The San Francisco 49ers placed wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least four games. The team is facing several injuries, including to multiple wide receivers, as they prepare to play the Atlanta Falcons.
Key Facts
Marquez Valdes-Scantling will miss at least four games due to a calf injury.
The 49ers have 19 players on their injury report for Week 7.
Injured wide receivers include Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Skyy Moore, and Jordan Watkins.
Brandon Ayiuk is also out, recovering from a previous season-ending knee injury.
Mac Jones is likely to start as quarterback since Brock Purdy is still recovering from a toe injury.
The 49ers are in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC West with a 4-2 record.
The game against the Falcons is scheduled for "Sunday Night Football."
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to play their last preseason game against the Sacramento Kings, but they will be missing LeBron James and Bronny James due to injuries. LeBron will be out due to sciatica, while Bronny has an ankle sprain, affecting the team's performance in the preseason.
Key Facts
The Lakers play their last preseason game against the Kings with a 1-4 record.
LeBron James is absent due to sciatica, expected to return mid-November.
Bronny James is out with an ankle sprain, considered day-to-day.
Both players' injuries impact the Lakers' preseason performance.
Deandre Ayton, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic played limited minutes in preseason.
Opening night for the Lakers is set for October 21 against the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors have a 3-1 preseason record despite their own injuries.
FanDuel is offering a promotion where new users can earn $300 in bonus bets by placing a $5 wager on sports games, including MLB playoffs, college football, or NFL games. The offer requires winning the initial $5 bet, but there are no odds restrictions. The promotion includes various betting options and pre-made parlays for different games.
Key Facts
FanDuel offers a promotion for new users to earn $300 in bonus bets.
To qualify, place a $5 wager on MLB playoffs, college football, or NFL games.
The initial $5 bet must win to receive the bonus.
There are no odds restrictions on the initial bet.
This weekend features MLB games like Blue Jays-Mariners and Brewers-Dodgers.
Key college football games include Ole Miss-Georgia and USC-Notre Dame.
Notable NFL games include Rams-Jaguars and Eagles-Vikings.
Users have seven days to use the $300 bonus bets before they expire.
The Seattle Mariners are considering signing Pete Alonso, a top-performing first baseman, as they prepare for the next baseball season. Alonso is expected to leave the New York Mets and could be a valuable addition to the Mariners team. The Mariners previously filled their first base position with Josh Naylor, who may also be re-signed.
Key Facts
The Seattle Mariners were close to reaching the World Series this year.
Josh Naylor joined the Mariners as a first baseman but will be a free agent after the season.
Pete Alonso, currently with the New York Mets, is expected to become a free agent.
Alonso has played all games for two consecutive years, hitting 38 home runs this season.
The Mariners aim to strengthen their lineup, and Alonso is seen as a strong choice.
The Mets might not satisfy Alonso's salary demands due to their high payroll.
Alonso is known for his powerful hitting, making him a desirable asset for contending teams.
The Chicago Cubs are considering bringing back Cody Bellinger to help fill the spot left by Kyle Tucker this offseason. Bellinger had a strong season with the New York Yankees and might be a good fit for the Cubs due to his versatility. The potential contract cost for Bellinger is high, but it is seen as potentially more affordable than trying to compete for Tucker.
Key Facts
The Chicago Cubs need to replace Kyle Tucker in their lineup.
Cody Bellinger played for the New York Yankees last season, showing strong performance with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs.
He is versatile, meaning he can play various positions, which could help the Cubs with lineup decisions.
Bellinger has played for the Cubs before, hitting 26 home runs two seasons ago.
A projected contract for Bellinger could be a six-year deal worth $182.7 million.
Competing for Kyle Tucker's contract may be more expensive than pursuing Bellinger.
The NFL warned the Detroit Lions about aggressive on-field behavior after a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. A Lions player was highlighted for trying to force a fumble in a way that concerned the league, resulting in a warning and a player suspension.
Key Facts
The Detroit Lions lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in their second loss of the 2025 season.
Lions linebacker Jack Campbell was involved in a play that caught the NFL's attention for being too aggressive.
The NFL sent a memo to the Lions to address the appropriate way to attempt forced fumbles.
Detroit safety Brian Branch was suspended for one game for swinging at a Chiefs player and starting a brawl.
Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard spoke to Branch about on-field conduct and mentored him on balancing aggressive play with sportsmanship.
The Lions' next game is against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on "Monday Night Football."
The Los Angeles Dodgers, nearing a second consecutive World Series appearance, have had mixed results from their off-season player additions. Michael Conforto, signed for one year at $17 million, did not make the playoff roster and may leave the team as a free agent. Conforto's situation is compared to Pete Alonso, who might also leave the New York Mets.
Key Facts
The Dodgers are close to their second straight World Series appearance.
They signed Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to large contracts last year.
Other notable signings include Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, and Michael Conforto.
Michael Conforto signed a $17 million deal for one year with the Dodgers.
