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How ageless wonder Virgil van Dijk holds the key to new-look Liverpool’s season

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While Ronald Araujo was undergoing his medical, Liverpool only actually had one fit senior centre-back on their books. And he, typically, was the oldest of the lot. Virgil van Dijk may have made an inauspicious start to his pre-season, conceding a penalty in Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Monaco, but Liverpool’s 35-year-old marathon man pronounced himself ready to go again this year.

Van Dijk is conscious of his age, which feels more notable when two of Liverpool’s other three main central defenders are 19 and 21 respectively, in Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet. The Dutchman did not gravitate to Anfield until he was 26, but hopes that starting late will extend his career.

It has already brought 731 games for clubs and country, but the most remarkable numbers came last season. No footballer in Europe’s top five leagues played more minutes than Van Dijk: some 6,121, including 4,941 for Liverpool. He did not miss a minute in their Premier League campaign, nor in the Netherlands’ World Cup.

Virgil van Dijk played more minutes than any other man in Europe’s top five league last season
Virgil van Dijk played more minutes than any other man in Europe’s top five league last season (Getty)

With Leoni and Jacquet yet to feature in pre-season, with Joe Gomez injured, Liverpool could rely again on Van Dijk, even with Araujo set to join on loan from Barcelona. He is prepared for another heavy workload. “Are you going to say I’m 35 years old and I can’t do it?” he asked. “At the end of the day, you have to look after yourself. You have to be, I wouldn’t say lucky, but you have to do everything in your power.

“That is the bare minimum for me because I feel the responsibility to be ready for each and every game. We play every three days. Between games, at home, at the training ground, you have to do everything in your power to be ready to play again. For me, I feel good. I am also a late bloomer so you know, maybe… it is what it is. I feel fine.”

Which may be a relief. When, for once, Van Dijk requested time off, it was to sit out friendlies on the other side of the Atlantic. Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak also exited the World Cup in the last 32 and returned to the United States for the end of the pre-season tour.

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Van Dijk was part of the Netherlands side that lost in the last 32 of the World Cup
Van Dijk was part of the Netherlands side that lost in the last 32 of the World Cup (Getty)
And then took some time off afterwards, including going to Wimbledon for the tennis
And then took some time off afterwards, including going to Wimbledon for the tennis (Getty)

Van Dijk did not. “I definitely asked for a good break because I felt like I needed it, not only physically but mentally as well. It was a very demanding year from before pre-season started last year until the day I got knocked out of the World Cup,” he said. “I had maybe three days more than Ryan, Flo and Alex. I didn’t want to go to America because I didn’t want to get jet lag.” Instead, he had a couple of extra days at Liverpool’s training ground.

As it is, a return to duty has been busy. He has met Jacquet, a prospective centre-back partner now Ibrahima Konate is gone. “I’ve spoken to him,” he said of the Frenchman. “I’ve seen him walking around and we have conversations. I can’t wait to see him back on the pitch and I hope that happens very, very soon.”

His first outing of the campaign came alongside the teenager Ifeanyi Ndukwe. “Big talent, big guy,” he said of the 18-year-old Austrian who, unfortunately for Liverpool, does not yet qualify for a work permit. “The matter of fact is that he has to go on loan,” Van Dijk added. “Let’s see where he ends up.”

That increases the need to seal the loan move for Araujo. “Any player that will arrive to the club, we will be welcoming,” said the Dutchman. Liverpool’s squad looks slender at the moment. There may have been too few newcomers in the dressing room but there is one in the dugout, in Andoni Iraola. Van Dijk takes his responsibilities as captain seriously and extended the same offer to the Spaniard that he did to his predecessor.

Van Dijk (left) made his preseason bow for Liverpool against Monaco over the weekend
Van Dijk (left) made his preseason bow for Liverpool against Monaco over the weekend (Getty)

“We had a great conversation in the first week when it got announced and the main thing for him to know is that I am here for him regardless: anything he needs, wants to know, wants me to do for the team, I am here for him,” he said. “I liked working under Arne [Slot] and I am sure I will like working under the new manager.”

