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Akwa Ibom Sports Commissioner Backs Team Nigeria Judo as Akwa Ibom Duo Target Continental Glory

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The Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Akwa Ibom Ibom State, Elder Paul Bassey, has reaffirmed the state’s strong support for Team Nigeria Judo following the arrival of the National contingent in Nairobi, Kenya, ahead of the 2026 African Senior Judo Championships scheduled to begin on April 24.

Leading Nigeria’s medal hopefuls are Akwa Ibom’s Enku Ekuta and Immaculata Ufot, whose inclusion in the squad has been described by the Commissioner as a reflection of the state’s growing footprint in elite sports development.

Bassey, a firm advocate of high-performance athlete development, noted that the state’s representatives departed with adequate preparation and carry the backing of both Akwa Ibom and the nation as they prepare for the continental showdown involving athletes from 35 African countries.

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“When Team Nigeria steps onto the mats in Nairobi, they carry the hopes of over 200 million people, and we are proud that Akwa Ibom is strongly represented in that mission,” Bassey said. “Our prayers are with the entire team for a successful outing, a historic podium finish, and, most importantly, injury-free competition.”

He emphasized that the administration’s athlete-first policy remains central to its sports development agenda, ensuring sustained support for athletes representing Nigeria at international competitions.

Ekuta, competing in the -63kg category, demonstrates outstanding performance marked by strength, discipline, and precision. She consistently excels in competitions, showcasing tactical mastery, quick reflexes, and determination, earning respect through impressive victories and steady improvement on the judo mat. Ufot in the -52kg division, is regarded as one of the emerging talents in the national setup, earning her place through a highly competitive domestic pathway.

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The African Senior Judo Championships, sanctioned by the African Judo Union (AJU), will serve as a key ranking tournament, with Nigeria’s performance expected to influence its standing on the continental medal table.

As competition approaches, the Ministry of Sports has continued to mobilize support for Team Nigeria, with confidence high that the Akwa Ibom duo will play a decisive role in the country’s quest for continental success.

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USA Soccercast, Episode 184: Shaq Moore speaks on his career and World Cup hopes

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On Episode 184 of the USA Soccercast, FC Dallas and USMNT defender Shaq Moore joins the show for a great interview!

Shaq Moore is playing well for FC Dallas in their start to the season, and he’s also excited to talk World Cup. We get to ask him about his career to date, which took him to Spain for several years before he came to Nashville SC and ultimately FC Dallas. The 29-year-old may be on the outside looking in for this summer’s World Cup roster, but he’s in a similar position to what he was 4 years ago when he not only surprised in making the roster, but also playing in two World Cup matches for the United States. He also speaks on the World Cup coming to the United States and the excitement around Dallas-Fort Worth for the matches…and make sure you stay for his one recommendation on where to eat if you’re in town!

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Don’t forget to follow us on ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our ⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠, which will give you access to all our affiliate links and our new ⁠⁠Stimulus store⁠⁠! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show.

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IPL 2026: ‘This is for you’ – Abhishek Sharma’s emotional tribute to sister after 135* vs DC | Cricket News

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IPL 2026: ‘This is for you’ – Abhishek Sharma’s emotional tribute to sister after 135* vs DC
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma celebrates his century (ANI Photo)

