The 2026 Preakness Stakes is expected to be a battle, with five horses listed at 6-1 or shorter in the Preakness Stake 2026 odds. The race is set for Saturday at Laurel Park in Laurel, Md., the first time the race won’t be held at Pimlico Race Course since 1908. Pimlico is being renovated, but the race is expected to be back in Baltimore next year. Iron Honor is the 9-2 morning-line favorite in the 2026 Preakness Stakes odds, followed closely by Taj Mahal (5-1), Chip Honcho (5-1), Incredibolt (5-1) and Ocelli (6-1).

Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is skipping the 151st running of the Triple Crown’s second jewel, and only three horses that ran at Churchill Downs are in the field. Post time for the $2 million race is 6:50 p.m. ET. Other contenders in Preakness Stakes 2026 include Napoleon Solo (8-1), Great White (15-1), Pretty Boy Miah (15-1) and The Hell We Did (15-1). Before making any 2026 Preakness Stakes picks, be sure to see the 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions and best bets from SportsLine’s elite horse racing expert Gene Menez.

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A former reporter and editor at Sports Illustrated, Menez covered an array of sports, including horse racing, for the magazine and its website for almost 14 years. Between 2010 and 2012, he served as SI’s handicapper for the Triple Crown races and correctly predicted Super Saver to win the Kentucky Derby in 2010.

In 2015, while writing for Sports on Earth, Menez accurately gave out the Kentucky Derby superfecta (American Pharoah, Firing Line, Dortmund and Frosted), which paid $1,268.20 for $2. Then in 2017, he tweeted out his Kentucky Derby picks, including Always Dreaming to win, and hit the Pick 4, which paid almost $6,900 on a $1 bet. In 2024, Menez gave out 18-1 Mystik Dan as a live longshot in the Kentucky Derby. In last year’s Kentucky Derby, he hammered the exacta and trifecta for a $1,045 payout. Anyone who has followed his horse racing betting advice could be way up.

Now, Menez has handicapped the 2026 Preakness Stakes field and revealed his picks. Go here to see them. 

Top 2026 Preakness Stakes predictions

One of Menez’s surprising 2026 Preakness Stakes picks: He is fading the favorite, Iron Honor. The horse won his first two starts, which came at 3/4 mile and 1 mile. But then he attempted the 1 1/8 mile distance at the Wood Memorial and had a disastrous finish, placing seventh. The Preakness will be even longer than the Wood Memorial, making it hard to feel confident about his chances versus an even stronger field. 

While Iron Honor’s sire, Nyquist, won the 2016 Kentucky Derby, he didn’t fare as well at that year’s Preakness. Just like Iron Honor, Nyquist was the Preakness favorite but placed third, which ended his undefeated racing career after winning each of his first eight races. There are just too many red flags for Iron Honor to justify backing him with Preakness Stakes bets. See who to back at SportsLine.

Another stunner: Menez is high on The Hell We Did, even though he is a longshot at 15-1. He has been training at Laurel Park for the past two weeks so he and his team can get a feel for the track. The Hell We Did finished second at the 2026 Lexington G3 at Keeneland his last time out. He has run at some lesser-known tracks but has never finished outside of the top two in four career starts.

Menez expects the son of 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic and half-brother of 2024 Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador to have a solid game plan Saturday. “He also should get the perfect trip behind the speed horses and in front of the late-running closers who are returning in two weeks,” Menez says. “And best of all, the price should be right.” The only question is the distance, but the horse racing expert says “this is a horse who’s moving in the right direction at the right time.” See which other horses to back at SportsLine.

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How to make 2026 Preakness Stakes picks, bets

Menez’s top pick is a horse who was “brilliantly fast.” He also is high on a double-digit longshot who is “finally fit.” Menez is sharing which horse it is, along with his entire projected 2026 Preakness Stakes leaderboard, over at SportsLine.

Which horse wins the Preakness Stakes 2026, and which longshot is a must-back? Check out the latest 2026 Preakness Stakes odds below, then visit SportsLine to see Menez’s picks for the Preakness Stakes, all from the expert who had a $1,045 payout at last year’s race.

2026 Preakness Stakes odds

It doesn’t quite have the flair of the NFL MVP award, but CBS Sports formally handed Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray the best case to win Comeback Player of the Year this week.