With Konate, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah going, Liverpool could have a younger team, making Van Dijk more of an anomaly. “It definitely feels like a bit of a transition, for sure,” he said. “It is down to everyone associated with Liverpool to make sure we are building something that will be successful for years to come.”

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In the last season of his contract, nearer his 40th birthday than his 30th, Van Dijk may not be there for years to come, but the late bloomer is determined to remain in flower deep into the autumn of his career.

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George Pickens contract: CeeDee Lamb sends message to Jerry Jones

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The Dallas Cowboys sport one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL

CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are each considered top-10 receivers, as evidenced by a recent poll of our staff here at CBSSports.com, where they checked in sixth and seventh in the league. (They also finished exactly sixth and seventh in ESPN’s annual poll of league executives.) We also ranked them as the No. 2 duo in the NFL, behind only Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Of course, it’s possible the duo could have a short-lived tenure. Last year was the first season Lamb and Pickens played together, and it was the final season of Pickens’ rookie-scale contract. But he was so good in 2025 (93 catches for 1,429 yards and five touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors) that the Cowboys decided they couldn’t possibly let him hit the open market, so they franchise-tagged him rather than allowing him to leave in free agency without a significant return.

Pickens eventually signed the one-year franchise tender instead of negotiating a long-term deal with the team, so it’s possible this coming season will be his last in Dallas. But Lamb doesn’t want that to be the case. In fact, he’s practically begging the Cowboys to make sure it isn’t, because he wants to form a dynamic duo with Pickens for years to come and help the Cowboys win the Super Bowl trophy that has eluded them for more than 30 years.

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“I’m sure we can make a way,” Lamb said, via Yahoo Sports. “I know it’s going to be a little crazy, but I know we can make a way for this one. Listen, this is my advocation: ‘@ Jerry, can you please figure out a way? Let’s figure it out. I don’t care what needs to happen. Let’s figure it out and it’s going to get you a couple more championships.’”

Lamb is already one of the highest-paid receivers in the league, having signed a four-year, $136 million contract extension in 2024. The top of the receiver market has crept up since he signed that deal, though, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba setting a new receiver record with a $42.15 million average annual value on the contract extension he signed this offseason.

If Pickens plays well enough this year that the Cowboys feel comfortable giving him a new long-term deal, it seems likely he’d top the $40 million-per-year mark. That would make the Cowboys the only team in the league investing that much money in the wide receiver position. 

The Bengals and Detroit Lions have also made significant, top-of-the-market investments in their top two receivers, but the contracts for Higgins and Jameson Williams are much smaller than the one Pickens is likely to command if he has another season like he did in 2025. (The same was true of the Miami Dolphins when they had investments in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, as well as the Philadelphia Eagles when they were paying A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.)

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Things could also get complicated because the Cowboys are surely going to want to extend star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, whom they acquired last year from the Jets and who is now only the 10th-highest-paid interior defensive lineman in the league. And, of course, the Cowboys have the NFL’s second-highest-paid quarterback in Dak Prescott, who makes $60 million per year. (They have only themselves to blame for that one, having badly bungled negotiations with Prescott multiple times.)

Still, it can be done if the team wants to do it and is willing to lay out the up-front cash to make it happen. Dallas has always had a reputation as a more free-spending team than it actually is, with Jerry and Stephen Jones constantly referencing the fact that there is only so much pie to go around, even for star players. But Jerry does seem at least somewhat open to keeping Pickens (and Williams) in the fold with Lamb and Prescott over the long term.

“Yeah, just you got to tell me the rest [of our spending], too,” Jones said, again via Yahoo Sports. “At some point, you’ve got to figure that out. But no, I think it’s realistic.” 

It remains to be seen whether that realistic scenario will become the Cowboys’ actual reality, but if Pickens has another strong season, it’ll be hard to make an argument against retaining him on a long-term deal.

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AEW’s Andrade El Idolo posts injury update after MJF attack at Grand Slam Mexico

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Andrade El Idolo was ambushed at All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) Grand Slam Mexico after he punched his ticket into the Casino Gauntlet match at All In.

MJF returned to AEW programming on Wednesday night and assaulted Andrade after the pro wrestler became the No. 1 entrant for the match. MJF left Andrade bloodied and declared he would enter a qualifying match to become the second entrant. The winner of the Casino Gauntlet match will earn an AEW World Championship opportunity.

