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Browns vs Patriots: 8 takeaways as Dillon Gabriel, Taylen Green each show something

Aug 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (6) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The third preseason game for the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots did not include a lot of players who will play a lot of snaps in Week 1, but it did include a lot of roster bubble guys. The amazing Browns fans were planning to tune in, with QBs Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green taking the snaps this week:

The biggest stories coming out of the game will be any injuries and how those bubble players perform with the chances that they are given. Some of the evaluation is tougher given the level of talent on the other side of the field, with the Patriots also not playing their top guys. Take everything within that perspective.

A few takeaways from Thursday Night Football off the shores of Lake Erie:

Rocket Sanders looks good

Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson have locked up the top of the depth chart, but Raheim Sanders still has to secure his spot as the third guy. A few carries in the first few series looked like Sanders, nicknamed “Rocket,” is on his way to having that role.

Luke Floriea trying to make Browns roster decision tough

One of Shedeur Sanders’ favorite targets, Floriea just keeps making plays, including this touchdown from Gabriel:

And again!

Defensive questions

CB D’Angelo Ross is a special teams star and looked totally out of place getting beat for a touchdown throw where he wasn’t anywhere near the receiver while looking into the backfield. Overall, the defense made a couple of big plays, but seemed to benefit from the bad New England offense more than making stops themselves.

Dillon Gabriel shows talent, value

As noted above, level of competition is a key reference point, but Gabriel showed out in the first half. Not only with the stats, but the long-term college starter looked under control, was rarely rattled, and was smooth with his decisions and delivery of passes. As much as Monken values “operation,” Gabriel was pretty clean throughout.

As for the stats, this is Preseason Performance Hall of Fame level:

  • 12 for 15
  • 186 yards
  • 3 touchdowns
  • 4 rushes, 3 yards
  • 157.9 rating

There were some very good throws, as well as his receivers making plays and Patriots defenders not making the plays they needed to. For example, the text of this tweet is… interesting… given the play being made by RB Ahmani Marshall after a simple Gabriel pass, but a touchdown is a touchdown:

QB run going to be a big piece of the offense

Both Gabriel and Green ran some zone read and other quarterback run-oriented plays. Green’s QB sweep was really well designed and put defenders in difficult positions.

It is one reason I believe Watson won the starting QB job and think the QB run will be a huge part of this

Al Michaels just saying whatever was funny

Michaels made a number of mistakes, railed on the refs, the virtual measurement, and more. Perhaps too much celebration of his 60th wedding anniversary (seriously, that is amazing). Given that the game didn’t matter, Michaels being a little less professional, and showing a little chest hair, was kind of appropriate.

Taylen Green’s legs a weapon, a few good passes too

As noted above, the QB run game was shown more in this game, but Green’s legs were useful as a scrambler as well. Defenders have to be ready for the run from Green, which can open up lanes for the running backs in option oriented palys and even receivers in some passing concepts.

Green finished with eight rushes for 66 yards.

Not everything was perfect, of course, but Green hit a few passes as well, including a key checkdown to Floreia to keep a drive going.

Social media and our game chat were full of ideas to have a package for Green or to use him on sneaks, the problem there is that Cleveland would have to keep three quarterbacks on their active game-day roster, instead of two and an emergency third QB. Seems unlikely unless injuries require it. Green is only likely to be active if/when he’s the backup QB (or starter).

4 running backs?

Davon Booth and Marshall both made plays in the third preseason game. Will the Browns keep four running backs and rely on a tight end to take the fullback role? Veteran FB Michael Burton hasn’t practiced during training camp, while Rocket Sanders, Booth, and Marshall have all made a case for making the roster as well. Perhaps Monken gets creative with his usage, including Sanders taking some snaps at fullback.

What were your takeaways from Browns vs Patriots?

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Bills game recap: Buffalo wins 28-27 over Steelers in preseason finale

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 27: Skyler Bell #13 of the Buffalo Bills runs the ball in for a touchdown during the third quarter of a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium on August 27, 2026 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Preseason Week 3 is a wrap, and the Buffalo Bills close out the exhibition slate with a 26-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium. Thanks for your love in the first article of this series, and glad to be back for another one. Here’s everything I wrote down as it happened.

