The Atlanta Braves have bolstered their front office by rehiring two former executives as senior advisers to amateur scouting. Former Astros GM Dana Brown—who helped the Braves win a World Series and discover Michael Harris II, Spencer Strider, and Tyler Matzek during his 2019‑22 stint—returns alongside ex‑Angels GM Perry Minasian, a former Braves assistant GM (2017‑20). Both will work with scouting VP Ronit Shah, leveraging their respected talent‑evaluation skills despite mixed results as general managers. Their combined experience contributed to Atlanta’s seven division titles and a 2021 World Series triumph.
As Week 9 approaches, ClutchPoints highlights four RBs worth streaming on the waiver wire. Arizona's Tyler Allgeier exploded for 191 scrimmage yards and two TDs after injury‑boosted opportunities, while Denver's Jonah Coleman posted a game‑winning TD and a growing 24‑carry workload over the last two weeks. Giants' Devin Singletary snapped a 41‑yard, one‑TD effort on just five carries and could see more work if injuries persist, and Houston's Woody Marks logged 19 carries despite modest output, offering volume for deeper leagues. Allgeier and Coleman emerge as the top immediate picks, with Singletary and Marks as secondary options.
The Los Angeles Chargers are approaching 'first win' territory, but it doesn't yet feel like that's imminent.
The Golden State Valkyries clinched a WNBA championship in just two seasons by prioritizing defense, a strategy echoed by NBA turnarounds like the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and Philadelphia 76ers. The Valkyries jumped from 4th to 1st in league defense while improving offense, and similar defensive upgrades propelled the Pistons to a 60‑win season and the Rockets to a West‑second seed. The article argues that teams such as the Clippers, Kings, Nets, or Bucks should adopt a "defense‑first" building model, highlighting affordable defensive role players and recent success stories. It also spotlights Gabby Williams as a prototype defensive wing worth scouting.
The 49ers should still be looking to add an edge rusher via trade, but if Khall Mack goes to another contender, then maybe the Texans can provide an alternative.
The Phoenix Suns had a chance to do something special with Kevin Durant. The Houston Rockets are showing them where they went wrong.
The trial of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz begins this week, with prosecutors branding them “cheaters” over alleged pitch‑rigging conspiracy charges and defense attorneys claiming a setup. Former catcher Bo Naylor testifies he saw no irregularities. The article also touches on offseason news—including the Braves’ revenue report, Mariners’ new manager Jason Kanzler, Astros’ interest in Albert Pujols, and various free‑agent and trade rumors—while noting MLB’s decision to keep Intentional Talk on air.
The Indianapolis Colts face a daunting finish to their 2026 campaign, but the schedule may offer a lifeline. After stumbling to a 5-7 record with six losses to teams holding a combined 28-19 record (27-12 without the Titans debacle), the Colts still have a chance to claw back to .500 by winning four of their last six games. Key upcoming matchups include home battles before the bye, a road test in Houston, and later trips to the Eagles and Titans. While opponents like the Bengals, Browns and Jaguars are tough, the author argues the timing of the remaining slate could spark a late-season turnaround.
Five weeks after a September 28 trade that sent J.J. McCarthy from Minnesota to New York, the 23‑year‑old quarterback has become the Giants’ starter and helped the team surge to a 4‑2‑1 record, leading the NFC East heading into their bye week. After stepping in for the injured Jaxson Dart and replacing Jameis Winston, McCarthy posted a flawless 20‑of‑28, 252‑yard performance against the Texans and now boasts a 63.3% completion rate for 495 yards with no turnovers. Grateful for the opportunity, he says he feels "blessed" to wear the blue every Sunday.
The Atlanta Braves are overhauling their front office for the 2027 season, bringing back former Angels GM Perry Minasian as a senior staff member alongside ex-Astros GM Dana Brown, who returns as a senior advisor to amateur scouting. Minasian, who served as the Braves’ assistant GM (2017‑2020) before a six‑year stint in Los Angeles, was dismissed by the Angels on June 26 when the club was 34‑48. His reunion with Braves president Alex Anthopoulos reunites a longtime executive trio, signaling a renewed focus on scouting and roster building ahead of next year.
