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Blue Jays eliminated from playoff contention with loss to Orioles

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BALTIMORE — As the rain poured with no signs of abating Tuesday afternoon and the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles discussed whether to postpone the night’s game, Max Scherzer made one demand of John Schneider.

“It was,” the manager recalled, “‘make sure you call me at this time when you know, so I can either turn it on or turn it off.”

The day’s relentless downpour meant Scherzer turned his legendary intensity off, flipping back on Wednesday in the first half of a split doubleheader, when not even the future Hall of Famer could prevent his team’s inevitable elimination from the wild-card chase in a 4-2 defeat.

Loss No. 81 was in many ways a microcosm of this star-crossed season for the defending American League champions, failing to execute on a delayed double steal that allowed the Orioles to swipe a run in the second while going 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position before finally breaking through on Brandon Valenzuela’s RBI single in the sixth, finishing 1-for-14 overall.

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An offence that began the day tied for 28th in runs scored has been a season-long issue while uneven defensive play has combined with a relentless stream of pitching injuries to prevent the Blue Jays from winning more than four games in a row. 

Still, a 17-11 August and a 5-3 start to September briefly pushed them above .500 and gave them possession of the third wild-card spot, but they’re 4-8 since, ending their hopes of capitalizing on an overwhelmingly mid American League to sneak into the playoffs.

A key part of the August surge, the 42-year-old Scherzer, possibly making his last start for the Blue Jays — although Schneider did leave the door open to another outing on short rest Sunday — struck out the side around a walk in the first, was bled for two runs in the second, gave up a two-run shot to surging slugger Pete Alonso in the fifth and ended up allowing four runs in five frames with seven punchouts.

Now at 3,550 career strikeouts, Scherzer needs five more to pass Justin Verlander’s 3,554 for eighth all-time, although the Detroit Tigers righty pitches Saturday, adding impetus for another go in the finale.

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If it was his last go for the Blue Jays, the pending free-agent Scherzer has left a remarkable impact on the franchise, his insights contributing to the club’s reset ahead of the 2025 season while helping pitch the team back to the World Series for the first time since 1993, an epic outing in Game 4 of the ALCS versus the Seattle Mariners adding to his lore.

Schneider pointed to Scherzer’s humour and competitiveness, among other attributes, helping everyone around the club.

“He’s been awesome. It’s been really cool to watch him compete and get to know him and the many things that make him tick. He’s kind of one-of-one,” Schneider said.

There’s little doubt there — and whether this season is not only it for Scherzer and the Blue Jays, but his career, is up in the air. He’s likely to take his time with his decision and given his age and the toll of 19 big-league seasons on his body, a creative accommodation in which he starts the season late — something the looming lockout might force anyway — or is counted on for shorter portions of the season might make sense for him, especially around his familiar responsibilities.

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The $3 million contract he signed in the spring with $1 million in incentives every 10 innings starting at 65 — at 77.2 innings he crossed the second threshold Wednesday to push his incentive total to $2 million — demonstrates ways to accommodate unique accommodations that teams are increasingly willing to employ.

“We are a glaring example of you can never have enough pitching and you can never have enough starting pitching, just because of the ebbs and flows of the season,” said Schneider. “Really good teams are doing that now, where I don’t want to say you’re baking in some injuries or some time off, but you’re banking on not 200 innings, maybe a hundred. There definitely could be a pathway for that.”

Schneider added that after last season, he “was a little bit more sure that he would” return but now, “I don’t know. I think it’s a 50-50 call right now.”

And how would he feel about a return engagement with Scherzer?

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“Open door,” Schneider replied. “Not my call, but I would love to have him around.”

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WATCH: Eagles turn Jalen Hurts’ winning drive against Titans into a movie

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The Eagles’ final drive against Tennessee had the ingredients of a movie. Now the team has delivered it.

Philadelphia shared a cinematic look at Jalen Hurts‘ late comeback after he led the Eagles 65 yards in nine plays with no timeouts. The possession took 1 minute, 47 seconds and ended with Hurts finding Darius Cooper over the middle for a 3-yard touchdown with nine seconds remaining. Jake Elliott’s extra point gave Philadelphia a 24-20 win and a 2-0 start.

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The ending carried more weight because of what came before it. Hurts threw two interceptions, including one Amani Hooker returned for 92 yards, putting the Eagles in an early hole. Saquon Barkley left briefly with a stinger, and Dallas Goedert exited with a knee injury. Philadelphia still had one chance to take the lead when its offense got the ball back.