1st Half

  • Skyler Bell moves fluidly and is a huge mismatch running routesinside. The way he moves reminds me of Stefon Diggs a lot.
  • Shane Buechele isn’t close to Kyle Allen as a passer. And Allen isn’t great.
  • Trent Sherfield is a lock to make this roster IMO.
  • Joe Andreessen will make the team. They wouldn’t keep him out of this game if he wasn’t part of their roster. They’d give him a chance to put up more on tape for his NFL future elsewhere.
  • Keonta Jenkins in trouble? Maybe PS bound again.
  • Mitch Wishnowsky is gone. A 19-yard punt when battling for his life? Oof.
  • Ray Davis messed up with his punt return case. Better now than in week 1, I guess? It might cost the Bills a roster spot, though. The punt returner job might not be settled. Mecole Hardman hasn’t been good, Khalil Shakir is simply a guy for safety there. Maybe Keon Coleman will get another shot? I’m not very excited about any of those options.
  • A battle for the CB2 job in week 3 of preseason? Davison Igbinosun is giving Maxwell Hairston a run for his money. I won’t be surprised to see him alongside Christian Benford in week 1.
  • T.J. Parker reminds me of Shaq Lawson right now. I know Shaq never became what we expected from him, but that’s not a bad comp for T.J. as he starts his career. He has the potential to become better and more complete.
  • I wouldn’t keep Damar Hamlin or Geno Stone in my 53, going with Jordan Hancock and Jalon Kilgore as my backup safeties. I think the Bills will carry one of them, though. Hamlin’s probably getting the nod with another INT.
  • Phidarian Mathis looks good, too bad he’s on PEDs.
  • Kani Walker is an awesome find. Undrafted? This guy looks better than Levi Wallace, who was also undrafted, and Dane Jackson, who was a 7th-round pick. He’s young Benford-like, but Benford was a 6th round pick. Awesome find.
  • Andre Jones Jr. giving Max Iheanachor, a 1st round pick, some trouble is a good look for somebody who’s fighting for a PS place.
  • Rough half for the OL.

2nd Half

  • Nice to see Bell being moved around and getting open no matter where he lined up. It’s against backups at this point or even people who won’t make the team, but we’re talking about a 4th round pick, it’s not like he’s supposed to be a stud out of the gate. His versatility will give him opportunities.
  • I’ve heard all the talk about the new stadium, but I’ll tell you one thing: it looks gorgeous on TV, especially as the night comes.
  • It’s just preseason, and with a lot of backups and camp bodies on the field at this point, but I’m really excited for the new defensive schemes. Jim Leonhard’s defense should be fun.
  • Bad bad look for the Special Teams allowing that punt return for a TD. No discipline, poor angles, and even worse tackling. Teaching tape on what not to do for the guys in the final 53.
  • That Pittsburgh PR, though. Dude is a real weapon. (Kaden Wetjen, 4th round pick). One of the best punt returners coming out of college recently (Two-time Jet Award winner, 2024-25).
  • It’s extremely frustrating how Buechele doesn’t risk anything downfield, like, ever. Give his WRs a chance to make some plays. It’s always a check-down or scrambling. (He just gave Max Tomczak a shot as I was typing this, and guess what? It worked).
  • I wish Ja’Mori Maclin had more chances, but, as said above, Buechele.
  • Last drive and Buechele starts to let it fly. Gave Dante Pettis two chances and good things happened — a 1st down completion on 3rd and 14, and a long PI call setting the Bills up inside the 10.
  • Pettis is an NFL receiver. He ate his competition alive late in the game, including on the game-winning 2-point conversion. Can he become the punt returner and make the team? I’d rather have him than Hardman, but I don’t think any of them make the team.
  • 1 min left, 1-point game. The type of situation Sean McDermott’s D failed miserably, again and again. Not Leonhard’s though. 4 and out, game over. What’s that? Is it real life? Love to see it.

Catch up on all this and more with the latest edition of Leading the Charge!

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Liberty's six-game home winning streak ends after 79-60 loss to Valkyries

NEW YORK (AP) — Cecilia Zandalasini scored 14 of her 20 points in the first half, Gabby Williams added 16 points and the Golden State Valkyries beat the New York Liberty 79-60 on Thursday night.

Golden State (28-11) improved to 3-0 against New York this season — the only team the Liberty have not beaten this season. The Valkyries held the Liberty to 70, 67 and 60 points in three games, the three lowest-scoring games of the season for New York.

New York (23-16) had scored 80-plus points in 16 straight games — the longest streak in franchise history.