The Atlanta Braves rehire Perry Minasian as a senior advisor for amateur scouting, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale and The Athletic’s Jesús Cano. Minasian, who was the Angels’ GM from 2020‑21 until his June dismissal, joins former Braves VP of scouting Dana Brown, who also returned after a stint with the Astros. Both were let go by their previous clubs this summer but retain the confidence of Braves president Alex Anthopoulos. Minasian’s tenure in Los Angeles ended after a 62‑100 season, the franchise’s worst in 66 years.
Left guard Kayode Awosika, sidelined since a Week 2 injury, completes his second limited practice on Thursday and is slated to return for the Chargers' Week 9 clash with the Houston Texans on Sunday. His comeback adds depth to the offensive line, though he’ll face a tough front seven featuring Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. Meanwhile, rookie WR Brenen Thompson remains a DNP with quad and hamstring issues, while DL David Njoku and LB Denzel Perryman log limited reps and could also be activated for the game.
The Minnesota Timberwolves (6-3) head to New Orleans to face the Pelicans (4-4) on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 PM CT. After a gritty win over the Houston Rockets, the Wolves must contend with Zion Williamson, who averages 28.5 points against Minnesota, plus Pelicans shooters Saddiq Bey and rising bigs Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. Injuries have thrust Bones Hyland into a bigger role; he posted 19 points in just 16 minutes against the Rockets and could be key while Anthony Edwards and Terrence Shannon Jr. remain sidelined. The preview highlights the "Wolf killers" and the importance of free‑throw shooting for Minnesota’s chances.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson returns after a year‑long eye injury, playing 14 snaps in a Week 8 loss to Jacksonville. The team’s WR Josh Downs, reportedly seeking a trade, draws interest from the Chiefs and Steelers, though insiders doubt Indianapolis will receive a third‑round pick. Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr. is also rumored to be on the move, with the 49ers mentioned as a possible destination. Houston’s defense sits 19th in points allowed, prompting head coach DeMeco Ryans and GM Nick Caserio to blame execution, not scheme, while DE Will Anderson claims opponents have figured out their approach. RB David Montgomery remains a week‑to‑week groin injury and will miss Week 9.
Kevin Durant confronts Houston Chronicle reporter Varun Shankar after a testy interview about his offensive role in the Rockets’ six‑shot win over Boston. Durant interrupts, questions why he’s being singled out, then answers thoughtfully. The exchange goes viral, and after a loss to Minnesota, Durant asks the media room to tell their online “minions” to back off, citing recent criticism and fan backlash. The incident highlights Durant’s frustration with social‑media scrutiny and his willingness to call out reporters directly.
The Ravens officially place quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley on injured reserve ahead of Week 9, sidelining both for at least four games. Jackson will undergo thumb surgery with an uncertain return timeline, while Huntley's turf‑toe injury appears season‑ending. Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano gets the start against Jacksonville, and the team expects to add Jacoby Brissett from the Cardinals for the Chargers matchup in Week 10. Baltimore drops to 4‑5 and faces a likely defeat by the Jaguars, but a win‑or‑lose stretch against the winless Chargers, Texans and Panthers could bring them to 6‑7 before their Week 13 bye. Post‑bye playoff hopes hinge on Jackson’s health and return.
Facing an 0‑7 start, the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will keep calling plays but is shifting his game‑day spot from the sideline to the coaches’ booth for the Week 9 clash with the Houston Texans. He says the move will give him a better view of defenses and allow quicker adjustments between series. The change comes amid injuries, limited offensive weapons, and growing pressure on McDaniel, with another loss pushing the Chargers to 0‑8 and sparking doubts about his future.
Dallas Cowboys special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen defends kicker Brandon Aubrey, calling him the NFL's best despite recent misses. Aubrey is 15‑of‑19 on field‑goal attempts this season, with two blocks attributed to poor line protection, including a 62‑yard block and a 65‑yard miss against the Texans. He finished 2025 at 36‑of‑42, all misses from 50+ yards, and earned All‑Pro honors each of his first three years. In the 33‑30 overtime loss to the Cardinals, Aubrey made 3 of 4 field goals and 20 of 21 extra points. Sorensen emphasizes trust among the special‑teams unit as the Cowboys, now 3‑5, head to Indianapolis.
