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Saturday, 31 August 2024

Fantasy Football Injury Report (2024)

Fantasy Football Injury Report (2024)

Y’all know what time it is! As always, you can find our full database of injury updates at sportsmedanalytics.com and can hit us up any time on Twitter/X @SportMDAnalysis. Now let’s get to it. Here are fantasy football injury updates to know for your upcoming fantasy football drafts and the start of the NFL regular season.

2024 FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT KIT

Fantasy Football Injury Report

Hollywood Brown

Sitting Week 1 was always the most likely outcome here, so shouldn’t be considered a setback. Comments, in addition to prior WR examples, suggest that Week 2 is a realistic target. Data does support a rapid return to high performance level with low re-injury risk upon return. Would be surprised to see him out past Week 3.

Tyreek Hill

Very limited info available on this one, but all comments and signs point to very mild severity. Early-week practice status will confirm or refute that, but we’d expect Tyreek to be a full participant with low impact on his Week 1 performance if the reports are accurate.

Jonathon Brooks

Do not consider the PUP designation a setback. It’s relatively common to go slow with young, highly drafted RBs off of a major surgical injury. Data projects a Week 5 return as very realistic. Young RBs typically see a 4 game ramp up in touches, and Brooks projects to hit his ~90% efficiency point at ~Week 8. He profiles very similarly to Breece Hall from 2023, who put up 130 ypg and 1 TD/g during the last 5 weeks of the season.

Jahmyr Gibbs

Has returned to practice, which is of course reassuring. The timeline confirms a mild severity issue. Data projects 90+% efficiency Week 1, but with a mild dip in touches. Given his history of hamstring issues, he does present a 20% elevated re-injury risk over the first half of the season.

Puka Nacua

Likely playing Week 1 at 100%. Bursa injuries are annoying, sometimes painful, but generally not unstable. Typically, they can be played through even if they flare up. Wouldn’t drop his value based on this.

Christian McCaffrey

Likely playing Week 1 at 100%. CMC is not yet at the RB age cliff, so we don’t see this as a major warning sign of things to come. However, pre-season calf injuries do pose a mild re-injury risk, which makes CMC slightly riskier than Breece or Bijan amongst the early RBs.

Deshaun Watson

Reports suggest that “arm soreness” was a convenient way to avoid controversy when Watson wanted to sit out of the pre-season. Post-surgical data from this injury favors playing Week 1 at 100%, although it’s somewhat unclear what a 100% version of Watson really looks like. Typically see a low re-injury risk as well.

Joe Burrow

Burrow’s injury history is long, but there’s not really an anatomic red flag or weak link that suggests he’s at a high likelihood of getting injured again. Data from acute repair of wrist ligaments (meaning shortly after the injury occurred) with modern implants (such as the Internal Brace) suggest a high likelihood of a strong comeback if healthy. This of course will depend heavily on the status of his O-line, as with any pocket-based QB.

Justin Herbert

Timeline confirms a mild severity issue. Expect strong mobility Week 1, but plantar fascia injuries do pose a risk of flaring up in-season. Given Herbert’s extreme durability history, in addition to the ability to manage symptoms with injections in-season, we’d suspect a low likelihood that he actually misses games. If this flares up in-season, the deficit will likely show up in his rushing production more than anything else.

Josh Downs

Reports are relatively convincing that he is progressing as well as could be expected. Data suggests Week 1 is a possible return date, but Week 2-3 is more likely. Typically WRs would see performance hits and re-injury risks through ~Week 6.

TJ Hockenson

On PUP. Wouldn’t expect Hock to return by Week 5. Data favors mid-October or early-November as most likely. Pass-catchers tend to see ~15% efficiency dip initially. His last 6 games of ’24 project to show his 90% return to pre-injury form.

Jaylen Warren

Likely playing Week 1. Data suggests 90+% efficiency, but decreased touches and a 15% re-injury risk.

Nick Chubb

On PUP. Week 5 return would be surprising here. Major efficiency dips of 25+% are projected based on RB multi-ligament knee surgery data. Re-injury in this case could end his career, so we’d expect a slow return and long ramp up.

Christian Watson

Asymmetry is a major risk factor for injury, and Watson was reportedly dealing with a side-to-side hamstring strength difference of 20+%. He says he’s down to <10% now, which bodes very well for his ’24 play.

And that’s a wrap, but just for the moment. We’ll be back soon with another injury report, but feel free to hit us up on Twitter/X or sportsmedanalytics.com any time before then!