Abhishek Sharma produced one of the most dominant knocks of IPL 2026, smashing an unbeaten 135 off 68 balls to power Sunrisers Hyderabad to a commanding 47-run win over Delhi Capitals. On a placid Uppal surface, Abhishek dismantled a listless DC attack, striking 10 sixes and as many boundaries as SRH piled up a massive 242 for 2. He set the tone early alongside Travis Head, adding 97 for the opening wicket despite the latter not being at his fluent best. Skipper Ishan Kishan then accelerated with a brisk 25 off 13, stitching a 79-run stand in just 5.5 overs. Towards the end, Heinrich Klaasen provided the finishing flourish with a quickfire 37* off 13 balls. Reflecting on his innings, Abhishek said the team had a clear plan to attack the powerplay but had to quickly reassess conditions. “The way we started, I felt we had a plan… but the wicket was a bit slow, so we had to re-plan it again. I just wanted to utilise the powerplay and entertain the crowd,” he said, adding that judging a par score wasn’t easy until the innings progressed. The left-hander also credited the environment within the SRH setup for allowing him to play freely. “You have to have the backing from the captain and coach… that is very important. The environment in Sunrisers in 2024 was a game-changer. It felt like they wanted to grow the youngsters,” he explained, pointing out that such freedom has helped him express himself consistently. Delhi’s tactics, however, raised plenty of questions. The decision to persist with part-time off-spinner Nitish Rana backfired badly as he conceded 55 runs in his four overs, with left-handers targeting him repeatedly. More puzzling was the underutilisation of frontline spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, who bowled only two overs each despite the onslaught. The game slipped away decisively in the middle phase, where SRH hammered 116 runs between overs 7 and 15. Despite a strong start in the powerplay, DC had no answers once Abhishek shifted gears. In reply, Delhi looked comfortable at 107 for 1 before a dramatic collapse. Eshan Malinga (4/32) and Sakib Hussain (1/29) used clever variations to dismantle the middle order, reducing DC to 107 for 4. They never recovered from that slide and eventually finished on 195 for 9. For Abhishek, the knock carried emotional significance as well. “My parents are here… it’s a very special moment. My sister is missing today because she had some infection. So this is for you as well,” he said, while also explaining his celebration as a gesture of love for the fans who have backed the team throughout. He also revealed how his father continues to influence his game even now. “Since U12 days, my dad has been sitting next to the screen… even when I am at the non-striker’s end, he keeps giving me instructions. It actually helps me,” Abhishek added with a smile. With this emphatic win, SRH climbed to third on the points table, and Abhishek’s breathtaking innings not only headlined the result but also underlined his growing stature as one of the most destructive batters in the tournament.

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49ers say AI is helping shape their NFL Draft player evaluations this year

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The San Francisco 49ers have made a key addition to their front office ahead of this week’s NFL Draft: AI.

The Niners own six picks this draft, including the 27th overall selection, and it sure sounds like artificial intelligence will be playing a role in who they select.

“If you aren’t using it, you’re already behind,” Lynch told reporters Monday.

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Brock Purdy celebrating with John Lynch on the field at Levi's Stadium

Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with John Lynch after defeating the Detroit Lions 34-31 in the NFC championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Jan. 28, 2024. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Lynch is not wrong, but the continuation of that remark may raise some eyebrows.

“And the cool thing is, what we found is you don’t need to be an expert,” Lynch said. “Just like you at home, planning a travel itinerary, you can just ask the thing, and it can spit out pretty good things, some pretty good ideas.”

Analytics has obviously taken over in sports, but this undoubtedly could take things to a whole new level.

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Head Coach Kyle Shanahan and General Manager John Lynch talking at 49ers rookie training camp

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan and General Manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers talk during rookie training camp at the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, Calif., on May 12, 2023. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

FROM MR IRRELEVANT TO GENERATIONAL WEALTH, BROCK PURDY WANTS TO USE HIS LIFESTYLE FOR GOOD

“Some pretty good ideas, our developers, I think we’re fortunate to be where we are down at the epicenter of the innovation there, and we’ve tried to take advantage of that,” Lynch added. “And I do think every team is probably using it in some form or fashion. And I think that will only increase as we move forward.”

San Fran made a big splash this offseason when they signed wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year deal with $42.5 million. The Niners have struggled with consistency from their wide receivers, largely due to injuries.

Jauan Jennings led all Niners wide receivers with 90 targets, and Kendrick Bourne and Ricky Pearsall were both tied for second with 53. Brock Purdy largely relied on Christian McCaffrey (129 targets) and George Kittle (69). However, Kittle’s timetable is uncertain after rupturing his Achilles in the NFL playoffs.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk celebrating with general manager John Lynch at SoFi Stadium

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk celebrates with general manager John Lynch after the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sept. 17, 2023. (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Who knows what AI could have come up with when Brock Purdy was taken with the last selection in 2022, though.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Vikings Cut Defender Everyone Was Excited About

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Texas Tech’s defensive lineman Jaylon Hutchings (95) wears a “Texas Bowl Champions” hat after the team’s against Ole Miss in the Texas Bowl, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at NRG Stadium in Houston. © Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK.

The Minnesota Vikings signed defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings from the CFL a few months ago, and he has basically done the Simpsons meme, leaving before he got started.

