Minnesota Vikings Name New Starting QB
It's official, the Minnesota Vikings have named their starting quarterback for Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills and it's Carson Wentz.
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Panthers’ Brad Marchand drops updated injury timeline amid left knee injury
Brad Marchand updates his left‑knee injury timeline, saying he expects to return to the Florida Panthers in about five to six weeks, likely in December, after missing action since Oct. 6 against the Los Angeles Kings. The forward expressed relief that the prognosis is better than feared and notes he’s been skating for a week with daily improvement. Meanwhile, captain Aleksander Barkov also sits out with a left‑knee injury from the Oct. 1 OT loss to the San Jose Sharks, with no return date yet. Both players are working to rejoin the lineup.
Bill Belichick again nominated for Pro Football Hall of Fame after controversial 2026 omission
The Pro Football Hall of Fame nominates Bill Belichick for a second time after the committee surprisingly passed him in his first year of eligibility. Announced Thursday, Belichick joins former coaches Tom Coughlin, Mike Holmgren, Dan Reeves and Mike Shanahan as nominees. With a 69% win rate from 2000‑2023, six Super Bowl titles, 333 career wins (second all‑time) and a record 31 postseason victories, he is the favorite to earn the golden jacket at the 2027 class. The next decision comes on Nov. 17 when a finalist is chosen, with the final vote slated for early 2027. Patriots owner Robert Kraft also remains in the contributor pool.
Detroit Lions Urged to Trade for Former First-Round Cornerback
The Detroit Lions sit 5-3 but rank last in NFL passing defense, prompting calls for a secondary upgrade. ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell suggests a low‑cost trade for former first‑round pick Mike Hughes, now with the Atlanta Falcons, who could bolster Detroit’s cornerback group without sacrificing draft assets. With safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph still injured, Hughes offers a modest improvement as the Lions chase a playoff berth and try to overtake division rivals the Bears, Packers and Vikings.
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell shuts down potential Kyler Murray IR stint
The Vikings confirm quarterback Carson Wentz will start against the 6-1 Buffalo Bills while Kyler Murray sits with a hamstring strain. Head coach Kevin O’Connell rebuts any IR talk, saying Murray’s injury isn’t “under consideration.” Wentz, who helped keep Minnesota unbeaten earlier this season, faces a tough test after the Bills’ recent blowout win over the Ravens. Murray returns after his first missed game since a concussion, but the length of his absence remains uncertain. The game kicks off Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
NFL Week 9 predictions according to Madden 27
Madden 27’s Week 9 simulation predicts a solid 11‑3 record after an 67‑38 run since Week 2, and the tool’s forecasts line up with the actual results. The Jaguars dominate the Ravens 34‑6 behind Derrick Henry, while the Bengals beat the Falcons 31‑24 as Joe Burrow throws for over 340 yards and three TDs. Dallas edges Indianapolis 36‑28 thanks to Dak Prescott’s 70% completion rate and a 255‑yard passing duo of Lamb and Pickens. Kansas City snaps its losing streak with a 24‑13 win over the Jets, and Miami overpowers Detroit 27‑17. The article breaks down each game’s key plays and player performances, showing how Madden 27’s predictions hold up this week.
Ask Alex: Steelers Mailbag
In this week’s Steelers Mailbag, the Q&A focuses on the team’s current form. Fans ask if the Steelers are “for real,” and the answer highlights a dominant offensive line and a powerful running game, while the defense, despite surrendering yardage through the air, excels at limiting points. The piece offers insider insight into why Pittsburgh’s balanced attack is clicking and what to expect going forward.
Rob Gronkowski shoots down false claims he appeared at Turning Point USA event on Election Day
NFL analyst Rob Gronkowski refutes claims he attended a Turning Point USA rally on Election Day in New Hampshire. Photos showed him posing by the group’s tent, prompting some outlets to suggest he endorsed the right‑wing organization. In a Thursday statement, Gronkowski clarified he only stopped to greet fans, take photos and sign items after the group invited him across the street, and has no affiliation with Turning Point. The group likewise denied any partnership. Gronkowski was among former athletes, including Danny Amendola, Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather, who participated in voter‑turnout efforts in New Hampshire.
Shedeur Sanders, Joe Milton Among 7 NFL Backup QBs Starting in Week 9 Amid QB1 Injuries
Backup quarterbacks — and even some third-stringers — have taken their fair share of regular season snaps throughout the first half of the 2026 NFL season. Several quarterback injuries are forcing teams across the league to turn to their backups once again in Week 9.