Conforto did not adjust well to the Dodgers and was left off the playoff roster.
Conforto might become a free agent as his future with the Dodgers is uncertain.
Pete Alonso may leave the Mets as he considers opting out of his contract.
Conforto mentions that Alonso has been greatly invested in the Mets.
Running back D'Andre Swift of the Chicago Bears was added to the injury report with a groin issue after not being initially listed. Swift was important in the Bears' recent win, and the team is hoping he will be ready for their next game against the New Orleans Saints.
Key Facts
D'Andre Swift helped the Bears win against the Washington Commanders with 108 rushing yards, 67 receiving yards, and a touchdown.
He was added to the injury report with a groin injury after not being listed earlier.
Bears' head coach Ben Johnson hopes Swift can play in the upcoming game against the Saints.
In the 2025 season, Swift has run 295 yards and made two rushing touchdowns.
The Bears started the 2025 season with two losses but have since won three straight games.
The team's Week 7 injury report includes other players with injury concerns.
The game against the Saints will take place at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The Boston Red Sox are considering re-signing shortstop Trevor Story, who is expected to become a free agent. Story could sign a new three-year contract worth $75 million. The team has other prospects but recognizes Story's recent performance might attract offers from other teams.
Key Facts
Boston Red Sox are looking at re-signing players during the offseason.
Trevor Story, a shortstop, is expected to opt out of his current contract.
Story played in full health this season and achieved 25 home runs and 31 stolen bases.
He has a projected value of a three-year, $75 million contract in free agency.
The Red Sox have potential replacement players, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer.
There is uncertainty about whether the Red Sox will prioritize keeping Story.
Story’s recent performance may lead to interest from other MLB teams.
The Los Angeles Rams will be without their wide receiver Puka Nacua for the Week 7 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an ankle injury. Rams' coach Sean McVay is optimistic that Nacua will return after the team's bye week in Week 8. Veteran receiver Davante Adams is expected to take on a leading role in Nacua's absence.
Key Facts
Puka Nacua injured his left ankle during the Rams' Week 6 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Nacua returned to the game but did not achieve any further targets after his injury.
The Rams have a bye in Week 8, which gives Nacua extra time to recover.
Coach McVay is hopeful Nacua will play in the Rams' Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints.
Davante Adams will lead the receivers for the Rams while Nacua is out.
Before his injury, Nacua was leading the NFL in receptions and receiving yards.
The Rams currently top the NFC West with a record of 4-2.
The Rams' Week 7 game against the Jaguars will take place at London's Wembley Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is ready to return to the NFL after a six-game suspension and recovery from a knee injury. He missed much of the season after tearing his ACL, but is now expected to play against the Las Vegas Raiders. Both the team's coach, Andy Reid, and quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, are optimistic about his return.
Key Facts
Rashee Rice was suspended for six games due to a violation of the NFL's personal-conduct policy.
Rice had a knee injury that ended his season early last year after tearing his ACL.
He was drafted 55th overall in the second round in 2023.
Before his knee injury, Rice had 288 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2024.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have expressed optimism about Rice's return.
ESPN reports that Rice is expected to play fully in the upcoming game without a snap limit.
The Kansas City Chiefs, with a 3-3 record, will play against the Las Vegas Raiders, who have a 2-4 record.
Blake Griffin, a retired NBA player, has joined FanDuel as a brand ambassador. He will feature in campaigns and media events as part of a new partnership between FanDuel and Amazon for NBA games on Prime Video. Griffin retired from the NBA in April 2024 after playing 13 seasons.
Key Facts
Blake Griffin was the first pick in the 2009 NBA Draft and a six-time All-Star.
He retired from the NBA in April 2024 after playing for several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics.
Griffin now works in media, having signed with Amazon as a studio analyst earlier in 2024.
FanDuel has partnered with Amazon for the 2025-26 NBA season to enhance fans' experience on Prime Video.
Griffin will act as a brand ambassador for FanDuel and participate in on-air features and live events.
Prime Video will show 66 NBA games during the regular season and cover playoff games, including the NBA Cup and play-in tournament.
Viewers can link FanDuel accounts to Prime Video for features like live bet-tracking and betting odds display.
The Cleveland Browns are facing decisions about their quarterback lineup after trading Joe Flacco and starting Dillon Gabriel. As Gabriel struggles, there's speculation about whether the team will trade Shedeur Sanders, who showed potential in college. The New York Jets are considered a potential trade partner due to their need for quarterback talent.
Key Facts
The Cleveland Browns have recently traded quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Current quarterback Dillon Gabriel has yet to prove he can be a long-term solution for the team.
Fans and media suggest that the Browns should consider playing Shedeur Sanders.
The NFL trade deadline is approaching, increasing speculation about potential trades.
Shedeur Sanders was a fifth-round draft pick with strong college performance statistics.
The New York Jets are in need of quarterback talent and could be interested in Sanders.
Sanders completed 70.1% of his passes in college, with 134 touchdowns and 27 interceptions.
