael Penix Jr.’s return under center.

The Saints have 7 sacks this season but are tied for 25th in the league with just 1 interception. A group that gets to the passer without finishing plays is the kind London has already made pay this year.

]–>

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 Fanatics Sportsbook has you covered for a loaded Monday night with a divisional rivalry on the football field and a divisional rivalry on the diamond. 

New users can use Fanatics Sportsbook promo code FOX350 to bet $20 and get $350 in FanCash for this clash of rivals on Monday.

Atlanta and New Orleans meet in an NFC South rivalry with both teams looking to make a statement on Monday Night Football. 

The Yankees and Rays get ready for Game 2 of their ALDS after Tampa Bay shutout New York in Game 1.

New users can use Fanatics Sportsbook promo code FOX350 to bet $20 and get $350 in FanCash for Saints vs. Falcons or Rays vs. Yankees. Fanatics Sportsbook offers markets across both sports, including game lines, totals and player props.

How to Sign Up and Claim the Fanatics Sportsbook Welcome Bonus

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4. Place your first cash-funded trade of the day during the bonus window.
5. Earn FanCash equal to the value of that trade, up to the applicable daily reward cap.
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7. Daily reward caps increase from $5 on Day 1 to $45 on Day 14.
8. Earn up to $350 in total FanCash rewards during the 14-day Personal Bonus Window.

How to Watch Falcons vs. Saints

[–>
• When: Monday, October 5, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
• TV: ESPN
• Stream: ESPN Unlimited – Get the FOX One / ESPN Bundle

Players To Watch

New Orleans’ passing game has carried the offense through three weeks, and Tyler Shough has driven it at a heavy clip. He has completed 68.9 percent of his throws for 917 yards, 8 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, and the Saints rank fourth in the league in passing yards per game at 281.3. In last week’s 35-27 loss to Las Vegas, he went 29 of 42 for 255 yards and a career-high 4 touchdowns, keeping New Orleans in a shootout it couldn’t quite close.

tlanta’s defense is allowing 263 passing yards per game, third most in the league, a number that fits the volume Shough has already put up.

No Saints target has been busier than Chris Olave through three games. He has turned 36 targets into 27 catches for 375 yards and a touchdown, already clearing 100 receiving yards twice, including a 9-catch, 107-yard day in last week’s loss to Las Vegas.

Atlanta’s secondary has been active without much to show for it, breaking up 17 passes but coming away with just 1 interception all season. That aggressive, low-reward profile is exactly what Olave has picked apart all year.

Atlanta’s ground game exploded last time out, and Bijan Robinson was the reason why. He carried 29 times for 194 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Week 3 win over Green Bay, adding 19 receiving yards and a 55-yard burst. He is up to 349 rushing yards and 3 total touchdowns through three games, and Atlanta ranks second in the league in rushing yards per game at 173.0.

New Orleans is allowing 27.7 points per game, fifth most in the league, having given up 83 points through three weeks. Robinson’s workload and burst are built to keep piling onto a defense that’s already leaking points.

New Orleans’ pass rush has been busy without turning many takeaways, and now it draws a receiver coming off the best game of his career. Drake London caught 9 of 10 targets for a career-high 194 yards in the Week 3 win over Green Bay, including back-to-back fourth-quarter gains of 68 and 40 yards. Through three games he has 15 catches for 274 yards on 20 targets, a surge that lined up with Michael Penix Jr.’s return under center.

The Saints have 7 sacks this season but are tied for 25th in the league with just 1 interception. A group that gets to the passer without finishing plays is the kind London has already made pay this year.

]–>

Source

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Following a missed 2025 season due to an undisclosed foot injury, veteran running back Joe Mixon will remain a free agent. 

The Seattle Seahawks have reversed course on signing Mixon after he underwent a physical with the team, as first reported by ESPN. While the exact reasoning hasn’t been disclosed, it remains unclear if the decision is tied to the foot injury that kept him out last season or another medical concern.

With rookie RB Jadarian Price placed on injured reserve, running back has quickly become an area of need for the Seahawks. For now, head coach Mike Macdonald and GM John Schneider appear content sticking with their in-house options.

