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NFL Preview: New England Patriots (0-0) vs Cincinnati Bengals (0-0)

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TV: CBS (1:00 PM ET): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn (field reporter) SXM App: New England | Cincinnati

All-Time Series History Regular Season: NE leads series, 17-10 (won 3 of last 4) Postseason: —

The Last Time… Regular Season: 12/24/22: CIN 22 at NE 18 Postseason: —

HEAD COACHES

Jerod Mayo vs. Opp. (incl. postseason): — Reg. Season: — Postseason: —

Zac Taylor vs. Opp. (incl. postseason): 1-1 Reg. Season: 37-44-1 (.457) Postseason: 5-2 (.714)

PATRIOTS NOTES

• QB JACOBY BRISSETT has 9,994 pass yards & 48 TD passes in 48 career starts. Expected to make 1st start since 2022 (with Cle.). Completed 17 of 22 atts. (77.3 pct.) for 278 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs with 133.7 rating (career high as starter) in his last start vs. Cin. (10/21/22 w/ Cle.). • RB RHAMONDRE STEVENSON totaled 857 scrimmage yards (619 rush, 238 rec.) & 4 rush TDs in 2023, 2nd-straight season with 850+ scrimmage yards. Has rush TD in 2 of his past 3 on road. • RB ANTONIO GIBSON makes NE debut after totaling 3,926 scrimmage yards & 29 TDs (22 rush, 7 rec.) over 4 seasons with Was. Had 104 scrimmage yards (94 rush, 10 rec.) & rush TD in only career game vs. Cin. (11/22/20 w/ Was.). • WR DEMARIO DOUGLAS led team with 561 rec. yards last season as rookie. Has 5+ catches in 3 of his past 4 road games. • WR KENDRICK BOURNE had 406 rec. yards & 4 rec. TDs in 8 games last season, with TD catch in each of his final 2 games. Had 6 catches for 100 yards & TD in last meeting. • TE HUNTER HENRY led team with 6 rec. TDs last season, tied 2nd-most among all TEs. • LB JA’WHAUN BENTLEY led team with 114 tackles in 2023, 3rd-straight season with 100+ tackles. Has 8+ tackles in 5 of his past 6 at home. • LB JAHLANI TAVAI had career-high 107 tackles & 2 INTs in 2023. • LB JOSH UCHE had 3 sacks last season. Had sack in last meeting. • CB CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ had PD in 3 of 4 games last season as rookie. • S KYLE DUGGER set career highs in tackles (107) & TFL (6) last season & had 7 PD. Aims for his 7th in row with 5+ tackles. Had TFL in the last meeting. • S JABRILL PEPPERS led team with 8 PD in 2023 & had career-high 2 INTs.

BENGALS NOTES

• QB JOE BURROW passed for 2,309 yards & 15 TDs in 10 games last season. Has 90+ rating in each of past 4 starts & 2+ TD passes in 5 of past 6 starts. Had 2 TD passes in 4 of his 5 home starts last season. Completed career-high 40 of 52 atts. (76.9 pct.) for 375 yards & 3 TDs with 99.4 rating in last meeting. • RB ZACK MOSS makes Cin. debut after setting career highs in scrimmage yards (986) & TDs (7) last season with Ind. • WR JA’MARR CHASE had career-high 100 catches last season for 1,216 yards & 7 TDs. Is 1 of 4 players all-time with 80+ catches & 1,000+ rec. yards in each of 1st 3 seasons. Since entering NFL in 2021, ranks tied-3rd among all players with 29 rec. TDs. Had 8 catches for 79 yards in last meeting. • WR TEE HIGGINS had 42 caches for 656 yards & 5 TDs in 12 games last season, 4th-straight season with 5+ rec. TDs since entering NFL in 2020. Had 8 catches for 128 yards & TD in last meeting. • TE MIKE GESICKI makes Cin. debut. Has 20 rec. TDs in 6-year career. Totaled 244 rec. yards & had 2 rec. TDs in 2023 with NE. • DE TREY HENDRICKSON ranked tied-2nd in NFL with franchise-record 17.5 sacks last season. Had 0.5+ sacks in 15 games, most such games in a season since 1982. Aims for his 6th in row at home with 0.5 sacks. • LB LOGAN WILSON led team with career-high 135 tackles last season & set or tied career highs in PD (9), INTs (4) & FFs (3), becoming 4th LB in past 15 years with 4+ INTs & 3+ FFs in a season. Had sack & FF in last meeting. Wilson (5 TFL) & LB GERMAINE PRATT (118 tackles, 7 TFL) were 1 of 4 pairs of LB teammates each with 115+ tackles & 5+ TFL in 2023. • S GENO STONE makes Cin. debut after ranking 2nd in NFL with career-high 7 INTs last season with Bal.

