With free agency slowing and the draft approaching, speculation around the Vikings is intensifying—especially given the team’s current lack of a general manager. While some rumors are purely entertaining, others warrant closer scrutiny.
This weekly column will address the rumors that seem unlikely and reexamine persistent narratives that lack substantial support.
With free agency slowing down and the draft approaching, speculation around the Vikings is intensifying — especially given the team’s current lack of a general manager. While some rumors are purely entertaining, others warrant closer scrutiny.
A few loud narratives still didn’t hold up.
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This weekly column will address the rumors that seem unlikely and reexamine persistent narratives that lack support.
Several Vikings Talking Points Now Need a Reality Check
The weekly Nopedy Nopes are here.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) lines up under center while surveying the defense against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sep 21, 2025, during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium, preparing to direct the offense as Minnesota worked through key possessions in a tightly contested matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
The Nopedy Nope: Carson Wentz is the current odds-on favorite to earn the Vikings’ QB1 job in September.
When Minnesota re-signed Wentz on Thursday, the move barely registered with most fans. Some even expected it. He performed reliably as a replacement for J.J. McCarthy, who was sidelined with a high ankle sprain last September and October. That performance evidently impressed some, including Ben Leber, who speculated that Wentz might even compete for the starting position in 2026.
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Leber tweeted after the Wentz addition, “I believe there will be a true QB competition. So as of right now I would guess the depth chart would be: Wentz, Murray, McCarthy. May the best man win.”
I believe there will be a true QB competition. So as of right now I would guess the depth chart would be: Wentz Murray McCarthy
Many Twitter (X) users had to reread Leber’s comments multiple times to confirm the account wasn’t a parody.
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The account was genuine, however, and Leber stood by his opinion. Wentz recently met with the New York Jets to discuss a potential role on Aaron Glenn’s team, where he could have competed for a starting position or served as QB2 behind Geno Smith. Ultimately, no agreement was reached, and Wentz returned to Minnesota.
This decision suggests Wentz believes he has a legitimate opportunity in Minnesota, likely aiming to secure the QB2 position over McCarthy. If Leber’s assessment is accurate, training camp in Eagan could feature a competitive battle between Murray and Wentz, drawing significant attention.
But let’s face it: the Vikings didn’t sign Murray just to turn around and give the job to Wentz, a journeyman passer.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Wentz as the QB1 solution. That is Murray’s calling.
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The Nopedy Nope: Minnesota is the NFL’s eighth-worst team.
The Vikings subtracted four starters in free agency: Jalen Nailor (WR, Las Vegas Raiders), Jonathan Allen (DT, Cincinnati Bengals), Javon Hargrave (DT, Green Bay Packers), and Ryan Wright (P, New Orleans Saints).
For NFL.com’s Eric Edholm, that’s a death sentence. He called Minnesota the NFL’s 25th-best team this week and explained, “The Vikings have had an odd and uncomfortable March so far, getting noticeably weaker up the middle on both sides of the ball. Losing linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave hurts the defensive front, and Ryan Kelly’s retirement leaves a hole at center.”
“Receiver Jalen Nailor’s exit was quietly a big one for a team that needs all the non-Justin Jefferson targets it can hold on to. Fullback C.J. Ham retired, and longtime stalwart Harrison Smith could do the same, potentially creating a major void at safety.”
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) embraces head coach Kevin O’Connell in a pregame moment on the sideline, Oct 20, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium before a matchup with the Detroit Lions, reflecting the connection between star player and coach ahead of an important divisional game. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
While most fans believed Murray’s arrival improved the team, Edholm wasn’t buying it.
Edholm added, “Even signing Kyler Murray to a league-minimum deal, cheap as it was, delivered a certain awkwardness, thanks to the presence of former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Murray’s no-tag clause tells me he’s more likely to start than not, which would make McCarthy’s future even more muddled.”
Edholm even ranked the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons ahead of the Vikings.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on the Vikings living in the league’s bottom tier. They finished 9-8 last year with putrid quarterback play and will only improve in 2026. Book it.