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Andrade El Idolo enters the ring during New Japan Pro-Wrestling in Tokyo.

Andrade El Idolo enters the ring during New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. (Getty Images)

On Sunday, Andrade showed the aftermath of the attack. He posted a picture on social media of a brutal cut on his head and said he may be out of the ring for a few weeks.

“Hi everyone and especially Las Señoritas! I’ve just landed back in Miami, where I live, and I went straight to the DR,” he wrote. “I hadn’t been feeling well since the Wednesday after the Grand Slam, but as a professional, I had two shows in Canada with MLP.

“I’ll keep you posted, but I have to be out of action for a few days or weeks. It’s nothing serious, Take care! but… I have one question?”

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Andrade El Idolo enters the ring during New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo.

Andrade El Idolo enters the ring during New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. (Getty Images)

MJF took a victory lap in his dismantling of Andrade in a subsequent post on X.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA How you know? OH I KNOW HOW IT HAPPENED!” he wrote.

Andrade wrote in a separate post on Instagram that he needed six stitches.

Andrade and MJF have been in the midst of a feud since MJF was loosely aligned with the Don Callis Family.

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Andrade eventually broke from the faction as MJF won the AEW World Championship back from Darby Allin at Double or Nothing.

MJF addresses Bryan Danielson

AEW Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman, aka MJF, appears during “AEW Dynamite” at Footprint Center on Feb. 22, 2023. (Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports)

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After MJF lost the title to Kenny Omega, he returned last week with his personal Triple B title, which he declared the true championship. Regardless, MJF set out on a journey to get to All In and earn another chance at the title.

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The Buccaneers Have Worse Vibes Than Any NFL Team Right Now

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With the NFL preseason about to kick into full gear, you’d be hard pressed to find a team with worse vibes at present than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Their five-year postseason streak and four-year streak of NFC South division titles ended last season.

Their QB1, Baker Mayfield, aired out the team’s dirty laundry when he told reporters that he felt disrespected and undervalued by the contract extension offers he’s received from Tampa Bay.

An anchor on the Bucs defense, defensive tackle Vita Vea, has also formally requested a trade after extension talks sputtered out.

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Coach Todd Bowles is back for a fifth season against the wishes of many in the fanbase.

Is this a salvageable situation at this point? I’m not sure.

Mayfield has redeemed his career in Tampa, brought on after Tom Brady’s retirement and throwing for 12,237 yards, 95 touchdowns and 37 interceptions over three seasons.

The former No. 1 pick’s immediate impact was rewarded when Tampa Bay signed him to a three-year, $100 million contract after one season leading the team. But Mayfield made it clear that his next deal needed to be nailed down before training camp for the final year of his current contract began.

That didn’t happen, with the Buccaneers reportedly holding firm to offering a two-year contract while Mayfield was seeking more years.

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Now, it’s very much up in the air if Mayfield will hold to his words, not discuss a new contract during the season and instead elect to pursue free agency next offseason.

Given his brash attitude throughout a career spurred on by spite, I wouldn’t bet against him holding firm.

While Mayfield is at least practicing, Vea still hasn’t participated at the team’s training camp. He’s holding in, although the team is spinning the on-field absence by saying that he tweaked his back during a conditioning workout in July.

Even if that’s true, it doesn’t seem likely Vea — who is saying that the only way he sees this saga ending is with a trade — would be practicing even if he was 100%.

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As if that wasn’t enough, the Buccaneers are also adjusting to life without franchise receiver Mike Evans, who surpassed 1,000 yards in each of his first 11 seasons before an injury-prone 2025 led to Tampa Bay moving on and Evans landing in San Francisco.

Tampa is not lacking in other receiver options, with Chris Godwin Jr. and breakout 2025 rookie Emeka Egbuka able to fill the void.

But it’s just more adversity that a team which appears to be entering the season on shaky ground will need to overcome.

The potential saving grace for the Buccaneers could be the state of the NFC South division.

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They failed to win the division last year for the first time since 2020 due to a three-way tiebreaker which didn’t go their way.