Now 30 years old, Mixon had an impressive 2024 season (1,016 rushing yards, 12 total touchdowns, 36 receptions), but missing all of last year with a foot injury leaves his NFL future up in the air. It’s unclear if another team will give him another opportunity in the league.

Since Price’s injury, the Seahawks’ offense has split touches in the backfield between Emmanuel Wilson and George Holani. While the void left behind by Kenneth Walker has certainly been felt, adding a proven runner could still happen, but not as of now.

The Seahawks’ offense has stayed productive this season, even with both Sam Darnold and Drew Lock taking snaps under center. The rushing attack has provided a steady foundation, averaging 110.3 yards per game to rank 13th in the league.

The Seahawks look to keep the offense moving by leaning on a running back by committee approach while Zach Charbonnet and Price return from injured reserve.

–> Get more from the National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more [–>

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Sometimes, a little patience pays off. 

That was definitely the case for one high roller who invested in NFL Week 4 odds.

Before Sunday’s Chiefs vs. Raiders game, Kansas City was -235 on the moneyline to just win the game, regardless of final margin. But halfway through the first quarter, K.C. trailed 7-0, and the moneyline moved into -120. 

That’s when a Caesars Sports customer decided to drop seven figures on the Chiefs.

More on that major wager, a $5 parlay that cashed out for high four figures and a mistake that worked out well for Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy.

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

Hail To The Chiefs

The Chiefs got all they could handle from the Raiders on Sunday. Las Vegas set the tone early, taking a 7-0 lead on Kirk Cousins’ 27-yard touchdown pass to Ian Thomas.

That made Kansas City’s in-game moneyline much more attractive than the pregame price. So the Caesars customer put a whopping $1.2 million on Chiefs’ moneyline -120.

The lead changed hands multiple times the rest of the way, but K.C. got two Kenneth Walker III touchdowns in just 19 seconds — the second coming after a Raiders fumble — to take a 30-19 lead late in the fourth quarter.

Ultimately, that was just enough cushion to narrowly hang on for a 30-27 victory. So the big bettor banked a $1 million win, for a total payout of $2.2 million.

That same wager on the pregame price of -235 would’ve netted less than half that, at $425,532. Not that all of us wouldn’t be happy with such a windfall.

Parlay Partay

At Hard Rock Bet, a customer put a much more relatable $5 on a four-leg Anytime Touchdown Scorer parlay:

• Buccaneers running back Kenneth Gainwell +475
• Eagles wideout Darius Cooper +600
• Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II +325
• Seahawks wideout Tory Horton +800

Seattle’s Tory Horton helped get one bettor’s parlay over the line (Getty Images).

–>

Nabbing four players at those prices adds up to a parlay with hefty odds of +153856. Or in easier-to-digest terms, almost 1539/1.

The only real sweat was Gainwell, and it’s not like it went down to the wire. Rather, on the second play of the fourth quarter vs. the Packers, he caught a 10-yard TD pass.

Cooper scored against the Rams in the second quarter, and Gordon and Horton found paydirt in the third quarter, vs. the Vikings and Chargers, respectively.

That turned five bucks in $7,697.81. Not a bad Sunday’s work.

Favorable Error

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy thought he’d put in a $10,000 five-leg moneyline parlay on Sunday’s NFL games. Meaning he’d need all five teams to win.

So when the Raiders lost to the Chiefs 30-27, Portnoy thought his ticket was dead.

But it wasn’t. Because he’d actually bet those five teams against the spread.

Dave Portnoy’s winning ticket after making a 5-leg parlay.

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So Las Vegas covering the number actually kept the ticket alive. 

The Rams and Bears both covered as favorites. Los Angeles did it in comeback fashion vs. the Eagles and the underdog Jaguars and Panthers won outright against the Bengals and Lions, respectively.

At odds of +2533 — just beyond 25/1 — the ticket profited $253,361.41 (total payout $263,361.41). 

That’s the kind of mistake we’d all like to make.

Missed It By That Much

Something to always keep in mind when adding legs to your bets: Parlays are a bookmaker’s best friend.