The Nopedy Nope: Andy Dalton was a serious offseason option at quarterback via trade.
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The Philadelphia Eagles are now the proud owners of an Andy Dalton
CBS News’ Tom Dougerty reported Wednesday, “The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly adding a veteran quarterback to add experience and depth behind Jalen Hurts. The Eagles have acquired 38-year-old Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Birds are sending a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the Panthers.”
“Dalton, a long-time starting QB who made three Pro Bowls with the Cincinnati Bengals, spent the last three seasons in Carolina. In 2024, Panthers head coach Dave Canales benched Bryce Young, who was born in Wynnewood, for Dalton after Week 2. Dalton started five games before he sprained his thumb in a car accident before Carolina’s Week 8 game against the Denver Broncos.”
Chicago Bears quarterback Andy Dalton stands on the field during warmups prior to action, Nov 8, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, preparing with teammates before taking on the Steelers in a prime-time matchup at Heinz Field. Dalton is now the QB2 in Philadelphia as of 2026. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports.
A few weeks ago, national media whispered Dalton as an option for the Vikings at QB2. That died when Kyler Murray entered the mix.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Dalton as Minnesota’s big quarterback fix behind McCarthy.
Fitzpatrick had led last week’s Players by one shot on the 17th tee but a par-bogey finish cost him as American Cameron Young closed birdie-par to snatch victory.
But Fitzpatrick earned redemption on Sunday at Palm Harbor, Florida, sinking a 14ft-putt to birdie the 18th hole and beat American David Lipsky by one shot.
The 31-year-old carded a three-under-par 68 to finish on 11 under and had to wait for two groups to complete their rounds before his third PGA Tour win was confirmed.
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“To come away with a win this week is really special, considering last week’s performance as well,” said Fitzpatrick, who last won on the tour in 2023.
“I’ll be honest, it wasn’t an ideal putt [on 18]. I wouldn’t say I was overly keen on it considering my putting performance but to get it done was special.”
Fitzpatrick, who won the DP World Tour Championship in November, says he will have a two-week break before preparing for next month’s Masters.
“I’m obviously very confident in my game right now but what it takes to win a major is very different to what it takes to win on the PGA Tour,” added the 2022 US Open champion.
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“Particularly the Masters, there’s extra pressure on the Masters, no matter who you are. It just has that standing above all the other events, as well as the majors.
“I’m coming away from this week delighted with where my game’s at but there’s stuff I want to improve.”
Fellow Englishman Jordan Smith, 33, was third on nine under – his best finish on the PGA Tour.
Smith’s compatriot Marco Penge, South Korea’s Sungjae Imm who had led for three rounds, and Ameircan Xander Schauffele were all tied for fourth on eight under.
Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final thanks to a Nico O’Reilly brace.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has insisted his side will use the defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final as fuel for the remainder of the season. The Blues were good value for the win at Wembley Stadium having dominated the second half after an even first 45 minutes.
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s mistake on the hour mark gave City the lead as he fumbled Rayan Cherki’s cross for Nico O’Reilly to head home. Moments later, the Blues added a second when Matheus Nunes’ cross was powered in by O’Reilly. When asked for his thoughts after the match, Arteta insisted his team would use the defeat as motivation.
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“Very sad, a hard one to take. We know for our supporters how much it means to them,” he said. “We’re going to use it as fire in the belly. We’ll manage the energy in the right way. We’ll go through the pain and disappointment; it’s part of football.
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“We played 50 games before today? Every time we have a draw or a defeat, we have to prove it, we have to do it again. We have a recent history of how this team has responded in these moments.”
City and Arsenal are battling it out at the top of the Premier League with the Gunners boasting a nine-point advantage. However, the Blues have a game in hand over Arteta’s men and still have to face them at the Etihad Stadium next month.
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Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Pep Guardiola insisted he would rather be in Arsenal’s position in the Premier League and played down talk of whether the Carabao Cup win could have an impact on the title race. “I would love to be nine points in front, to be honest. It’s in their hands,” he explained.
“We need time, an incredible break. I am exhausted and after we see step by step.”