NFL Preview: Carolina Panthers (0-0) vs New Orleans Saints (0-0)

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TV: FOX (1:00 PM ET): Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth, Jen Hale (field reporter) SXM App: Carolina | New Orleans

All-Time Series History Regular Season: NO leads series, 30-28 (won past 2) Postseason: NO leads series, 1-0

The Last Time… Regular Season: 12/10/23: CAR 6 at NO 28 Postseason: NFC-WC 1/7/18: CAR 26 at NO 31

HEAD COACHES

Dave Canales vs. Opp. (incl. postseason): — Reg. Season: — Postseason: —

Dennis Allen vs. Opp. (incl. postseason): 2-3 Reg. Season: 24-46 (.343) Postseason: —

PANTHERS NOTES

• QB BRYCE YOUNG totaled 3,130 yards (2,877 pass, 253 rush) in 16 starts last season. • RB CHUBA HUBBARD had career-high 1,135 scrimmage yards (902 rush, 233 rec.) & 5 rush TDs in 2023. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 20 of his past 23 games. Aims for his 4th in row at NO with 65+ scrimmage yards. • RB MILES SANDERS rushed for 432 yards in 2023, incl. 74 yards in last meeting. • WR ADAM THIELEN led the team with 103 receptions & 1,014 rec. yards in 2023 & became 3rd undrafted player ever (Rod Smith & Wes Welker) with multiple 100+ catch seasons. Has 637 receptions & 7,696 rec. yards & can become 4th undrafted player since 1967 with 700+ career catches & 8,000+ career rec. yards. • WR DIONTAE JOHNSON makes Car. debut. Has 391 catches for 4,363 yards & 25 TDs in 77 career games. • WR XAVIER LEGETTE was selected in 1st round (No. 32 overall) in 2024 NFL Draft. • DE DERRICK BROWN had career-high 103 tackles in 2023, most tackles by DL in single season since 2000. Is only DL with 20+ TFL (28) & 20+ PD (21) since entering NFL in 2020. Had 10 tackles & INT in last meeting. • LB JADEVEON CLOWNEY makes Car. debut. Tied his career high with 9.5 sacks in 2023 with Bal. Has 52.5 career sacks & 99 career TFL. • LB JOSEY JEWELL makes Car. debut. Had 108 tackles & career highs in sacks (3) & FRs (3) in 2023 with Den. • LB SHAQ THOMPSON has 100+ tackles in 4 of past 5 seasons. • S JORDAN FULLER had 93 tackles, career-high 8 PD & 3 INTs with LAR in 2023. Had INT in his only career game vs. NO (12/21/23 w/ LAR). • S XAVIER WOODS had 61 tackles & 7 PD in 2023 & has 5+ PD in 5 of his past 6 seasons.

SAINTS NOTES

• QB DEREK CARR passed for 3,878 yards & 25 TDs with 97.7 rating in 2023 & became 3rd player ever (HOFer Peyton Manning & Matt Ryan) with 3,000+ pass yards in each of 1st 10 career seasons. Had 105+ rating in 4 of his final 5 home starts last season. • QB TAYSOM HILL had career-high 692 scrimmage yards (401 rush, 291 rec.) & 7 total TDs (4 rush, 2 rec., 1 pass) last season. • RB ALVIN KAMARA had 75 receptions, 1,160 scrimmage yards (694 rush, 466 rec.) & 6 TDs (5 rush, 1 rec.) last season & is 1 of 3 RBs ever (Larry Centers & HOFer Marshall Faulk) with 75+ catches in 5 career seasons. • WR CHRIS OLAVE set career highs with 87 receptions for 1,123 yards & 5 rec. TDs in 2023. Aims for his 3rd in row at home vs. Car. with TD catch. • WR RASHID SHAHEED had career highs in catches (46), rec. yards (719) & rec. TDs (5) last season. • DE CAMERON JORDAN ranks 2nd among active players with 117.5 career sacks. • DE CARL GRANDERSON led team with career-high 8.5 sacks & career-high 14 TFL in 2023. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Car. with a sack. • DE CHASE YOUNG makes NO debut. Had 7.5 sacks with SF in 2023. • LB DEMARIO DAVIS had 121 tackles, 12 TFL & 6.5 sacks in 2023 & is only player with 100+ tackles & 10+ TFL in each of past 7 seasons. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Car. with sack & 5th in row vs. Car. with TFL. • LB PETE WERNER had career-high 93 tackles in 2023. • CB MARSHON LATTIMORE ranks 4th among DBs with 86 PD since 2017. • CB PAULSON ADEBO ranked 3rd in NFL with career-high 18 PD last season. • S TYRANN MATHIEU had 75 tackles, 9 PD & 4 INTs in 2023. Ranks tied 2nd among active players with 33 career INTs