Despite that, the Carolina Panthers, who won the division, don’t seem ready to be a perennial contender, the Atlanta Falcons are an enigma and the New Orleans Saints seem more ready to compete for the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s draft than for a division title.

Still, the Buccaneers haven’t exactly separated themselves despite the success, winning double-digit games just once in the last four seasons.

This could be the year that things catch up with Tampa Bay, leaving a bleak near-future.

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NFL news: Kyle Shanahan returning to coach preseason after Tesla Autopilot crash

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At his first press conference since causing a car crash that left him with broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken left hand, facial lacerations and a concussion, San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan announced he’ll return to the sideline for his team’s first preseason game this week.

But Shanahan wasn’t done announcing.

He also made it clear his head-on collision in July, for which he’s taken responsibility, has left him with a new perspective on Tesla’s autopilot feature that seemingly drives the car by itself, and concussions, which are a significant part of all NFL seasons.

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NFL EMPLOYEES’ TROUBLING DRIVING INCIDENTS MOUNT, COSTING JOBS AND PUTTING OTHERS AT RISK

Kyle Shanhan talks to reporters

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

“When you’re going at 20 miles an hour, and you’re on autopilot, I honestly have zero worries,” Shanahan told reporters. “I have so much trust in that stuff. That was a good lesson that you can’t ever have zero worries. I think it definitely could be an example for a lot of people.”

Shanahan is not a Tesla hater. He didn’t protest the brand or Elon Musk back in 2025. In fact, he’s owned Teslas for years.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

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But this crash has made him see his driving experience differently.

“Dropping a phone, it falling all the way to my back seat to where I have to fully take my eyes off the road, it’s something that I normally wouldn’t do,” Shanahan said. “I’ve had autopilot for nine years, so I’m pretty comfortable with it. Who knows what happened when I turned around. Whether it malfunctioned or whether I knocked it off, that’s something I don’t know yet.

“But regardless, it is always your fault, whether you’re on autopilot or not. You can’t take your eyes off the road. It’s a partnership driving. You don’t just turn it over to a computer. It’s a good lesson, no matter how comfortable I am with that, that I believe someday could save my life or someone else’s. It’s really helped me have perspective on that stuff.”

Kyle Shanahan on the sideline

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, left, reacts next to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, middle, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Santa Clara, California, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Shanahan hasn’t been coaching the Niners at the outset of training camp to the degree he normally would. Even now, with the stitches on his face finally out, and Thursday’s preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans looming, he’s still walking around with a cast and some lingering effects of the crash.

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And that has led him to view his players’ concussions in a different light.

Shanahan, like many NFL coaches, is not intimately involved in the journey of his players through the league’s concussion protocol. They do not determine when a player is cleared to return to practice or games.

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But now, Shanahan admits, he “no doubt” has a new perspective on concussions.

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Kyle Shanahan watches from the sideline

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Florida, on Oct. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

“Just little things, like when they label things, like whether it’s severe or mild,” he said. “You hear someone has a mild one, I’m like, ‘Oh, alright. It might be one game, but usually that’s two.’ Then you kind of learn those are just words. Each one’s a little bit different.

“I definitely can relate to how scary it is when you don’t know if you will feel right again. It’s definitely made me more educated on it. Usually I just listen, and like, ‘Tell me when, OK,’ and I move on. But I understand it a lot better and what guys got to go through the protocol to get back.”

Shanahan admits he’s still not 100% following his concussion. He reports he still experiences headaches and fatigue.

Noise, particularly the soundtrack played over loudspeakers at practice, is no longer the challenge it was earlier.

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“AC/DC hurt a lot more than some smoother hip-hop, but I think those days are over,” he said. “Noise doesn’t bother me like it was. I actually have two symptoms, I feel like, and that’s headaches and fatigue. That’s all I’m feeling right now.”