When City return from the international break, they will face Liverpool in the FA Cup. The Blues then return to Premier League action on April 12 at Chelsea.
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St. John’s Red Storm guard Dylan Darling found a lane and drove it. With four seconds left in the game, he blew past Kansas Jayhawks defender Elmarko Jackson and made the game-winning layup before time expired.
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John’s Red Storm shoots the ball against Elmarko Jackson #13 and Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.(Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
St. John’s Red Storm guard Dylan Darling (0) shoots the game-winning shot against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026.(Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
For the first time since 1999, the Red Storm will be headed to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
“It was ugly, but we got it done,” Darling said.
The No. 4-seeded St. John’s struggled late in the second half as Kansas pressed up the floor. St. John’s held a 10-point lead with 6:36 left in the game. But a few missed shots and a couple of turnovers and the Jayhawks were right back in the game.
Kansas star Darryn Peterson made two free throws with 13 seconds left to tie the game. The Jayhawks, who were the No. 5 seed, had four fouls to give and used them all up to get the game down to about four seconds to go. The idea was to keep the Red Storm on their toes and to keep them from setting up a decent inbounds play.
But Darling got the last laugh with his two-point bucket – his only points of the game. He had four assists and two steals.
Red Storm’s Zuby Ejofor and Bryce Hopkins each had 18 points to lead St. John’s.
Peterson led Kansas with 21 points. Melvin Council Jr. had 15 points and Flory Bidunga had 12 points.
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St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino talks with forward Sadiku Ibine Ayo (2) in the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026. (Denis Poroy/Imagn Images)
Roberto Duran has hailed the “explosive hand speed and power” of Luis Reynaldo Nunez, a Dominican featherweight who he sees becoming a world champion.
The 26-year-old returned to action earlier this month, engineering a first-round finish after claiming a more significant points victory over Hector Andres Sosa in December.
Despite the limited nature of his opponent, Jhan Estiven Camacho, Nunez was able to showcase a brief but striking glimpse of his talent at Hotel El Panama, where a mightily-impressed Duran was watching at ringside.
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The legend’s son, Roberto Duran Jr, was in Nunez’s corner, accompanying head coach Bob Santos who has previously worked with the likes of Robert Guerrero and Erislandy Lara.
Speaking with BoxingScene after Nunez’s fight, Santos recalled an encouraging conversation he shared with Duran, whose fighting career is still regarded as one of the all-time best.
“He really enjoyed looking at Nunez up close, and he said, ‘That kid has some explosive hand speed and power. No doubt in my mind that he is going to be a world champion’. Who better to know than [Duran]?”
Santos added that Nunez is targeting a shot at Rafael Espinoza, who is widely regarded as the top dog at 126lbs following his two victories over Robeisy Ramirez.
But while Nunez and his team are determined to test themselves against the very best, it is highly unlikely that they will secure an opportunity against the Mexican anytime soon.
Far more likely is a shot at the IBF title, which is currently held by Angelo Leo, as Nunez boasts a No.3 ranking with that particular sanctioning body.
Entering a football match without a ticket has now become a criminal offence
21:19, 22 Mar 2026Updated 21:19, 22 Mar 2026
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A man from Oldham has been arrested and charged over a ‘tailgating’ incident at the Man City Wembley match on Sunday afternoon (March 22). In the first charge of its kind, the man was arrested by Met Police officers following the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.
It comes after entering a football match in England and Wales without a ticket became a criminal offence under new laws on March 22. The legislation was introduced because of serious disorder that tainted the European Championship final between England and Italy at Wembley in July 2021, when thousands of fans barged into the stadium.
The man, aged in his 20s was arrested at the final and has since been charged. Benjamin Bailey, 27, of Fifth Avenue in Oldham, Manchester, will appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on May 1 in connection with the alleged offence.
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Two other men were arrested on suspicion of the same offence at Wembley and they both remain in police custody to be questioned. Those convicted of tailgating face a football banning order of up to five years, alongside a fine of up to £1,000.