Veronica Burton had a season-high 13 assists to go with eight points for Golden State, which was coming off an 89-64 victory over Connecticut on Wednesday. Tiffany Hayes had 12 points off the bench.

Jonquel Jones scored 18 points for New York, which had a six-game home winning streak halted. Breanna Stewart added 16 points on 4-of-10 shooting.

Zandalasini made four 3-pointers in the first half to help Golden State build a 42-30 lead. The Valkyries started the third quarter on an 11-6 run to go ahead by 17 points, and scored the opening six points of the fourth to go ahead 65-47.

Up next

Valkyries: At Portland on Sunday.

Liberty: Host Chicago on Saturday.

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Fernando Mendoza shaky in preseason finale: Instant analysis, grade

Fernando Mendoza was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the expectation is he will begin his career as the backup to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

As a result, the Las Vegas Raiders' preseason Week 3 game against the San Francisco 49ers represented a key opportunity for Mendoza to get playing time before the start of the 2026 NFL season.

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak opted to play Cousins the first two drives of the Thursday, Aug. 27, preseason clash. But after that, Mendoza played until the start of the fourth quarter, when Aidan O'Connell entered.

After a strong preseason debut and a less impressive second effort, Mendoza's outing in the Raiders' preseason finale showed off even more of his limitations at this early stage of his career. If nothing else, it showcased why Las Vegas was wise to bring in a veteran in Cousins to help bridge the gap.

How did Mendoza perform in his all-important final preseason game? Here's a full breakdown of his outing, as well as a grade for it.

Fernando Mendoza grade for Raiders vs. 49ers preseason game

Mendoza didn't have much to write home about in his final preseason outing.

Throughout two quarters – and a bit of a third – the rookie quarterback leaned heavily on checkdown passes, overthrew his targets multiple times, was late on some throws, took a couple of sacks and threw an interception. In other words, Mendoza looked the part of a rookie quarterback still adjusting to NFL game speed.

At times, the Raiders' lack of good depth on their offensive line made it hard to evaluate Mendoza. Was he taking sacks and facing pressure because he couldn't get the ball out fast, or because the line was letting guys go unblocked? Sometimes the answer was the former, sometimes the latter, occasionally both.

The No. 1 overall pick was late on his throws on multiple occasions, which led to some of the overthrows and incompletions. But there were plenty of blown blocking assignments from the line in front of him as well.

After Mendoza's interception, which he threw on his second snap of the game, it also seemed like he lost a bit of confidence in his ability to push the ball. There appeared to be an extra emphasis on progressing through his reads, and he ended up throwing to his final, checkdown option often – but in the third quarter especially. That meant fewer intermediate and deep targets as the game progressed; Mendoza hesitated to pull the trigger on his earlier reads in his progression. By the end of the night, the most net yards the Raiders got on a single Mendoza-led play was a 19-yard pass interference call that was questionable at best.

A full analysis won't be possible until we see some of the all-22 film from the matchup against the 49ers. Perhaps the 49ers were actually just really good in coverage and checkdowns were really the only available option.

For now, the main takeaway from Mendoza's showing in the Raiders' preseason finale is that he still has a ways to go before he's ready to swipe the starting job from Cousins.

Fernando Mendoza grade vs. 49ers: C-

Fernando Mendoza stats vs. 49ers

  • Completions/Attempts (%): 7-for-14 (50%)
  • Passing yards: 57
  • Passing touchdowns: 0
  • Interceptions: 1
  • Passer rating: 31.0
  • Rushing yards: 9 (on two attempts)
  • Sacks: 2 (20 yards lost)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fernando Mendoza shaky in preseason finale: Instant analysis, grade

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Marquette Men’s Basketball Signs Transfer Guard Colin Porter

LYNCHBURG, VA - FEBRUARY 27: Colin Porter #0 of the Liberty Flames dribbles by Koree Cotton #3 of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during a college basketball game at Liberty Arena on February 27, 2025 in Lynchburg, Virginia.
A floppy haired sawed off white boy guard, eh? Intriguing…. | Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Right as the school year is about to start, Marquette men’s basketball has adjusted their roster for the 2026-27 season. On Thursday, Marquette and head coach Shaka Smart announced the signing of fifth year transfer guard Colin Porter. The 5’10”, 170 pound guard spent the last four seasons at Liberty.