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‘Really unfortunate’: Tiger Shroff won’t play for Mumbai FC in Durand Cup; here’s why | Football News

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'Really unfortunate': Tiger Shroff won’t play for Mumbai FC in Durand Cup; here's why
Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff during a football practice match in Mumbai. (PTI Photo)

Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff said on Sunday that he will not play for Mumbai FC in the ongoing Durand Cup 2026.Shroff was included in Mumbai FC’s squad for the tournament on July 28, leading to speculation that he could make his competitive debut for the club. However, he confirmed that a last-minute work commitment will prevent him from travelling to Shillong for Mumbai FC’s next match.The club’s co-owner Zoheb Amrani had earlier said Shroff could feature in at least one of Mumbai FC’s group-stage matches in Shillong.In a video posted on Mumbai FC’s official Instagram account, Shroff confirmed that he would miss the team’s match against Nongkseh SS & CC.“Really, really unfortunate, but a work commitment has come up at the last moment, so I won’t be able to make it to Shillong for the Durand Cup,” Shroff said.Shroff said he had wanted to play for the club but would continue to support the team from outside the field.“I’m going to do everything in my power to support you guys to the best of my capability. There’s so much young talent, and with the right support and opportunities, I truly believe Indian football can do wonders,” said Shroff.Shroff has been associated with Mumbai FC since the club was launched in 2024. He has regularly played for the club in the Mumbai District League and has also been involved in its training sessions.The 36-year-old developed an interest in football and had been hoping to make his professional debut for Mumbai FC.His absence means he will not feature in the club’s upcoming Durand Cup fixture in Shillong.

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Adam New’s Win-Loss Prediction for the 2026 Vikings

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Vikings fans at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay
Minnesota Vikings fans are shown before the start of the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is the first time the draft will be held in Green Bay, the smallest market in the National Football League. © Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

It’s prediction time. Here, I will review each of the Minnesota Vikings’ 17 regular-season games, giving my thoughts and a prediction for the outcome. Eventually, we will have a win-loss record for the entire season.

Adam New’s Win-Loss Prediction for the 2026 Vikings

Last year, I predicted 11 wins for the Vikings and it proved to be a touch optimistic, with Minnesota ending up with just nine wins. I obviously didn’t foresee so much turmoil at the quarterback position where three different starters were needed. Since becoming the Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell has seen his team reach the playoffs and then fail to do so in alternate years. He needs that to continue this season otherwise he will find himself under pressure.

The NFC North was the only division that saw every team finish with a winning record in 2025 – only two wins separated all four teams. I expect the division to be just as competitive this season. Here is how I see things playing out for the Vikings in 2026.

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Week 1-6

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Dan Powers-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Minnesota starts the season with back-to-back games within the division and follows that up with a home game against Miami, sandwiched between road trips to NFC South opposition. For the second season in a row, the Vikings have an early bye in Week 6.

Week 1: Win vs Packers 1-0

Week 2: Loss at Bears 1-1

Week 3: Loss at Buccaneers 1-2

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Week 4: Win vs Dolphins 2-2

Week 5: Win at Saints 3-2

Week 6: Bye Week

I have Minnesota starting the season off with a win on home turf against Green Bay, then following that up with a loss on the road at Chicago. Splitting the two divisional games that start the season would be a respectable start.

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Next comes what could be one of the season-defining games from outside of the division. The four games against NFC South opposition are ones the team that wins the NFC North probably needs to win, but those wins won’t come easy, especially on the road in Tampa Bay. I have the Vikings going down to a narrow defeat but I do have them winning in Week 5 against New Orleans. A home win against Miami between those two games would see the Vikings head into the bye week with a winning record.

Week 7-12

C.J. Ham scored a touchdown at Buffalo in 2022.
Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Minnesota Vikings full back C.J. Ham (30) runs for a touchdown against Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (43) during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

The next six games are the toughest part of the 2026 schedule for the Vikings, and I have them winning only two games. It includes three very difficult road games and hosting Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.

Week 7: Win vs Colts 4-2

Week 8: Loss at Lions 4-3

Week 9: Loss vs Bills 4-4

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Week 10: Loss at Packers 4-5

Week 11: Loss at 49ers 4-6

Week 12: Win vs Falcons 5-6

It starts well for Minnesota as I have them beating Indianapolis at US Bank Stadium. However, I then have them losing four, including three road games at Detroit, Green Bay, and against San Francisco in Mexico. With those three road games broken up by a home game against Buffalo that is an incredibly tough run of games. I have the Vikings coming out empty-handed, but if they could find a win somewhere it could be hugely significant for the season. Minnesota is back at home against Atlanta for the last of this block of six games and I have the Vikings down for a much-needed win.