The Metropolitan Police said it saw a 78 per cent reduction in offences at this year’s final. In total, 20 arrests were made, including seven for affray, one for assault of an emergency service worker, and one for racially aggravated assault. This is compared to 91 arrests at the same fixture last year.
Chief Inspector Pete Dearden, of the Met’s public order unit and match commander at Wembley, said: “So much strategic planning goes into these operations. We expect high standards and every officer delivered that today.
“Huge changes have been implemented since last year, and we will now use the success of the policing operation today as a blueprint throughout the busy summer at Wembley so fans can safely enjoy upcoming fixtures.”
Matt Fitzpatrick’s transformation from a grit-and-grind specialist to a bona fide ball-speed monster reached its logical conclusion this week at the Copperhead Course. Watching the Englishman navigate Innisbrook isn’t just watching a golf tournament; it’s a masterclass in data-driven precision. He doesn’t just play the course; he solves it.
At the Valspar, the “Sheffield Steel” in his bag was on full display. Fitzpatrick dominated the metrics that define the modern power game, finishing the week ranking 5th in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee and gaining a consistent +3.32 strokes on the field. But the real story was the surgical nature of his approach play. Ranking 2nd in SG: Approach (+5.939), hitting a staggering 72% of his greens in regulation on one of the most penal layouts on the PGA Tour.
Here is the highly specific, slightly eccentric setup that fueled Fitzpatrick’s victory.
Quick List: Matt Fitzpatrick’s gear
Driver: Titleist GT3 (9 degrees)
Fairway Woods: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 and 18 degrees)
Specs: 9 degrees (A1 setting) with Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Raw Orange 65 TX shaft.
There was a time when Fitzpatrick was considered a “short” hitter who relied solely on a world-class short game. That version of Matt is gone. By optimizing his move and leaning into the high speed tech of the Titleist GT3, he has climbed the distance charts, currently averaging over 300 yards off the tee. The counter-balanced Mitsubishi Orange shaft is the secret sauce here—it allows him to swing with aggressive intent while maintaining the face-angle control required to thread the needle through the Snake Pit.
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Titleist GT3 Custom Driver
GT3 – Speed-Tuned Distance & Control
GT3 offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization. With a speed-tuned design that allows you to precisely match performance to your most frequent contact location, you can make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping.
For players with a relatively consistent impact location, GT3 offers a precisely adjustable CG Track to max out distance and directional control.
Seamless Thermoform Crown
A reimagined ultra-lightweight design, born from a new Proprietary Matrix Polymer. The tunable acoustic properties of this unique composite allow Titleist engineers to realize new material gains while maintaining our signature sound and feel. All wrapped in a clean look that inspires total confidence.
Split Mass Construction
A breakthrough in internal weighting unlocks longer drives and enhanced directional control in GT3. The Adjustable CG Track now sits closer to the face for more dynamic CG control, while additional discretionary mass is pushed to the back of the club to maintain optimal stability through impact.
Advanced Aerodynamics
GT3 features a new raised tail contour that represents a dramatic shift in driver aerodynamics. Previously impossible to execute due to design constraints, this advanced shaping results in a driver that swings faster while still providing optimal CG control.
Specs: 15 and 18 degrees with Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Orange 75 TX and Tensei 1K Orange 80TX
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TaylorMade Qi4D Custom Fairway Wood
PROVEN RECIPE
TaylorMade Fairways have dominated on Tour for over a decade because of their unique performance recipe, which enables maximum distance and versatility.
The Qi4D fairway is designed for golfers who want the most advanced technology while still prioritizing versatility and control with amazing distance.
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ADJUSTABLE PERFORMANCE
Utilizing a single Trajectory Adjustment System weight (8g x1) provides the golfer a more mass efficient way to adjust flight, spin and swing weight.
4° loft sleeve can be used to adjust loft, lie and face angle for optimized flight and is available in all lofts.
REFINED ATTRIBUTES, BIG CHANGES
Engineers conducted an objective analysis of all the performance attributes and discovered new methods to enhance performance and confidence.
