Week 2 in the NFL was a weird one. We went from shootouts and fun in Week 1 to low-scoring games and injuries. Weather robbed us of a fun matchup in Chicago between the Bears and Minnesota Vikings, then Jaxson Dart’s injury robbed us of what could have been a fun Monday night showdown between the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams. Overall, not a great week for football fans.

As for our picks, we went 7-9 against the spread and 2-3 on best bets. We cashed on the San Francisco 49ers blowing out the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets keeping things close with the Green Bay Packers, but somehow were on the wrong side of Tennessee Titans vs. Philadelphia Eagles and Baker Mayfield getting beat by the Cleveland Browns. Mayfield is now 0-2 against his former team. 

Here’s a look at what I’m thinking this week. As always, credit to the CBS Sports research team for making me sound smart. 

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Top five picks ATS record: 5-5
Overall ATS record: 15-17
Straight-up record: 19-13

Houston Texans (-1.5) at Indianapolis Colts

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Stream on Paramount+)

This is a sort of a “put my money where my mouth is” situation. I’m not very concerned that the Houston Texans have started 0-2. For one, they had to play Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. Secondly, DeMeco Ryans has started 0-2 in three out of his four seasons as head coach. Yet, he’s finished with double-digit wins every year. 

Still, I agree it’s worrisome that this Texans defense hasn’t looked stout and that the offense couldn’t find the end zone at all last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Not having Nico Collins really hurts, but I still like this Houston team more than its rival here.

The Indianapolis Colts kept up with the Kansas City Chiefs last week, but I couldn’t get over how bad this defense was. The Colts are just the third team in NFL history to allow 500 yards of total offense in each of their first two games, joining the 1967 Falcons and the 2016 Raiders. They rank dead last in total defense, passing defense and scoring defense. Plus, Daniel Jones isn’t going to have Alec Pierce to throw to! Houston is 13-1 SU and 10-3-1 ATS in its last 14 road divisional games. I’ll call my shot here and take the Texans.

The pick: Texans -1.5
Projected score: Texans 27-21

Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills (-7)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, Stream: Fubo, try for free)

What can you say about the Los Angeles Chargers? They are the first team ever to start 0-2 with both losses coming to 14-loss teams from the previous season. Everyone wants to talk about Justin Herbert, but I’m watching his receivers either drop balls or give them to the wrong team — or straight-up switch their allegiances, play defense and stop their teammates from catching them.

I agree Herbert hasn’t been good. Yes, it’s true he’s not Josh Allen. He can’t power otherwise bad or average teams to wins by himself. But if you want to blame the quarterback for all the Chargers’ issues, then you’re simply not watching. 

When I watch Chargers tape, I get frightened by the defense. They aren’t really generating pressure, and there have been multiple blown coverages. Even when the Chargers stick to their assignments, it doesn’t really matter. Some of the throws Kirk Cousins was making last week were offensive. 

There’s almost an arrogance with these. “I don’t trust you guys to stop this, so I’m just going to trust my receivers.” 

Okay, that was kind of a rant, but all that to say is that I don’t trust the Chargers to cover against the best team in football in their first road game of the year. Herbert is having to answer tough questions from reporters, the Buffalo Bills had a long week to prepare for this game, and the fan base is still riding high after that successful home opener vs. the Detroit Lions. There is going to be a packed house to watch the Bills debut the ugliest uniforms of all time. 

The pick: Bills -7
Projected score: Bills 29-17

New York Jets at Detroit Lions (-6.5)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, Stream: Fubo, try for free)

I’ve become a Jets merchant, cashing on them in both Week 1 and Week 2. Now I’m flipping on them, because how they lost last week to the Packers was embarrassing. 

Aaron Glenn was content to let Jordan Love have the final play of a tie game instead of taking a timeout and giving his offense a final chance. And I’m not so sure he remembered the rules for overtime, since he elected to take the ball first and promptly go three-and-out. C’mon, man.

It’s true that the Lions’ defense is once again going to stop them from contending for a Super Bowl, but Jared Goff should get back two of his starting offensive linemen this week, and the offense as a whole is still electric. Jahmyr Gibbs has racked up 299 total yards and three touchdowns this season, while Amon-Ra St. Brown became the first player to catch two touchdowns in a team’s first two games of a season since Rob Gronkowski in 2021. 