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams says quarterback Dak Prescott never objected to using pre‑snap motion, but defenses have started timing pressures to those movements and recent two‑minute drills have limited its frequency. Adams notes that aggressive defensive timing, especially on standard down‑and‑distance plays, forces Dallas to rely more on shifts and cadence changes. He also points to the team’s struggles in mid‑game two‑minute situations, though they excelled in end‑of‑half/end‑of‑game scenarios like the 34‑30 win over Houston on Oct. 4. After a 33‑30 overtime loss to Arizona, the Cowboys (3‑5) head to Indianapolis for Sunday’s matchup.
The Blue Jays secure a rare fourth option for right‑hander Jake Bloss, giving Toronto an extra year to keep him in the minors before needing a 2027 major‑league roster spot. Bloss, a 25‑year‑old former Astros draft pick (2023), used three options in 2024‑26 and underwent UCL surgery in 2025, returning to pitch in the minors and the Arizona Fall League. With only ~175 minor‑league innings and limited MLB experience, he remains a development project but provides depth for a rotation that includes Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage and José Soriano. The added option eases the Jays’ roster crunch ahead of opening day.
At 38, Kevin Durant brushes off the Houston Rockets' grueling schedule after nine games in 15 days, including two back‑to‑backs and a 117-107 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 5, 2026. Durant says the team, whose roster features eight players logging 20+ minutes, doesn’t complain about the workload and feels as young as the 22‑24‑year‑old teammates. Coach Ime Udoka credits depth, an early training camp and limited preseason action for the Rockets’ resilience, noting they’ve avoided major injuries despite missing Steven Adams with a soleus strain. The squad practices Friday, their first since Oct. 20.
Marvin Harrison Jr. returns from the Texans’ Week 8 bye still fighting for a larger role after a trade from Arizona on Oct. 11. In Houston he’s posted just four catches for 40 yards on eight targets across two games, including a 6‑yard TD in a 34‑31 win over the Jaguars and a costly drop in an overtime loss to the Giants. With the Texans (2‑5) facing a winless Chargers squad in Week 9, Harrison’s snap count remains low and he’s a bench‑warm‑or‑flex in most PPR leagues. He only becomes a viable waiver add if his targets increase to five or more and his snaps surpass teammate Tank Dell’s.
ClutchPoints breaks down the top 20 MLB trade candidates for the 2026‑27 offseason, highlighting players who could flip the balance for teams after a surprising Dodgers loss. The list starts with Colorado outfielder Jake McCarthy’s explosive season, Cincinnati’s ace‑in‑waiting Hunter Greene (despite a second Tommy John), and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who may become a trade chip amid a deep roster. Other notable names include Boston’s speed‑power combo Jarren Duran, Houston’s versatile third‑baseman Isaac Paredes, and Miami’s breakout shortstop Otto López. The article offers salaries, injury risks, and team needs to help clubs assess who’s worth a buy‑low move.
LaMelo Ball turned a bench-warming stint into a game‑changing surge, scoring 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied to beat the Houston Rockets 117-107 on Nov. 5, 2026. After watching the flow from the sideline, Ball identified a scoring window and sparked a 15‑point streak, linking up with Jonathan Kuminga and Ayo Dosunmu while coach Chris Finch praised his newfound aggression. The win marks Minnesota’s most impressive victory since Anthony Edwards’ knee surgery and showcases Ball’s growing chemistry with teammates like Rudy Gobert as the Wolves adapt without Edwards.
Analyst Erik Kratz warns that the Houston Astros' Jeremy Pena and the Los Angeles Angels' Zach Neto could command "massive" asking prices if either club decides to trade its shortstop. Both players have emerged as elite options in a thin shortstop market—Pena posted a .277 average with 22 homers and 56 RBIs in 112 games for the AL West champion Astros (81-81), while Neto hit a career‑high 27 homers, .239 average, 77 RBIs and 24 steals for the Angels (62-100). Kratz says any deal will be costly because shortstops are rare premium assets, making the Astros and Angels potential key sellers in the offseason.