Sit points, lie angles, address views, and center of gravity locations were all updated based on Tour feedback and the expertise of leading fitters worldwide, ensuring the optimal fairway across skill levels.
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TOUR-PROVEN TECHNOLOGIES
New and improved cut-through Speed Pocket™ protects ball speed and reduces spin on low-face strikes.
Advanced CAD modeling creates a design with a clean and powerful sound, a foundation for TaylorMade fairway performance.
Twist Face™ features corrective face curvature designed to provide straighter shots on mishits.
Multi-Material Construction allows engineers to maximize performance by increasing discretionary weight.
Matt Fitzpatrick is stil in his trusty Ping S55 irons with Ping CFS X shafts
Getty Images
Specs: PING CFS X shafts.
In an industry obsessed with the “new,” Fitzpatrick is a refreshing anomaly. His choice to stick with the Ping S55 irons—a model that debuted over a decade ago—is the ultimate testament to performance over marketing. Fitz has ventured into other sets over the years but he’s told me that these offer the best combo of forgiveness and responsiveness that hes found, all while maintaining the spin he requires as a lower hitter.
These irons are workaholic blades that offer the specific turf interaction he demands. His steady striking this week and last proves that when you find a set that speaks your language, you don’t trade them in just because the calendar flipped. The Ping CFS shafts (Control, Feel, Stability) are a lighter 105-115G shaft that are proprietary to Ping. IMO it’s an interesting case study on OEM specific shafts, Ping has a tremendous amount of success in this regard, Lee Westwood has also been a “Ping shaft guy” for years using their JZ Stiff for almost three decades.
The bag is rounded out by a specific blend of Vokey SM10 wedges, featuring the “M” grind on his higher lofts for the versatility he’s famous for around the greens. These specialized grinds allow him to manipulate the face on the tight, grainy lies common in Florida.
Putter: Bettinardi BB48 Prototype
Despite a season of statistical fluctuations, his Bettinardi BB48 Prototype caught fire at Innisbrook, where he ranked 1st in the field in scrambling. When a player with Fitzpatrick’s ball-striking starts rolling and short-gaming it, the rest of the field is in for a fight.
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x (2019)
Fitzpatrick continues to trust the 2019 iteration of the Pro V1x. For a player who tracks every data point, this specific model provides the exact spin window and flight height he has built his entire yardage book around.
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Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip
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Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord Grip
OUR VAN ACCESS: The winningest cord grip on Tour. The Tour Velvet Cord Midsize was trusted to win two majors in 2019. It features Brushed Cotton Cord Technology (BCT) – a woven cotton twill fiber material that increases traction and performance in all weather conditions.
Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy on Sunday decided to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, citing concerns over her personal safety despite assurances from the organisers in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict. The Candidates, which will decide the challengers for the world championship crowns currently held by D Gukesh (men) and Ju Wenjun (women), is scheduled to begin in Paphos, Cyprus on March 28. The former world champion said the decision, though difficult, was necessary given the prevailing circumstances.
“After deep reflection, I have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament,” Humpy said in a statement on ‘X’.
After deep reflection, I have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament.
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No event, no matter how important, can come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances provided, I do not feel fully secure under the current…
“No event, no matter how important, can come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances provided, I do not feel fully secure under the current circumstances.
“This is a painful but necessary decision, and I stand by it.” Humpy’s withdrawal comes as a setback for India, as she was among the leading contenders in the tournament that determines the challenger for the women’s world championship title.
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Earlier this week, Humpy had said that she was hesitant to travel and was considering withdrawing from the tournament.
This came after a British air base in Cyprus endured a drone attack earlier this month, raising fears that the conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, could seriously affect the security at the island as well.
Cyprus, which is the third largest island on the Mediterranean sea, is situated south of Turkey and is a member of the European Union.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
La Liga heads into the March international break with a blockbuster clash on the horizon, as Real Madrid welcome Atlético Madrid for a high-stakes derby on Sunday night.
Real Madrid appear to have rediscovered their rhythm at the perfect time, riding high after an impressive Champions League triumph over Manchester City. A dominant first-leg display followed by a composed away win has reignited belief within the squad.