NFL Preview: Minnesota Vikings (0-0) vs New York Giants (0-0)

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TV: FOX (1:00 PM ET): Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Megan Olivi (field reporter) SXM App: Minnesota | New York Giants

All-Time Series History Regular Season: MIN leads series, 17-10 (won last 4) Postseason: NYG leads series, 3-1 (won last 2)

The Last Time… Regular Season: 12/24/22: NYG 24 at MIN 27 Postseason: NFC-WC 1/15/23: NYG 31 at MIN 24

HEAD COACHES

Kevin O’Connell vs. Opp. (incl. postseason): 1-1 Reg. Season: 20-14 (.588) Postseason: 0-1

Brian Daboll vs. Opp. (incl. postseason): 1-1 Reg. Season: 15-18 (.456) Postseason: 1-1 (.500)

VIKINGS NOTES

• QB SAM DARNOLD makes Min. debut. Has 12,064 passing yards & 76 TDs (63 pass, 13 rush) in 66 career games. • RB AARON JONES makes Min. debut. Had 889 scrimmage yards (656 rush, 233 rec.) & 3 TDs (2 rush, 1 rec.) in 2023 with GB. Since 2018, is 1 of 3 RBs (Alvin Kamara & Christian McCaffrey) with 40+ rush TDs (41) & 15+ rec. TDs (18). • WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON had 68 catches for 1,074 yards & 5 TDs in 10 games last season & became 5th player ever with 1,000+ rec. yards in each of 1st 4 career seasons. Has 5,899 rec. yards in 60 career games & can surpass Torry Holt (6,784) for most rec. yards ever by player in 1st 5 career seasons. Needs 101 rec. yards in 1st game of 2024 season to surpass HOFer Lance Alworth (62 games) as fastest player ever to 6,000 career rec. yards. Had 12 catches for 133 yards & TD in last meeting. • WR JORDAN ADDISON ranked tied-1st among rookies with 10 rec. TDs, 3rd with 911 rec. yards & 6th with 70 catches in 2024. • LB JONATHAN GREENARD makes Min. debut. Set career highs in sacks (12.5) & TFL (15) with Hou. in 2023. • LB BLAKE CASHMAN makes Min. debut. Had career highs in tackles (104), TFL (9) & PD (5) in 2023 with Hou. • LB IVAN PACE led rookies with 97 tackles in 2023. • LB DALLAS TURNER was selected in 1st round (No. 17 overall) in 2024 NFL Draft. • CB BYRON MURPHY had career-high 13 PD in 2023. • S HARRISON SMITH (34 career INTs) & CB STEPHON GILMORE (31) are 2 of 5 active players with 30+ career INTs. Gilmore makes Min. debut. Smith is only DB with 1,000+ tackles (1,030) since 2012. • S CAMRYN BYNUM (137 tackles in 2023) & S JOSH METELLUS (112) were only pair of DB teammates each with 100+ tackles in 2023.

GIANTS NOTES

• QB DANIEL JONES has 12,512 pass yards, 1,914 rush yards & 75 TDs (62 pass, 13 rush) in 60 career games (59 starts). Passed for 334 yards & TD in last reg. season meeting. In 2022 NFC-WC at Min., became 1st QB ever with 300+ pass yards (301), 2+ TD passes (2) & 70+ rush yards (78) in single playoff game. • RB DEVIN SINGLETARY makes NYG debut. Had 1,091 scrimmage yards (career-high 898 rush, 193 rec.) & 4 rush TDs in 2023 with Hou. Is 1 of 6 RBs with 950+ scrimmage yards in each of past 5 seasons. Had 2 rush TDs in his only career game vs. Min. (11/13/22 w/ Buf.). • WR MALIK NABERS was selected in 1st round (No. 6 overall) in 2024 NFL Draft. • WR WAN’DALE ROBINSON led team with 60 receptions in 2023. • LB BRIAN BURNS makes NYG debut. Has 46 sacks & 59 TFL since entering NFL in 2019 & is 1 of 3 (Myles Garrett & Chris Jones) with 7.5+ sacks in each of past 5 seasons. Is 1 of 5 with 13+ TFL in each of the past 3 seasons. • LB KAYVON THIBODEAUX had career highs in TFL (12) & sacks (11.5) in 2023, incl. 7.5 sacks in 8 home games. • DL DEXTER LAWRENCE tied career high with 7 TFL last season & is 1 of 6 DL with 50+ tackles in each of past 4 seasons. Had sack & FF in last home meeting (10/6/19). • LB BOBBY OKEREKE set career highs in TFL (11) & PD (10) & tied his career high in tackles (149) in 2023, 1 of 3 since 2000 with 140+ tackles, 10+ TFL & 10+ PD in single season. • LB MICAH MCFADDEN set career highs with 97 tackles, 12 TFL, 5 PD & 4 FRs in 2023. • CB DEONTE BANKS ranked tied-5th among rookies with 11 PD last season. • S JASON PINNOCK set career highs with 85 tackles & 6 PD in 2023.