Minnesota’s new quarterback has a clear path to national buzz if the Vikings rebound in 2026.

Murray missed 12 games last season before the Arizona Cardinals dropped him like a bad habit. Now, the speedy 28-year-old is in Minnesota to get back on track.

A Strong Vikings Season Could Put Murray in Awards Talk

Murray over Patrick Mahomes? SI.com says yep.

Parker Loverich: Murray Has 50% Odds to win Comeback Player of the Year

Parker Loverich of SI.com sized up the NFL’s soon-to-be race for Comeback Player of the Year, and Murray led the way, in his estimation.

He explained, “Kyler Murray | 50% Chance. The ACL tear in late 2022 was serious, the kind of injury that takes a quarterback more than a full year to stop thinking about. Murray came back, got through the early awkwardness, and by 2025 was playing at a level that reminded people what he looked like before it happened.”

“Unfortunately, last year in week 5 he suffered a season ending foot injury. After sitting out the rest of the season, Murray finds himself with a change of scenery in Minnesota. He has new weapons and a new home to try and revive his career. The market gives him 50%. The remaining half is split across a field that includes some genuinely strong cases.”

In addition to Murray and Mahomes, Micah Parsons (Green Bay Packers), Malik Nabers (New York Giants), and George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers) made the cut for Loverich.

The Case … Makes Sense

After stumbling to a 4-8 start in 2025, the Vikings somehow clawed their way back to a 9-8 finish. Just one more win — specifically, the Week 18 game against Green Bay when the Packers were resting starters — could have decisively altered the NFC North race.

The most remarkable aspect of that turnaround was the quarterback play. The Vikings had the NFL’s fifth-worst quarterback production (by Dropback EPA) yet still finished above .500. The outcome was highly unusual; teams with such poor QB efficiency typically find themselves drafting in the top 10, firing their coaches, or both.

Despite this, Kevin O’Connell guided the Vikings to nine wins.

Given the Vikings achieved nine wins with quarterback play ranked 28th in the league, their ceiling dramatically increases with Murray under center— provided he stays healthy and plays consistently. The team doesn’t require MVP-level football from him. Just solid, healthy quarterback play could easily propel this team to 11 or 12 wins.

He’ll also inherit this weaponry:

• Justin Jefferson (WR)
• Jordan Addison (WR)
• Jauan Jennings (WR)
• T.J. Hockenson (TE)
• Jordan Mason (RB)
• Aaron Jones (RB)

In Arizona, Murray averaged roughly 4,000 passing yards, 600 rushing yards, and 30 cumulative touchdowns every 17 starts, so if he could do that on a poor franchise, generally speaking, he’ll have the opportunity to pop off further in Minnesota.

A nine-win team from the year prior, welcoming a usually productive Murray, indeed has all the makings for Comeback Player of the Year.

Why Not MVP?

At the moment, he has +7500 odds to win the MVP award, wedged between Jaxson Dart (+7000, NYG) and Cam Ward (+8,000, TEN). Bleacher Report‘s Mo Moton even named Murray as one of his first-time winners who could tip the scales for the award in 2026 this week.

In 2024, when the Vikings employed Sam Darnold, he briefly nibbled at MVP consideration before his final two games went off the rails — in a bad away — as Minnesota finished the season with a 14-3 record. And when Darnold arrived in the Twin Cities, he was a punchline to jokes.

If Darnold could post MVP numbers in Minnesota, why not Murray? It’s not a likely outcome, but if Murray has a Comeback Player of the Year resume, that may also factor into the league’s MVP race.

The Case for Mahomes

Loverich also named-dropped Mahomes as a Comeback Player of the Year candidate: “Kansas City went 6-11 in 2025 and missed the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. For a team accustomed to January football, that was a different kind of season. Mahomes had stretches where the sharpness was not there, the timing was off, and the offense looked like it was searching for answers.”

“A rough season capped off with an ACL and LCL tear late in the year. A full return to form in 2026, the kind of dominant season the league saw from him in past seasons, would generate serious award conversation. At 37%, the market is treating that scenario as probable, but the question of his timeline for return is what complicates this number.”

If you care about the Comeback Player of the Year trophy, it could be a two-horse race between Murray and Mahomes, two passers back in the saddle after 2025 season-ending injuries.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Chelsea take on vs Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final as both teams look to add to their hefty tallies in the competition.