Shaka Smart on his new player:

“We’re thrilled to be adding the person and player that Colin is,” Smart said. “He’s a strong cultural fit who possesses excellent basketball IQ, poise and maturity. Colin’s shooting, ballhandling and passing will bolster our backcourt immediately.”

Colin Porter started every single game he played for Liberty for the past four seasons, and yes, that is all 135 games that the Flames played in that time period. He averaged at least 27 minutes a game in each of his four seasons, and capped off his time there with 11.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Porter is a career 38% three-point shooter with his senior year mark of 35.8% going in the books as his worst output. Seeing as that was also his career high in attempts per game, I’m going to guess that if he gets a little bit more choosy, he’ll go back towards the 40% from freshman year or 43% from junior year.

His assist rate trailed off this past year after three straight seasons in the top 400 in the country according to KenPom.com. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about with Porter not even making into the top 500 in 2025-26, as Zach Cleveland was a top 25 assist rate guy for Liberty last season. That’s gonna make a dent in Porter’s ability to be the guy who makes the pass that leads to the bucket, y’know? Elsewhere in Analytics Town, Porter had a slightly questionable turnover rate as a freshman, coming in at 20.4% on KenPom, but he’s been under 18% in each of the last three seasons, including just 13.1% this past year for the Flames.

One thing that’s slightly bothersome? It’s not his shooting in general. As mentioned, his three-point shooting is fine to great. Porter is a career 49.5% shooter on two-point attempts, and he was north of 50% each of the past two seasons as well. It’s his shooting in specific circumstances. In 27 career games against what KenPom.com calls Tier A+B opponents — top 100 teams, adjusted for home/road situations — Porter is shooting 39-for-94 on two-pointers. That’s just 41.5%. Last year, 15 of Marquette’s 20 Big East games were A+B games, and they played five more in non-conference play, and the Big East tournament game against Xavier counted, too. That’s 21, and we can roughly presume that the 2026-27 schedule will land somewhere in that vicinity. 3.5 two-point attempts per game is more than Porter averaged in any of his four seasons at Liberty, so he was shooting more than average in those contests and coming up with more misses than his career or season averages.

If Marquette’s offensive system is still going to be predicated on getting open layups — offensive guru Nevada Smith is the head coach at Siena now, after all — and that’s going to lead to Porter taking more shots near the rim, then maybe this is all okay. It all comes down to how he’s going to be used, and to be very clear: There is zero reason that Shaka Smart is taking a transfer under these circumstances if Porter isn’t going to play some kind of a role on the 2026-27 team.

The circumstances in question? Colin Porter is only technically legally eligible right now. He just finished four years at Liberty, and if this was a year ago, that would be that. However, the NCAA approved five years/five seasons rules over the summer, and Porter is part of a lawsuit in North Carolina that contests the NCAA’s rule that the seniors from 2025-26 don’t get the fifth year. I want to be 100% clear about this: I think Porter should be eligible, because I am shocked that the NCAA was stupid enough to not anticipate the mountain of lawsuits like this that they are facing and thus just grandfather the Class of 2026 in for a fifth year. However, the lawsuits on this topic are far from being completely settled. As such, there remains a chance that Colin Porter will never suit up for Marquette. Early indications from all the courts involved seem to point towards the players seeking a fifth year will end up victorious, but Billable Hours remains undefeated, so who can say for certain?

I can say for certain that we didn’t see Nash Walker at all when Marquette went on their Canadian trip as he continues to rehab from shoulder surgery in the spring. I can also say that Colton Crowdis played a total of 2:34 in the entire three game trip, and that was also the final 2:34 of a 102-65 victory. There’s a need for a point guard option behind Nigel James on this roster. Porter being available means that maybe Nolan Minessale doesn’t have to slide over to point guard duties here and there, and maybe that means that Shaka Smart is 1) making sure he has point guard options and/or 2) sending a message to everyone on the roster that playing time is precious. If he’d rather bring Porter in during August when that could mean Minessale absorbing minutes that maybe we thought would go to Damarius Owens or Michael Porter? You see the message being sent here.

There’s another slightly more interesting message here. Shaka Smart has gone from “nah, we’ll just improve the guys we have here” to “well, this has gone poorly” to “I have added two of the best transfer fits in the country” to “hey, I can make my roster better in November thanks to legal goofiness that has opened a loophole? Cool, let’s do it.” I know what I said about Smart’s future as the Marquette head coach back in mid-March, and I stand by it. The fact of the matter is that Smart has acted like he believes it ever since then. We’ll have to wait to see what the results look like, but the process, the path taken? These are the actions of a coach who is driven to not just win, but put the horrors of last season very far in the rear view mirror.