Each leg makes it much less likely that you’ll win. All it takes is one outcome to foul it up.

A Fanatics Sportsbook customer came quite close to turning a hundred bucks into nearly $64,000, on a six-leg parlay. Five of those were tied to touchdown scorers and the sixth to soccer star Lamine Yamal scoring for Spain against the Czech Republic.

The first five picks got there, leaving only Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to score two or more touchdowns Sunday night.

Gibbs scored late in the second quarter vs. the Panthers, tying the game at 13. But he didn’t find the end zone again in Detroit’s 32-26 loss.

So close. But close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades — not parlays.

Knew The Script

On a more successful parlay note, a FanDuel Sports customer played the role of Nostradamus in Thursday night’s Steelers vs. Browns matchup.

The bettor put $25 on a five-leg wager tied to Pittsburgh’s first drive.

On the game’s opening drive, Cleveland went three-and-out and the Steelers started out on their 22-yard line.

By the time the 78-yard drive was complete (almost 10 minutes later), Jaylen Warren had 21 yards rushing, Aaron Rodgers had 53 passing yards, Warren and Darnell Washington each had a reception and Pittsburgh scored a touchdown.

At odds of +5076 (about 51/1), the $25 bet turned into $1,294.07. All before the first quarter even ended.

Prediction Market Winners & Losers

A Kalshi Sports trader put $191,295 on the underdog Browns beating the Steelers. The trade was at a price of 42%, which correlates to about +138 in betting odds.

Cleveland pulled the modest home upset, winning 27-24 on Andre Szmyt’s 56-yard field goal in the waning seconds. So the trader profited $264,170 (total payout $455,465).

Also at Kalshi, a trader put $174,000 on the 49ers beating the Broncos. San Fran won 24-14, netting $126,000 profit (total payout $300,000).

Another Kalshi trader put $106,000 on the home ‘dog Bucs beating the Packers. That didn’t work out in a 17-14 loss, so that’s six figures in the loss column.

Interestingly, each week, there are several risk-a-lot-to-win-a-little trades. A whopping example: $276,323 on LSU beating overmatched McNeese State on Saturday.

No surprise, the Tigers rolled 63-14. And the Kalshi trader netted all of $2,870 profit (total payout $279,193).

Here’s Hoping You Had It

At FanDuel Sports, the Raiders’ Thomas was +10000 (100/1) to score the first touchdown vs. the Chiefs. As noted above, midway through the first quarter, Thomas put Las Vegas up 7-0 on a 27-yard TD catch.

A tenner on that would’ve netted $1,000 profit. If you got frisky and put a C-note on it, then you’d have profited a hefty $10,000.

Similarly at FanDuel, Eagles wideout Darius Cooper was 100/1 to score two or more touchdowns. Cooper found the end zone twice in the second quarter, and one bettor actually had 10 bucks on that prop, winning $1,000.

In the Thursday night game, Caesars Sports had Steelers wideout Roman Wilson at +2000 to score the first TD. Late in the first quarter, Wilson delivered on a 12-yard catch.

A $10 bet would’ve netted $200. It’s not a four-figure payout, but it’s certainly a nice bankroll boost.

At DraftKings Sports, Browns running back Jaleel McLaughlin was +3000 in the Anytime TD market. McLaughlin broke through in the second quarter vs. the Steelers.

Ten dollars on that prop would’ve netted $300.

I Like Big Bets And I Cannot Lie

The biggest bet to come in on either NFL Week 4 odds or college football Week 5 odds was the aforementioned $1.2 million play on the Chiefs. 

But there were a boatload of other major wagers.

Station Sports, which operates several sportsbooks in Las Vegas, took a couple big pops involving the Lions. And those were big losers.

One customer put $500,000 on Lions’ moneyline -245. That left a significant bruise after Detroit lost to Carolina 32-26.

Station also had a $200,000 moneyline parlay of Chiefs -220/Lions -200. Kansas City narrowly saved one leg, but Detroit couldn’t finish the job, another painful parlay lesson.