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Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Mark Andrews & Hollywood Brown (2024)

Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Mark Andrews & Hollywood Brown (2024)

Let’s take a look at the latest injury news and notes around fantasy football. To stay up to date on all of the latest fantasy football news, injury updates, and rumors, be sure to follow @FantasyProsNFL on Twitter and bookmark the FantasyPros NFL Player News page.

Get the FantasyPros News App for iOS and Android now >>

2024 fantasy football draft kit

Fantasy Football Injury Updates

Check out the latest NFL injury news and notes around fantasy football.

Mark Andrews returns to practice Friday
Mark Andrews returned to practice on Friday with the Ravens.

Fantasy Impact

It is the first time Andrews has practiced since he was involved in a car accident a few weeks ago. It appears he will be good to go for the season opener next Thursday against the Chiefs.

Ari Koslow

Marquise Brown (shoulder) not expected to play Week 1
Marquise Brown (shoulder) is not expected to play in Kansas City’s Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Fantasy Impact

Brown suffered a shoulder injury earlier this offseason, and according to Head Coach Andy Reid, he is not expected to play in the season opener against his former team. Kansas City is hoping that he will be back sooner rather than later, but it’s possible that he will have to miss more time beyond Thursday’s game. Rookie Xavier Worthy should see an increase in opportunities with the veteran sidelined.

Leo Sells

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The post Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Mark Andrews & Hollywood Brown (2024) appeared first on FantasyPros.



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NCAA blocks Oklahoma State from wearing QR codes on helmets

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — The NCAA blocked Oklahoma State from placing QR codes on its players’ helmets, a move that would have allowed fans to link to a team fund and donate to the program’s name, image and likeness money pool, the school announced before Saturday’s game against South Dakota State.

“Oklahoma State interprets the QR code stickers as institutional decals permitted under NCAA bylaws,” the university said in a news release. “The NCAA interprets the QR code stickers as advertising and/or commercial marks, which are not permitted.”

The QR codes are 1.5-inch decals that feature each player’s name and number. They were not expected to be visible from the stands, but they were expected to be noticeable on close shots during broadcasts and postgame photos posted to social media.

The QR codes will not appear on the Cowboys’ helmets, but they will be placed in larger and more prominent locations throughout Boone Pickens Stadium, including the 6,160-square foot video board, according to the news release.

“We disagree with the interpretation of the rule, but will abide by it and work with the appropriate groups to lead on the needed change,” Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg said in a statement. “Our people came up with an innovative concept to raise the NIL value of our student-athletes, but ultimately it just serves as the latest example of how college sports are evolving at a faster pace than the rule book.”

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy has called the QR codes “a revolutionary step forward to help keep Oklahoma State football ahead of the game.”



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Blake Corum is 'not really sure' how many carries he'll get each week Blake Corum is 'not really sure' how many carries he'll get each week

Talent certainly isn’t a question with the Los Angeles Rams’ backfield this season, but how Sean McVay divides the workload between Kyren Williams and Blake Corum remains to be seen. Williams appears to be the starter still but he probably won’t get the same number of touches that he had last season when he was the clear-cut No. 1 back.

Corum is going to eat into his carries at least a little bit, something that seems even more likely now that the Rams have named Williams their punt returner.

During an interview on the “Rich Eisen Show” this week, Corum was asked flatly how many carries he expects to get each week. He unsurprisingly said he’s not sure, but he’s staying ready no matter what.

“I’m not really sure. I’m not really sure,” the rookie said. “I know I’ve had a good camp and Kyren’s a phenomenal back, so we could just feed off each other. Anything to help the team. I don’t know how many carries I’ll get. Maybe five, maybe 10, maybe more. I don’t know, but I’ll be ready whenever the number’s called.”

A very diplomatic answer from the rookie, and one that doesn’t give us much insight into the Rams’ plan, but it’s hard to imagine Corum getting fewer than five touches each week. The Rams drafted him in the third round because he has a similar skill set as Williams, making them almost interchangeable. That’ll make it even easier for McVay to sub his backs in and out.

Fortunately, we only have a week left until we really find out how this backfield will look.



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Friday, 30 August 2024

Paralympics 2024: Jerrold Mangliwan misses out on medal for PH

PARIS—Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan missed out on a medal in the men’s 400-meter T52 event early Saturday morning in the 17th Paralympic Games held at the sprawling Stade de France. Racing under a cold drizzle and slippery conditions, Mangliwan finished eighth in the final won by world champion and record holder Maxime Carabin of Belgium.