Let’s get you a brand new scholarship chart and get out of here, eh?

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Dillon Gabriel put together the Browns' best preseason QB performance

Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders received the bulk of the playing time at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns as they battled for the starting job across the team's first two preseason games.

In preseason Week 3, it was Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green's team to run the show after Todd Monken named Watson Cleveland's starter.

Gabriel, a third-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, was granted the chance to start. It was a critical opportunity for the 25-year-old, who had struggled in mop-up duty across his first two preseason contests.

Gabriel capitalized on the chance afforded to him. He led the Browns offense to 27 points while demonstrating great rhythm and accuracy across one half of action. Entering Thursday's action, Cleveland had only scored 17 total points across its previous two preseason games.

Here's more to know about Gabriel's outing against the Patriots, including a grade for his performance.

Dillon Gabriel grade for preseason start in Browns vs. Patriots

Gabriel put together a strong performance against the Patriots, one that will likely help him lock down the Browns' third-string quarterback job ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Gabriel looked much more comfortable in the pocket than he did across his first two preseason outings. He was in rhythm throughout the evening, routinely finding open receivers and hitting them with accurate passes at all levels of the field.

Gabriel was particularly impressive when throwing to the intermediate portion of the field. On one occasion, the lefty was able to hang in the pocket amid pressure and hit Ben Patterson breaking open over the middle of the field.

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49ers GM John Lynch calls Jed York arrest 'a real personal situation'

San Francisco 49ersowner Jed York was arrested in Ohio last weekend for allegedly making an arrangement "to have sexual activity" with a woman "in exchange for $140."

San Francisco general manager John Lynch addressed York's situation during an in-game interview with CBS during the 49ers' final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada.

"Obviously a difficult situation. You know, I have so much love and respect for the York family, for Jed, for Danielle, John, and Denise and Jenna and Mara − they've just been tremendous to me and my family," Lynch said. "I thought Kyle said it well. It's a real personal situation. We're going to leave it as such."

Lynch echoed head coach Kyle Shanahan, who also told reporters it was "personal" after San Francisco's Aug. 25 practice.

York reached a plea deal that saw his charges of "engaging in prostitution" – a misdemeanor – reduced to disorderly conduct misdemeanor charges. Additionally, he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of possessing criminal tools.

The NFL is looking into potential punishment for York, reviewing the matter under terms of its personal conduct policy, which states a "higher standard" for owners.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 49ers GM John Lynch calls Jed York arrest 'a real personal situation'

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Al Michaels cracks Lake Ontario joke amid ongoing name controversy

It only took one possession for veteran play-by-play man Al Michaels to get into midseason form during Amazon Prime Video's preseason "Thursday Night Football" broadcast.

The broadcast was coming back from a commercial after the Browns opened the game with a touchdown from Dillon Gabriel to Luke Floriea. It showed an aerial shot of Huntington Bank Field, which abuts Lake Erie.

Michaels used that opportunity to crack a joke about U.S. president Donald Trump's order to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America" amid an ongoing trade dispute with Canada.

"That is Lake Erie. We think it is still called Lake Erie – we're not quite sure at this point," Michaels said. "But we'll be by Lake something like Ontario or whatever it's going to be called by the time we get to Buffalo. Anyway, you know what I'm talking about, some of you do. Read the news."

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NFL Moneyline Picks for Every Week 3 Preseason Game

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With a full slate of NFL football on deck, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 27, here are my NFL moneyline picks for Week 3 of the preseason.

Let's navigate these murky waters together, break down the quarterback battles, and find our edges in my this week's NFL picks.

Week 3 preseason NFL moneyline picks

MatchupPickResult
SteelersPIT
vs.
BillsBUF		Bills 58%
PatriotsNE
vs.
BrownsCLE		Patriots 57%
49ersSF
vs.
RaidersLV		Raiders 60%
RamsLAR
vs.
ChargersLAC		Rams 40%
CommandersWAS
vs.
RavensBAL		Ravens 59%
FalconsATL
vs.
DolphinsMIA		Falcons 65%
TexansHOU
vs.
PanthersCAR		Panthers 45%
BuccaneersTB
vs.
JaguarsJAX		Buccaneers 58%
GiantsNYG
vs.
JetsNYJ		Giants 60%
BengalsCIN
vs.
EaglesPHI		Eagles 56%
CardinalsARI
vs.
PackersGB		Cardinals 55%
SeahawksSEA
vs.
ChiefsKC		Seahawks 48%
SaintsNO
vs.
CowboysDAL		Cowboys 58%
VikingsMIN
vs.
BroncosDEN		Broncos 71%
LionsDET
vs.
ColtsIND		Colts 63%
BearsCHI
vs.
TitansTEN		Titans 57%

Lines courtesy of Kalshi as of 8-27.

