It took Rory McIlroy 17 attempts to win his first Green Jacket, finally breaking through last year. He is wasting no time in trying to win his second Masters title.

McIlroy, 36, shot a Friday-low 65 to move to 12-under and take a six-shot lead into Saturday. His six-shot lead is the largest second-round lead in Masters history.

McIlroy is just the fourth defending champion to hold the 36-hole lead the year after his victory. Arnold Palmer did it three times (1959, 1961, 1965), while Ian Woosnam (1992) and Jordan Spieth (2016) did it once.

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Rory McIlroy waves after his putt on the 13th hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 10, 2026. (Matt Slocum/AP Photo)

McIlroy is vying to become the fourth player to win the Masters in two straight years. Jack Nicklaus did it in 1965-66, Nick Faldo in 1989-90, and Tiger Woods in 2001-02.

The world No. 2 ended his second round by birdieing six of his last seven holes. Throughout the tournament, McIlroy has parred 18 holes, birdied 15 and recorded just three bogeys.

McIlroy said he is going to try to keep his foot on the gas.

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Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates after a putt on the 16th hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 10, 2026. (Ashley Landis/AP Photo)

“Look, I’ve built up a nice cushion at this point,” McIlroy said. “I guess my mindset is just trying to keep playing well and keeping my foot on the gas.”

Sam Burns and Patrick Reed are tied for second, both at 6 under. Justin Rose, who McIlroy defeated in a thrilling playoff last year to win the Masters, is in a tie for fourth place at 5 under.

Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood are also 5 under.

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Rory McIlroy watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 10, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)

McIlroy is in the final pairing, alongside Burns, and will tee off at 2:50 p.m. ET on Saturday. To keep his mind off golf, he will watch some tennis ahead of his tee time.

“There’s actually two really good semifinals at Monte Carlo in the tennis. So I’ll watch that,” McIlroy said. “We’ve been watching the tennis early in the mornings.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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The Minnesota Vikings embark on the NFL draft in 12 days, and if they are in the market for it — maybe, maybe not — the club can use existing draft picks or veteran players in trade arrangements. Minnesota could even net some big fish, with this article examining the possibilities.

Minnesota has a few splashy trade paths if it wants to think bigger.

The unofficial trade block has quite a few names right now; here’s who could realistically land with the Vikings.

Three Bold Trade Scenarios Could Rattle the Vikings’ Draft

A look at the big splash opportunities.

1. De’Von Achane | RB, MIA

What a Deal Might Look Like for Achane:
Vikings Get: De’Von Achane | Pick 151 (R6)
Dolphins Get: Pick 49 (Round 2)

This man recently skipped the Dolphins’ voluntary spring workouts, setting the stage for a possible contractual holdout in the summer. How do holdouts often end? Via trade.

Achane has consistently increased his production each year. As a rookie, he recorded 997 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns, which improved to 1,499 yards and 12 scores in 2024. Last season, he continued this trend with 1,838 yards and another 12 touchdowns.

This upward trajectory suggests that a 2,000-yard season from scrimmage is attainable, especially within a fully optimized 2026 offense. Achane will be 25 in October, putting him squarely in his prime, with several high-level seasons likely ahead.

Furthermore, there’s a direct connection to Minnesota. Vikings assistant head coach Frank Smith spent four seasons in Miami under Mike McDaniel and contributed to Achane’s development. This familiarity is significant when assessing fit. potential usage, and most importantly, trade realism.

If Achane were to become available, Minnesota’s existing connection would likely place them at the forefront of potential suitors.

2. Jalen Carter | DT, PHI

What a Deal Might Look Like for Carter:
Vikings Get: Jalen Carter
Eagles Get: Jonathan Greenard | Pick No. 49 (R2)

The Eagles need outside linebackers. The Vikings have three. The Vikings need defensive tackles. The Eagles have three.

The Eagles may not be able to afford Carter’s extension. The Vikings may not be able to afford Jonathan Greenard’s extension. Here, Howie Roseman and Rob Brzezinski solve each other’s problems.

Carter has logged this Pro Football Focus resume since 2022:

2025: 55.1
2024: 73.3
2023: 87.4

Before the slight 2025 downturn, Carter was steady as they come at defensive tackle, and in theory, the Vikings could use their 18th overall pick on an EDGE replacement — like Auburn’s Keldric Faulk.

Proposed defensive front in 2026:

OLB: Andrew Van Ginkel
DT: Jalen Redmond
DT: Jalen Carter
OLB: Dallas Turner
OLB: Keldric Faulk

It’d work.

Pro Football Talk‘s Mike Florio noted on Carter’s trade availability last month, “Whenever word emerges that a team is receiving possible trade calls about any player, there’s an important question to ask: Is the team subtly getting the word out that the player is available, in the hopes of getting more calls and, in turn, driving up the market?”

“Carter is currently eligible for a new contract. He’s owed $3.723 million for the coming season. With defensive tackle Jordan Davis getting a three-year extension at a new-money average of $26 million per year on Saturday, it’s possible the Eagles have made a choice as to which one of the two will be paid — and which one could be moved.”

3. Dexter Lawrence | DT, NYG

What a Deal Might Look Like for Lawrence:
Vikings Get: Dexter Lawrence
Giants Get: Pick No. 49 (R2) | Pick No. 163 (R5)

Dexter Lawrence is a sure thing option; Dexter Lawrence requested a trade this week.

At 28 years old, he’s already established himself as a dominant force on the defensive line, banking 30.5 sacks, 103 quarterback hits, 40 tackles for loss, and 15 forced fumbles in 109 career games. A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection, he is the type of defensive tackle that opposing offenses must account for on every play.

Therefore, his trade request on Monday sent shockwaves across the league. Widely regarded as the NFL’s premier nose tackle and arguably a top defensive tackle overall, a player of his caliber entering the market could immediately reset the competitive landscape.