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Cam Skattebo wasn’t an NFL prospect last year. That’s changed, says ASU’s Kenny Dillingham

Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo brought quite a resume to Arizona State when he transferred from Sacramento State. He averaged 9.1 yards per carry in 2021, then 7.0 in 2022 before making the leap to the power conference level.

He didn’t disappoint by any means in 2023 for a struggling ASU team that could call him a bright spot. But head coach Kenny Dillingham has changed the expectations for Skattebo in 2024.

Dillingham said Skattebo enters the Sun Devils’ season, with an opener against Wyoming set for Saturday night, as a legitimate 2025 NFL Draft prospect.

Skattebo has given his coach reason to set the bar that high.

“His mindset: he’s a different person mentally in terms of how focused he is and how driven he is this year,” Dillingham told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta on Friday. “That’s a guy, he had a great year last year but he didn’t even — I mean, he’s a different player. This Cam has the potential to play on Sundays. Last year’s Cam did not. That’s how drastic of a change he made, his decision he wanted to achieve being a Sunday player.”

 

The Arizona State running back has trimmed down his body fat since last season, and tracking data available to the team has shown he’s a faster player, Dillingham has said.

Just keeping it to his running backs room, Skattebo should have more support with a depth chart that includes returnees DeCarlos Brooks and Kyson Brown. Transfer additions Alton McCaskill (Colorado) and the currently injured Raleek Brown (USC) are expected to receive playing time as well.

“We just got a bunch of different punches we can throw at people,” Dillingham said Friday. “I think the best part about it is it can keep guys fresh. Nobody wants to face a fresh Cam in the fourth quarter with six minutes left in a one-score game.”

Cam Skattebo could be more focused on running back duties for Arizona State in 2024

The hope is Skattebo will be able to do more by doing less.

Last year, he rushed 164 times for 783 yards (4.8 yards per carry) behind a strung-together offensive line and without the Sun Devils posing a threat of stretching the field with a deep passing game.

On top of that, Skattebo was asked to punt eight times and play some packages as a quarterback. He threw 15 passes last season, including for a touchdown and interception each.

You would think any quarterback work for Skattebo in 2024 will fall under the category of “trick play” opposed to “reluctantly necessary part of the offense.”

Because of injuries and skillsets, Dillingham went wacky with swinging gates and non-quarterback quarterbacks in his first year leading ASU.

“I definitely don’t want to get out there and run the swinging gate … that’s not why I took this job,” Dillingham told Bickley & Marotta. “Like I said before, that wasn’t on my bingo card last year.

“I always think you should show a defense empty, you should show a defense unbalanced, you show should a defense a trip … like, you should show (opponents) things that they have to be dialed into their rules,” the head coach added of his offense’s identity. “You’re going to see an offense that’s dedicated to running the football with vertical play-action of throwing the ball deep. You have to stretch the field vertically if you want to be a good football game ’cause that sets up the run. Quick-game is great … but at the end of the day, we’re going to throw it deep and we’re going to run it.”

The Sun Devils begin the 2024 season Saturday at 7:30 p.m. MST against the Wyoming Cowboys. Tune to ESPN 620 AM, 98.7 HD-2 or the Arizona Sports app to listen or watch on FS1.



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Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed by suspected drunk driver while biking

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother were killed Thursday night when they were hit by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey, police said Friday.

Gaudreau, 31, and brother, Matthew, 29, are Carneys Point, New Jersey, natives and were scheduled to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding that was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.

New Jersey State police said the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road when a man driving an SUV in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind. They were pronounced dead on the scene.

Police said the driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. He was jailed at the Salem County Correctional Facility.

According to the criminal complaint obtained by The Associated Press, Higgins told a responding officer he had five or six beers prior to the accident and admitted to consuming alcohol while driving. He failed a field sobriety test. His blood alcohol level was not immediately available.

Johnny Gaudreau, known as “Johnny Hockey,” played 11 professional seasons in the league and was set to enter his third with the Blue Jackets. He played his first nine with the Calgary Flames, a tenure that included becoming one of the sport’s top players and a fan favorite across North America.

“Just devastating news for all of us connected with the Gaudreau family,” Jerry York, who coached the Gaudreau brothers at Boston College, said in a phone interview with the AP. “Both Matty and Johnny were terrifically admired by all of us. Wonderful young guys, and they impressed a lot of us off the ice.”