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Expert Week 3 preseason NFL moneyline picks

Steelers vs Bills: Bills (58%)

Buffalo Bills' Kyle Allen will likely get significant run in the final week of the preseason after he went 10 of 12 for 128 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. Will Howard and Drew Allar will go for the Pittsburgh Steelers; those two totaled 144 yards with two interceptions and four sacks against the New York Jets. I'm placing my money on the vet.

  • It was all Shane Buechele in this one, as Allen - despite reports saying the contrary - sealed up QB2 duties last week. Regardless, the pick was sound, as he outplayed Howard and Allar. His two-point conversion was the cherry on top.

Grade: B

Patriots vs Browns: Patriots (57%)

Neither Deshaun Watson nor Shedeur Sanders will play in this game, leaving me to side with Tommy DeVito, who's thrown for 289 yards and two touchdowns across two weeks of the preseason. Easy money here.

49ers vs Raiders: Raiders (60%)

Chalk me up as one of the guys who got killed by Aidan O'Connell's final drive against the Houston Texans a week ago — I won't make that mistake again, especially when the San Francisco 49ers will likely remain cautious with their starters before the season.

Rams vs Chargers: Rams (40%)

Stetson Bennett IV has the inside track on Ty Simpson to win the QB2 battle, but both will get their final chance to make a name for themselves in Week 3. On the other side, don't expect many starters to play for the Los Angeles Chargers, and I'll take the Los Angeles Rams' depth every time. 

Commanders vs Ravens: Ravens (59%)

Dan Quinn said Jayden Daniels will get his reps during joint practices, leaving me to believe he won't be seeing the field in Week 3. With Lamar Jackson sidelined before the regular season, Tyler Huntley and Joe Fagnano will be getting the reps, and I trust them more than Sam Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis.

Falcons vs Dolphins: Falcons (65%)

Kevin Stefanski said Atlanta Falcons starters will be seeing some reps as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. However, Tua Tagovailoa will be behind center in the first quarter. Jeff Hafley confirmed Quinn Ewers will get a ton of work, but the lack of depth for the Miami Dolphins is concerning, so we'll ride with the Falcons.

Texans vs Panthers: Panthers (45%)

Kenny Pickett was 15 of 25 last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars and will likely get the most run with Bryce Young and Haynes King sidelined before the regular season. C.J. Stroud will play a series but leave most of the work to Davis Mills, who couldn't move the ball whatsoever a week ago. I'll throw my belief in Pickett to give us a cushion.

Buccaneers vs Jaguars: Buccaneers (58%)

We won't be seeing Baker Mayfield in this one; it feels like Jake Browning might be playing for his job against Jalon Daniels, who was getting snaps ahead of Browning in Tuesday's joint practice. That competition should bear fruit this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars' backups.

Giants vs Jets: Giants (60%)

John Harbaugh didn't say whether or not Jaxson Dart will play, but in Jameis Winston we trust, nonetheless. The three-quarterback rotation for the New York Jets didn't do much of anything behind Geno Smith last week, so I'll give the New York Giants the benefit of the doubt here.

Bengals vs Eagles: Eagles (56%)

I'm in the business of fading Josh Johnson as well as the Cincinnati Bengals' bench (Zac Taylor confirmed starters won't play), and will do so this week against Tanner McKee, Andy Dalton, and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Cardinals vs Packers: Cardinals (55%)

With the Green Bay Packers likely sitting their starters here, I'm relying on Gardner Minshew for the Arizona Cardinals, who's been throwing the ball pretty damn well in the preseason. He's thrown just six incomplete passes on 39 attempts alongside two touchdowns and a pick. We'll ride with him against the Packers' bench.