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Atlético Madrid, however, arrive with equal confidence after cruising past Tottenham Hotspur in Europe. Diego Simeone’s side now turn their focus to domestic action, aiming to continue their strong run and extend their recent dominance in this fierce rivalry.
With both teams in top form and crucial points at stake, the latest Madrid derby promises to be a gripping encounter that could have major implications in the title race.
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Real Madrid team news
Thibaut Courtois has become the latest player sidelined for Real Madrid, adding to an already growing injury list that includes Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos and Rodrygo ahead of the derby.
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There is, however, some positive news for Los Blancos, with Álvaro Carreras, Éder Militão and Raúl Asencio expected to return to contention. The biggest potential boost could come from Jude Bellingham, who might make his first appearance since February 1, although a place in the starting XI seems unlikely.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé has already made his comeback with a brief cameo earlier in the week and is now set to return to the starting lineup as he looks to continue his impressive goal-scoring form.
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Young talent Thiago Pitarch is expected to retain his spot after making the most of his chances, while Arda Güler could be preferred over Eduardo Camavinga in a flexible midfield setup under Álvaro Arbeloa.
Atletico team news
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Diego Simeone could be forced into a midfield reshuffle for Atlético Madrid, with injuries to Pablo Barrios and Rodrigo Mendoza. As a result, the adaptable Marcos Llorente is expected to slot into a deeper role alongside Johnny Cardoso in the midfield pivot.
This adjustment should allow Nahuel Molina to retain his place at right-back, especially after scoring a stunning goal in the previous match. Like their city rivals, Atlético could also be without their first-choice goalkeeper, as Jan Oblak faces a late fitness check after sitting out the last two games.
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If Oblak is not risked, Juan Musso, who has impressed during the Copa del Rey campaign, may continue between the posts.
In attack, Antoine Griezmann has returned to top form and is likely to start, potentially ahead of Alexander Sørloth, alongside the in-form Julián Álvarez.
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Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid probable starting eleven:
Real Madrid starting 11: Lunin; Alexander-Arnlold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Pitarch, Tchouaméni, Güler; Mbappé, Vinicius Jr.
A week after he bogeyed the 72nd hole to lose the Players Championship by a single shot, Matthew Fitzpatrick flipped the script with a fist-pumping final-hole birdie to win the Valspar Championship by one.
Fitzpatrick — who’d never birdied No. 18 at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course in 11 previous tries — found the fairway at the finisher and hit his approach to 13 feet, setting up a look at 3. He poured that putt in the center of the hole, punctuating the moment with an emphatic uppercut that electrified the surrounding crowd.
When David Lipsky’s birdie try finished just below the hole some 10 minutes later, Fitzpatrick’s win was official.
“I think the big thing was I felt like I was playing well,” Fitzpatrick said of his Players Championship bounceback. “I was playing well going into this week, obviously wanted to continue that and I felt like I had confidence in myself to do so. Then obviously to do that over four rounds was special this week.”
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He was sitting in the white-walled scoring trailer when he got the news and then fired off emotional FaceTimes to his wife and parents before speaking to NBC’s Kira Dixon.
“I’ve not seen [his wife] Katherine for three weeks, so I’m so excited to get back and see her; and my parents are coming out in a week or so as well. Yeah, it’s just such special people in my life and, yeah, just so excited to share this with ’em,” he said in that interview.
“Any win is fantastic. To me, just getting over the line is always difficult,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s so hard to win out here. Three wins now out here is something that, you know, I want obviously plenty more, and more and more big wins. So, yeah, to win this week is a big stepping stone for moving forward.”
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A Fitzpatrick-Lipsky showdown was hardly the expected final-round storyline. Sunday’s final pairing had set up an unlikely duel between Brandt Snedeker, the 45-year-old Presidents Cup captain with conditional PGA Tour status, and Sungjae Im, who’d been out for months with boot camp and injury. The two were a combined zero-for-six in made cuts this season. Im held a two-shot lead over Snedeker and Lipsky, with Fitzpatrick lurking one shot further back.