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Week 13-18

NFL: New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings
Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevon O’Connell meet after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Finally, we come to the last six games of the season, the business end when the pressure will be on, and I have the Vikings finishing strong. Four of the last six games are at home including two huge divisional games that could well go a long way in determining the fate of the division.

Week 13: Win vs Panthers 6-6

Week 14: Loss at Patriots 6-7

Week 15: Win vs Lions 7-7

Week 16: Win vs Commanders 8-7

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Week 17: Win at Jets 9-7

Week 18: Win vs Bears 10-7

Minnesota starts with a home win against Carolina before moving on to a loss on the road in New England – that is the last game I have the Vikings losing. Finishing the season with four wins in a row including a win at home against Washington and on the road against the New York Jets. 

My official win-loss prediction for the 2026 Vikings is 10-7

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The two home games against Detroit and Chicago are massive. With those two wins and a 10-7 record, the Vikings should be playing playoff football as a wild card. If those games go the other way then it is a very different story. For all the problems that Minnesota had last season and needs to fix (most notably at quarterback), 10 wins would only be an improvement of one game from 2025. It shouldn’t be an impossible task.


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Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

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Watch: Apocalyptic Impresses at Rosehill Trials in 2026

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Jockey in red silks on a brown racehorse at full gallop during a race, with another rider in white behind and advertising boards in the background.

Three of the standout three-year-olds of this generation, Apocalyptic, Green Spaces, and Savvy Hallie, appear poised for significant spring carnival campaigns following impressive barrier trial efforts at Rosehill Gardens this morning.

The Michael Freedman-trained Apocalyptic was not unduly taxed in her 900m heat but still managed to secure a narrow win in 55.57 seconds, with a final 600m sectional of 33.41s. She finished ahead of Chilly Girl.

Freedman gave Apocalyptic a lengthy spell after her autumn campaign, where the filly wasn’t at her best across two starts. Her trial performance suggests she is ready to recapture the outstanding form shown last spring, which included wins in the Group 2 Furious Stakes, Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes, and Group 1 Flight Stakes.

“I’m really happy with Apocalyptic, she seems to be in great order,” Freedman commented.

The filly is being pointed towards the Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1100m) at Royal Randwick in a fortnight, scheduled for August 22. Meanwhile, Chilly Girl, trained by Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou and a winner of the Widden Stakes, showed her class competing against older horses.

Apocalyptic’s trial victory was hard-earned, with only a half-length separating the top four finishers. Headwall claimed third, and Private Eye finished fourth, both producing eye-catching efforts.

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Headwall, a candidate for The Everest, is on the comeback trail and is being readied for a return in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Royal Randwick next month. Private Eye, the durable nine-year-old with close to $13 million in prize money, has maintained fitness from a Brisbane winter campaign and is set to defend his title in the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 15.

“He’s a great, old horse,” said Pride of Private Eye.

“It’s a pleasure to train him, he’s so tough and is going really well. He will be hard to beat at Caulfield next week.”

Chris Waller’s mares, Generosity and Lazzura, were given very low-key trials behind Apocalyptic.

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In the opening Group and Listed barrier trial over 1000m, Matcha Latte finished strongly to defeat Stardom in 59.99 seconds. Cherry Bomshell, winner of the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes, ran a pleasing third, just ahead of the Australian Derby hero Green Spaces.

Godolphin’s Green Spaces, prepared by Bjorn Baker, finished the trial powerfully and is on track for a return in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on August 22.

The Matthew Smith-trained Idle Flyer, a winner of the Queen Of The Turf Stakes last autumn, had an easy trial but showed good closing speed to finish sixth, less than two lengths behind Matcha Latte.

Idle Flyer, a stablemate of Headwall, is expected to resume in either the Toy Show Quality or the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) on Winx Stakes Day.

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The third Group and Listed trial at Rosehill was won by Savvy Hallie. The Brad Widdup-trained Savvy Hallie, who previously defeated Apocalyptic in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes and was narrowly beaten in the Group 1 Surround Stakes, led for most of her 900m trial to win by nearly two lengths in 56.09 seconds.