York raved about parents Guy and Jane and the family’s dedication to their children and hockey. Gaudreau had been married to his wife, Meredith, since 2021, and they have two children under 2, Noa, who was born in September 2022, and Johnny, who was born in February.

Blue Jackets, NHL react to Johnny Gaudreau’s death

The Blue Jackets said Gaudreau “was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”

“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played,” the team said in a statement.

Gaudreau, at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, was part of a generation of hockey players who thrived in an era of speed and skill that made being undersized less of a disadvantage. He scored 20-plus goals six times and was a 115-point player in 2021-22 as a first-time NHL All-Star when he had a career-best 40 goals and 75 assists.

“While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.

NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh said: “Johnny was a beloved teammate and friend in both Calgary and Columbus, and he was a joy to watch during his 10 years and 763 games in the NHL. … The players and staff of the NHLPA are devastated by these terrible losses.”

A fourth-round pick of Calgary’s in 2011, Gaudreau helped Boston College win the NCAA championship in 2012 and in 2014 took home the Hobey Baker Award as the top college player in the country.

As a professional, Gaudreau was part of the NHL all-rookie team during his first season in the league and was third in voting for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2014-15.

Gaudreau was a point-a-game player with 642 points in 644 regular-season and playoff games since breaking into the league. In 2022, he left the Flames to sign a seven-year contract worth nearly $69 million with the Blue Jackets that put him and his young family in central Ohio, closer to his family in New Jersey.

Social media was full of an outpouring of messages about Gaudreau, from USA Hockey to the Flames and beyond the sport itself.

Longtime executive Brian Burke, who had Gaudreau in Calgary and with the U.S. national team, said it could not be overstated just what a joy it was to have him around.

“There are few players in hockey history who matched his passion and love for the game of hockey.” Burke said. “His talent on the ice was enhanced, not diminished, by the fact that he was having fun out there.”

Former Flames teammate Blake Coleman posted that he was “completely gutted. The world just lost one of the best.” Retired goaltender Eddie Lack called Gaudreau one of his favorite teammates.

“Always happy, always spreading positivity around him,” Lack said. “Rest in Peace my friend and prayers for your wonderful family.”

NBA superstar LeBron James, who is from Akron, Ohio, said he instantly got sad after seeing the news.

“My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family,” James said. “May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family/s from the heavens above.”

In international play, Gaudreau owns the men’s world championship records by a U.S. player with 30 assists and 43 points.

Gaudreau’s death is the latest off-ice tragedy to strike the organization in the past few years. Goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died in July 2021 when he was struck in the chest by a firework while attending the wedding of then-Blue Jackets goaltending coach Manny Legace’s daughter in Michigan.

The team is now left to deal with another unexpected loss three weeks before training camps around the league are set to open.

“We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy,” the Blue Jackets said. “At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”



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Grading each position group on Rams' 53-man roster Grading each position group on Rams' 53-man roster

Although further changes are expected, the Los Angeles Rams have set their 53-man roster for the start of the season. There were minimal surprises on cutdown day, aside from the shocking trade of Ernest Jones, so many of the projected starters and backups are still on the team.

Despite losing Aaron Donald to retirement, the Rams have a much better and more well-rounded roster heading into the 2024 season than they did this time last year. The offense, in particular, features a ton of playmakers, from Puka Nacua to Kyren Williams.

Going position by position, we graded each group on the 53-man roster.



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Thursday, 29 August 2024

MLB DFS Picks, Sleeper & Underdog Player Props: Thursday (8/29)

Cristopher Sanchez

Tonight’s MLB DFS main slate at DraftKings and FanDuel has four games starting at 6:40 p.m. ET. The suggested props from Sleeper and Underdog are also from the four-game slate.

Check out our best picks on the MLB Underdog Cheat Sheet >>

MLB DFS Lineup Optimizer

Today’s MLB DFS & Player Props Picks

Thursday’s Starting Pitcher Rankings

The post MLB DFS Picks, Sleeper & Underdog Player Props: Thursday (8/29) appeared first on FantasyPros.



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Breaking down ASU football’s 2024 schedule: Easiest, toughest opponents

Arizona State football kicks off its season against Wyoming on Saturday looking to avoid a third-straight 3-9 season as a program that has seen better days.

Entering the second year of the Kenny Dillingham era, plenty of questions surround the Sun Devils. How will they perform? How will the team’s new transfers look? Will quarterback Sam Leavitt lead the Sun Devils to surprise success after they were picked to finish last in the Big 12 media poll?