The move showed Hutchings never climbed out of the Vikings’ fringe roster tier despite the early buzz around his name.

Minnesota waived Hutuchings on Tuesday, and that’s a wrap, at least for now.

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What was your favorite Hutchings moment in the Twin Cities?

Patrick Paul blocking Jaylon Hutchings during Houston vs Texas Tech game. Vikings cut Jaylon Hutchings.
Houston Cougars offensive tackle Patrick Paul (76) engages Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings (95) at the line of scrimmage during the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field, on Sep 30, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas, battling for leverage as both teams fought for control in a physical conference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

MIN Drops Hutchings

No one expected an exit so soon, but that happened this week for Hutchings.

NFL writer Dave Holcomb noted, “Days before the 2026 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings are releasing a defensive tackle they signed to a reserve contract in January — Jaylon Hutchings. NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported on X the Vikings cut Hutchings on Tuesday. As Wilson indicated, most of Hutchings professional football success has come in the Canadian Football League.”

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“He also spent a brief time with the Chicago Bears during 2024 training camp after becoming an undrafted free agent. During the 2024 draft process, Hutchings received praise for some of his physical traits and natural instincts. The Bears signed Hutchings as an undrafted free agent but not until August 11. Chicago waived him a few weeks later toward the end of the preseason on August 26.”

The move coincided with the Vikings players and coaches’ first official get-together in Eagan on Monday.

The DTs without Him

Hutchings lived at the bottom of the Vikings’ interior defensive line depth chart, needing to prove himself in the summer to earn an active roster spot for September. That is now moot.

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Without Hutchings, here’s the Vikings’ DT room:

  • Jalen Redmond
  • Levi Drake Rodriguez
  • Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
  • Taki Taimani
  • Elijah Williams

Most fans think Minnesota will draft a defensive tackle this week, perhaps early in the event, with names like Peter Woods (Clemson), Kayden McDonald (Ohio State), and Lee Hunter (Texas Tech) getting particular attention in various mock drafts.

Hutchings’s Career to Date

Hutchings was a CFL all-star in 2025, believe it or not. It’s why Vikings fans immediately compared him to Redmond.

Here’s his pro and semi-pro resume to date:

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  • Chicago Bears (2024)
  • Calgary Stampeders (2024–2025)
  • Minnesota Vikings (2026)

Before the 2024 NFL Draft, NFL Draft Buzz summarizes his skill set: “He’s very instinctive when it comes to countering and solid with overall hand usage. Flashes enough quickness off the snap to threaten gaps at three-technique, especially when slanting. Quick off the snap in the pass rush, Hutchings has violent hands and a good feel for working inside counter moves.”

“Provides some secondary interior pass rush, getting most penetration when playing three technique. His spin move is already NFL-caliber, and he displays a very good motor. Combines strength and footwork to fill holes inside, as well. Recovers from cut blocks or falling on his way to make a tackle.”

Jaylon Hutchings celebrating touchdown during Texas Tech vs Oklahoma game. Vikings cut Jaylon Hutchings.
Texas Tech defensive lineman Jaylon Hutchings (95) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the team’s final Big 12 home game against Oklahoma at Jones AT&T Stadium, on Nov 26, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas, reacting with excitement as the Red Raiders marked a memorable moment in front of their home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Annie Rice-USA TODAY NETWORK

Hutchings banked 8 sacks for the Stampeders last season. That was his claim to fame and springboard to the temporary Vikings contract.

Our Janik Eckardt added in January on Hutchings’s background: “PFF graded him as the best interior defender in the CFL last season. In fact, his 90.7 was the highest grade of any non-quarterback in the entire league. Minnesota’s new defender went undrafted in 2024. Coming out of Texas Tech, he joined the Chicago Bears during the preseason, but he was axed a couple of weeks later.”

“That’s when he crossed the border to compete in the CFL. Hutchings had a remarkably long college career in the Big 12, registering 61 appearances. He made 193 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks in those contests. The Red Raiders also used him as a short-yardage back a few times.”

Perhaps the Vikings will draft the aforementioned Hunter on Friday night, and it will be one Red Raider out and another in.

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Eckardt added, “His three rushes resulted in ten yards and a touchdown. A knee injury suffered late in the 2023 season knocked him out of his final college season and he missed most pre-draft workouts. That certainly didn’t improve his draft prospects.”