Other notable NFL wagers:

• $300,000 Browns moneyline +127 vs. Steelers (Caesars). As noted above, Cleveland got the W, so this bettor pocketed $381,000 profit (total payout $681,000)
• $100,000 Jaguars moneyline +120 vs. Bengals (Station). Jacksonville won 22-17, and the bettor profited $120,000 (total payout $220,000)
• $50,000 Lions moneyline -185 vs. Panthers (DraftKings). That’s another loser
• $50,000 Patriots-Bills Over 49.5 (Caesars). With a 29-26 Pats win, the Over cashes, and the bettor profited $45,871 (total payout $95,871)
• $50,000 Colts moneyline -193 vs. Commanders (Caesars). Indianapolis won 30-13, and the bettor bagged $25,906 profit (total payout $75,906)

A bettor raked it in after wagering on Georgia to beat Vandy. (Getty Images)

–>

And on the college front:

• $140,969 Georgia moneyline -3500 vs. Vanderbilt (Caesars). Georgia rolled 38-14, but at those massive favorite odds, the bettor won just $4,027 (total payout $144,996).
• $73,500 Alabama-Mississippi State Over 61.5. Alabama nearly got the total on its own in a 56-23 blowout. The bettor profited $70,000 (total payout $143,500).

Keep in mind that these whale customers have the disposable income to make such bets and to absorb those big losses. We average Joes and Janes can’t do that. 

Keep your bet size and expectations reasonable. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.

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Amid the revelry inside the bowels of Petco Park last Wednesday after their wild-card sweep, Padres stars Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill stood in the middle of their clubhouse shirtless with sunglasses covering their face, the only obstacle standing between the Budweiser bottles pouring all around them and the burn in their eyes. 

From the side of the room, shortstop Xander Bogaerts surveyed the scene, unpacking everything that had just transpired during the Padres’ decisive victory over the Cubs.

(Photo by Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

–>

The Cubs entered the series with the best offense in baseball and the presumptive National League MVP. They ended it with just one run scored, stifled by Padres starter Michael King in Game 1 and a cavalcade of San Diego bullpen standouts in Game 2 and smothered by a crowd of more than 47,000 towel-waving fans each night. 

“It had a real impact,” Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller told me. “You can feel our players raising their level up, and their focus and intensity up, just by feeling the crowd’s intensity.” 

(Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

–>

This is why the Padres, who now face a daunting 2-0 deficit in the National League Division Series and needing three straight wins to keep their season alive, can’t be counted out as they return home with the odds stacked against them. 

In the wild-card series, even the veteran Padres players felt their Petco Park advantage had gone to places previously unseen. 

Machado is a 15-year MLB veteran who has played in 55 career playoff games and has been in San Diego since 2019. This is his fifth playoff run with the Padres, a stretch that has included multiple battles against the rival Dodgers. 

And yet what he experienced last week against the Cubs — in front of 47,084 rowdy fans in Game 1 and another 47,513 raucous fans in Game 2 — stood out from the past.

“Playing here these last two days, I’ve never felt anything like it,” Machado told me after sealing the sweep. “I never have.” 

(Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

–>

It helped that the home team gave its fans immediate reasons to ignite both nights. Game 1 began with a three-pitch strikeout of Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong in the top of the first inning, followed by a first-pitch home run from Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. to start the bottom of the frame. Eight runs from the San Diego offense instantly had San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter celebrating.

The home lineup didn’t explode quite the same way one night later, but another strikeout of Crow-Armstrong — this one complete with a failed ABS challenge — to begin the evening again turned up the decibels. Then, with the crowd chanting “Ho-ly Sheets,” pinch-hitter Gavin Sheets delivered the decisive blow with a two-run shot. 

“To get in front of these fans — and I think it’s the best fanbase in baseball, the best ballpark — they brought it,” Sheets said. “Obviously, we fed off of it.”

The Sheets hit reminded Bogaerts of the San Diego offense and role players from their 2024 run, a time when many — including the eventual champion Dodgers — considered the Padres one of MLB’s top title contenders.

A similar energy, arguably an even more electric one, filled Petco Park last week. At one point, Bogaerts recalled peeking over at the Cubs’ dugout. He thought he saw a team visibly shaken by the surroundings. 