More notably, how will ASU fare in its transition to the Big 12 Conference?

After the Pac-12 crumbled, the Sun Devils — along with Arizona, Colorado and Utah — moved to the Big 12, meaning they’ll play unfamiliar opponents throughout the 2024 season and beyond.

Not only that: A challenging nonconference slate leads into one of the toughest Big 12 slates of games. CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah ranked ASU’s conference schedule the second-toughest among 16 teams.

Here’s a split of which games look winnable on paper and which do not.

Easier opponents for the Sun Devils

These matchups look to pose less of a threat to Dillingham’s squad.

Saturday, Aug. 31 vs. Wyoming — 7:30 p.m. (FS1): Wyoming finished 9-4 last season, surprising at times but recorded its first nine-win season since 1996. Now, former defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel taken over for the retired Craig Bohl, looking to continue Wyoming’s success. This is the first time the Sun Devils and Cowboys have played each other since 1977, and Arizona State is 9-6 all-time against Wyoming. ASU is a 7.5-point favorite in the game, according to odds from BetMGM Sportsbook.

Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. Mississippi State — 7:30 p.m. (ESPN): Mississippi State went just 5-7 last season and has brought in a ton of players through the transfer portal. While Sun Devil faithful might be skeptical on the team’s performance this season, the Week 2 matchup has the ability to go either way. MSU was picked to finish second-to-last in the SEC ahead of only Vanderbilt.

Saturday, Nov. 9 vs. UCF: UCF has the ability to compete in the Big 12, but it may take time. Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo runs havoc on the ground, and UCF struggled with its run game last season. UCF was 2-7 in 2023 when allowing over 100 yards on the ground, and the Knights were 4-0 when giving up fewer.

Thursday, Sept. 12 at Texas State — 4:30 p.m. (ESPN): Texas State struggled on defense last season, allowing 32.8 points per game and having to score more than 35 points to have a chance. The Bobcats were 7-0 when scoring 35 points or more and 1-5 when they didn’t. Kenny Dillingham’s offense needs to score, score and score.

Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. Utah: While the introductory Big 12 season consists of plenty of new(ish) faces, the Sun Devils will face a few familiar faces this season. This includes No. 12 Utah and No. 24 Arizona, two of the five ranked teams from the Big 12. Utah was picked in the preseason media poll to win the conference. Arizona State will host Utah on Oct. 11, just six days after facing No. 22 Kansas. The Utes come to Tempe well-rested after facing Arizona on Sept. 28 and then a bye. The Sun Devils will have only six days of rest.

Saturday, Oct. 19 at Cincinnati: When they face Cincinnati, the Sun Devil defense needs to step up its run game as the Bearcats displayed one of the best in the nation in 2023. The Bearcats’ pass game was a different story though, and this season, the Sun Devils have to try and capitalize on a team that turned over the ball quite a bit in 2023. Cincinnati was picked to finish 14th in the Big 12 preseason polling.

Saturday, Nov. 23 vs. BYU: BYU finished 5-7 in its first season in the Big 12 last year, and they’re looking to build off that mediocre performance. Not much went right for the Cougars offensively, as they suffered turnovers that were costly. The Sun Devils have the ability to squeeze out a win. BYU was picked to finish 13th in the preseason media poll.

Saturday, Nov. 30 at Arizona: As for Arizona, the Territorial Cup always provides fans with a show. It’s the first time since 2015 that No. 21 Arizona was ranked in the AP preseason poll. Quarterback Noah Fifita and receiver Tetairoa McMillan are both returning, signaling an explosive offense. Arizona’s defense has improved and depth across the roster has strengthened under first-year coach Brent Brennan. As usual, it’s anyone’s guess on how the Nov. 30 matchup between the Sun Devils and Wildcats will go, so we’re including it here.

ASU football’s tougher opponents

Saturday, Sept. 21 at Texas Tech: With a plethora of receivers and Tahj Brooks at halfback, Texas Tech has a tough offense. Brooks ran for more than 1,500 yards with 10 touchdowns in 2023 and will once again be the offense’s focal point behind a monster offensive line. Arizona State’s defense will have to step up for this one.

Saturday, Oct. 5 vs. Kansas: Kansas is ranked No. 22 in the AP’s preseason poll, and after jumping from 0-9 in 2020 to 9-4 in 2023, a healthy Kansas squad can be scary against fellow Big 12 teams. The offense is scary, the defense is getting there. Buckle up for the team that was fourth in the Big 12 preseason poll.