Not Quite Redmond after All

To reiterate, because Minnesota had so much success with Redmond, who came from the UFL, most saw the Hutchings signing in early January and thought, “They’re going to do it again, aren’t they?”

Not so much.

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Finding gems from the UFL or CFL is so rare that it would actually be strange for Minnesota to strike oil twice in two years, let alone players from the same position. Redmond is a unique, a true diamond in the rough. So far, Hutchings is not.

Jaylon Hutchings rushing Sam Ehlinger during Texas Tech vs Texas game. Vikings cut Jaylon Hutchings.
Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive nose tackle Jaylon Hutchings (95) rushes toward Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger (11) during second-half action at Jones AT&T Stadium, on Sep 26, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas, driving into the backfield as Texas Tech applied pressure in a competitive Big 12 matchup. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

In fact, Hutchings fell victim to the typical UFL or CFL fate: a roster cut before showtime.

He’ll turn 27 on New Year’s Eve. Some credible reports also indicate that Hutchings suffered an injury setback this spring, and he could be part of the Vikings’ roster in the future. Stay tuned.


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IPL 2026: Will DC make changes to XI after defeat to SRH? Skipper Axar Patel clarifies | Cricket News

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IPL 2026: Will DC make changes to XI after defeat to SRH? Skipper Axar Patel clarifies

NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s dominant win over Delhi Capitals was once again defined by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting and a disciplined bowling effort led by Eshan Malinga. However, DC skipper Axar Patel remained calm after the defeat, suggesting no immediate panic or changes to the XI despite the heavy loss.Speaking after the match, Axar backed his squad and stressed that the team’s overall process was still on track. He said, “No, right now it doesn’t feel like that, because the kind of cricket that is going on – if you see, obviously we are batting well and bowling well. It feels like, I think you know, when the wicket is so good, then this should be considered an off day and forgotten.”

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Ashok Sharma story: Inside the village and house which shaped India’s new pace sensation

He also acknowledged missed opportunities in the field that hurt DC’s chances against Abhishek’s onslaught. “The run-out and the catch we missed – had we taken it, we could have restricted them,” he said, while still giving full credit to SRH’s batting firepower.Axar further added that even good execution sometimes fails against extraordinary batting. “If someone bats that well, and their execution is not lacking, credit must be given for such a performance… when a batsman bats like this, the coach and the captain must accept that even a captain cannot stop someone,” he explained.He also emphasised the importance of support within the team environment during tough games, particularly for bowlers under pressure.The match itself saw Abhishek Sharma produce a breathtaking unbeaten 135 off 68 balls, powering SRH to a massive 242/2. Despite a brief fightback from Delhi’s middle order, Malinga’s 4/32 broke the chase apart as DC were restricted to 195/9.Abhishek’s knock, supported by Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen, ensured SRH’s dominance from the start, while Axar admitted that sometimes, opponents simply outplay you on the day.

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EFL clubs make decision over VAR challenge system in Championship next season

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English Football League Championship clubs have rejected the opportunity to implement a video assistant referee (VAR) challenge system for the upcoming season.

The proposed Football Video Support (FVS) system, a variant of VAR already utilised in other sports, was initially put forward by Professional Game Match Officials during the EFL’s annual meeting in March.

Under the FVS model, managers would have been granted two reviews per match, with the referee consulting different camera angles at a pitchside monitor.

A key feature was that successful challenges would not count against a team’s allocation.

However, following a subsequent EFL survey, the introduction of the system was opposed by the majority of clubs, the Press Association has learned.

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VAR was introduced to the Premier League in 2019, but a recent survey by the Football Supporters’ Association discovered that three-quarters of top-flight fans are against its use
VAR was introduced to the Premier League in 2019, but a recent survey by the Football Supporters’ Association discovered that three-quarters of top-flight fans are against its use (ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, goal-line technology is set to continue its use in the Championship next season. There is also potential for its extension to League One, pending a vote on fully costed proposals scheduled for June.

VAR was introduced to the Premier League in 2019, but a recent survey by the Football Supporters’ Association discovered that three-quarters of top-flight fans are against its use.