“I might be wrong,” Bogaerts told me, “but I felt like they were like, ‘Damn, this is a tough place to play.’ They probably won’t admit it, but seeing some of the faces over there, and the yellow flags — it gets loud with the flags — it can be intimidating for the other side.”

With the Padres suddenly facing elimination, they will need it to be. 

“Definitely a task, unfortunately, down 2-0,” Machado said. “Not the ideal position you want to be in. But these boys, this group, we’ve been up against the wall all year. A lot of people didn’t think we would be in this position to begin with, and here we are.”

(Photo by Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

–>

On July 23, the Padres were 50-53, counted out as contenders, left for dead with just 7.4% odds to make the postseason. Their offense was among the worst in the sport, their starting rotation not playoff caliber. They were in third place in the National League West, 15 games back of the Dodgers, four games back of the Diamondbacks and four games back in the wild-card race. 

And then something magical happened. 

They won eight of their next nine games to convince their front office to buy at the deadline and finished the year with MLB’s best record over the season’s final 60 games, sparked by an offense that transformed into one of baseball’s best. 

At home, they were virtually unstoppable. 

In 30 games at Petco Park after the break, they went 24-6. Including the wild-card series, they’re 53-30 at home this year.

(Photo by Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

–>

Now, their toughest test awaits following two brutal losses in Milwaukee, one in which a potential go-ahead home run ricocheted off a roof cable and another in which the most dominant closer in baseball was unable to hold a lead and even the series. 

Only 10 MLB teams have ever come back from a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-five format. The 2017 Yankees were in the same boat as the Padres are now. They lost each of their first two games on the road, then stormed back with three straight victories, in part by suffocating the opposing offense back at home. 

That is now the Padres’ formula, as they try to keep the party alive with a team they feel is as equipped as any to make a deep run. 

“Since I’ve been here, we’ve been to the playoffs four times,” Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla told me after the wild-card sweep. “It feels like, for the first time, we’re actually all jelling — offense, defense, bullpen, starting pitching. Everything’s kind of jelling. This is the first time I feel like, ‘Damn, we really do have a complete team right now.’” 

It looked that way throughout the last two months for the Padres, who displayed their resiliency by rewriting the final chapters of a season that once seemed cooked. 

As the NLDS shifts to San Diego, can they do it again? 

“We can,” Machado said Monday. “And we’re going to do it again.” 

]–>

Source

I played offensive line for eight seasons in the NFL, and before that I spent my Saturdays in Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, blocking for guys who ended up on lists like this one. So when I watch college football now, I watch for the stuff that signaled to me in the huddle whether a guy was for real.

I’m picking the 10 players who impressed me most during the previous weekend. Not just the gaudiest stat lines, but the performances that hold up when you turn the tape on. Some weeks, that’ll be an edge rusher wreaking havoc. Other weeks, it’ll be a lineman you’ve never heard of who didn’t lose a rep all afternoon. I have a soft spot for those guys. 

Let’s take a look at this week’s group. 

I try really hard to not include the same guys every week. But how could I ignore what Jeremiah Smith did this weekend? With his 11 catches for 206 yards and two scores against Iowa, he became Ohio State’s all-time leader in receptions (207), receiving yards (3,381) and receiving touchdowns (37). He is truly not from this planet.

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Another stud who makes my list again, Austin Simmons helped his Tigers win their first game against a top 10 team since Eli Drinkwitz became their head coach in 2020. Simmons was an efficient 23 of 30 for 340 yards and two touchdowns. Missouri had an offensive perfomance that ranked in the 93rd percentile in expected points added, and that was on the arm of Simmons.

John Curry led his Red Raider defense in tackles in a dominating performance by his group on Saturday. Colorado scored only seven points on their first drive of the game. Texas Tech forced four interceptions including a unique pick-six by Curry. It was a zero-yard touchdown after Curry jumped to intercept an Issac Wilson pass in his own end zone. Heck of an athletic play.