Saturday, Nov. 2 at Oklahoma State: No. 17 Oklahoma State is in contention as one of the teams to beat in the Big 12. ASU lost to the Cowboys 27-15 in Tempe last season and is looking to get revenge this season. Oklahoma State got 14 first-place votes to win the Big 12 title.

Saturday, Nov. 16 at Kansas State: No. 18 Kansas State is certainly in contention to win the Big 12 and got 19 first-place votes to Utah’s 20. After a 9-4 finish in 2023, the Wildcats can display dominance on both sides of the ball and it’ll be tough to Arizona State to keep up.

The post Breaking down ASU football’s 2024 schedule: Easiest, toughest opponents appeared first on Arizona Sports.



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5 things to know about new Rams DL Neville Gallimore 5 things to know about new Rams DL Neville Gallimore

The Los Angeles Rams added to their defensive line shortly after setting their initial 53-man roster, signing Neville Gallimore following his somewhat surprising release from the Miami Dolphins. Gallimore is a fifth-year veteran who played at Oklahoma, bringing more talent to a group that’s trying to replace Aaron Donald.

He can play just about anywhere on the defensive line but his best position is 3-technique, which is the spot Donald played and is the projected position for Kobie Turner. Gallimore took the spot of Cory Durden, who was waived on Wednesday to make room for the newcomer.

Here are five things to know about the Rams’ new defensive tackle.



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Wednesday, 28 August 2024

 


MLB DFS Picks, Sleeper & Underdog Player Props: Wednesday (8/28)

Jack Leiter

Tonight’s MLB DFS main slate at DraftKings and FanDuel starts at 7:10 p.m. ET and has eight games at the former and seven at the latter. The suggested player props from Sleeper and Underdog are also from the eight-game slate.

Check out our best picks on the MLB Underdog Cheat Sheet >>

MLB DFS Lineup Optimizer

Today’s MLB DFS & Player Props Picks

Wednesday’s Starting Pitcher Rankings

The post MLB DFS Picks, Sleeper & Underdog Player Props: Wednesday (8/28) appeared first on FantasyPros.



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Rams 2024 practice squad tracker: All of LA's signings Rams 2024 practice squad tracker: All of LA's signings

In addition to their active roster, which has 53 players on it, the Los Angeles Rams can also carry up to 16 players on the practice squad, plus one additional international player. That gives them up to 70 players to evaluate each and every week before deciding which 48 will be active on game days.

The practice squad has become increasingly important since the NFL tweaked the rules to not only expand it to 16 players, but also make vested veterans eligible for the practice squad. Plus, up to two players each week can be elevated to the game-day roster, so they have a chance to contribute during the season beyond just practicing.

Now that the initial rosters are set, teams can begin assembling their practice squads. The Rams will aim to bring back many of the players they cut this week, retaining them on the practice squad for the time being.

We’re tracking all of the Rams’ practice squad signings below as they’re reported.

  1. C Mike McAllister (source): The Rams waived McAllister this week but he’ll provide depth at center behind Steve Avila and Beaux Limmer
  2. WR Drake Stoops (source): Stoops was signed as an undrafted rookie this year after playing college football at Oklahoma


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Tuesday, 27 August 2024

Bantiloc, Gawilan PH flag bearers in grandiose opening

ABU DHABI—Agustina Bantiloc, the first archer from the Philippines in the Paralympics, will be at the vanguard of the nation’s campaign with seasoned swimmer Ernie Gawilan as flag bearers in the opening ceremony of the 17th staging of these Summer Games to be held outside of a stadium on Wednesday at Champs-Elysees and Place de

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Eriksson, ex-Azkals coach, dies at 76

The Philippine football community was among those that mourned the loss of Sven-Goran Eriksson, who had a brief run calling the shots for the PH national men’s team formerly known as the Azkals. Eriksson died at the age of 76 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, six years after agreeing to coach the Azkals for

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Fans are appalled by Rams trading Ernest Jones to Titans Fans are appalled by Rams trading Ernest Jones to Titans

Just two days after it was reported that the Los Angeles Rams were open to trading Ernest Jones, the team struck a deal involving the fourth-year linebacker. The Rams are trading him to the Tennessee Titans, getting a 2026 fifth-round pick in return. The Rams also sent Tennessee a 2026 sixth-rounder.

The compensation is minimal for a player of Jones’ caliber, which makes this trade even more surprising. He’s a starting linebacker who’s only in his fourth year, yet the Titans just got him for barely more than a bag of chips.