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Aisling Reidy & Síofra O’Connell Extend Contracts With Carlton in AFLW

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Irish players Aisling Reidy and Síofra O’Connell have extended their contracts with Carlton, keeping the duo at IKON Park until at least the end of 2028.

The two spent their childhood together in County Clare, playing football for Doora-Barefield, to now living on the other side of the world in Melbourne and pulling on the Navy Blue together in the AFLW.

O’Connell earned her AFLW debut in the Blues’ Round 3 win against Brisbane in 2025, going on to play 12 games so far for Carlton. The agile defender brings energy and physicality to Carlton’s backline and is always looking to drive play forward from defence.

Reidy, the hybrid midfielder/forward, has played six games for Carlton, including her impressive debut against the Suns in Round 5, 2025, racking up 12 disposals and five tackles in Carlton’s 46-point win at IKON Park.

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She was further recognised with her selection for Ireland in this year’s AFLW Australia v Ireland clash, lining up alongside fellow Blues Erone Fitzpatrick and Dayna Finn.

Head of AFLW Eleni Valos said it was exciting to have both players commit to the Blues.

“Both Aisling and Síofra have shown immense development throughout their time at the Blues so far. Síofra is the ultimate professional, her ability to grow and develop in AFLW mixed with her competitive edge and composure under pressure has been impressive to watch.

“Aisling is a much-loved person at the club, her ability to use the ball well in transition and lay tackles inside 50 are great assets to our side.

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“Since arriving in Australia, both Aisling and Siofra have embraced everything this club has to offer. It has been fantastic to watch them thrive in the environment this playing group and staff have built.”


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Fantasy Football Week 3 Start ‘Em & Sit ‘Em: Rashee Rice poised for breakout game

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It’s been a slow start to the season so far for Rashee Rice, but I’m still starting him as a No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all leagues for Week 3 at Miami. This could be the breakout game we’ve been waiting for.

Through two games against Denver and Indianapolis, Rice has only six catches for 102 yards and one touchdown on eight targets. We were lucky that he caught a touchdown against the Broncos, but I thought he looked better against the Colts with four catches for 83 yards on six targets.

Rice has suffered with the dominance of Kenneth Walker III taking over Kansas City’s offense, but Patrick Mahomes has also leaned on Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton. Lining up against Patrick Surtain II and Sauce Gardner wasn’t ideal either, but things should improve against the Dolphins.

Miami ranks No. 6 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, but the Dolphins haven’t been tested yet in matchups against Las Vegas and San Francisco. This week, the Chiefs should be able to do whatever they want, and I’m hopeful they get Rice more involved.

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He’s no longer an automatic start in two-receiver leagues, but I’m still confident he will be productive in this matchup. I’m giving Rice at least one more chance to prove he’s a standout Fantasy receiver in most leagues.

QB | RB | WR

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New Boxing Ring Makes Competitive Debut At Akwa Ibom Sports Festival

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A new Olympic-standard boxing ring recently acquired by the Akwa Ibom State Government made its competitive debut on Wednesday, September 23, as boxing action got underway at the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.

The new ring provided the setting for the first bout of the day, with Peter of Eket facing Sylvester of Ibiono Ibom.

After an exciting contest, Sylvester emerged victorious to record the first win on the newly acquired ring.

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A new Olympic-standard boxing ring recently acquired by the Akwa Ibom State Government made its competitive debut on Wednesday, September 23, as boxing action got underway at the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.A new Olympic-standard boxing ring recently acquired by the Akwa Ibom State Government made its competitive debut on Wednesday, September 23, as boxing action got underway at the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.

The bout was one of several boxing contests held on Wednesday, with athletes from across the 31 Local Government Areas competing for honours at the ongoing Sports Festival.

The competitive debut of the ring adds another milestone to the state’s investment in sporting infrastructure and equipment.

The ring was officially unveiled on April 10 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, during a colourful ceremony organised by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports.

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A new Olympic-standard boxing ring recently acquired by the Akwa Ibom State Government made its competitive debut on Wednesday, September 23, as boxing action got underway at the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.A new Olympic-standard boxing ring recently acquired by the Akwa Ibom State Government made its competitive debut on Wednesday, September 23, as boxing action got underway at the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.