But Im was out of sorts early, making five bogeys and five pars in his opening 10 holes as the rest of the contenders blew by him, making him the fourth consecutive Florida Swing 54-hole leader to yield in the final round. Snedeker stumbled on the back nine; he was even par through 11 holes but five over the rest of the way to drop to T18.
“This golf course, it’s a perfectly designed golf course, if you get out of position it’s going to punish you. All those putts I’ve been making all week dried up today,” Snedeker said. “It’s frustrating, it sucks, and all the good stuff this week kind of feels like I threw it away today. But that’s part of golf, that’s why I love this challenge, and I’ll come back next week and try to figure out what I did wrong and try to fix it.”
That left the door open for Fitzpatrick, who somehow survived Saturday and Sunday bogey-free. His final round was hardly perfect; he failed to birdie any of the course’s four gettable par-5s. But he gutted out several clutch par saves, kept a clean card and set up late birdies at 15 and 18 to seal the deal.
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“I felt frustrated all day that I had not made anything. Obviously to make something there on 15, and hole the long one there on 18 to in the end to secure the win was an amazing feeling,” he said.
Jordan Smith finished solo third after one of the rounds of the day, a five-under 66, that got him to the clubhouse lead at nine under.
Xander Schauffele shot 65 to finish T4 a week after his third-place finish at the Players; he ended up tied with Im and Marco Penge, who logged the first top 10 of his season.
“Just relax, probably take a few days off into next week,” said Schauffele, who’s in good form entering major championship season. “Then kind of gear back up for Augusta.”
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Patrick Cantlay was part of a group that finished T7; it was his first top 10 since last August … Jordan Spieth finished T11, his third top-12 in four starts … Gary Woodland finished T14 a week after an emotional interview as he continues to battle both physical and emotional health … Brooks Koepka finished T18, his third consecutive top-20 since returning to the PGA Tour.
The 2026 NCAA Tournament continues with a must-see second-round contest on Sunday night, as the No. 1 seed Arizona Wildcats face the No. 9 Utah State Aggies in the West Region. After winning the Big 12 Tournament, the Wildcats easily handled LIU in the first round of March Madness by a score of 92-58. USU claimed the Mountain West Tournament and then defeated No. 8 seed Villanova by 10 points in the NCAA Tournament to reach the second round. Utah State owns the 3-1 edge in the all-time matchups between the programs. The Aggies are seeking their first Sweet 16 appearance since 1970.
Tipoff from the Viejas Arena in San Diego is at 7:50 p.m. ET. Arizona won the last meeting in 2005. The Wildcats are 11.5-point favorites in the latest Arizona vs. Utah State odds, while the over/under is 153.5, a 2-point drop from opening at 155.5. Zona is at -714 on the money line (risk $714 to win $100). Before making any Utah State vs. Arizona picks, check out the Arizona vs. Utah State predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every college basketball game 10,000 times. It entered the 2026 NCAA Tournament on a sizzling 11-1 run on its top-rated over/under college basketball picks dating back to last season, and is on a 28-22 run on top-rated CBB side picks.
After 10,000 simulations of Utah State vs. Arizona, SportsLine’s model is going Over on the total (153.5 points). Both squads have seen the Over hit more often than the Under this season, with the two seeing the Over go a combined 38-31. The total has been eclipsed in 60% of Utah State road/neutral-site contests, while the Over is 5-1 for Arizona when facing a team that allows between 67 and 72 ppg, as the Aggies do.
Additionally, the Over has hit in each of the last three Arizona games, while it is 6-3 over Utah State’s last nine games overall. A total of nine players are forecasted to score more than 9 points, with three of them surpassing 15 points, as the teams combine for 157 points per 10,000 simulations. That allows the Over to hit 55.1% of the time. You can get the spread pick at SportsLine.
How to make Utah State vs. Arizona picks
Now, the model simulated every possession of Arizona vs. Utah State 10,000 times and says one side of the spread hits nearly 60% of the time. You can only see that pick at SportsLine.
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