The Blues, who have won the FA Cup eight times with eight different managers, are looking to make it nine in nine at Wembley with interim boss Calum McFarlane in charge. Chelsea beat Leeds 1-0 in their semi-final courtesy of Enzo Fernandez’s header.

Seven-time winners City, meanwhile, are in their fourth consecutive Cup final but have lost their last two against Manchester United and Crystal Palace. City edged past Championship side Southampton in the semi-finals with Nico Gonzalez scoring a late screamer to win the game.

City outclassed Chelsea in their last encounter, winning 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, but cause for optimism lies in McFarlane’s personal record against Pep Guardiola: in a match at the Etihad in January, Chelsea earned a 1-1 draw.

Follow the FA Cup final with The Independent

When is the FA Cup final?

Chelsea vs Man City is due to kick off at 3pm BST on Saturday, 16 May at Wembley Stadium.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, BBCiPlayer and the BBC Sport website. Coverage starts at 1:15pm.

Coverage will also be on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and HBO Max, starting at 9am.

Team news

Levi Colwill and Reece James are close to full fitness and could feature in Saturday’s final. Alejandro Garnarcho, Pedro Neto and Robert Sanchez have also all trained this week after recent injuries and are in line to play at Wembley.

Rodri remains a doubt for City’s fourth Cup final in a row, while Josko Gvardiol will be in the squad after returning to action against Crystal Palace. James Trafford, City’s domestic cup goalkeeper, is set to play over No 1 Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Predicted line-ups

Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Fernandez; Pedro

Man City: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Silva; Doku, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland

Portugal enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup with strong ambition and a sense of destiny, as this tournament is widely expected to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance on the global stage. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be hoping to end his legendary World Cup journey by lifting the trophy in what could be a fairytale farewell.

Unlike previous editions, Portugal arrive with one of their most balanced and complete squads in recent memory. Under Roberto Martínez, the Seleção das Quinas now boast a well-rounded unit featuring elite talent across every department. The supporting cast includes PSG duo Vitinha and João Neves, along with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, forming a midfield capable of competing with the best in the world.

Portugal’s confidence is further boosted by their status as reigning UEFA Nations League champions, underlining their recent success on the international stage. There is a growing belief that this could finally be the year they reach their first-ever World Cup final.

Decent qualification campaign

Portugal finished their qualification journey with a record of 4 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, scoring 20 goals and conceding 7. Cristiano Ronaldo once again led the scoring charts with 5 goals, while João Cancelo and Nélson Semedo contributed creatively with 2 assists each.

The campaign started strongly with three consecutive wins, placing them at the top of their group. However, a dip in form saw them drop points in the following two matches, putting pressure on their final game. Roberto Martínez’s side responded emphatically, dismantling Armenia 9-1 in a dominant display that sealed qualification in style.

Portugal’s Group K in FIFA World Cup 2026

• 
  Portugal
• 
  DR Congo
• 
  Uzbekistan
• 
  Colombia

Ronaldo’s final chance at World Cup glory

Cristiano Ronaldo enters what is expected to be his final World Cup at the age of 41, now also known for his off-field influence but still widely regarded as the greatest goalscorer in modern football history. Despite his age, he remains a decisive presence for Portugal, driven by the pursuit of World Cup glory and the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals. Fans can still expect him to deliver moments of brilliance and continue doing what he has always done best, performing on the biggest stage.

Meanwhile, João Neves represents Portugal’s next generation. Having been just 17 and watching the previous World Cup from home, he now plays a vital role at Paris Saint-Germain. Nicknamed the “little guy,” he has developed into an intelligent and composed midfielder who quietly dictates the flow of games and provides crucial balance in Portugal’s engine room.

Portugal Strengths

Portugal operate in a possession-based 4-2-3-1 system under Roberto Martínez, with a clear attack-first mentality. Their biggest strength lies in a world-class midfield capable of controlling tempo, dominating possession, and dictating the rhythm of matches. Once they establish control, they can move the ball quickly and efficiently, creating dangerous attacking transitions. The presence of lethal goalscorers further enhances their ability to convert dominance into goals, making them a constant threat in the final third.