Fans were predictably shocked by the low return, with many criticizing Les Snead for getting so little in exchange for an integral player on defense. Here are some of the top reactions on social media.



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Rams are trading LB Ernest Jones to Titans for 2026 pick swap Rams are trading LB Ernest Jones to Titans for 2026 pick swap

The middle of the Los Angeles Rams defense will look very different this season. According to multiple reports, the Rams are trading Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans.

The Rams let Jones know this weekend that they were open to trading him and it seemingly didn’t take long for a deal to come together. Jones, a third-round pick by the Rams in 2021, spent the last three seasons in Los Angeles, recording 320 total tackles and 5.5 sacks.

Jones was seeking a contract extension this offseason but talks stalled between the two sides, leading to this trade. It leaves the Rams thin at linebacker but the team likes the potential of undrafted rookie Omar Speights, who has secured a spot on the 53-man roster.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Rams are trading Jones and a 2026 sixth-rounder to the Titans for a 2026 fifth-round pick, so it’s just a late-round pick swap.



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Monday, 26 August 2024

Diamondbacks putting up one of greatest offensive seasons in club history

The Arizona Diamondbacks have never led Major League Baseball in runs over a full season, but they are in position to change that.

With just more than a month left in the 2024 regular season, Arizona sits atop the MLB leaderboard with 701 runs, 32 ahead of the New York Yankees in second.

The D-backs’ offense has lifted the club into the upper echelon of major league contenders heading into the final stretch at 75-56, despite a potentially overwhelming number of injuries and early-season inconsistency.

The Diamondbacks are also putting up one of their most impressive statistical seasons since the inaugural 1998 campaign.

Arizona’s 5.4 runs per game ranks second in franchise history. The second-season Diamondbacks in 1999, a club that won a franchise-leading 100 games, averaged 5.6 with standout seasons from newcomers Luis Gonzalez and Steve Finley along with Jay Bell and Matt Williams.

In order to catch the 1999 squad, the D-backs would need 207 runs in the final 31 games, an average of 6.68. Arizona leads the league with 6.52 runs per game since July 1.

The two eras were so different, however, as the Diamondbacks are piling on runs in a league where scoring is down at 4.4 runs per game. In 1999, MLB’s average runs per game output was 5.1.

Chase Field — then Bank One Ballpark — was also decades away from adding the humidor which has successfully reduced home runs. Since 2019, the once homer-happy Chase Field has been a bottom-10 ballpark for long balls.

The production in a more pitcher-friendly home has boosted the 2024 group’s park-adjusted OPS+ (100 league average) to 114, 13 points higher than 2001.

Arizona’s offense during the first half of the 2024 season was a lot more hot and cold, with staggering outputs of 16, 14 and 17 runs helping its run differential. Perhaps that makes it difficult to call Arizona the best hitting team of the entire season.

But this is the best offense in baseball right now and has been for two months through a combination of lineup depth, power and building innings.

Diamondbacks on track for historic offensive season thanks to a deep lineup

It seems that after every game, whoever ends up with cameras and microphones in front of them says a similar line. Something to the effect of, “it seems like every night there’s someone new helping us.”

Perhaps there is no better example of this than what the team has accomplished over the past couple of weeks. Ketel Marte, a National League MVP candidate at the time, suffered an ankle injury on Aug. 10. Cleanup hitter Christian Walker and red-hot Gabriel Moreno had landed on the injured list over the previous few weeks.

From that Aug. 10 game on, Arizona has scored double-digit runs five times and leads MLB in scoring by 24 runs.

With the Joc Pederson and Eugenio Suarez offseason additions, this is a more powerful lineup than last year’s World Series team. Jake McCarthy’s breakout and Corbin Carroll’s second-half power turnaround have likewise been pertinent to keeping the ship on course despite the injuries.

And it helps to have new faces slide in red-hot like Josh Bell at the trade deadline and Adrian Del Castillo after his call-up.

Weighted runs created plus — like OPS+ — takes external factors to compare hitters on a scale where 100 is league average.

Since July 2 at Dodger Stadium, when the D-backs kicked off an electric 17-8 month, Arizona’s 10 hitters with the most plate appearances are all above 100. Nine of them are above an outstanding 120.

The 10 are Suarez (169), Carroll (133), Geraldo Perdomo (121), Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (108), McCarthy (149), Marte (190), Pederson (189), Walker (134), Moreno (150) and Bell (124).