The customised Olympic-standard ring was acquired as part of a wider range of sporting equipment procured by the ministry to improve athletes’ training and enable the state to host more competitions.

Excitement Around The Ring

The new ring attracted considerable attention from athletes, officials and spectators at the Sports Festival venue.

One of the spectators, Eno James, praised Governor Pastor Umo Eno for the investment in sports equipment and facilities.

> “This is something we should be proud of as Akwa Ibom people. The Governor has shown that he wants our athletes to have the right equipment to train and compete. Seeing this new ring being used today is a clear sign that the investment is beginning to have an impact.”

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For 16-year-old Mfoniso Jeremiah from Udung Uko, being at the venue and seeing the new ring up close was an experience he will remember.

> “It was a delight for me to see the ring and even step on it. I have watched boxing on television, but seeing a standard ring like this physically was exciting for me. I am happy that Akwa Ibom now has equipment like this.”

Supporters from different parts of Akwa Ibom also expressed excitement as the ring hosted its first competitive bouts, with many praising the state government for providing modern equipment for athletes.

The boxing ring is one of several pieces of sporting equipment acquired by the state and now being put to competitive use.

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Akwa Ibom’s boxing team recently returned from the Niger Delta Games in Edo State with two gold and two bronze medals. The team also won one gold, one silver and one bronze medal at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

More boxing bouts were held at the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival on Wednesday, with the results of the remaining contests expected to be released subsequently.

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Football gossip: Alvarez, Wirtz, Scott, Wharton, Camara, Buendia, Shaw, Alaba

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Barcelona rule out Alvarez signing from Atletico Madrid, Liverpool will not allow Wirtz departure, and Chelsea target English midfield duo.

Barcelona have ruled out signing Argentina forward Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid in January, with the 24-year-old waiting to see whether Paris St-Germain or Arsenal make a bid for him, or whether he should stay put. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external

Liverpool will not countenance selling Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz, 23, to Bayern Munich in the January transfer window, while the German giants would only consider making a move next summer if France winger Michael Olise, 24, turns down a new deal. (Christian Falk – Bayern Insider/Bild), external

Bournemouth‘s Alex Scott, 23, and Crystal Palace and England’s Adam Wharton, 22, are Chelsea‘s primary midfield targets, with the West London club no longer interested in Monaco and Senegal’s Lamine Camara, 22. (CaughtOffside, external)

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Aston Villa are keen to tie Argentina midfielder Emi Buendia, 29, to a new contract as a reward for his outstanding form (Mail), external

England left-back Luke Shaw, 31, could leave Manchester United when his present deal expires with the club next summer. (Teamtalk), external

Udinese are set to sign Austria defender David Alaba, 34, who left Real Madrid in the summer. (Fabrizio Romano), external

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49ers Almost Drafted Cam Skattebo? Robert Saleh Says Kyle Shanahan ‘Loved Him’

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This would’ve been fun!

Since entering the league last season, New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has been a polarizing figure adored by fans. His downhill physicality and high-energy personality make him one of the most entertaining players to root for.

Skattebo fits the identity head coach John Harbaugh wants to build with the Giants, and he’s quickly embraced the Big Apple. However, coming out of Arizona State, his path to entering the league almost looked radically different.

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In fact, he almost ended up right back home in Northern California, nearly drafted by the San Francisco 49ers to back up All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey.

On Wednesday afternoon, Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh spoke to reporters about the team’s upcoming matchup against the Giants. While praising Skattebo’s skill set and character, Saleh dropped a fascinating draft nugget.

“I know going into the [2025 NFL] Draft, we were actually about to draft him in San Francisco,” Saleh said. “[49ers head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] loved him, and he ended up getting taken right before we were picking. I think we ended up with C.J. West, who was a pretty good player too.”

Saleh was San Francisco’s defensive coordinator in 2025 in what was his second stint in the role (he was also the 49ers’ defensive coordinator from 2017-20); New York ultimately selected Skattebo with the No. 105 pick in that year’s draft.

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The potential of pairing McCaffrey and Skattebo in the same backfield could’ve created one of the league’s premier duos, maybe even the best since the Detroit Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft to team up with David Montgomery?

Shanahan’s reputation for evaluating running backs speaks volumes about Skattebo’s potential in the league. Since being drafted by the Giants, he has hit the ground running, rushing for 527 yards and six touchdowns over his first 10 career games.