Portugal Weaknesses

Despite their attacking quality, Portugal’s main concern is defensive instability. The team is often vulnerable at the back and can be too easily broken down, leading to avoidable goals conceded. Another issue is inconsistency in wide areas, where wingers can struggle to maintain form and impact across matches. These defensive lapses and fluctuating performances on the flanks can disrupt their overall balance, especially against top-tier opposition.

Portugal squad for FIFA World Cup 2026: Yet to be announced 

Man United have given an update on Matthijs de Ligt after his prolonged absence due to an injury.

Manchester United have announced Matthijs de Ligt has undergone surgery to address a back injury. De Ligt was last in action for United against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on November 30.

Ruben Amorim initially suggested De Ligt would miss one game through injury, but the Dutchman has been absent since. United confirmed on Friday that De Ligt had successfully undergone an operation on his issue.

De Ligt said: “Since November I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football.

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“I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout a difficult period in my career. I remain as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible supporters as soon as possible.”

De Ligt returned to individual training on grass in the last week of April. United had said De Ligt remained upbeat and focused on returning to full fitness, but he will not play for the club again this season.

The 26-year-old was in superb form in the first few months of the campaign and picked up United’s player of the month award in November. Before De Ligt’s injury, he’d played every minute in the 2025/26 Premier League season.

De Ligt’s injury has ended his hopes of making the Netherlands squad for this summer’s World Cup. The defender was already fighting for a place in the Netherlands squad before he suffered his injury.

Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have started the bulk of games in central defence since Carrick’s appointment, but Martinez missed five games between February and March due to a calf injury.

Leny Yoro came into the side while Martinez was sidelined, but the Frenchman suffered a minor hip injury last month, which ruled him out of the 1-0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Ayden Heaven started alongside Noussair Mazraoui in central defence against Chelsea that night. United are tracking centre-backs ahead of the summer transfer window, but strengthening other areas of the squad is the priority.

Edidiong Umoafia has continued his impressive rise in weightlifting after winning one gold and two silver medals for Nigeria at the ongoing 2026 Senior African Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, Egypt.

The Akwa Ibom-born star, who hails from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, competed in the men’s 71kg category and added three more medals to Nigeria’s growing tally at the continental championship.

Umoafia is one of Nigeria’s leading weightlifters and has won several medals for the country at international competitions. He has also represented Team Akwa Ibom at major national events and swept all the medals in his weight category at the last National Sports Festival.

Another Akwa Ibom athlete, Ruth Nyong, also impressed at the championship by dominating her category, further highlighting the state’s growing strength in weightlifting.

Nigeria’s team produced another strong performance on Thursday as the country won nine additional medals to remain top of the medals table at the competition, which also serves as qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

In the women’s 77kg category, Liadi Taiwowon all three gold medals available, while Adedapo Adeleke secured three silver medals in the men’s 79kg category.

Nigeria now leads the medals table with 14 gold and 12 silver medals, surpassing the country’s performance at the 2025 edition in Mauritius where Team Nigeria finished overall champions with 18 medals.

The medal haul is expected to increase as more Nigerian athletes are still scheduled to compete in Egypt.

Vikings Territory Breakdown Podcast

Let the footballs fly. The Vikings began working out their newly acquired rookies last week at TCO Performance Center, and for the Vikings, that was a lot of them. They reportedly signed eight of their nine draft choices (with the exception of linebacker Jake Golday—whose “gold day” has been delayed). The Vikings had a plethora of undrafted rookies in camp and even signed a couple of them: LB Kamara Bangally from Kansas and DL Vilbert Smith Vilbert from North Carolina.           

More importantly, the Vikings signed a free agent wide receiver, Jauan Jennings, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, this past week. He signed a one-year deal worth of $8 million (with incentives allowing it to reach up to $13 million), and he will slide into the vacated WR3 slot. That is plenty of money for that position, but Jennings has size, skills and veteran experience and will help take some pressure off Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

In addition, the Purple’s search for a new general manager has gotten underway with a list of names the Vikings’ ownership is seeking to interview. Plus, the team is headed to Mexico for an international game against the Niners this season, and Adrian Peterson learned that he will be put in the Vikings Ring of Honor this season. There is plenty of news coming out of TCO Performance Center, 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—have got it all for you. Tune in and check it out. Skol!

Joe Oberle is a veteran sportswriter/editor/reporter and has covered the Vikings since 2008. The author of three books, he … More about Joe Oberle