NFL Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0) vs Atlanta Falcons (0-0)

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TV: FOX (1:00 PM ET): Joe Davis, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver (field reporter) SXM App: Pittsburgh | Atlanta

All-Time Series History Regular Season: PIT leads series, 15-2-1 (PIT won last 4) Postseason: —

The Last Time… Regular Season: 12/4/22: PIT 19 at ATL 16 Postseason: —

HEAD COACHES

Mike Tomlin vs. Opp. (incl. postseason): 4-0 Reg. Season: 173-100-2 (.633) Postseason: 8-10 (.444)

Raheem Morris vs. Opp. (incl. postseason): 0-1 Reg. Season: 21-38 (.356) Postseason: —

STEELERS NOTES

• QB RUSSELL WILSON makes Pit. debut. Passed for 3,070 yards & 26 TDs for 98 rating with Den. in 2023. Can join HOFer Peyton Manning as only players ever with 3,000+ pass yards in each of their 1st 13 seasons. Has 11 TDs (10 pass, 1 rush) vs. INT for 114.6 rating in 5 career starts vs. Atl. • RB NAJEE HARRIS had 1,205 scrimmage yards (1,035 rush, 170 rec.) & 8 rush TDs in 2023. Is the only player with 1,000+ rush yards in each of the past 3 seasons. Is 1 of 4 RBs with 7+ rush TDs in each of past 3 seasons. • RB JAYLEN WARREN had 1,154 scrimmage yards (784 rush, 370 rec.) & 4 rush TDs in 2023. Harris & Warren were 1 of 2 pairs of RB teammates each with 1,000+ scrimmage yards last season. • RB/KR CORDARRELLE PATTERSON makes Pit. debut. Had 2,202 scrimmage yards & 20 TDs (14 rush, 6 rec.) in 3 seasons (2021-23) with Atl. Has NFL-record 9 KR-TDs. • WR GEORGE PICKENS set career highs in catches (63), rec. yards (1,140) & rec. TDs (5) last season. Since 2022, leads NFL with 16.9 yards per catch (min. 100 receptions). • LB T.J. WATT led NFL with 19 sacks in 2023 & became 1st player since 1982 to lead league in sacks in 3 different seasons. Has 96.5 career sacks & can become the 4th player since 1982 with 100+ sacks in his 1st 8 seasons. • LB PATRICK QUEEN makes Pit. debut. Had career-high 133 tackles with Bal. in 2023. Is 1 of 2 (Demario Davis) with 95+ tackles & 9+ TFL in each of past 4 seasons. • LB ALEX HIGHSMITH aims for his 4th straight season with 6+ sacks. • DT CAMERON HEYWARD has 80.5 career sacks, 8th-most among active players. • CB JOEY PORTER JR. had 10 PD as rookie in 2023. • S MINKAH FITZPATRICK has 60+ tackles in each of his 1st 6 career seasons. Had INT in last meeting.

FALCONS NOTES

• QB KIRK COUSINS makes Atl. debut. Has 39,471 pass yards & 270 TD passes with 98.2 rating in 150 career games (145 starts). Passed for 2,331 yards (291.4 per game) & 18 TDs vs. 5 INTs for 103.8 rating in 8 starts with Min. last season. Needs 529 pass yards in his 1st 2 games to tie Drew Brees (152) as 3rd-fastest QB ever to 40,000 career pass yards. • RB BIJAN ROBINSON ranked 2nd among rookies & 6th in NFL with 1,463 scrimmage yards (976 rush, 487 rec.) in 2023 & had 8 TDs (4 rush, 4 rec.). Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 15 of 17 career games. • WR DRAKE LONDON had 69 receptions & career-high 905 rec. yards in 2023. Has 5+ catches in 8 of his past 10 home games. • TE KYLE PITTS had 53 receptions for 667 yards & 3 rec. TDs last season. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with rec. TD. • LB MATTHEW JUDON makes Atl. debut. Had 4 sacks in 5 games with NE in 2023 & has 66.5 sacks & 87 TFL in 114 career games. Has a sack in 3 of his past 5 games vs. Pit. • LB KADEN ELLISS had career highs in tackles (122) & TFL (11) in 2023. • LB NATE LANDMAN had career highs in tackles (110) & TFL (7) last season. • CB A.J. TERRELL had 11 PD last season. Had 2 PD in the last meeting. • S JESSIE BATES led team & ranked 2nd among DBs with career-high 132 tackles last season. Ranked 3rd in NFL with career-high 6 INTs in 2023. Is 1 of 3 DBs with 100+ tackles in 4 of the past 6 seasons. • S JUSTIN SIMMONS makes Atl. debut. Had 592 tackles, 64 PD & 30 INTs in 8 seasons (2016-23) with Den. & is 1 of 5 active players with 30+ career INTs. Is only player with 3+ INTs in each of past 6 seasons. • S RICHIE GRANT is 1 of 6 DBs with 100+ tackles in each of past 2 seasons