El Castello showed good early speed to claim second, just ahead of Declichy Boulevard, while emerging three-year-old Berzelius finished the trial strongly to take fourth.

Punters interested in the Toy Show Quality can find the latest racing odds from top Australian betting sites.

Betting sites are a great resource for the upcoming races.

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Ric Flair announces reconciliation with Wendy Barlow after 2024 split

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Ric Flair is known for his flamboyant promos and extravagant pro wrestling career that included several world championship runs across multiple promotions at his peak.

Outside the ring, Flair has seemingly been in an off-again-on-again relationship with Wendy Barlow. The two separated in 2024. In an unusual manner, the 77-year-old announced that he and Barlow were getting close again.

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Wendy Barlow and Ric Flair seated courtside at a basketball game.

Wendy Barlow and Ric Flair attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 25, 2020. (Getty Images)

“I Told You. It Was Only A Matter Of Time Until You Came Running Back!! At Least I Know I Am In Good Hands Because You Have Always Taken The Best Care Of Me Out Of Anyone In The Whole World,” Flair wrote in a post on X on Sunday.

“She Finally Figured Out There Is Only One Ric Flair And One James Bond, And Currently Ric Flair Is Available For Any Kind Of Action. Let’s See If Wendy Still Has It! LFG!”

On Monday, Flair clarified his original post.

“Wendy And I Are Not Renewing A Relationship. We Are Renewing A 34 Year Friendship. She Has Her Own Residence And I Have Mine. She Is Coming To Tampa Primarily To Take Care Of Her Parents, Who Are Both In Their 80s And Not In Good Health,” he wrote on X. “Wendy Will Continue To Do What She Does Best, Travel The World, And Help People Who Are Struggling In Other Countries. I’ll Resume What I Do And Love Most Which Is Attending Public Events And Signing Autographs At Meet & Greets.

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“Please Don’t Turn Something Positive Into Something Negative. If That’s All You Have To Do, Find Something Better To Do. The One Part I Am Sure Of, Which She Reminds Me Whenever We Speak, Is That She Will Always Be There For Me If I Get Sick Again, And I Was SICK For Two Years! Her Whole Family Took Care Of Me. Find Someone Else To Hate On! Wendy And I Are Good.”

Ric Flair stands with Wendy Barlow and Josh Reddick at Minute Maid Park.

Wendy Barlow, Josh Reddick and Ric Flair are pictured at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, on Aug. 21, 2019. (Getty Images)

Flair announced he and Barlow split after being in a relationship for 13 years.

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He was previously married to Leslie Goodman, Elizabeth Harrell, Tiffany VanDemark and Jaqueline Beems, according to TMZ Sports. He has four children — two with Goodman and two with Harrell.

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Flair has been in and out of wrestling for the last few years. His so-called “Last Match” took place in 2022 — a tag-team match with his then-son-in-law, the wrestler known as Andrade, against Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal. He later revealed he passed out twice during the match.

Flair made his All Elite Wrestling debut in 2023 and was a brief part of Sting’s final professional match at AEW Revolution where Sting and Darby Allin took on the Young Bucks.

Ric Flair stands with fiancée Wendy Barlow before the Indianapolis 500.

Ric Flair stands with fiancée Wendy Barlow prior to the 101st Indianapolis 500 on May 28, 2017, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Ind. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

He was a World Championship Wrestling world heavyweight champion eight times, National Wrestling Alliance world heavyweight champion nine times and a WWE champion twice during his career.

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The WWE inducted Flair into its Hall of Fame in 2008 as a singles wrestler and as a member of the Four Horsemen in 2012.

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Cardinals adding WR Larry Fitzgerald to Ring of Honor

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Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald pose with his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Larry Fitzgerald and his son Devin Fitzgerald pose with his bust during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026.

The honors keep coming for recently enshrined Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

The Arizona Cardinals announced Monday they will retire his No. 11 jersey and induct him into the team’s Ring of Honor on Oct. 25.

The ceremony will take place at halftime of the game against the Denver Broncos at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

“No one who has ever worn a Cardinals uniform is more deserving of this honor,” owner Michael Bidwill said.