Nearly 8,000 supporters, just over half of whom attend in excess of 15 home games a season, took part in the poll to assess attitudes to the technology.

The results demonstrated just how unpopular it has become, with more than 97 per cent of respondents opposing the statement that VAR makes watching football more enjoyable, while more than 90 per cent disagreed that it has made the matchgoing experience better.

Asked if they support the use of VAR in football, meanwhile, 75.71 per cent said they do not, with more than 70 per cent disagreeing that it has improved the overall accuracy of refereeing decisions. More than 90 per cent also believe the technology has removed the spontaneous joy of goal celebrations.

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2026 NFL Draft Betting Report: Lack of Information Creates Chaos for Books

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If you’re thinking of betting on NFL Draft odds for the No. 1 overall pick, don’t waste your time. 

At -20000 odds — meaning it takes a $200 bet to win one dollar — Fernando Mendoza is the overwhelming favorite. The Indiana quarterback is practically signed, sealed and delivered to the Las Vegas Raiders.

But things get more interesting from there.

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“When someone is that big a favorite, the conversation seems to shift to pick No. 2. And it has,” Caesars Sports head of football trading Joey Feazel said. “That’s the most-bet prop, the biggest-bet market right now.”

Feazel helps break down the most notable 2026 NFL Draft odds, ahead of the Thursday-Saturday event in Pittsburgh.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Information Age

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Before addressing the No. 2 overall pick, it’s first worth noting how NFL Draft betting differs from what bookmakers typically face.

“In the trading department, we like to use math,” Feazel said, alluding to how odds are set for games. “But the NFL Draft is information-based. When a bet comes in on information, the difficulty is deciding whether it’s a rumor or if the bettor on the other side has information. And whether a rumor is true or not.

“When you take math out of the equation, it normally isn’t that helpful to us.”

Sharp bettors often heavily engage in NFL Draft odds, and they tend to do well. It’s a tough event for sportsbooks to win.

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“We have won sometimes, and we’re certainly trying to win. But we’re not expecting a lot of the information to go our way,” Feazel said.

Two-Man Battle

The No. 2 overall pick is still very much in flux, although it’s clearly a two-man battle between Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey.

It’s so close, in fact, that as of Tuesday afternoon, Reese and Bailey are -115 co-favorites at Caesars. After those two, odds stretch out to +6000 for Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.

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No surprise, information is affecting this NFL prop bet.

“It was starting to look like David Bailey was gonna be the No. 2 pick, so we moved him to the favorite. But then it was thought that the Jets were maybe trying to trade the pick,” Feazel said.

Don’t be surprised if Reese and Bailey’s odds continue to be volatile. And if a trade happens at No. 2, things could get much murkier.

“There could be someone who’s not even expected to be in the mix,” Feazel said.

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QBs or Not QBs

Among the slew of NFL Draft prop bets available, one of the most popular is on the number of quarterbacks drafted in the first round.

This year, the expectations are quite low. Pretty much every sportsbook has the Over/Under at 1.5. However, the Over 1.5 is a growing favorite, now at odds of -225, with Under 1.5 a +175 underdog.

Mendoza is obviously a lock. The deciding factor is whether Alabama QB Ty Simpson is deemed first-round worthy.

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“It’s kind of been going up and down. And it correlates to the price of Simpson to be drafted in the first round,” Feazel said.

In fact, it directly correlates. On the separate NFL Draft prop of players to be first-round picks, Simpson is -225.

However, there is a difference of opinion among bettors.

“It’s been two-way action, all based on speculation on Simpson,” Feazel said. “There are rumors that the Cardinals or someone else might be interested.”

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Arizona has the No. 3 overall pick — which it certainly won’t use on Simpson — then the second pick of the second round, No. 34 overall. The thought is that the Cards might try to trade up from that No. 34 slot, into the first round, to draft Simpson.

But if you think Arizona holds pat and Simpson slips to Round 2, then there might be some betting value on Under 1.5 QBs. At +175, a $100 bet would net $175 profit (total payout $275).

More Popular Plays

Feazel said three more markets consistently draw attention in NFL Draft prop bets: players to be picked in the top 5, top 10 or the first round.

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“Bettors are trying to find value at a plus-money price,” Feazel said. “One thing we saw recently, with the Giants sneaking back into the top 10, was interest on Jordyn Tyson, the wide receiver from Arizona State.”