Quite simply, the Lions are going to outscore the Jets. And I want to see Dan Campbell take some anger out on his former defensive coordinator after getting embarrassed on a national stage last Thursday night. The Lions are 11-1 SU and 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games following a loss, so Campbell usually comes through. 

The pick: Lions -6.5
Projected score: Lions 28-16

Los Angeles Rams (-2.5) at Denver Broncos

Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Stream: Fubo, try for free)

I would argue that the Denver Broncos looked like the worst team in football in Week 1. Week 2 was a different story. 

The Broncos defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars, 20-13, after trailing by 10 points in the second half. Trevor Lawrence and his Jags were dominant in Week 1 vs. Cleveland, but the only thing that was dominant this past Sunday was the Broncos’ defensive front vs. the Jaguars’ offensive line. 

It took longer than expected, but Davis Webb and Bo Nix finally found a rhythm. Jaylen Waddle carried the passing game with 138 yards on eight receptions, and you started to see glimpses of why people think Denver could be a Super Bowl contender. After all, they came one Nix injury away from making the big game last February. 

As for the Rams, they danced all over the lifeless Giants, who had the collective air knocked out of them when Jaxson Dart went down with his knee injury. How much stock are we supposed to put into that game? I guess we learned Davante Adams is still a good wide receiver? He’ll have to be a star again on Sunday night, because I’m not sure Puka Nacua will suit up with his hip/groin issue. 

I’m calling the upset here. Nix has this weird thing when it comes to beating teams in the NFC. He’s 9-0 in his past nine games against NFC opponents and has scored 23 total touchdowns, with just two turnovers and a 104.2 passer rating in those contests. This is a redemption opportunity for Denver after that season opener in Kansas City that was a borderline FCC violation. 

The pick: Broncos +2.5
Projected score: Broncos 26-24

Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5) at Chicago Bears

Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN, Stream: Fubo, try for free)

I don’t understand this line, but I’ll bite. It’s Jalen Hurts vs. a 38-year-old Case Keenum who hasn’t started since 2023. Caleb Williams is sidelined with his hamstring injury, and Tyson Bagent is working through concussion protocol, so here comes the former University of Houston quarterback who led the NCAA in passing yards and passing touchdowns TWICE back in the day.

Keenum is 30-36 as a starting quarterback, and his last completion of 20+ air yards came in 2019 with Washington! Expect Ben Johnson to run the ball plenty, which could work since Chicago owns the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL through Week 2 with 212.5 rushing yards per game. However, Kyle Monangai is dealing with a knee injury that held him out of practice on Thursday, so his availability will be something to watch.

I think Hurts has made some strides in this new Sean Mannion offense. It hasn’t been perfect, but Philly went a collective 12-of-19 on third and fourth downs last week against the Titans. It was remarkable. Saquon Barkley is going to play after suffering a stinger last Sunday, and the Eagles are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 road games following a win. I’ll take the Eagles. 

The pick: Eagles -4.5
Projected score: Eagles 21-13

Other Week 3 picks

Seahawks (-7.5) 23-13 over Commanders
Chiefs (-10.5) 24-10 over Dolphins
Browns (+2.5) 23-20 over Panthers
Bengals (-3.5) 23-16 over Steelers
Titans (+2.5) 17-14 over Giants
Jaguars (-3) 24-20 over Patriots
49ers 30-23 over Cardinals (+8.5)
Buccaneers (+1.5) 21-20 over Vikings
Saints (-3) 27-23 over Raiders
Ravens 33-30 over Cowboys (+3.5)

Asian Games 2026 Day 7 Live Updates: Sawan Barwal delivered a landmark performance for India at the Asian Games 2026, winning silver in the men’s marathon final and ending a long wait for an Indian medal in the event. Barwal’s podium finish is India’s first marathon medal at the Asian Games since the 1982 Delhi edition, adding another significant result to the country’s athletics campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.

Attention then turned to the men’s decathlon, where Indian national record holder Tejaswin Shankar began his bid for a second consecutive Asian Games medal. Tejaswin, who won silver in the decathlon at the Hangzhou Asian Games, opened his campaign with the 100m race and clocked 10.98 seconds. His effort earned him 865 points and left him fifth after the first event.

N Thowfeeq also started his decathlon campaign with the 100m. Competing in Heat 1, he finished fourth in 11.02 seconds and collected 856 points.