NFL Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0) vs Miami Dolphins (0-0)

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TV: CBS (1:00 PM ET): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, Melanie Collins (field reporter) SXM App: Jacksonville | Miami

All-Time Series History Regular Season: Series tied, 5-5 (JAX won 3 of last 4) Postseason: JAX leads series, 1-0

The Last Time… Regular Season: 10/17/21: MIA 20 at JAX 23 Postseason: AFC-D 1/15/00: MIA 7 at JAX 62

HEAD COACHES

Doug Pederson vs. Opp. (incl. postseason): 0-1 Reg. Season: 60-53-1 (.531) Postseason: 5-3 (.625)

Mike McDaniel vs. Opp. (incl. postseason): — Reg. Season: 20-14 (.588) Postseason: 0-2 (.000)

JAGUARS NOTES

• QB TREVOR LAWRENCE passed for 4,016 yards & had 25 TDs (21 pass, 4 rush) last season. Is 1 of 7 players all-time with 3,500+ pass yards in each of 1st 3 seasons. Passed for 319 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs in last meeting. • RB TRAVIS ETIENNE ranked 5th among RBs with career-high 1,484 scrimmage yards (1,008 rush, 476 rec.) & had career-best 12 TDs (11 rush, 1 rec.) in 2023. Is 1 of 2 RBs (Christian McCaffrey) with 1,400+ scrimmage yards in each of past 2 seasons. Had 790 scrimmage yards (98.8 per game) in 8 road games. • WR CHRISTIAN KIRK has 50+ catches & 750+ rec. yards in each of past 3 seasons. Had 5 catches for 123 yards & TD in only career game vs. Mia. (11/8/20 w/ Ari.). • WR GABE DAVIS makes Jax. debut after spending 1st 4 seasons with Buf., totaling 500+ rec. yards & 6+ rec. TDs in each season. • WR BRIAN THOMAS JR. was selected No. 23 overall in 2024 NFL Draft. • TE EVAN ENGRAM led all TEs with career-high 114 catches in 2023, 2nd-most catches by TE in a single season all-time. Has 10+ catches & 75+ rec. yards in 4 of his past 5 road games. • LB JOSH HINES-ALLEN ranked tied-2nd in NFL with franchise-record 17.5 sacks last season. Had 7 tackles & PD in last meeting. • LB FOYESADE OLUOKUN ranked 4th in NFL with 173 tackles in 2023 & is only player since 2000 with 170+ tackles in 3 seasons. Had 13 tackles & INT in only career game vs. Mia. (10/24/21 w/ Atl.). Oluokun & LB DEVIN LLOYD (127) were 1 of 3 pair of teammates each with 125+ tackles last season. • DE ARIK ARMSTEAD makes Jax. debut after 9-year career with SF. • CB RONALD DARBY makes Jax. debut. Ranks tied-5th among active players with 97 career PD.