Chiefs defense is looking in the mirror for a ‘killer instinct’
After a 24-13 lead in the fourth quarter, the Kansas City Chiefs blew a 28-24 Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos when their defense surrendered two touchdowns in 11 plays. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo called the collapse “sickening,” urging his unit to “look in the mirror” and rediscover a killer instinct. Despite forcing three three‑and‑outs, the Chiefs’ defense—tied for the fewest sacks in the league—struggled early, recording only nine sacks total, one on third down. However, defensive end George Karlafits leads the NFL with seven batted‑down passes, a rare bright spot. Spagnuolo hopes the unit can translate more early‑down pressure into wins moving forward.
Caleb Williams is a top-five NFL QB, and he’s doing it his way
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and former Heisman winner, cements his place among the league’s top five QBs in his third season. After a rocky rookie year with a 58.1% completion rate, he now posts a 70.9% rate—second only to Joe Burrow—while leading the Bears toward a potential 4,000-yard passing season despite missing three games. Williams embraces the pressure, focusing on winning and mastering the “little things,” from precise checkdowns to deep strikes, proving he can thrive against elite defenses like Seattle’s. His steady improvement signals a true game‑manager ready to elevate a QB‑starved franchise.
RADIO WARS (sort of): Jason Kelce on WIP Disputes Bill Colarulo Report About Jeff Stoutland’s Departure (UPDATED)
Bill Colarulo claimed that Philadelphia Eagles players, not head coach Nick Sirianni, pushed for run‑game coordinator Jeff Stoutland’s exit after a subpar 2025 season. Former center Jason Kelce rebuked the narrative on WIP, saying he takes offense at suggestions players didn’t back Stoutland and insisting the decision was a strategic shift by the organization. Kelce highlighted Stoutland’s respect among teammates, noting Jordan Mailata’s dinner visit and Lane Johnson’s meeting with him before retirement. The dispute underscores the murky source rumors surrounding the Eagles’ coaching changes.
Hawks in the NFL: Week 8
Week 8 in the NFL delivers drama and highlights. Detroit Lions All‑Pro Jack Campbell suffers a serious fourth‑quarter injury while tackling tight end TJ Hockenson, but later confirms he’s recovering and grateful for support. Tennessee safety Amani Hooker shines for the 1‑7 Titans, intercepting Joe Burrow three times in a 43‑36 overtime loss to Cincinnati and reaching five career picks, aiming for a $500,000 bonus. Rookie kicker Drew Stevens nails four of five field goals, including a 56‑yard effort, as Washington beats Philadelphia. Packers DE Lukas Van Ness posts a career‑high 4.5 sacks in a 27‑19 win over Carolina, and Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirfs helps the Bucs rush for 324 yards in a 16‑0 shutout of Atlanta—the first NFL win without a completed pass since 1974.
Andrew Mangiapane Returns, But A Crowded Blackhawks Lineup Awaits
Andrew Mangiapane returns to the Chicago Blackhawks after being cleared from a lower-body injury, logging an assist against Florida on Oct. 25. Despite his activation, coach Jeff Blashill’s four‑line rotation – featuring Connor Bedard, Patrick Kane, Roman Kantserov, and top‑line scorers like Mitch Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen – leaves little room for him. Mangiapane, who posted 35 goals for Calgary in 2021‑22, has seen just two points in 10 games for Chicago and must earn a spot amid fierce competition. His two‑year, $7.2 M deal gives him time, but lineup stability means he must prove his energy and scoring to secure regular ice time.
“I Put It On Mute”: NFL Legend Ryan Clark Makes Painful Admission About Not Being Able to Watch Peers After ESPN Exit
Former NFL safety and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark admits he now mutes every football broadcast after his abrupt dismissal from the network. Clark, a Super Bowl XLIII champion and LSU national champion, says he can’t watch the sport that defined his life, recalling how ESPN executive Seth Markman informed him of the layoff during a commercial break. Tensions with co‑analyst Peter Schrager, highlighted by a heated Get Up debate in September 2025, reportedly soured relations, though Clark denies it caused his firing. He now focuses on his own podcast, The Pivot, which secured a Netflix deal and new shows.
Rams holding punt returner competition
The Los Angeles Rams are hunting a punt‑returner who will solely fair‑catch punts for the rest of the season. Head coach Sean McVay says running backs Kyren Williams and Tutu Atwell lead the race, though the role carries no upside and only demands that they avoid muffing or fumbling. The team has already cut Xavier Smith and Alex Bachman, and while both Williams and Atwell have limited return experience (six and ten career NFL punts respectively), they’re expected to simply signal a fair catch. Ronnie Rivers, returning from injury, and practice‑squad players Brennan Presley and Alex Bachman also remain options, but the assignment remains unchanged: fair‑catch only.