Flora had a monster game for Iowa State, with the Cyclones scoring 17 fourth quarter points to beat West Virginia. The redshirt sophomore had 22 carries for 212 yards and three rushing touchdowns. He also completed two passes, both for touchdowns. That’s five touchdowns out of the six Iowa State scored on Saturday. He joined Vince Young as the only players in Big 12 history with two passing touchdowns, two rushing scores and 200 rushing yards in the same game. An absolutely incredible performance.

The Miami pass rusher had 2.5 sacks for the Hurricanes in their 41-13 blowout win against Clemson on the road. The Missouri transfer was tied for third in the SEC last season with nine sacks, and has been a pressure machine for Miami this year. 

Xavier had three sacks and two forced fumbles in Georgia State’s win over Old Dominion. He’s now up to seven sacks this season, which has helped Georgia State sit with the third most sacks this season (19). Esqillion ranks third in all of FBS with his seven sacks, trailing only Collin Simmons and Princewill Umanmielen. 

All Bear Bachmeier does is win. He was only 11 of 24 with 62 yards passing in BYU’s win vs. TCU, but he also added 66 rushing yards and two rushing scores. Since 2000, he has the fourth-best record of all Big 12 quarterbacks against unranked opponents at 14-0. He trails only Heisman runner-up Vince Young (21-0), and two Heisman winners— Jason White (21-0) and Eric Crouch (17-0). 

Daniels has quietly been prolific for the Seminoles, already reaching 1,111 passing yards and 278 rush yards this season along with 15 total touchdowns. On Saturday, he went for a whopping five rushing touchdowns against Virginia, becoming just the second ACC quarterback to reach that mark in a game since 2000 (TaQuon Marshall in 2017). He led Florida State to a dominant 38-7 victory against Virginia as 1.5-point underdogs. 

RBs Caleb Komolafe, Joe Himon II

OC Chip Kelly

Northwestern Wildcats

For offensive run game enthusiasts like myself, the Northwestern rushing attack on Friday night against Penn State was electric. Offensive play-caller Chip Kelly has implemented some single wing and veer concepts into the Northwestern playbook and they dominated the Nittany Lions. Komolafe had 25 carries for 188 yards while Himon had 10 carries for a whooping 162 rushing yards. It was unbelievably fun to watch. 

TE Teigan Pelletier

WR Nate Bailey

Harvard Crimson

Harvard had one final play on Saturday vs. Colgate— a 44-yard Hail Mary attempt to win the game. Quarterback Charlie Smith launched the ball to his 6’6 tight end standing a few yards from the end zone. Pelletier caught the ball amongst a group of Colgate defenders who tried to wrestle him to the ground. Before that happened, he pitched the ball to Bailey who ran to the pylon to win the game for the Crimson! 

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Monday Night Football closes out Week 5 with an NFC South rivalry as the Atlanta Falcons visit the New Orleans Saints and Kalshi is giving new users a $$55 bonus with promo code FOXSPORTS.

The Falcons enter Monday night coming off a win over the Green Bay Packers in Michael Penix’s return, while the Saints look to get back in the win column after last week.

With divisional stakes on the line, Atlanta and New Orleans give traders plenty of markets to follow throughout Monday Night Football.

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*Probabilities are subject to change* 

Teams	Chance	Yes	No
Atlanta Falcons	49%	49¢	52¢
New Orleans Saints	51%	54¢	48¢

More markets available on Kalshi.

How to Watch Falcons vs. Saints

• When: Monday, October 5, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
• TV: ESPN
• Stream: ESPN Unlimited – Get the FOX One / ESPN Bundle

Players To Watch

New Orleans’ passing game has carried the offense through three weeks, and Tyler Shough has driven it at a heavy clip. He has completed 68.9 percent of his throws for 917 yards, 8 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, and the Saints rank fourth in the league in passing yards per game at 281.3. In last week’s 35-27 loss to Las Vegas, he went 29 of 42 for 255 yards and a career-high 4 touchdowns, keeping New Orleans in a shootout it couldn’t quite close.

tlanta’s defense is allowing 263 passing yards per game, third most in the league, a number that fits the volume Shough has already put up.

No Saints target has been busier than Chris Olave through three games. He has turned 36 targets into 27 catches for 375 yards and a touchdown, already clearing 100 receiving yards twice, including a 9-catch, 107-yard day in last week’s loss to Las Vegas.