Seahawks vs Chiefs: Seahawks (48%)

With Patrick Mahomes unlikely to play and the combo of Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe throwing virtually every pass for the Seahawks in the preseason, I'm all over Seattle in this spot. Lock has been solid over two weeks, too, completing 21 of 27 passes for 134 yards. Don't overthink this one.

Saints vs Cowboys: Cowboys (58%)

If it ain't broke, don't fix it - the Cowboys have been a cash cow for us in the preseason with Joe Milton at the helm. With him looking to lock up QB2 duties, I'm sticking with Dallas.

Vikings vs Broncos: Broncos (71%)

It'll be Sam Ehlinger vs. Jarrett Stidham in a QB2 battle in Week 3, which usually bodes well for our wallet. I'll fade J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings as a result.

Lions vs Colts: Lions (37%)

We won't see many starters for the Detroit Lions or Indianapolis Colts in Week 3; it'll be Josh Dobbs against Anthony Richardson Sr. After the latter did next to nothing against the Falcons last week, I'll lean on Dobbs and Co. to get the job done.

Bears vs Titans: Titans (57%)

Head coach Robert Saleh has trotted Cam Ward out there each week so far in the preseason, and we'll likely see him one more time against the Chicago Bears. With serviceable quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and Will Levis waiting in the wings, I'll take that depth one more time.

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Rams vs Chargers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's NFL Preseason Game

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The Rams and Chargers wrap up their respective preseasons at SoFi Stadium tonight, with the Chargers sitting as 59% favorites at Kalshi.

Rams coach Sean McVay never plays his starters in preseason, and that won’t change here. The Chargers starters, meanwhile, will see six to nine plays.  

My Rams vs. Chargers predictions and NFL picks believe a drive and change with the regulars isn’t going to be enough to tilt things the Chargers' way on August 27, so look the Rams' offense to lead the way to a win and an Over.

Rams vs Chargers prediction

PickKalshi
Probability
Rams moneyline41%
Over 37.552%

Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.

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Who will win Rams vs Chargers: Rams

Kalshi probability: 41%

Prediction markets seem to be putting a great deal of weight on the news about the starters playing for the Chargers.

This will be the first time their entire offensive line has played together this preseason. That probably isn’t enough to change what we’ve seen on the field through the first two exhibition games, however.  

The Los Angeles Rams have posted the highest point differential through two games, +42, without a single starter seeing the field this preseason. Only the Bills have scored more than their 54 points on offense, and only the Ravens have allowed fewer than their 12. 

The Los Angeles Chargers have been outscored through two preseason games, including a 41-17 beatdown at the hands of the 49ers. 

 TOP PICK
Rams vs Chargers Over/Under pick: Over 37.5

Kalshi probability: 52%

Neither team has had trouble scoring.

Rams rookie Ty Simpson will likely get the start and go most of the way. The first-round draft pick appears to have lost the backup job to veteran Stetson Bennett, and McVay has hinted that Bennett may not play at all. 

That’s no problem for the Rams offense, as Simpson has had the better passer rating in both games so far. He had two touchdowns and 190 yards on 21 of 25 passing in the first game, and was 8 of 12 for 73 in the second. 

The Chargers have gotten 476 passing yards and 44 points from the quarterback tandem of DJ Uiagalelei and Trey Lance.

That, coupled with a defense that's allowed 48 points in two games, should help this game reach the Over.  

Rams vs Chargers live odds

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Rams vs Chargers weather

Dome.

How to watch Rams vs Chargers

LocationSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
DateThursday, Aug. 27, 2026
Kickoff10 p.m. ET
TVKCAL, KCBS

Rams vs Chargers latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Illinois adds guard Quentin McCoy to roster

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois men’s basketball team is adding a new face to the fold, as transfer guard Quentin McCoy joins the roster as a late addition.

McCoy’s an in-state add, as he grew up in Chicago and played his high school basketball at Lindblom Math and Science Academy.

The latest in Illinois head coach Brad Underwood’s group of “Everyday Guys,” McCoy spent his first two seasons of college hoops with the Arizona State Sun Devils, yet only played in nine total games for the team.

In his college career, the young guard only attempted one shot, so he’s coming to Champaign as a bit of a fresh canvas.

As for his measurables, he comes in at 6’3” and 175 pounds according to Illinois men’s basketball’s announcement.

McCoy joins a pretty stacked group of guards on the Illini’s roster, including Andrej Stojakovic, Quentin Coleman, Stefan Vaaks, Lincoln Williams, Blake Fagbemi, Lucas Morillo and Ethan Brown.