Tyson had hamstring issues that kept him out of the NFL combine and ASU’s initial pro day. And previous injuries are a concern, as well, including a multi-ligament knee tear in 2022.

On Friday, though, he had a private workout that, by all accounts, went well. And the rumors are that the Giants are a strong possible suitor, after they traded Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals in exchange for the 10th pick.

“Early on, we had Tyson at +220 to go in the first 10 picks. Now, we’re at -375,” Feazel said of the wideout going from an underdog to a favorite in that market. “He’s expected to be picked early.”

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Tyson’s top-10 prop ties into the market for the number of wide receivers to go in the first round. Feazel said that Caesars opened Over 5.5 as a modest -125 favorite, but those odds are now out to -190.

Also, Caesars opened the prop of offensive linemen drafted in the first round at 7.5, with odds of -115 on both the Over and Under — a pick ‘em. However, Over 7.5 is now a substantial -280 favorite.

“A lot of people are expecting a big run of offensive linemen, from picks 10 to 20,” Feazel said.

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PGA Tour taking important step to publicize players’ pace of play

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London to host team time trial finale of 2027 women’s Tour de France

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A brutal Grand ⁠Depart for the ​2027 Tour de France Femmes will culminate in a historic team time trial through the streets of London, ​organisers said on Monday.

The Tour de France and the women‘s version will both begin in Britain in 2027 — the first time both races have started in the same foreign country in the same year.

The British start ​promises to ‌be a landmark moment for women’s cycling, with the three-day Grand Depart featuring ⁠demanding terrain in the hills of northern England before a showpiece finale in the capital.

After two days of punishing climbing in the Peak ‌District, the peloton will head south to London for an 18km team time trial ⁠that will conclude on The Mall, marking the first time the Tour de France Femmes has included the format.

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“It’s a huge honour to come to such a special capital city ​like London and we wanted to create something that means we could spend ‌the whole day in the city,” Race Director Marion Rousse said at a press conference near London Bridge.

“The United Kingdom has already shown its passion for the Tour, and these stages will once again showcase the energy ‌of the crowds, the beauty of the landscapes and the growing importance of women’s cycling on the world stage.”

Route details of the first two ​stages from Leeds to Manchester and then Manchester to Sheffield were unveiled on Monday with the Grand Depart being compared to the memorable 2014 Tour de France that also began in Leeds and attracted ​massive crowds in Yorkshire and the Peak District.

A ‘lumpy’ opening stage of 85km on July 30 will ​be followed by a second stage taking in many ascents including the ​winding Snake Pass and featuring almost 3,000 metres of climbing.

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Sheffield’s Cote de Jenkin Road — a leg-burning one-kilometre climb in Sheffield famously attacked by Italy’s ​Vincenzo Nibali in 2014 — will add to the stage two drama.

The detailed route of the London stage will be announced later this year.

Organisers anticipate the three days of the 2027 Grand Depart of the Tour de France Femmes will be the most attended women’s sporting event ever staged in Britain.

“Everyone remembers 2014 but maybe ⁠this could be bigger and better,” Lucy Jones, Project Director for Grand Depart GB, said. “We want to go out with a ⁠bang in London.”

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The ​2027 men’s Tour de France Grand Depart will begin in Edinburgh with a second stage in the Lake District to Liverpool and a third day around Wales.

(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)

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Jude Bellingham buys one per cent stake in Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix

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England footballer Jude Bellingham has bought a one per cent stake in The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix, the Press Association understands.

The Real Madrid midfielder, who began his career with Birmingham, is thought to have invested around £800,000 in the Edgbaston-based team.

The Phoenix franchise was valued at around £82million after American investment fund Knighthead Capital acquired a 49 per cent stake during the sales process initiated by the England and Wales Cricket Board, organiser of The Hundred, last year.

County host club Warwickshire retained the other 51 per cent. It is understood Bellingham has bought around a 0.5 per cent stake from each party.

Bellingham, 22, is known to be a cricket lover and played the game for Hagley in Worcestershire as a junior.

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As a footballer, he came through the youth ranks at Birmingham before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2020 and then signing for Real Madrid three years ago.

The deal, which was first reported by The Cricketer, is set to be officially confirmed on Wednesday.

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