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Fitzgerald, 42, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Sunday with the Class of 2026 in Canton, Ohio.

In 263 games with the Cardinals from 2004-20, Fitzgerald caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns.

All of those numbers are franchise records, but Bidwill said the 11-time Pro Bowl selection’s impact went beyond statistics.

“The thing I remember most about his presence here is not just how he practiced on the practice field but the way he took his profession so seriously. He is a pro’s pro,” Bidwill said. “His presence, both setting the tone but also welcoming people and in the locker room being a little bit of a jokester and wanting to engage everyone around him. He contributed so much to this organization and so much to this community.

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“He means so much to all of us.”

–Field Level Media

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Vikings Receiver Has Offered “Day and Night” Growth as he Pushes for WR4 Job

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NFL: Dublin Game-Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Myles Price (4) returns a punt during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL International Series game at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Most don’t see Vikings receiver Myles Price as a Vikings receiver. After all, he was almost exclusively a returner as a rookie, but that could be changing.

Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels stepped in front of the Minnesota media a couple days ago. Getting asked about Price led to the underrated coach calling Price “day and night” in his improvement. In fact, Daniels is offering that assessment on behalf of the “offensive guys,” playing the role of messenger. Quite possibly, that update will foreshadow an increased role as Price pushes for the WR4 job in the Twin Cities.

Vikings Receiver Myles Price is Pushing for Reps

Nobody is going to mistake Mr. Price for Calvin Johnson. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing roughly 185 pounds, Price is somebody who thrives due to shiftiness, grit, and acceleration rather than being a hulking bruiser.

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How good can he become?

That’s an ongoing debate that’s still being answered. As a rookie, Price played just 17 snaps for Kevin O’Connell and Wes Phillips. In contrast, Price put in 139 snaps for Coach Daniels on specials, proving to be a weapon for the group that has been lacking a true threat at returner for several years.

NFL: Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings
Aug 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Myles Price (31) and tight end Bryson Nesbit (46) celebrate his touchdown against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Of the two options — kickoff and punt — Myles Price is more of a natural at punt returner.

He turned 30 punt returns into 298 yards in 2025. The 9.9 yards-per-return average is healthy and the long of 43 yards is promising. Onlookers can sometimes be quick to note that Price could have been more potent had it not been for some ill-timed penalties.

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As a kickoff returner, Price also did some good things, averaging 25.9 yards. He’s not Cordarrelle Patterson or Percy Harvin back there but solid enough. His long went for 61 yards.

So much of what makes Price compelling is that he offers swagger. Who can thrive as a returner without outsized confidence? An NFL punt can travel 45 yards while hanging in the air for 4.5 to 5 seconds. The returner needs to track the ball with the understanding that 11 massive and explosive athletes are sprinting down the field trying to land a huge hit. Not for the faint of heart.

NFL: New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings
Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Myles Price (31) returns a kickoff as New England Patriots cornerback Jordan Polk (39) pursues during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Turning that special teams promise into production on offense would represent a nice boost for the Vikings.

Daniels, for his part, was quick to praise how Price has improved on offense while nevertheless bringing things back around to special teams. “He’s consistently been making plays out here from an offensive standpoint,” Daniels says before pivoting. “From a returner standpoint, it’s how good can we be at premium ball security?”

Price had 4 fumbles last year.

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“We all know Myles is a very aggressive guy when it turns to returning balls,” Daniels notes, “but we just have to make sure that those aggressive decisions don’t lead to reckless actions afterwards.”

No doubt, that’s a tough balance. Putting a home run batter into the lineup means accepting some strikeouts. Can the same be said of a returner who has the capacity to chew up the field?

Green Bay Packers safety Zayne Anderson (39) recovers a muffed punt by Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Myles Price (4) in the
Green Bay Packers safety Zayne Anderson (39) recovers a muffed punt by Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Myles Price (4) in the third quarter during their football game Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. – Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Myles Price slipped out of the 2025 NFL Draft despite playing strong football for the Indiana Hoosiers. He then got added in Minnesota with guaranteed money coming in at $0. Price, in short, has earned everything through plenty of hard work.

The sophomore is 24.


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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