For the Vikings, acquiring him seems an obvious move: instead of gambling on unproven talent, they could secure a proven difference-maker in the trenches.

He’ll turn 29 this season, and Minnesota already possesses one of the league’s oldest rosters heading into 2026. While acquiring him would undoubtedly elevate their immediate performance, it would also further age the team.

It’s Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave out, and Lawrence in.

Shashank Singh (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

MULLANPUR: In a game dominated by big hits and rapid shifts in momentum, it was a quieter moment of trust that stood out. Shreyas Iyer, reading the situation rather than the script, turned to part-timer Shashank Singh for an over at a time when Sunrisers openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head were taking apart the frontline Punjab bowlers with ease. It wasn’t the most obvious move in a high-scoring contest, but it reflected a captain willing to back instinct and a player ready to take responsibility. That brief exchange in the middle overs, as Iyer would later explain, ended up shaping the course of the game. “All of us came together, and Shashank approached me and said, ‘give me an over’. Ricky Ponting came and asked me, ‘what’s your thoughts? I said, ‘I’ll go with Shashank.’ I needed someone to take the pace off,” Iyer said, recalling the moment that shifted momentum. That faith was rewarded instantly as Shashank sent back both the Sunrisers openers. “He lived up to my expectations; he lived up to what he said, kudos to him. At the end of the day, we all know we’ve got the skills. All we need is a strong mindset,” Iyer added. We’re missing Cummins: Aaron Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling coach Varun Aaron struck a measured tone as he addressed the twin realities that shaped his side’s outing against Punjab Kings. One, the absence of regular captain and premier fast bowler Pat Cummins; the other, an innings that promised more than it ultimately delivered. “There’s no two ways that we’re missing Pat (Cummins),” Aaron said, underlining the void left by the Australian quick. “We’re obviously missing him because he is one of the best fast bowlers in the world. He’s been on top of his game for a while now. And he’s somebody who can get us wickets with the new ball, in the middle, and even at the death.” “I’m sure he is going to be back soon and join the team,” Aaron added. If that was one part of the story, the other lay in how Sunrisers’ innings tapered after a flying start. “The way we started, we thought we would get a few more runs. There’s no two ways about it that we were some runs short,” Aaron admitted. “But you have to understand that even the opponents have come to play. They bowled really well through that middle phase, hit their lengths well and didn’t make it easy for our batsmen.”

Despite winning two MVP awards, Lamar Jackson still has his fair share of critics.

Fresh off yet another playoff disappointment, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback had arguably the worst season of his career last year.

It was the first time he finished under .500 as a starter and the first time since 2021 he was not in the playoffs after the season came down to a field goal attempt.

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Sept. 7, 2025. (Mark Konezny/Imagn Images)

Perhaps the doubters were on Jackson’s mind earlier this week because he issued a faith-filled message toward them on X.

“Instead of trying to bring me down, ask GOD to bring you up,” Jackson wrote with emojis of praying hands, a purple heart, and an army helmet. “#JESUSCHRISTKINGOFKINGS.”

Jackson missed four games with a hamstring injury that appeared to affect him for most of the year. His 2,549 passing yards were the third-lowest mark of his career, while he only rushed for 349 yards, the lowest he’s ever had.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaves the field after a win over the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game. The game took place in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Dec. 14, 2025. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

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The quarterback has shared several faithful messages this week, including wearing an “I LOVE JESUS” hoodie. Many of Jackson’s reposts on X show his faith.

Jackson will have a new head coach this season after his Ravens fired John Harbaugh following 18 seasons. Jesse Minter was hired after being the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, who are coached by Harbaugh’s brother, Jim.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)

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Jackson has made it as far as the AFC title game but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 season.

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Rangers visit Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership on the final day of the 2025-26 season, hoping to keep their title dream alive. Currently trailing leaders Heart of Midlothian by a point, the Light Blues are in second place in the league standings.

They need to win the game here and also hope that Hearts drop points at home to Motherwell in the other game to be crowned Scottish champions.

Since winning the title in the 2020-21 season, the Glasgow outfit have finished second in each of the next five campaigns, and this could be the sixth in a row.

Despite a strong run, Rangers never occupied the first position of the Scottish Premiership at any point in the season and will require a last-day miracle for that to happen on Sunday.

They come into the fixture on the back of a three-game winning streak in the league, with their recent two being big wins over Aberdeen (4-1) and Dundee United (4-2).

As for Falkirk, the Bairns are in sixth place in the standings, having accrued 46 points from 32 games and making a good impression upon returning to the top division after a gap of five years. They’ve won only 13 times in the season, with the last one coming in their latest clash against Motherwell, as Falkirk won 3-2.

Falkirk vs Rangers Head-To-Head and Key Numbers

• There have been 56 clashes between the sides in the past, with a mammoth 44 wins going to Rangers, who have lost to Falkirk only four times in history.
• Their most recent two clashes, though, have ended in a stalemate: 1-1 in October 2025 and 0-0 in November 2025.
• Falkirk’s last win over Rangers came in 2016, winning 3-2 at home in a Championship fixture.
• Falkirk have failed to score in three of their last six encounters with Rangers.
• Rangers have won their last three Scottish Premiership games in a row and remain unbeaten in their last 14.

Falkirk vs Rangers Prediction

Rangers boast a dominant record in the fixture, having won over 90% of their games against Falkirk.

Based on the blistering form they are in right now, the Bairns should be able to cruise through this fixture without any hassle.

Prediction: Falkirk 0-3 Rangers

Falkirk vs Rangers Betting Tips

Tip 1 – Result: Rangers to win

Tip 2 – Goals over/under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals

Tip 3 – Both teams to score: No