The 100m is only the opening event of the 10-event decathlon, with athletes competing across two days. The first day includes the 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400m. The second day will feature the 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 1500m.

Tejaswin will have opportunities to make up ground in his stronger disciplines, with the long jump and high jump scheduled later on Saturday.

India also has major medal opportunities in kabaddi and badminton. Both the men’s and women’s kabaddi teams will compete in gold-medal matches against Iran at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium. The women’s final will be held in the morning, followed by the men’s title clash in the afternoon.

The Indian men’s kabaddi team will aim for its ninth Asian Games gold medal, while the women’s team will chase its fourth title.

In badminton, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu begins her women’s singles campaign on Saturday. Sindhu will lead India’s challenge following the unexpected exit of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty from the men’s doubles event.

Justin Verlander stood near home plate Friday night at Comerica Park and attempted to put 21 Major League seasons into words.

That was never going to be easy.

With teammates, former teammates, family members and thousands of Detroit Tigers fans watching, Verlander delivered an emotional retirement speech before Detroit’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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The ceremony launched the Tigers’ two-day celebration of Verlander’s career and came one day before the 43-year-old was scheduled to make his final Major League start.

Verlander began by acknowledging his emotions and thanking the teammates with whom he shared his final season.

“Thank you. Boy, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel. I’m quite emotional, so I’m sorry if I struggle to get through this a little bit.

“First of all, I want to say thank you to John for coming here and doing this. I want to say thank you to all my current teammates. This is a small brotherhood, to share a locker room together, and it’s been an honor to be able to do that with you guys this year. Cheers.”

Verlander Thanks A.J. Hinch for Closing His Career

Verlander then turned toward Tigers manager A.J. Hinch.

Their relationship extends beyond Detroit. Hinch managed Verlander with the Houston Astros, where the two shared some of the pitcher’s greatest professional accomplishments.

Having Hinch in Detroit for the end provided Verlander with another meaningful connection between the different chapters of his career.

“Our manager this year, A.J., who I’ve had the pleasure of being with — my longest-tenured manager behind Jim Leyland — in Houston, obviously we had some great memories to treasure.

“But also, to come back and have you here as my manager to cap off my career has meant the world. So thank you, A.J.”

Hinch will also be the manager responsible for removing Verlander from Saturday’s game for the final time. Detroit has not announced a firm innings or pitch limit, although Verlander has made it clear that he wants his final appearance to resemble a competitive start rather than a ceremonial cameo.

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Former Tigers catcher Alex Avila was among the familiar faces who returned for the ceremony.

Avila caught Verlander’s second career no-hitter on May 7, 2011, in Toronto. Verlander faced the minimum 27 batters in the 9-0 victory, with a single eighth-inning walk representing the only thing separating him from a perfect game.

The embrace between pitcher and catcher after the final out remains Verlander’s strongest memory of their time together.

“To a couple former teammates who are here, who we just heard from — Alex, man, what a speech. That means a lot, and we’ve had so many memories together.

“The time that we spent together is something I’ll cherish forever. But the thing that sticks out in my greatest memory is the no-hitter in Toronto.

“You coming out to greet me and the embrace on the field there was special for me. Every time I see you, just know that’s the first thought that pops in my head. So it’s always great, even though I disagreed with all the signs sometimes.”

The Toronto performance was one of three no-hitters Verlander recorded during his career.

One Final Competition Against Don Kelly

Another former teammate, Don Kelly, arrived in Detroit as the manager of the opposing Pirates.

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Kelly played with Verlander in Detroit from 2009 through 2014. The two will stand in opposite dugouts Saturday when Verlander takes the mound for his final start.

Verlander acknowledged their private nickname and the unusual opportunity to compete against his former teammate one last time.

“DK, the Dons with a Z — there’s a story behind that, but you guys don’t need to know that story right now.

“Loved playing with you, man, and looking forward to competing against you tomorrow one last time and seeing how it goes, buddy.”

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The setting adds another personal layer to a game already overflowing with them. Verlander will not simply finish his career against a random opponent. He will do it against a club managed by someone who shared six seasons with him in Detroit.

Verlander Recognizes Everyone Behind His Career

Verlander has occupied the center of attention for most of his career, but his speech repeatedly shifted that attention toward the people who helped him reach this point.

