Latest blog entries from Houston teams across every league
Keen observers may have noticed New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy wasn't wearing his trademark eye black when making his first start for the team. The explanation goes back to his college rivalry with Ohio State.
The Giants place RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. on IR after a hamstring injury in Week 7, sidelining him for at least four games. With Najee Harris already released, the backfield now leans on Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary, positioning Skattebo as the clear RB1 after his 124‑yard, one‑touchdown performance last week. Despite losing key players like Jaxson Dart, Brian Burns and Tremaine Edmunds, New York sits 4‑2‑1 and controls the NFC East heading into a Week 9 road game at Philadelphia.
The Los Angeles Lakers considered adding former Bucks forward Pete Nance to their two‑way roster after Milwaukee released the 26‑year‑old, but the Bucks retained him with their own two‑way offer. Nance, the younger brother of ex‑Laker Larry Nance Jr., posted career highs last season—47 games, 5.4 points per game and a 41.7% three‑point rate, including a 23‑point performance versus Houston. While the Lakers start the 2026‑27 season with two‑way contracts for Arthur Kaluma, Chris Mañon and AK Okereke, Nance remains in Milwaukee, leaving the Lakers to rely on their G‑League affiliates for depth.
The Colts' trade of All‑Pro guard Quenton Nelson has sparked a new round of speculation ahead of the 2026 deadline, focusing on defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Reported talks link Buckner to the Chicago Bears, who need interior depth behind aging Grady Jarrett; the San Francisco 49ers, who originally drafted him and could use him to replace injured linemen; the Green Bay Packers, looking for a short‑term boost after losing Javon Hargrave; the Houston Texans, eager to improve a struggling defense; and the Las Vegas Raiders, whose line has faltered this season. Buckner’s $26.6 million cap hit and proven pass‑rush ability make him a coveted upgrade for any contender.
The New York Giants have placed running back Tyrone Tracy on injured reserve after a hamstring injury in the Week 7 win over the Texans. To fill the roster spot, they promoted RB Greg Desrosiers from the Chargers’ practice squad. Tracy, the 2024 fifth‑round pick, has logged 19 rushes for 55 yards and two touchdowns, plus five receptions for 54 yards and a score in seven games this season. The move also follows an injury to fellow back Cam Skattebo.
The Houston Astros release veteran outfielder Nelson Velazquez, who will now chase a contract in Asia, MLB Trade Rumors reports. Velazquez, 27, posted a .722 OPS in 34 games with the St. Louis Cardinals before being claimed off waivers by Houston, where he went 3-for-27 with two homers and a 30% strikeout rate. After a brief stint, he cleared waivers, elected free agency, and signed a minor‑league deal before being let go. In 728 MLB plate appearances he has 37 homers but a low .221 ISO and defensive struggles (-4 DRS).
Atlanta's star forward was dominant on both ends of the floor in their most recent first quarter against Houston.
Luckily for the Atlanta Hawks, they likely won't have to see the opponent that has their number again this season.
After the Giants’ win over the Houston Texans, running back Cam Skattebo draws a 15‑yard penalty for a helmet‑related hit. Head coach John Harbaugh publicly backs the sophomore, saying Skattebo led with his shoulder, not his helmet, and urges the league to clarify the rule. The NFL’s Rule 12, Article 10(a) penalizes any player who lowers his head to initiate contact, with potential fines or ejection for flagrant blows. Harbaugh’s defense highlights Skattebo’s aggressive style while warning the rookie to adjust his technique to avoid costly penalties in future games.
Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin openly criticizes the New York Giants after they cut running back Najee Harris, who had just voiced frustration over inconsistent carries. On Football Night in America, Tomlin warned, “Najee Harris spoke out about a lack of rhythm…now he’s unemployed,” echoing the blunt tone of Giants coach John Harbaugh, who also warned Harris to earn his role. Harris’s comments followed the Giants’ loss to the Saints on Oct. 18, and he was released on Oct. 20. The Giants’ ground game rebounded with a 27‑21 overtime win over the Texans, highlighted by Cam Skattebo’s 124 rushing yards.