Atlanta’s secondary has been active without much to show for it, breaking up 17 passes but coming away with just 1 interception all season. That aggressive, low-reward profile is exactly what Olave has picked apart all year.

Atlanta’s ground game exploded last time out, and Bijan Robinson was the reason why. He carried 29 times for 194 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Week 3 win over Green Bay, adding 19 receiving yards and a 55-yard burst. He is up to 349 rushing yards and 3 total touchdowns through three games, and Atlanta ranks second in the league in rushing yards per game at 173.0.

New Orleans is allowing 27.7 points per game, fifth most in the league, having given up 83 points through three weeks. Robinson’s workload and burst are built to keep piling onto a defense that’s already leaking points.

New Orleans’ pass rush has been busy without turning many takeaways, and now it draws a receiver coming off the best game of his career. Drake London caught 9 of 10 targets for a career-high 194 yards in the Week 3 win over Green Bay, including back-to-back fourth-quarter gains of 68 and 40 yards. Through three games he has 15 catches for 274 yards on 20 targets, a surge that lined up with Michael Penix Jr.’s return under center.

The Saints have 7 sacks this season but are tied for 25th in the league with just 1 interception. A group that gets to the passer without finishing plays is the kind London has already made pay this year.

]–>

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Monday Night Football closes out Week 5 with an NFC South rivalry as the Atlanta Falcons visit the New Orleans Saints, and Polymarket is giving new users a $25 bonus when they use promo code FOX. 

Atlanta and New Orleans meet early in the season with plenty at stake in the NFC South, giving fans another divisional matchup to follow as Week 5 comes to a close. 

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*Probabilities are subject to change* 

Teams	Chance	Yes	No
Atlanta Falcons	48%	49¢	52¢
New Orleans Saints	52%	53¢	48¢

More markets available on Polymarket.

How to Watch Falcons vs. Saints

• When: Monday, October 5, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
• TV: ESPN
• Stream: ESPN Unlimited – Get the FOX One / ESPN Bundle

Players To Watch

New Orleans’ passing game has carried the offense through three weeks, and Tyler Shough has driven it at a heavy clip. He has completed 68.9 percent of his throws for 917 yards, 8 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, and the Saints rank fourth in the league in passing yards per game at 281.3. In last week’s 35-27 loss to Las Vegas, he went 29 of 42 for 255 yards and a career-high 4 touchdowns, keeping New Orleans in a shootout it couldn’t quite close.

tlanta’s defense is allowing 263 passing yards per game, third most in the league, a number that fits the volume Shough has already put up.

No Saints target has been busier than Chris Olave through three games. He has turned 36 targets into 27 catches for 375 yards and a touchdown, already clearing 100 receiving yards twice, including a 9-catch, 107-yard day in last week’s loss to Las Vegas.

Atlanta’s secondary has been active without much to show for it, breaking up 17 passes but coming away with just 1 interception all season. That aggressive, low-reward profile is exactly what Olave has picked apart all year.

Atlanta’s ground game exploded last time out, and Bijan Robinson was the reason why. He carried 29 times for 194 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Week 3 win over Green Bay, adding 19 receiving yards and a 55-yard burst. He is up to 349 rushing yards and 3 total touchdowns through three games, and Atlanta ranks second in the league in rushing yards per game at 173.0.

New Orleans is allowing 27.7 points per game, fifth most in the league, having given up 83 points through three weeks. Robinson’s workload and burst are built to keep piling onto a defense that’s already leaking points.

New Orleans’ pass rush has been busy without turning many takeaways, and now it draws a receiver coming off the best game of his career. Drake London caught 9 of 10 targets for a career-high 194 yards in the Week 3 win over Green Bay, including back-to-back fourth-quarter gains of 68 and 40 yards. Through three games he has 15 catches for 274 yards on 20 targets, a surge that lined up with Michael Penix Jr.’s return under center.

The Saints have 7 sacks this season but are tied for 25th in the league with just 1 interception. A group that gets to the passer without finishing plays is the kind London has already made pay this year.

]–>

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