The DraftKings Sportsbook is offering a promotion where new users can get a $300 bonus in bets for sports games by winning an initial $5 bet. This promotion includes a three-month pass for NBA League Pass. Users can place bets on various sports events, including MLB postseason games and college football matchups.
Key Facts
DraftKings offers a $300 bonus if users win a $5 initial bet on odds of -500 or longer.
New users also get a three-month NBA League Pass with the promotion.
MLB games include Blue Jays vs. Mariners and Brewers vs. Dodgers.
College football matchups include LSU vs. Vanderbilt and USC vs. Notre Dame.
NFL games for the weekend include Rams vs. Jaguars and Eagles vs. Vikings.
DraftKings provides options for pre-made parlay bets, which combine multiple bets into one.
Users need to register, provide personal info, and make an initial deposit to participate.
The $300 bonus must be used within seven days if awarded.
The Los Angeles Dodgers lead the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 in the National League Championship Series. Despite their success, manager Dave Roberts wants the team to improve, especially when it comes to using scoring opportunities better. The Dodgers have been strong in pitching, but they struggle to score when they have runners in scoring positions.
Key Facts
The Dodgers are up 3-0 in the series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts sees room for team improvement.
The team is struggling with runners in scoring positions, going 5-for-27 in NLCS and 5-for-29 in NLDS.
Dodger pitchers have been performing well, with starters going deep into games.
The team ranks second in a metric called wRC+ during October.
Dodgers’ offensive player Tommy Edman had an important performance.
The Dodgers might face problems if they continue wasting scoring chances in future games, like the World Series.
Ange Postecoglou, the manager of Nottingham Forest, is responding to criticism about his early performance with the team. He has not won any of his first seven games since taking over as manager but is confident that he can win trophies if given more time.
Key Facts
Ange Postecoglou is the current manager of Nottingham Forest.
He replaced the previous manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, last month.
Postecoglou has not won any of his first seven matches with the team.
He is facing pressure due to the lack of wins.
Postecoglou believes he can win trophies for the team if given more time.
He delivered a strong defense of his experience and past successes.
Joel Embiid, a key player for the Philadelphia 76ers, might return to play in the preseason after recovering from knee issues. He had knee surgery and spent several months in rehabilitation. The team plans to manage his game time carefully to avoid further injuries.
Key Facts
Joel Embiid plays for the Philadelphia 76ers and was the 2023 NBA MVP.
He won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA last year.
Embiid has faced injury challenges, limiting his games over recent seasons.
He had knee surgery in April 2024 after playing only 19 games that season.
The team expects him to return cautiously, controlling his playing time.
Philadelphia 76ers missed the playoffs last season, partly due to injuries.
Embiid’s participation in games can greatly affect the team's success.
The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to strengthen their pitching lineup by possibly signing right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease. Cease, who recently played for the San Diego Padres, is expected to receive a six-year contract worth $158.5 million. The Phillies aim to add depth to avoid another early playoff exit next season.
Key Facts
The Phillies are interested in adding a right-handed pitcher to balance their lineup.
Dylan Cease is a potential target for the Phillies as suggested by MLB insider Robert Murray.
Cease posted a 4.55 ERA in 32 starts with 215 strikeouts last season.
MLB insiders expect Cease to be treated as a top-level pitcher.
Cease's potential contract is projected to be six years, valued at $158.5 million.
The Phillies need a strong rotation to improve their playoff performance next year.
There is uncertainty about the availability of current Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler at the start of the next season.
Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA Most Valuable Player, did not win the MVP award last season despite averaging a triple-double. NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash predicts Jokic could win the MVP in the upcoming season due to his skills and past performances.
Key Facts
Nikola Jokic is a player for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA.
Jokic has won the NBA Most Valuable Player award three times.
He averaged a triple-double last season with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the MVP award last season, with averages of 32.7 points, five rebounds, and 6.4 assists.
Steve Nash, a Hall of Fame basketball player, believes Jokic could win the MVP award in the 2025-26 season.
Nash praised Jokic's skills, saying he is more skilled and accurate and has great vision on the court.
The Denver Nuggets recently traded Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson and acquired Jonas Valanciunas.
Jokic's only NBA championship win was in 2023, where he also won Finals MVP.
The New York Yankees' outfielder Trent Grisham is expected to leave the team and enter free agency. Reports suggest he may sign a four-year, $72 million deal, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, and New York Mets showing interest.
Key Facts
Trent Grisham is currently a free agent from the New York Yankees.
He is projected to sign a contract worth $72 million over four years.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, and New York Mets are potential teams interested in signing him.
Grisham has played for the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, and now the Yankees.
He recently had a season where he hit 34 home runs.
The Dodgers need an outfielder and might consider Grisham if they don't sign their first choice, Kyle Tucker.
The Mets are looking to strengthen their outfield after a challenging season.
The Angels are looking to be competitive and may aggressively pursue mid-tier free agents like Grisham.