After suffering a gruesome ankle injury that limited him to just eight games in 2025, Skattebo bounced back in a big way in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown to power the Giants to victory.

Both franchises are in good hands at the position now, but Shanahan’s interest only reinforces his reputation as an elite evaluator. What could’ve been with a McCaffrey and Skattebo backfield is a fascinating “what-if.”

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Karl-Anthony Towns and Knicks Contract Stagnation: What It Means for New York’s Future

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Karl-Anthony Towns’ growing impact in New York has made his long-term future with the Knicks an intriguing storyline.

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How College Football Prediction Markets Have Shifted After Three Weeks

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Sep 19, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before a game against the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn ImagesSep 19, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before a game against the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

It’s wild to think that we’re already about a month into the college football season, and the prediction markets certainly look different right now than they did in August.

Kalshi, the leading prediction market that allows users to trade contracts of real-world outcomes like college football, currently gives Texas the best chance of winning the national championship. Before the season, the Longhorns shared a 13% chance of winning the national championship with Ohio State, the team they upset in Week 2.

Let’s take a look at these markets and how they’ve moved as of Wednesday morning.

National championship

After coming back from an improbable deficit to dethrone Ryan Day’s Buckeyes in Week 2, Texas has the best chances of winning the championship on Kalshi. Right behind them?

Ohio State, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

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Led by quarterback CJ Carr, the Fighting Irish are still undefeated – and undeniably one of the best teams in the country. They have a 12% chance of winning the national championship, which is the same percentage as the Buckeyes.

Even though Ohio State lost to Notre Dame in Week 2, their College Football Playoff hopes remain intact because of a brutal upcoming schedule. Day’s team has proven capable of surprises whenever they reach the Playoff, and barring another upset, the Buckeyes will be a top contender all year.

Other contending teams include the Georgia Bulldogs and Indiana Hoosiers, who are both being given an 11% chance of winning the national championship along with the Miami Hurricanes, who have a 10% chance.

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Trinidad Chambliss Heisman watch is already on

Before the season, Chambliss was given a 6% chance of winning the Heisman on Kalshi.

Lane Kiffin had just departed Ole Miss, and there wasn’t a lot of faith in Oxford, even though Chambliss stayed loyal as the team’s quarterback following a very strong year.

Chambliss beat LSU in Week 3, and spiked up to a 20% chance of winning the Heisman.

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Typically, Heisman moments aren’t made in September, and other contenders including Miami quarterback Darian Mensah should be considered with a 17% chance. Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor is quickly rising as well, getting an 11% chance.

Pre-season prediction market leaders like Texas quarterback Arch Manning has slipped to just a 7% chance of winning the Heisman. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith currently leads all non-quarterbacks with a 9% chance of winning the Heisman, while his Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin is well below Manning with just a 3% chance of winning the Heisman.

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Rugby betting ahead of the November internationals

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If you are following Ireland into November, you have plenty to look forward to as the 2026 Nations Championship reaches its second phase, with interest around each Test.

Ireland are scheduled to face Argentina at Aviva Stadium on 6 November, Fiji on 14 November and South Africa on 21 November, giving you three different Tests to assess in Dublin.

These fixtures also have added significance, as the Nations Championship forms part of World Rugby’s revised international calendar. Ireland enter November with two wins and one defeat from the opening July block, having beaten Australia 33-31 and Japan 36-20 before losing 40-21 to New Zealand. That record gives you useful form data before November.

Understanding rugby betting markets

If you are new to rugby betting, it helps to understand what each market is actually measuring before you look at prices. Match-result markets focus on the winner while handicap markets adjust the starting margin between the teams. Total-points markets concern the combined score while player markets can focus on tries or other individual statistics where available.

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You can compare recent performances, home advantage and each opponent’s tactical profile before considering any market. Ireland’s November opponents offer three contrasting tests, so one recent result tells you little on its own. Argentina finished the July block with one win and two defeats, Fiji lost all three matches while South Africawon all three and currently lead their half of the competition.

Look closely at recent form

Recent form gives you a useful starting point, but you need to look beyond the final score. Ireland’s 33-31 victory over Australia showed their ability to win a close contest, while the 36-20 success against Japan produced a more comfortable margin. The 40-21 defeat to New Zealand highlighted the challenge posed by a side capable of creating repeated attacking opportunities.