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He thanked the teammates, coaches and staff members who contributed to a journey that began when Detroit selected him with the second overall pick in the 2004 MLB Draft.

“I want to thank all my former teammates, coaches, support staff, past and present. It definitely takes a village to get here. Couldn’t do it alone.

“So many people helped support me and played a part in my journey.”

Verlander then recognized the Ilitch family, including Mike Ilitch, who died in 2017.

“I’d like to thank the Ilitch family, especially back in my time, Mrs. Marian and, of course, the late Mr. I, who meant so much to not only the Detroit Tigers but this entire city.”

The Ilitch family owned the Tigers throughout Verlander’s original Detroit tenure, which included two American League pennants and four consecutive AL Central championships.

Remembering Al Kaline

Verlander also honored one of the most respected figures in Tigers history.

Al Kaline spent his entire 22-year playing career with Detroit before remaining closely connected to the organization as a broadcaster and front-office adviser. He died in April 2020 at age 85.

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To Verlander, Kaline was more than a Hall of Fame name attached to the franchise.

“Another person who’s no longer with us that I want to recognize is Mr. K, Al Kaline.

“He was an icon of this city and organization, but more importantly, a wonderful friend.”

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Kaline represented the standard for spending a lifetime connected to the Tigers. Verlander’s career took him through Houston, New York and San Francisco, but his return to Detroit allowed him to end where Kaline spent his entire career.

Jim Leyland Gave Verlander the Confidence to Become Great

No manager influenced the early portion of Verlander’s career more than Jim Leyland.

Verlander briefly reached the majors in 2005, making two starts before returning as a full-time member of Detroit’s rotation under Leyland in 2006.

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That season ended with Verlander winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award and helping lead the Tigers to the World Series.

“When I first came here to Detroit, I was such a young man, and I’m so thankful for the guidance of Jim Leyland, the skipper.

“Now that I have more perspective, I consider myself so fortunate to have had Jim as my first manager in the major leagues.

“Well, I had a couple starts in ’05, but we don’t talk about those.

“His trust in me early on gave me such confidence and paved the way for the beginning of my career.”

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The two starts Verlander jokingly dismissed produced a 7.15 ERA. One year later, he went 17-9 with a 3.63 ERA and established himself as one of baseball’s premier young pitchers.

Verlander Thanks the People Who Traveled to Detroit

Verlander’s farewell brought together people from the different stages of his life and career.

Before addressing his wife and children, he thanked the family members and friends who traveled to Detroit to share the weekend with him.

“I want to say thank you to all my family and friends who traveled here to support me and be a part of this weekend.

“I love all of you guys. Thank you for coming and taking the effort to travel here and be here with me.”

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Their presence contributed to an emotional few days for Verlander, who admitted earlier Friday that the feelings surrounding his final weekend had been arriving in waves.

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The usual pregame routines could not completely insulate him from what was happening. Nor did he want them to.

A Message to Kate, Genevieve and Bellamy

Verlander’s most personal remarks were reserved for his wife, Kate Upton, and their children, Genevieve and Bellamy.

Baseball dominated Verlander’s life for decades. His family eventually showed him an identity and purpose beyond the game.

“To Kate, Genevieve and Bellamy, I’m so grateful for your love and support.

“Life for me was just about baseball for the longest time. You guys showed me that there’s so much more to life.

“Whether it was a good day, a bad day or anything in between, coming home to you always makes it better. I love you guys.”

Genevieve will participate in Saturday’s farewell by throwing the ceremonial first pitch before her father makes the 557th and final start of his career.

Verlander said the two practiced at Comerica Park, and his daughter chose to throw from the mound rather than move closer on the grass.

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‘I Am and Always Will Be a Detroit Tiger’

Verlander saved his final remarks for the fans.

He acknowledged the disappointment of a season almost entirely lost to injuries and thanked Detroit for continuing to support him when he could not contribute on the mound.

More importantly, he confirmed what his return had come to mean.

“And last, but certainly not least, to all the fans.

“I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. We’ve been through a lot over the years.

“I always hoped I’d get the chance to come back here to Detroit to finish my career where it all started. Thanks.

“And although I certainly did not intend on things going the way they did this season, your love and support has meant the world to me and gotten me through what’s been a very tough season.

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“Thank you sincerely.

“That love and support has solidified to me that I am and always will be a Detroit Tiger.

“Thank you.”