DOLPHINS NOTES

• QB TUA TAGOVAILOA led NFL with 4,624 pass yards last season, ranked 5th with 101.1 rating & tied-5th with 29 TD passes. Was 7-2 with 107.6 rating in 9 home starts last season, with 90+ rating in 8 of 9 games. Had 466 pass yards in Week 1 last season, 4th-most pass yards in season-opening game all-time. • RB RAHEEM MOSTERT set career highs in scrimmage yards (1,187) & TDs (21) in 2023, 3rd-most TDs by undrafted player in single season since 1967. Had 14 TDs (11 rush, 3 rec.) in 8 home games last season. • RB DE’VON ACHANE had 997 scrimmage yards (800 rush, 197 rec.) & 11 TDs (8 rush, 3 rec.) in 11 games last season as rookie. • WR TYREEK HILL led NFL with career-high 1,799 rec. yards in 2023, 7th-most in a single season all-time, ranked tied-1st with 13 rec. TDs & 2nd with 119 catches. Is 3rd player ever with 110+ catches in 3 straight seasons. Had 1,001 rec. yards (125.1 per game) in 8 home games last season, with 80+ rec. yards in 7 of 8 games. Had 215 rec. yards in Week 1 last season, 3rd-most ever in a season-opening game. • RB JAYLEN WADDLE is 1 of 5 players all-time with 70+ catches & 1,000+ rec. yards in each of 1st 3 seasons. Aims for his 7th in row at home with 50+ rec. yards. Had 10 catches for 70 yards & 2 TDs in last meeting. • TE JONNU SMITH makes Mia. debut after setting career highs in catches (50) & rec. yards (582) last season with Atl. • DE CALAIS CAMPBELL makes Mia. debut. Leads all active players with 175 career TFL & ranks 3rd with 105.5 sacks. • DT ZACH SIELER had career-best 10 sacks last season. • CB JALEN RAMSEY had 3 INTs in 10 games in 2023. Selected No. 5 overall by Jax. in 2016 NFL Draft & has FR in only career game vs. Jax. (12/5/21 w/ LAR). • S JORDAN POYER makes Mia. debut after spending past 7 seasons with Buf.

WNBA Preview: Minnesota Lynx (25-9) vs Washington Mystics (11-23)

The Washington Mystics endured a historically futile start to the season, losing their first 12 games to set a franchise record.

But entering Sunday’s home game against the surging Minnesota Lynx, Washington is trending toward a more favorable side of history.

Winners of five of their last six games, the Mystics (11-23) sit one game behind the eighth-place Chicago Sky for the final playoff spot. If Washington makes the postseason, it would set a WNBA record for recovering from the worst start to reach the playoffs, per The Washington Post.

Mystics coach Eric Thibault said the team is not overthinking the stakes of its final six regular season games.

Washington has won its past two games, scoring 90 points in each.

The Mystics shot 52.9 percent from the field and made half of their 28 3-point attempts in Thursday’s 90-77 road win over the Phoenix Mercury. Karlie Samuelson finished with 19 points and five made 3-pointers — both career highs — on 6-for-6 shooting off the bench.

Samuelson and her teammates welcome the league’s hottest team in Minnesota (25-9), which has won two straight games and nine of its past 10.

The second-place Lynx are three games behind the New York Liberty with six games left.

Napheesa Collier paired 26 points with 10 rebounds in Minnesota’s 99-88 win at the Indiana Fever on Friday.

Collier’s 20.6 points per game are the fourth-most in the WNBA, but the sixth-year forward credits the Lynx defense for the team’s success.

Minnesota is currently third in scoring defense this year (76.5 opponent points per game) after finishing next to last (85.0 ppg) in 2023.

The Lynx have won all three meetings with the Mystics this season, including a 99-83 victory at Washington on Aug. 17.

WNBA Preview: Phoenix Mercury (17-18) vs Seattle Storm (20-14)

After a 1-4 homestand, the Phoenix Mercury hit the road Saturday to face a Seattle Storm team battling for one of the top four spots heading into the WNBA playoffs.

The Storm (20-14) are coming off a 77-70 loss at the New York Liberty on Thursday. Heading into Friday’s action, Seattle was 1 1/2 games behind the Las Vegas Aces for the No. 4 seed.

The Storm have six regular-season games remaining, two of them against the Mercury (17-18) — on Saturday and in the finale at Phoenix on Sept. 19.

Williams had 17 points against New York while former Mercury player Skylar Diggins-Smith led the team with 21.

Diggins-Smith, a six-time WNBA All-Star, signed with the Storm as a free agent in February after playing her three previous seasons (2020-22) with the Mercury.

In the only previous meeting this season between the Mercury and Storm, Diggins-Smith had 14 points and eight assists in Seattle’s 87-78 loss at Phoenix on June 16.

Phoenix clinched a playoff berth with a 74-66 win over the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday night, its only win of the five-game homestand.

The Mercury are coming off a 90-77 loss to the Washington Mystics, an 11-23 team still challenging for the final playoff spot.

Brittney Griner had 15 points and five rebounds against the Mystics. Diana Taurasi was held to eight points on 3-of-9 shooting from the field.

Natasha Cloud finished with 13 points on 3-of-10 shooting in her return from a one-game suspension after she was assessed with her seventh technical foul of the season.

CFL Preview: Calgary Stampeders (4-7-0) vs Edmonton Elks (4-8-0)

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Edmonton – The Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders meet for the second straight week, this time shifting the scene to Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday night.

It was Edmonton who went on the road and pulled out a 35-20 victory on OK Tire Labour Day Weekend last week in Calgary to move into a tie with their provincial rival in the West Division standings.