Argentina also produced mixed results, losing to Scotland and England before beating Wales, while Fiji struggled across their three matches. South Africa provide the strongest recent record, as they beat England, Scotland and Wales in the July Nations Championship block before defeating New Zealand twice in August and September. Those results give you useful context when you examine rugby betting around Ireland’s November fixtures.

Consider the match-up

Team rankings and win-loss records are useful, but rugby is built around specific tactical contests, so look at how strengths and weaknesses interact. Ireland’s ability to control possession, protect the ball and create pressure through phases can look different against Argentina’s physical approach, Fiji’s open attacking style or South Africa’s powerful forward game.

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Set-piece performance also deserves attention, as scrum stability and lineout efficiency can influence territory and scoring opportunities. You can also examine defensive numbers, turnover rates and points conceded across recent matches. World Rugby’s current Nations Championship table has South Africa and New Zealand unbeaten after three matches, as Ireland sit on two wins from three. That wider picture gives your rugby betting research more substance than a ranking comparison.

Selection and injuries matter

You should also keep an eye on team selection as November approaches because international rugby squads can change significantly between matches. A new half-back pairing can alter tempo, while front-row changes can affect scrum performance. Ireland already rotated heavily during the July campaign, with Andy Farrell resting several established players against Japan before recalling many of them for the New Zealand match.

That approach showed how selection can depend on fixture sequence and player workload. For rugby betting, confirmed starting XVs ultimately provide more useful information than early assumptions about who will take the field. Injury updates matter too, as one late withdrawal can alter a team’s balance before kick-off.

Home advantage and scheduling

Playing three November Tests at Aviva Stadium gives Ireland a familiar setting although each opponent arrives with different preparation and travel demands. Argentina’s visit comes first on 6 November, Fiji follow eight days later and South Africa arrive one week after that, so the sequence creates a demanding run of matches.

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South Africa also have their own autumn schedule, with Ireland travelling to Cape Town on 24 October before the Dublin meeting later in November. That earlier fixture provides another reference point for rugby betting, as you can compare both meetings without treating either result as definitive. Scheduling can affect selection, recovery and tactical planning, so consider the full calendar when assessing November internationals.

Responsible rugby betting

Rugby betting is best approached as entertainment with financial risk, so you should decide what you are comfortable spending before placing any wager. Strong rugby knowledge does not remove uncertainty, as injuries, refereeing decisions and tactical changes can alter a match quickly.

If you notice that gambling is becoming difficult to control, support is available in Ireland through services such as Problem Gambling Ireland, while the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is the statutory regulator for gambling in the Republic. Keeping spending separate from essential household costs can help you maintain perspective throughout the international window. The November Tests offer plenty to analyse, so the sport remains the focus. 18+ only.

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A Win is a Win, Again—Vikes Outlast the Bears

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Vikings Territory Breakdown Podcast

In the land of weird happenings in the NFL—often taking place at Soldier Field when the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears are playing—another installment occurred on Sunday.

The Bears’ offense was coming off a prodigious effort last week (scoring eight touchdowns for 59 points) yet scored just three points against Brian Flores’ defense. The Vikings beat the Bears on the road 9-3 (with some timely help from an injury to Caleb Williams late in the contest), and they now sit atop the NFC North division with a 2-0 record. 

Injuries happen in the NFL, especially to the quarterback position (folks will recall the Vikings losing their starting QB last week after 11 plays), so qualifying the win as a gift, or lucky, is too much. It took place at Soldier Field, so it can be considered weird, which is par for that course, but not undeserved. The rain and sloppy conditions was the great equalizer and altered the prospects of the two teams that put up 98 points, collectively, last week.

So, for the second week in a row, a win is a win. The Vikings defense held Caleb Williams in check (relatively speaking) and kept the Bears out of the endzone (causing and recovering a fumble at their own 1-yard line, and sacking the QB on the final play). The Vikings offense, though just mediocre (246 yards and no touchdowns), did enough to get the win—thanks to place kicker Will Reichard, who made all three of his field goal attempts, including a 49-yarder.

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There is plenty to digest in this one—a great defensive performance, rookies coming through, a 100-yard rusher and a darn good place kicker and punter. And the fellas at the Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast—Joe Oberle, senior writer at vikingsterritory.com and purplePTSD.com, and Mark Craig, NFL and Vikings writer for the Star Tribune and startribune.com, are here to break it all down.

Tune in and check it out. Skol!

Listen to Vikings Territory Breakdown Podcast here or on your favorite podcast network.

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