Based on the social media graphic put out by the team, it appears as though McCoy will wear No. 5, last worn by guard AJ Redd last season.

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Tony Romo faces three new citations from last month's OWI arrest in Milwaukee

More than a month after former Cowboys quarterback and CBS broadcaster Tony Romo was arrested for suspicion of operating while intoxicated in Milwaukee, the authorities have filed three new citations against him.

Via TMZ, the district attorney has charged Romo with first-offense operating while intoxicated, unsafe passing on the right side, and possessing open intoxicants in his vehicle.

Romo was placed on leave by CBS eight days after the arrest, which created multiple bodycam videos that created a general bad look for Romo. CBS has elevated J.J. Watt to replace Romo on the network's top broadcast team, and it seems to be a move that will cover the entire season.

Romo has four years left on his CBS contract, at a total payout of $72 million. CBS could try to terminate the deal for cause, owing him nothing. Romo would surely fight such a move. A settlement for something less than the full amount is always possible.

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Rams vs Chargers score, highlights, live updates, how to watch preseason game

The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers meet in their shared home Thursday night in the final preseason game for both teams.

Coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers will serve as the home team against coach Sean McVay and the Rams.

The Chargers are looking to bounce back from a 41-17 home loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 20.

The Rams enter the final preseason game with momentum, having beaten the New Orleans Saints 34-0 on Aug. 22.

USA TODAY Sports is bringing you live coverage with updates, highlights and analysis for Thursday's preseason finale between the Rams and Chargers.

Rams vs Chargers TV channel

09:12 PM ET, August 27 2026

The game will be televised nationally on NFL Network. Fans local to the Los Angeles area can also watch on KCAL 9.

  • TV: NFL Network, KCAL 9 (KCAL)

What time is Rams vs Chargers today?

09:11 PM ET, August 27 2026

Kickoff between both Los Angeles teams is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT), on Thursday, Aug. 27.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rams vs Chargers score, highlights, live updates, how to watch preseason game

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Winnipeg Jets Name Cole Kehler Emergency Backup Goaltender

The Winnipeg Jets will have a familiar Manitoba face serving as their emergency backup goaltender for the 2026-27 season.

Altona product Cole Kehler has been selected by the Jets to serve as the team's emergency backup goaltender (EBUG) for the 2026-27 season, according to an announcement Thursday from the Altona Maroons.

The 28-year-old has most recently been involved with his hometown Maroons as the club's goaltending coach. The team says his new role will keep him busy for the next 10 months as he trains, practices and travels with the Jets.

Photo by Jonathan Kozub
Photo by Jonathan Kozub

“We couldn’t be happier for Cole as he takes advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” the Maroons wrote in announcing the news.

The move represents something of a homecoming for Kehler, who has already spent time within the Jets organization.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound netminder attended Jets training camp ahead of the shortened 2020-21 season before signing a one-year contract with the Manitoba Moose. He appeared in three games for the Moose that season, going 2-1-0 with a 2.52 goals against average. 

Amid COVID regulations, Kehler was signed by the Jets for the remainder of the 2020-21 season, providing the organization with additional goaltending depth. He did not appear in an NHL game.

Born and raised in Altona, Kehler played his junior hockey with the Kamloops Blazers and Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League before signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings as an undrafted free agent in December 2017. 

His professional career included stops with the Manchester Monarchs, Fort Wayne Komets, Rapid City Rush, Cincinnati Cyclones and Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL, along with AHL appearances for the Ontario Reign and Moose. 

Kehler eventually returned home to Altona, where he played for the Maroons before moving behind the bench as the team's goaltending coach.

His new position means the Maroons will need to find a replacement goaltending coach for the 2026-27 season, but the club says Kehler intends to return once his time with Winnipeg is complete.

“Cole has committed to returning to the Maroons when his time with the Jets organization is finished,” the team wrote, adding that he will return with additional “knowledge and experience gained from his time working alongside an NHL organization.”

As Winnipeg's EBUG, Kehler will be available in the event that circumstances leave the Jets or their opponent without two healthy goaltenders during a home game. And should that unlikely call ever come, the former Moose netminder would suddenly find himself one step away from making his NHL debut - in his home province.

Rules surrounding EBUGs pertain to jersey numbers (No. 00 strictly) and cannot have suited up in any NHL games while maintaining fewer than 80 professional games under their belts.