A repeat performance may be asking a lot, but McLeod Bethel-Thompson is hoping for a similar effort out of himself after he threw for 486 yards and three touchdowns.

He’ll be on the lookout for Tevin Jones, Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and Eugene Lewis, all of whom had at least 112 receiving yards, led by Jones’ 208. The play of Jones of late has given Jarious Jackson’s offence the jump they’ve needed as he’s pulled down over 100 yards in three of his previous five games.

With the Stampeders putting much of their defensive focus on the run game a week ago, defensive backs Demerio Houston, Kobe Williams and rookie Ben Labrosse need to step up to keep big plays to a minimum. Without Tre Roberson, who’s set to miss the game with an injury, even more responsibility falls on the unit as a whole.

Dave Dickenson’s team wasn’t necessarily wrong to be concerned about the Elks runs game, as they feature three running backs capable of carrying the load in Javon Leake, Kevin Brown and Justin Rankin . It’ll be Leake and Brown again getting the bulk of the carries in the rematch after they combined for 88 yards the first time around.

Making Bethel-Thompson uncomfortable in the pocket and shutting down Leake and Brown is the goal of a defensive line led by Julian Howsare, James Vaughters and Mike Rose. Behind those three, Micah Awe, Branden Dozier and Cameron Judge await at linebacker.

Vaughters points to the importance of being strong mentally coming off a loss and facing the same team again.

When looking at the Stampeders offence, Dave Dickenson has made a significant change.

Logan Bonner takes over as the starting quarterback for Jake Maier after he threw four interceptions on Labour Day. Bonner has completed eight of 14 passes for 94 yards this season.

Defensive backs Devodric Bynum and Loucheiz Purifoy both had a pair of interceptions and should have their sights on shutting down Reggie Begelton. Begelton remains the go-to target for the Stamps with 687 yards, 118 of which he collected last week.

If Begelton is covered, Jalen Philpot and Marken Michel have shown an ability to create space downfield.

The Stamps run game gets help as Dedrick Mills returns. Mills last played back in Week 8 and has 406 yards on 76 carries.

Finding space won’t be an easy thing to accomplish against the Elks physical front seven. Defensive linemen Elliott Brown and Shawn Oakman have been playing well and found their way through the offensive line a week ago.

If Mills can get past them, he’ll run into one of the most active linebacker corps in the league in Nick Anderson, Nyles Morgan and Derrick Moncrief. Morgan and Anderson rank first and third in the league, respectively, in defensive tackles with 79 and 73 on the season.

After a disappointing loss on Labour Day, Dickenson wants his team to leave it behind and move on to the important game ahead.

Edmonton can climb out of fifth place in the West Division with a sweep of the home-and-home.

Calgary’s in search for their first road win as they try to keep the Elks in their rearview mirror.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT. Canadian viewers can find the game on TSN and RDS. American and international viewers can tune in on CFL+.

CFL Preview: Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-6-1) vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-6-0)

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Winnipeg – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders will square off in front of a raucous crowd at Princess Auto Stadium in the Labour Day rematch on Saturday afternoon. 

Bragging rights are only part of what’s up for grabs, as more importantly, just one point separates the two teams in the West Division standings.

The Blue Bombers surpassed the Roughriders with their 35-33 OK Tire Labour Day Weekend win.

And they have avoided a significant injury along the way as Zach Collaros is listed as the starter for the rematch after leaving last week’s game with a neck injury.

Ontaria Wilson, Nic Demski and Kenny Lawler continue to be difference makers in head coach Mike O’Shea’s pass game. With the return of Drew Wolitarsky, who had four catches for 48 yards, the options are expanding for Collaros.

The Riders are one of only two teams to allow an average of 300 passing yards or more this season, making the pass defence a point of emphasis. Rolan Milligan Jr. has been having a standout season with a league-best six interceptions and 10 pass knockdowns heading into action, while Marcus Sayles picked off a Collaros pass a week ago. It serves as a reminder that there’s playmaking ability in their secondary.

While a heavy focus likely falls on Collaros and his set of receivers, Brady Oliveira eyes a better performance than the 42 yards on 12 carries he was held to.

He’ll face a stout Riders run defence that’s the anchor of their team. The front seven features difference makers in linemen Micah Johnson and Bryan Cox Jr. who compliment a linebacker corps of Adam Auclair, C.J. Reavis and Jameer Thurman. As a unit, they’re holding rushers to a league-low 74.3 yards per game.

Oliveira admits there’s something extra special about taking on the Riders in the rematch game.

Riders quarterback Trevor Harris brought his best in Week 13, throwing for 368 yards and three touchdowns. It’s the type of game head coach Corey Mace will need again knowing the strength of the Bombers secondary.