Suarez and Carroll had respective wRC+ numbers of 67 and 77 entering July. Suarez appeared close to being released, and external talk of Carroll revolved around whether he needed an option to figure his swing out.

Since then, Suarez leads the league with 47 RBIs. Carroll has scored 46 runs. Carroll has reached base in 34 straight starts, the second-longest streak in team history (Bell, 39).

Diamondbacks pair power and patience

The club will in all likelihood not set a franchise record for homers this year — especially without any more games at Dodger Stadium. But the D-backs have provided a steady stream of slug with multiple home runs in 26 games since the start of July, which paces MLB. That usually leads to wins, as the D-backs are 37-12 when they hit multiple homers compared to 13-31 when no balls leave the yard.

Last year, the D-backs finished with four 20-home run hitters and they already have matched that output (Marte, Walker, Suarez and Pederson). Gurriel has 15 and has shown since his arrival last year how scorching hot he can get when in a groove. Carroll has 14, six in the month of August alone.

The D-backs have never had six players hit 20 homers in a season. Their record is five from 2005 (Tony Clark, Troy Glaus, Luis Gonzalez, Shawn Green and Chad Tracy).

What has helped accentuate the power is the number of runners getting on base to build innings in which crooked numbers are possible.

As a team, the D-backs are jostling with the Yankees for baseball’s best on-base percentage (.335), and Arizona ranks fifth in walk rate (9%).

Working walks, putting the ball in play and overwhelming opponents with speed has been a calling card for the offense the previous two years. Home runs have added an additional level of danger, but it’s simplistic to single it out as their calling card on offense.

The D-backs have the most plate appearances, hits and best wRC+ with runners in scoring position this year, aided by top-five strikeout and walk rates. Arizona ranks second behind the San Diego Padres with a 123 wRC+ in high leverage this year — moments that most impact the game’s win probability.

They are creating chances to beat opponents in different ways from a go-ahead three-run homer by Suarez at Fenway Park on Sunday or two straight wild pitches against the Rockies after heads-up baserunning — still a notable strength.

The wild pitches example takes a bit of fortune, but teams can create luck in these ways.

Reinforcements are expected back soon, particularly Walker and Marte, who may not need long progressions once cleared.

A team that invested so much into its starting rotation only to see it struggle to live up to expectations (4.70 ERA) due to injuries and unexpected veteran struggles has made up the difference to this point on the other side of the ball.



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MLB DFS Picks, Sleeper & Underdog Player Props: Monday (8/26)

Alec Burleson

Tonight’s MLB DFS main slate is different at FanDuel and DraftKings. At the former, it has eight games starting at 6:40 p.m. ET. At the latter, it has six games beginning at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Sleeper and Underdog props are from all the games starting at 6:40 p.m. ET or later.

Check out our best picks on the MLB Underdog Cheat Sheet >>

MLB DFS Lineup Optimizer

Today’s MLB DFS & Player Props Picks

Monday’s Starting Pitcher Rankings

The post MLB DFS Picks, Sleeper & Underdog Player Props: Monday (8/26) appeared first on FantasyPros.



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‘The Killer’s Game’ Advanced Screening

THE KILLER’S GAME is an action-comedy starring Dave Bautista, Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews, Scott Adkins, with Pom Klementieff, and Ben Kingsley and opens in theatres on September 13. Watch the trailer below for a sneak peek!

Enter below for an opportunity to win passes for the ADVANCED SCREENING on September 9th!



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Puka Nacua (knee) back at Rams practice, Ernest Jones absent Puka Nacua (knee) back at Rams practice, Ernest Jones absent

Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury during the Rams’ joint practice with the Chargers on Aug. 4 and while it was only viewed as a minor ailment, it was serious enough to keep him out of practice for three weeks.

Fortunately, he returned to the field on Monday as the Rams prepare for Week 1 of the regular season. Nacua is still on track to play in the opener against the Lions and his return to practice is a positive step in the right direction. Sean McVay should provide an update on Nacua’s participation level after practice.

Alaric Jackson and Jonah Jackson were also on the field during individual drills, so they’re making progress in their rehab process, too.

Now for the bad news: Ernest Jones was absent from the field during the open portion of practice. News broke on Sunday that Jones has been granted permission to seek a trade, which stems from the lack of progress on a contract extension. Jones responded to the report by saying he “never asked for a trade,” making this a complicated situation.

For now, he isn’t practicing as the regular season approaches.

The Rams open the 2024 campaign against the Lions on Sept. 8 in Detroit.



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