The debate over the Vikings’ quarterback situation intensifies as former backup J.J. McCarthy, now with the New York Giants, sparks fresh intrigue. After a shaky rookie year in Minnesota, McCarthy entered the Giants’ offense in Week 6, rallying a 34‑10 deficit to within 12 yards, and then guided New York to a 27‑21 overtime win over the Texans in Week 7, unlocking Malik Nabers for 206 yards. Meanwhile, Kyler Murray’s start for Minnesota against the Colts yielded just 150 yards and one touchdown, with Justin Jefferson barely involved in the second half. With the Vikings sitting 6‑0 largely on defense and special teams, fans question whether Murray can finally ignite the offense or if McCarthy’s resurgence will rewrite his narrative.
Week 8 fantasy quarterback rankings highlight Josh Allen as the clear top pick, returning after a Bills bye with 1,504 passing yards, nine TDs and 240 rushing yards in six games. Drake Mayen (NE) and Joe Burrow (CIN) also offer strong upside against Miami and Tennessee, respectively. Bye weeks for the Texans, Saints, Giants and 49ers remove several options, while Brock Purdy and C.J. Stroud sit out, prompting managers to consider sleepers like Jacoby Brissett (ARI) – who throws 40+ passes a game – and Kyler Murray (MIN), whose rushing upside could swing his value. The article breaks down each QB’s recent performance and matchup before the critical stretch of the fantasy season.
The fantasy football season keeps flying by; Week 8 is already here! Bye weeks continue, with the Texans, Saints, Giants, […]
After a 2026 season that left the Texas Rangers out of the playoffs for the third straight year, the article argues the club must abandon its “win‑now” habit and consider trading high‑priced veterans. It highlights aging, high‑salary arms like Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi (combined $67 million, 35‑plus years old) and middle‑order bats Corey Seager and Brandon Nimmo as potential trade chips, noting their contract lengths and looming free‑agency value. The piece suggests a rejuvenation‑focused offseason could better position Texas for future contention than another round of incremental upgrades.
Kevin Durant seizes the NBA’s active 20‑point streak lead, extending his run to nine straight games with 22 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in Houston’s 120‑110 win over Atlanta on Oct. 27. The 38‑year‑old’s streak overtakes Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Kawhi Leonard and Devin Booker, whose impressive runs were snapped within five days. Durant has averaged 23.5 points this season as the Rockets start 4‑0 and aim to stay unbeaten on the road against Milwaukee. His shooting is efficient at 53.7% overall and 47.1% from three, cementing his veteran impact in his 20th NBA season.
The Philadelphia Eagles, likely sellers at the Nov. 10 trade deadline, are weighing a Saquon Barkley deal. Sportsnaut outlines five clubs that could benefit from the 26‑year‑old’s 5.7‑yards‑per‑carry season: the Seattle Seahawks need a versatile back to boost a 23rd‑ranked rushing attack; the Houston Texans could pair Barkley with MVP‑caliber C.J. Stroud to balance an anemic ground game; the Minnesota Vikings would add a powerhouse to a struggling offense despite a strong defense; the Denver Broncos might use Barkley to relieve rookie Jonah Coleman and relieve Bo Nix; and the Cincinnati Bengals could complement Joe Burrow’s passing surge. Each scenario examines fit, offensive line quality, and potential draft‑pick returns.
Alperen Şengün fuels the Houston Rockets’ perfect start with 29 points, nine assists and a near‑triple‑double as Houston pulls away in the second half to beat the Atlanta Hawks 120‑110 at the Toyota Center. The Rockets surge in a 28‑19 third quarter, outscoring the Hawks 57‑44 over the final two periods and dominate the paint 64‑56 while outrebounding 52‑35. Jalen Johnson leads Atlanta with 21 points and nine rebounds, but the Hawks shoot just 28% from three. Houston improves to 4‑0, topping the Southwest Division, while Atlanta falls to 2‑2 in the Southeast.
The Crawfish Boxes breaks down the Astros’ top pitching prospects of 2026, spotlighting Bryce Mayer’s system‑leading 140 strikeouts across Double‑A and Triple‑A (2.61 ERA in Double‑A, 5.45 in Triple‑A), Jagger Beck’s 2.80 ERA and 102 Ks in 22 games, and Jackson Nezuh’s 124 strikeouts over 103 innings (3.83 ERA). Also featured are Cole Hertzler’s 2.72 ERA in Asheville, Javier Perez’s 132 Ks in 110 innings, closer‑turned‑starter Nick Potter’s 2.11 ERA in Single‑A, and reliever Alex Santos II’s 2.91 ERA with a 1.09 Triple‑A stint. These stats illustrate a deep, strikeout‑rich arms pool ready for a major‑league push.