His rookie receivers have been leading the way of late but he’ll be without Dohnte Meyers who’s sidelined with a shoulder issue. That means fellow rookie KeeSean Johnson and veteran Kian Schaffer-Baker need to step up again after combining for 163 yards last week.

Despite the success Harris had, the Bombers defensive backs have helped them to the fewest yards allowed through the air per game at 234.6. Tyrell Ford tops the team with four interceptions and Evan Holm has wrapped up 54 defensive tackles. They’ll draw the assignment of closing space on the Riders receivers.

As they do, TyJuan Garbutt, Willie Jefferson, Jake Thomas and Jamal Woods aim to apply pressure at the line of scrimmage. Doing so doesn’t only force Harris into quick decision making, it makes life difficult on running back Frankie Hickson by limiting his gaps on the ground.

Hickson continues to fill in admirably in place of AJ Ouellette by averaging 5.1 yards per carry but he was held to just 32 yards on 10 carries a week ago.

For Mace, it’s official crunch time on the team’s schedule.

With no one running away with the West Division, it puts increased importance on this game. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET. Canadian fans can watch on CTV while International and U.S. audiences can tune in on CFL+.

CFL Preview: Toronto Argonauts (6-5-0) vs Ottawa Redblacks (7-3-1)

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Ottawa – A critical East Division showdown between the Ottawa REDBLACKS and Toronto Argonauts at TD Place kicks off a three-game Saturday schedule.

Ottawa saw its seven game unbeaten streak come to an end with a 38-12 loss to the BC Lions at Touchdown Pacific last week in Victoria, B.C.

Toronto most recently fell to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 31-28 on Labour Day.

As the REDBLACKS try to get back to their winning ways against a provincial rival, it’s Dru Brown leading them offensively having completed 200 of 300 passes on the season for 2,532 yards.

As Brown heads into a second straight week without receiver Jaelon Acklin due to injury, he’ll be hoping Eli Stove can be a primary target like he was against the Lions in Week 13 when he caught eight passes for 73 yards. If Stove can provide another catching option, it’ll take pressure off top receivers Justin Hardy and Dominique Rhymes.

Spreading the field will be important as the REDBLACKS try to add to the struggles Toronto’s secondary had against Hamilton. After coughing up 353 yards on Labour Day, the Argos are now allowing 291.7 per game.

It’s a defensive back corps led by Benjie Franklin and Royce Metchie, as DaShaun Amos is listed as a game-time decision. Having Amos would be a big boost, given he sat tied for second in interceptions heading into this week’s action with four.

With it being a big divisional game, Brown expects the Argos’ defence to bring the pressure.

Bob Dyce’s run game is set to look different after the release of running back Ryquell Armstead and the signing of Jamal Morrow. The former Roughrider will serve as the back up to Khalan Laborn, making his CFL debut.

Whoever Dyce decides to hand the ball to, they’ll have their work cut out for them against the league’s top run defence. D-linemen Jake Ceresna and Folarin Orimolade, along with Jonathan Jones at linebacker have all had impressive seasons to date, with Ceresna in a tie for second league-wide with five sacks.

When it comes to the Argos moving the ball down the field, it’ll be Chad Kelly at the helm making his third straight start. He’ll be looking to make it three straight 300-plus yard passing games after putting up 322 in each of his first two.

Damonte Coxie, DaVaris Daniels — who is also a game-time decision — and David Ungerer are among Kelly’s favourite targets. Ungerer in particular has been impressive, collecting 150 yards in the Argos’ previous two games against Saskatchewan and Hamilton.

They’ll see a strong pass defence this week as the REDBLACKS sit third in the league surrendering 266.7 yards per game. It’s a defensive back corps that has playmaking ability all over the field, led by Deandre Lamont’s seven pass knockdowns. Six different players have also recorded an interception, led by Alonzo Addae and Alijah McGhee, who have two apiece.

Ka’Deem Carey handles the rushing duties and is coming off a 78-yard performance in Hamilton. With 724 yards on the season, he’s well on his way to reaching 1,000 for the second time in his career.

The REDBLACKS’ defensive front also ranks third in yards allowed on the ground at 91.4 and it’s a group that’s sure to be physical on the Argos offensive line. Lorenzo Mauldin IV has five tackles for a loss and serves as a steadying veteran presence, while linebackers Frankie Griffin and Adarius Pickett do a good job of preventing big plays in the middle of the field.

With the sour taste of a loss to rival Hamilton and working through a short week, Dinwiddie knows there’s no time for self-pity at this point in the season.

Ottawa can extend its lead over Toronto with a win, while the Argos can close the gap to a single point.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Canadian viewers can find the game on TSN and RDS. American and international viewers can tune in on CFL+.