Verlander will retire with three Cy Young Awards, the 2011 AL MVP Award, two World Series championships, three no-hitters and 3,554 strikeouts. MLB recognized the depth of that résumé when it named him a Legend Pick for the 2026 All-Star Game.

He built parts of that legacy elsewhere, but Friday’s speech made his preferred baseball identity unmistakable.

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Justin Verlander started as a Detroit Tiger.

He will finish as one, too.

The latest FanDuel promo code gives new users $250 in bonus bets when they wager $5+ for seven days. Friday’s games include No. 5 Indiana vs. Northwestern at 8 p.m. ET and Clemson vs. California at 10:30 p.m. ET in college football. Click here to get started at FanDuel on Friday and get your $250 in bonus bets:

Head to the FanDuel promo code review page for the full terms and conditions of this offer. The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS game 10,000 times. It is off to a profitable 22-19 start on all top-rated college football picks at betting sites so far this season, and it has been upgraded for the 2026 season to better factor in the transfer portal. Anybody following its picks on college football betting sites could have seen strong returns.

Best bets for Friday on FanDuel

• Northwestern +19.5 vs. Indiana (-102)
• Clemson (-125) vs. California

Northwestern +19.5 vs. Indiana

The reigning national champions host the Wildcats in a Friday night Big Ten showcase. Northwestern finished just below the middle of the pack in the Big Ten standings last season but is 2-0 so far this season, including a blowout victory over Deion Sanders’ Colorado. Indiana looks set to challenge for the College Football Playoff again and is heavily favored on Friday. But the SportsLine Projection Model has Northwestern covering at a 55% rate. Bet on college football and more with the FanDuel promo code and get $250 in bonus bets:

Clemson (-125) vs. California

Is Dabo Swinney running out of time at Clemson? The Tigers were blown out in Week 1 by LSU and beat a middling, scandal-wracked North Carolina by eight points. A trip out to the West Coast to take on Cal has the makings of a trap game for the Tigers, especially with Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele playing well again. Clemson is just a 2.5-point road favorite. The SportsLine model has the Tigers winning at a 60% rate. Bet on college football with the latest FanDuel promo code and get $250 in bonus bets:

Want more picks for Friday?

You’ve seen some of the model’s and SportsLine team of experts’ best bets. Now, get against the spread, total and money-line picks for all games, including NFL, MLB, college football, and more, all from the SportsLine Projection Model, which has simulated every game 10,000 times. 

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The WNBA is ready for the 2026 playoffs and has released the list of referees who will officiate the games. The league posted the list on X, and it garnered backlash from fans online.

Bethany Donaphin, Head of WNBA League Operations, released a statement online.

“We are pleased to recognize this group of officials for their on-court achievements and their dedication to their craft with a selection to work the 2026 WNBA Playoffs,” Donaphin said in a statement. “Qualifying for the postseason and serving the game at this important part of the season is a goal for WNBA officials just as it is for players and coaches.”

One of the referees was Roy Gulbeyan, who has built quite a reputation among fans. This led them to voice their frustration over the selection of officials.

“He is gonna get someone killed,” a fan said.

“Most terrible ones got selected,” another fan commented.

“Keep Roy far away from the Fever!” one fan said.

More fans reacted to the referees.

“Please don’t allow Roy to officiate any ATL games,” someone commented.

“Get Roy outta here NOW,” a comment read.

“Make sure they delete all their betting apps,” one fan commented.

Gulbeyan has been an official for 28 years, the most of the ones selected to work in the postseason. In May 2025, he was widely discussed online after getting into a heated on-court verbal exchange with DiJonai Carrington, who was with the Dallas Wings at the time.

While Carrington was making her argument, Gulbeyan had a security guard step in between them. The current Chicago Sky guard called him out on X after the incident.

“security… , when i’m literally having a civil conversation is insane . mind you , he called the “sEcUrItY” over there… #Mircoagression,” she posted.

Looking at the WNBA Playoff Picture

The first round of the playoffs is set to start on Sunday. The first game will be between the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty. New York had a 2-1 advantage across their three regular-season matchups.

All eyes turn to the showdown between the Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever, where top MVP candidates A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark square off. The third playoff game will be the Atlanta Dream against the Washington Mystics.

The Golden State Valkyries will make their second straight postseason appearance and will face the Dallas Wings in a best-of-seven series.

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