The Houston Texans, 2-5 after an overtime loss to the Giants, remain confident in quarterback C.J. Stroud despite unresolved contract talks. GM Nick Caserio said negotiations are close and the team supported Stroud through past criticism, noting he’s playing well with 1,867 yards, 11 TDs and one interception this season. While the franchise exercised Stroud’s $25.9M fifth‑year option for 2027, a long‑term deal could make him one of the NFL’s highest‑paid QBs. The Texans will wait until after the season—potentially after their bye week before facing the Chargers on Nov. 8—to revisit the extension.
The New York Giants breathe a sigh of relief after running back Cam Skattebo’s hamstring felt tight on his 42‑yard overtime run that set up Devin Singletary’s game‑winning TD in a 27‑21 win over the Houston Texans. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports the injury appears minor, with Skattebo likely cleared during the upcoming bye week—a welcome break after limited action in his rookie year. The Giants, now 4‑2‑1, aim to have Skattebo healthy for a November 8 divisional clash with the Philadelphia Eagles, while backup Tyrone Tracy Jr. also faces a hamstring issue.
The Milwaukee Brewers crush the Tampa Bay Rays 10-1 in Game 3 of the 2026 World Series, seizing a 3‑0 series lead thanks to an eight‑run fifth inning and a six‑scoreless‑inning performance by rookie Robert Gasser. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Mariners are interviewing former Astros manager Joe Espada and Cubs development chief Jason Kanzler for their next manager, and former Mariner Daniel Vogelbach, now a Brewers hitting coach, is praised for his offensive impact. Additionally, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor earns the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award for community service.
Kevin Durant praises Houston Rockets' rising star Alperen Şengün after the team’s 4-0 start, highlighting his focus on both ends of the floor and the improved spacing around him. Durant mocks opponents who try to stop Şengün one‑on‑one, saying they’ve “read a lot of bad articles” about him this summer. He urges teammates to knock down shots, cut aggressively, and act as a safety valve to relieve pressure on the big man, emphasizing the Rockets’ fluid play and collective support.
ClutchPoints breaks down Week 8 D/ST fantasy rankings as the season hits its midpoint. With the Texans, 49ers, Saints and Giants on bye, the Bengals emerge as a top pick, thanks to a dominant Week 7 showing against the Ravens and edge rusher Boye Mafe’s career‑high PFF grade. The Rams also look promising against a struggling Chargers, despite uncertainty over Myles Garrett’s return. Steelers’ defense targets a low‑scoring clash with the Browns, while the Jaguars aim to exploit the Colts’ shaky offense after their bye. The article highlights matchups, key player performances and fantasy upside for each unit.
Week 7 churned out seven key NFL storylines: Deshaun Watson led the Browns to a 27-24 win over Tennessee with 308 passing yards and a rushing TD; Giants rookie Cam Skattebo broke out with 124 rushing yards in an overtime victory; Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy shone with 252 yards against the Texans, igniting trade‑talk; the 49ers’ loss to Atlanta highlighted the impact of missing Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel; Joe Burrow’s second‑half surge gave Cincinnati a win but exposed a weak run game; Caleb Williams posted 308 yards and two TDs as the Bears finally found offensive rhythm despite Cole Kmet’s season‑ending injury; and the Titans’ defensive woes forced Daniel Jones into early trouble. These takeaways frame the league’s emerging contenders and looming questions heading into the second half of the season.
In Week 7 the Houston Texans fell 27-21 to the New York Giants in overtime at NRG Stadium, a loss marred by 10 penalties costing 80 yards and a sputtering defensive line. Giants QB JJ McCarthy connected with RB Cam Skattebo for a 42‑yard overtime run that set up the game‑winning field goal, while Houston’s defense, once top‑5 against the run, surrendered 101 rushing yards in the fourth quarter and OT. Coach DeMeco Ryans faces criticism after four mental penalties and a home record already worse than any season since 2022, leaving the Texans’ playoff hopes in doubt.