NFL Fantasy Football Week 9 2026 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: D/ST
ClutchPoints breaks down Week 9 fantasy D/ST starts and sits. Top start: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Ravens, as rookie QB Joe Fagnano’s shaky debut gives the Jags a prime opportunity after a dominant defensive performance against the Colts. Next up, the Houston Texans are favored over the struggling Chargers, who rank last in points per game. The Seattle Seahawks also earn a start against the Arizona Cardinals despite quarterback uncertainty. Sit the Los Angeles Rams against the Washington Commanders due to the Rams’ inconsistent DST rankings and missing edge rusher Myles Garrett. The piece includes key player quotes and matchup insights to guide fantasy owners.
With no choice but to plow forward, Detroit Lions honoring Jack Campbell by mirroring his approach
Allen Park — How do you prepare for an NFL game during a week like this? The Lions have made it about honoring their injured teammate.
Broncos Prioritize Player Safety, Rip Up Playing Surface & Proactively Install Fresh Grass
The Denver Broncos are replacing the natural grass at Empower Field for the fifth straight season, citing player safety and optimal footing. After a $400,000 overhaul in January 2023 and a massive 14‑truck delivery of Kentucky bluegrass in November 2024, the latest swap occurs Nov. 4‑5, 2026, timed between a road game at Carolina and a bye week before hosting the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 22. Grounds director Chris Hathaway also uses LED grow lights (95% red, 5% blue) to sustain the turf through Denver’s cold months. The move reflects the NFL’s broader grass‑vs‑turf debate, with 92% of players preferring natural surfaces, and underscores the Broncos’ proactive, year‑round field maintenance strategy.
Rams add new cornerback after ruling out Jaylen Watson for entire season
The Los Angeles Rams added a new cornerback with Jaylen Watson set to undergo surgery.
How Sam Reinhart Evolved Into One Of The Florida Panthers' Most Important Players
The Florida Panthers are filled with high-end talent, but Sam Reinhart has proven year-over-year to be one of the league's most under-appreciated stars. If the Panthers end up bouncing back and return to Stanley Cup contention, there's a good chance he'll be a big reason why.
Eagles-Giants Game Preview: 5 questions and answers with the Week 9 enemy
The Eagles enter Week 9 on a six‑game losing streak and face a surging New York Giants team. In a Q&A with Giants analyst Ed Valentine, he credits head coach John Harbaugh’s credibility for the turnaround, notes rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s excitement‑driven upside, and highlights underrated players like rookie WR Malachi Fields, center Bryan Hudson, and cornerback Deonte Banks. Valentine warns that the Giants’ run defense is inconsistent but believes the Eagles’ defensive front remains potent. He predicts a 24‑17 Giants victory, noting they’re 3‑point road favorites—their first Philly favoring since 2009—making this matchup a pivotal test for Philadelphia.
Talking CFB: Utah Makes History, Pac-12 Referee Controversy, UMass Snaps Home-Win Drought & More
Week 10 of college football promises a CFP shake‑up, and Utah is on the brink of history. The Utes are one game from tying the 2010 Boise State record for 200‑plus passing and 130‑plus rushing yards in each start, thanks to QB Devon Dampier (1,876 passing yards) and RB Wayshawn Parker (726 yards). They face a tough BYU matchup. Meanwhile, UMass snaps its home‑win drought with a 31‑30 overtime victory over Ball State, highlighted by William Watson’s 302 passing yards. Toledo edges Sacramento State to stay tied for second in the MAC, and West Virginia may get key returnees Armoni Weaver and safety Matt Sieg for the Texas Tech trip. The roundup also notes former Pitt linebacker Don Silvestri’s President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Steelers Hire New Football Analyst To Front Office
The Pittsburgh Steelers announce the hiring of Liam Warin as their new front‑office football analyst, succeeding Donovan Moore, who left in September. According to the team site and Warin’s LinkedIn, he started the role as the 2026 regular season began, stepping into a key analytical position within the organization’s decision‑making staff.
Vikings to Start Carson Wentz at Quarterback Against Bills
The Minnesota Vikings announce Carson Wentz will start at quarterback on Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills after Kyler Murray is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Wentz, who stepped in for Murray in Week 1 and started Week 2, threw three TDs in a 39‑0 win over the Packers and managed a turnover‑free 9‑3 victory over Chicago. However, the Vikings’ offense has struggled, scoring over 20 points only twice in the past five games and posting just 11 touchdowns in seven weeks. With the Bills’ 30th‑ranked pass defense heading to U.S. Bank Stadium, the move tests whether Wentz can ignite the Vikings’ sputtering attack.
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